Free tool

AC Repair vs. Replacement Cost Calculator

Enter your repair quote and a few details about the system. We compare five-year total cost of keeping it against replacing it — including the efficiency you're losing every month on an older unit.

System age (years)

Repair quoteWhat the technician quoted to fix it today.

Replacement quoteTypical North Texas residential install runs about $7,000–$14,000.

Summer electric bill (monthly)

Current system efficiency (SEER)Pre-2006 units are often 8–10. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label or model number.

10 SEER

Replacement efficiency (SEER2)Available efficiency options depend on equipment type, capacity, installation, and applicable standards. 15.2 SEER2 is a common starting point.

Repairs in the last 2 years

System uses R-22 refrigerantPhased out in 2020 — recharges are expensive and supply is limited.

Result

Repair is the better value right now

Your system still has usable life and the quoted repair is small relative to replacement. Fix it, then start a maintenance schedule so the next failure isn't a surprise.

Five-year comparison — planning estimates

Repair quote today: $950
Expected future repairs (5 yrs): $1,437
Total cost of keeping it: $2,387
New system cost: $9,500
Energy savings from higher efficiency: − $1,557
Net cost of replacing: $7,943

Planning estimates only, not quotes. Figures assume a five-month North Texas cooling season, roughly 70% of the summer bill going to cooling, and the replacement efficiency you selected (15.2 SEER2). Actual repair and replacement costs vary by equipment size, efficiency, installation complexity, refrigerant, ductwork, electrical requirements, permits, and contractor.

Want a second opinion?

Bring these numbers to the call — a technician can tell you in minutes whether the quoted part is the real failure or a symptom of something bigger.

214-234-2769

Call now for service availability. Please have your 5-digit ZIP code ready.

How to read it

Guidelines for North Texas homeowners

Three signals tend to carry the most weight: age past roughly 12 years, a repair quote above about a third of replacement cost, and R-22 refrigerant. When two of the three apply, replacement is often worth pricing.

If you're leaning toward replacement, it's also worth understanding what refrigerant new equipment uses. Our R-454B vs. R-32 guide for Carrollton homeowners covers what changed for 2026 systems, and the AC replacement page explains load calculations and matched equipment.

Need residential AC help today?

Request emergency or same-day residential AC service across Carrollton and North Dallas. Availability may vary by technician and service area.

214-234-2769

Call now for service availability. Please have your 5-digit ZIP code ready.