HVAC Repair vs Replace Calculator
You got a repair quote. Now you're staring at it wondering whether to spend the money on the old system or put it toward a new one. This calculator runs the actual math — age, repair cost, fuel economics, and how long you plan to stay in the house — and gives you a defensible recommendation. Same framework we use when we're standing in your basement.
Run the math
How the calculator works
The math weighs four factors that actually predict outcomes for HVAC decisions in central Indiana:
1. Age × repair cost (the "5,000 rule" variant)
Industry rule of thumb: multiply repair cost by system age. If the result is over $5,000, lean replace. Under $5,000, lean repair. We use a modified version that accounts for fuel economy gains over the last decade — newer furnaces are dramatically more efficient than 2010-era equipment, so the replacement math improves with age.
2. Refrigerant economics
R-22 systems (pre-2010): refrigerant is no longer manufactured. Major refrigerant work is uneconomical — replacement almost always wins. R-410A systems (2009-2024): refrigerant is phasing down, prices have roughly tripled since 2023. Affects the repair-vs-replace math significantly. R-454B systems (2025+): current refrigerant, normal economics.
3. Occupancy years
Selling in 1-2 years? Repair almost always wins — you won't recoup replacement cost. New system adds maybe $2,500-$4,000 to home value, you spent $8,000-$12,000. Staying 10+ years? Replacement payback through efficiency and reliability is real.
4. Failure pattern
One isolated failure on an otherwise-fine system: repair. Multiple failures in 3 years: the system is telling you it's done. Pattern matters.
Where the recommendation breaks down
The calculator handles the common cases. Edge cases where you should call us instead of trusting the output:
- Cracked heat exchanger: safety issue, not an economic one. Replacement regardless of math.
- Failed compressor on a system under manufacturer warranty: labor-only repair may be much cheaper than the calculator suggests. Different math.
- Geothermal or specialty equipment: different cost structures. Calculator is built for standard residential.
- Sentimental or aesthetic reasons: if the system matters for non-economic reasons (a high-end Carrier Infinity zoning setup you love, etc.), factor that in separately.
What we'll do in person (free, no pressure)
The calculator is a starting point. Before committing to either path, we'll come look at the actual system, give you a written repair quote and a written replacement quote, and walk you through the trade-offs. No salesy pressure. We bill our trade work, not consultations.