Repair vs Replace AC
There's a defensible line between 'just fix the capacitor' and 'this unit is done.' Three rules cover almost every Utah AC over 10 years old.
Repair
Fix the failed component, get more years out of the unit
- Cheapest path in the short term — $200-$1,500 typical
- Same-day fix for common parts (capacitor, contactor, fan motor)
- Keeps the matched indoor coil + line set as-is (no demo cost)
- Right call if unit is under 10 years and refrigerant is R-410A or R-32
- Doesn't fix age-related issues — coil corrosion, compressor wear
- If unit is R-22 (pre-2010), refrigerant is end-of-life and expensive
- Repeat repairs add up — three calls in two summers means it's time
Units under 10 years old, modern refrigerant, single component failure, no signs of system-wide decline (low capacity, frequent ice-ups, electrical issues).
Replace
New AC (and usually a new matched indoor coil)
- 12-18 year lifespan, modern efficiency (SEER2 14.3+)
- Federal IRA tax credit eligible (heat pump variant)
- Manufacturer warranties — 10-year parts standard, sometimes labor add-on
- Solves multiple issues at once (capacity, efficiency, refrigerant)
- Upfront cost $7,000-$14,000 for AC-only, $12,000-$18,000 for heat pump
- Larger install footprint — line set replacement, new disconnect, often electrical work
- Lead time — equipment delivery can take 3-7 days
Units 12+ years old, R-22 refrigerant, repeated repairs ($1,500+ in the last 24 months), homes adding solar, or anyone trying to maximize IRA tax credits.
Our Recommendation
Use the $5K rule: if the repair cost is over $1,500 AND the unit is over 10 years old, replace. Use the 50% rule: if a single repair is more than 50% of replacement cost, replace. And use the altitude rule: most builder-spec units in Utah are undersized for our 4,500+ ft elevation — replacement is your chance to size correctly via Manual J load calc.
Common Questions
My AC just needs refrigerant — should I just refill it?▼
No — refrigerant doesn't get 'used up.' If you're low, you have a leak. Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is throwing money at it. On an R-22 unit, the refrigerant alone can run $150-$200/lb (vs $30/lb for R-410A). On a unit over 12 years old with an R-22 leak, replacement is almost always the math.
How long do AC units last in Utah?▼
10-18 years depending on maintenance, refrigerant, and original sizing. Utah's high-elevation, dry climate is actually friendlier to AC than coastal humidity, but builder-spec units sized at sea level capacity are often undersized for our load — they run more, fail sooner. Our average install lasts 14-16 years.
Still on the fence?
Free in-home estimates with both/all options quoted side-by-side. No pressure, no obligation — just the numbers for your home.
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