REPAIR OR REPLACE?
Repair if:
Warranty Active: Repairs may be covered
Product Age: Less than life expectancy.
A/C: 12-15 years
Furnace: 15-20 years
Heat Pump: 15-20 years
Repair History: 0-2 repairs in the last 3 years.
Performance: Functions as well as before.
You plan to live in your home less than 7 years.
The product Age less than 10 years.
You want greater efficiency - newer models with higher SEER2 ratings (13-22) save 20-40% on monthly costs.
$5,000 Rule: Age x repair cost < $5,000.
Industry Ratings: A/C over 10 SEER2, Furnace over 80% AFUE, Heat Pump over 10 SEER2 and 8 HSPF2.
Replace if:
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Warranty Expired: You cover all repair costs.
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Product Age: At life expectancy or older.
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A/C: 12-15 years
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Furnace: 15-20 years
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Heat Pump: 15-20 years
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Repair History: 3+ repairs in the last 3 years.
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Performance: Worse than before (less airflow, difficulty reaching desired temperature).
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Home Plans: Plan to live in your home for 7+ years.
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Product Age: 10+ years or want to optimize energy efficiency.
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Newer models with higher SEER2 ratings (13-22) save 20-40% on monthly costs.
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ENERGY STAR® models save an additional 15%.
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$5,000 Rule: Age x repair cost > $5,000.
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Industry Ratings: Replace if A/C is 10 SEER or less, Furnace is less than 80% AFUE, Heat Pump is 10 SEER or less, 8 HSPF or less.
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Refrigerant: Uses R-22 (Freon®), which is being phased out.