AC/Furnace: Repair or Replace?
When a repair makes sense and when a new system pays off.
The age and cost rule
If your system is under ~10 years old and the repair is a fraction of replacement cost, repair. Older systems with a big repair (compressor, heat exchanger) usually favor replacement.
Efficiency matters
A new high-efficiency system can cut energy bills enough to offset part of the cost over time, especially if you're repairing often.
Get a load calculation
For a replacement, insist on a proper sizing (Manual J) — an oversized or undersized unit wastes money and comfort.