Buying Guide
AC Repair vs. Replace: A Boca Raton Owner's Decision Guide
April 22, 2026·5 min read
The repair-versus-replace question doesn't have one right answer — but a simple formula and a few key questions usually make the decision obvious.
The $5,000 Rule
Multiply the age of your AC (in years) by the cost of the repair. If the result exceeds $5,000, replace. Example: a 12-year-old system needing a $500 repair = $6,000 — replace.
Other Factors to Weigh
- R-22 refrigerant (banned since 2020) — refrigerant alone can cost $1,500+
- SEER below 14 — you're losing 30–40% efficiency vs. modern systems
- Recurring repairs in the same season
- Uneven cooling or humidity above 60%