The $5,000 Rule
Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the repair. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense. A 12-year-old system needing a $450 repair? That's $5,400 — borderline. David uses this as a starting point, not a hard rule.
The 50% Threshold
If a single repair costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, it's almost always better to replace. You're paying half the price for a fix that buys you maybe 2-3 more years — versus 15-20 years from a new unit.
Age Matters More Than You Think
Most HVAC systems last 15-20 years. After 15, even well-maintained units lose efficiency and become harder to find parts for. If your system is in that range and needs a major repair, David's honest recommendation is usually to replace.
What David Tells His Customers
"I never push replacement if repair makes sense. But I also won't keep patching a system that's going to fail next winter. I give you the numbers and let you decide." That's the D&D approach — honest assessment, transparent pricing, your call.
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