How to decide between an AC repair and a full replacement — the 5,000 rule, age cutoffs, and efficiency math explained.
It’s the question every Texas homeowner asks eventually: should I keep repairing this AC or just replace it? Here’s a simple framework our technicians use on every estimate.
The "$5,000 Rule" multiplies the age of your system by the repair cost. If the answer is over $5,000, replacement usually wins. A 12-year-old unit needing a $500 repair = $6,000 — time to consider replacement.
Refrigerant matters. Systems using R-22 (Freon) are no longer manufactured and recharges are expensive. If yours uses R-22, your repair dollars buy you less time.
Efficiency adds up. Older 10 SEER systems use nearly twice the energy of modern 16+ SEER2 systems. In East Texas heat, the monthly savings can pay for a new system over its lifespan.
Ray Roberts Service always presents both repair and replacement options with honest math — no pressure, no upselling.
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