Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old AC unit or replacing it?
Use the $5,000 rule: multiply the unit's age by the repair quote — if the product is over $5,000, replacement usually wins. At 15 years, a repair over ~$350 fails the test. Also decisive: if your unit uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out), any refrigerant repair is money into a dying system — replace.
Likely causes
- Refrigerant type — R-22 systems (pre-2010) face scarce, expensive refrigerant — the strongest replace signal.
- Compressor condition — A failed compressor on a 15-year-old unit is almost never worth replacing alone.
- Repair history — Two or more repairs in the last two summers means the system is telling you something.
What you can check yourself
- Do the $5,000 math with the actual quote before deciding.
- Ask what the repair buys you: a $300 capacitor fix is different from a $1,800 coil.
- Get the replacement quote while the tech is there — it's free information either way.
Typical cost
Common repairs run $150–$600 (capacitor, fan motor) up to $1,500–$2,500 (coil). Full system replacement in Boston, MA typically runs $6,500–$12,000 installed.
When to call a pro
If the unit is 15+, uses R-22, or the quote tops $1,000, get a second opinion before approving — this is the highest-pressure sales moment in home services.
HVAC pros in Boston, MA
- Premier Mechanical · 220 Commercial St, Boston, MA · 6175809115
- Smart Click Energy · 175 Portland St Fl 4, Boston, MA · +16179734130
- Boston Heating & Air Conditioning · 276 Washington St #104, Boston, MA · 8008195184
- Colt Home Services · 110 Stuart St, Boston, MA · 6174463690
- Farina Corporation · 24 Spice St, Charlestown, MA · +16172420365
- Hunter & Sons AC & Cooling · 227 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA · +13392205000
- Arlex Energy · 275 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA · +17818623400
- S Boston Plumbing Specialities · 15 Elkins St, Boston, MA · 6173159036
Get free quotes from Boston, MA pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.