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Repair or replace?

Enter the age, the repair quote and what a new one costs. Get a recommendation from four common rules of thumb, with the math for each one shown.

By the LocalServiceHQ editorial team
Updated Oct 28, 2026
Formulas listed below
Two quotes, two answersAsk one pro to price the repair and another to price a replacement.
Photo via Unsplash

What decides repair or replace

Age vs lifespanEquipment near the end of its typical life tends to fail again soon after a repair.
80% used
Repair vs replace costIf a repair costs more than half of a new unit, most pros recommend replacing.
16%
Age × repair costThe "$5,000 rule": multiply age by the repair price. Over $5,000 usually means replace.
$14,400
Repair historyRepeat failures are a sign the next one is coming. Two or more recent repairs tip the balance.
First repair
RecommendationHow many of the four tests point to replacing, with the reasoning shown.
Close call

How to use the repair or replace tool

1
Pick what needs work
Each item uses its own typical lifespan and replacement price.
2
Enter age and repair quote
Use the install date on the label or your records, and the repair price from the quote.
3
Add a replacement quote
Leave the typical price, or type in a real replacement quote for a sharper answer.
4
Read the reasoning
Four common tests, each showing its math, and how many point to replacing.

Typical lifespans and replacement prices

The figures this tool starts from. Climate, maintenance and install quality change real lifespans.

Item
Typical life
Typical replacement
Range
Central AC
15–20 yr
$7,500
$5,000–$12,000
Gas furnace
15–20 yr
$5,500
$3,500–$8,500
Tank water heater
8–12 yr
$1,900
$1,300–$3,200
Asphalt roof
20–25 yr
$13,000
$9,000–$20,000
Garage door opener
10–15 yr
$650
$450–$1,000

Typical US installed prices including removal of the old unit. Your quote may differ.

Repair or replace mistakes

!
Repairing a unit past its lifeA big repair on old equipment often buys a year or two, then you pay for the replacement anyway.
!
Replacing what one repair would fixA capacitor, thermocouple or a few shingles are cheap fixes. Ask what exactly failed.
!
Only one opinionGet a repair quote and a replacement quote, ideally from different companies.
!
Ignoring efficiencyA new AC or furnace can cut running costs; include the yearly savings in the decision.
!
Skipping the warranty checkParts can still be under manufacturer warranty even when labor is not.
!
Emergency pressureIf the repair can wait a few days, use them to get a second quote.

Repair or replace FAQ

What is the $5,000 rule?

Multiply the age of the equipment in years by the repair cost. If the result is over $5,000, replacing is usually the better value. It is a rule of thumb used widely for HVAC.

If a repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, most pros recommend replacing instead.

Typically 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Coastal and hot climates are at the low end.

Tank water heaters usually last 8–12 years. A leaking tank should be replaced, not repaired.

Small leaks and a few shingles are worth repairing. Widespread curling, granule loss or a roof past 20 years usually points to replacing.

No. It applies common rules of thumb to your numbers. A trusted pro's inspection comes first.

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