Repair vs Replace in Texas Heat — Data-Based Guide

Your AC just died in 100-degree heat and a contractor is telling you it needs replacing. But does it really? After 27 years serving Grapevine and North Texas, here's the honest framework we use to help homeowners decide—based on data, not sales goals.

The Texas Heat Factor

Texas HVAC systems face harsher conditions than most of the country:

DFW averages 90+ days over 95°F annually
Systems run 2-3x more hours than northern climates
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years (vs 15-20 years nationally)
Heat accelerates compressor wear and refrigerant breakdown
Attic temperatures hit 140-160°F, stressing ductwork

Pro Tip: A 10-year-old system in Dallas has the wear of a 15-year-old system in Minnesota. Account for Texas heat when estimating remaining life.

The 5000 Rule: Repair or Replace?

Multiply the repair cost by the system age. If it exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more sense:

Example 1: $800 repair × 8 years old = $6,400 → Consider replacing
Example 2: $400 repair × 10 years old = $4,000 → Repair makes sense
Example 3: $1,200 repair × 14 years old = $16,800 → Definitely replace
Rule accounts for both repair cost and remaining system life
Not perfect, but better than guessing

Pro Tip: This rule works well for major repairs like compressor, coil, or heat exchanger replacement. For minor repairs under $500, just fix it regardless of age.

Major Repairs: When Replacement Makes Sense

These repairs often justify replacement instead:

Compressor failure: $1,800-3,500 to replace
Evaporator coil leak: $1,200-2,500 to replace
Condenser coil replacement: $1,500-3,000
Heat exchanger cracked (safety issue): $1,500-2,800
Refrigerant leak in multiple locations: $800-2,000+
Multiple simultaneous failures: Often cheaper to replace

Minor Repairs: Almost Always Worth It

These repairs make sense even on older systems:

Capacitor replacement: $150-300
Contactor replacement: $150-250
Thermostat issues: $150-500
Refrigerant top-off (single leak repair): $300-800
Blower motor cleaning or bearings: $200-500
Drain line clearing: $100-200

Pro Tip: Age doesn't matter much for minor repairs. A $250 capacitor on a 15-year-old system buys you another 1-3 years for way less than replacement cost.

Red Flags That Say Replace

Beyond repair costs, these factors point to replacement:

System over 15 years old in North Texas
Second major repair in 2 years
Efficiency below 13 SEER (old enough to waste serious money)
Refrigerant type is R-22 (obsolete, expensive, being phased out)
Ductwork undersized or damaged (replacement is the time to fix)
Comfort issues beyond just the equipment (airflow, static pressure)

Green Flags That Say Repair

These factors favor repairing instead:

System under 8 years old
First major issue in system's life
Well-maintained with regular tune-ups
Modern refrigerant (R-410A)
Good efficiency (15+ SEER)
Ductwork in good condition

Pro Tip: A well-maintained 10-year-old system can be a better investment than a cheap new system with poor installation and undersized ductwork.

Real DFW Repair-or-Replace Examples

Here's how we've advised actual North Texas homeowners:

Case 1: Trophy Club 7-year-old compressor failure → Repaired under warranty, customer saved $6,000
Case 2: Carrollton 14-year-old with coil leak and low efficiency → Replaced, customer cut bills 40%
Case 3: Argyle 12-year-old capacitor failure → $200 repair bought 3 more years
Case 4: Las Colinas 16-year-old multiple refrigerant leaks → Replaced, avoiding $2,000+ repair on dying system
Case 5: Denton 9-year-old evaporator coil leak → Repaired for $1,800, avoiding $7,000 replacement

Bottom Line

The repair-or-replace decision isn't always clear-cut, but data helps. Use the $5,000 rule as a starting point, account for Texas heat reducing system lifespan, and consider both immediate costs and future reliability. We'll never sell you a system you don't need—if a repair makes sense, we'll tell you. If replacement saves you money and headaches, we'll show you the math. Schedule a Comfort Audit© and we'll give you the honest assessment with real numbers, not sales pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the $5,000 rule for AC repair vs replace?

Multiply the repair cost by your system's age in years. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement often makes more sense. Example: A $600 repair on a 10-year-old system = $6,000, suggesting replacement. A $400 repair on a 7-year-old system = $2,800, suggesting repair is reasonable.

Should I repair or replace my AC if it uses R-22 refrigerant?

Replace it. R-22 (Freon) production ended in 2020, making it increasingly expensive and scarce. If your R-22 system needs refrigerant, prices can exceed $100-200 per pound. Any significant repair on an R-22 system should trigger replacement consideration, as you're investing in obsolete technology.

My AC is only 5 years old but needs a $2,000 repair. Should I replace it?

Probably not. Using the $5,000 rule: $2,000 × 5 years = $10,000—but this rule works better for older systems. A 5-year-old system has 7-10 years of life remaining. Check if the repair is covered under warranty (many parts warranties last 5-10 years). For young systems, repair usually makes sense unless it's a recurring problem.

Is it worth replacing an AC that still works but is old and inefficient?

Calculate your annual energy waste. If your 15-year-old system costs $200/month in summer while a new system would cost $140/month, you're wasting $60/month or $360-500/year. If new system payments are $150/month and energy savings are $60/month, your net cost is $90/month—plus you get reliability and warranty protection.

What repairs are never worth doing on an old AC?

On systems over 12 years old, avoid: compressor replacement ($1,800-3,500), evaporator coil replacement ($1,200-2,500), and multiple refrigerant leak repairs. These major repairs on aging systems typically don't provide enough remaining service life to justify the cost. Minor repairs under $500 (capacitors, contactors) are usually worthwhile regardless of age.