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 Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA
- Air Tech 24 Heating And Air Conditioning · 509 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA · 13108781785
- Temp Air System Inc · 952 Manhattan Beach Blvd Ste 230, Manhattan Beach, CA · 4243339245
- Local Air Heating & Cooling Service · 525 S Douglas St, El Segundo, CA · 4242796451
- HVAC Inspections Los Angeles · 1105 6th St, Hermosa Beach, CA · 3104653822
- Master Cooling & Heating RB · 420 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA · 4245443134
- Ps Environmental Services · 318 Avenue I PMB 454, Redondo Beach, CA · +13103736259
- Verdes Air Conditioning Repair · 716 Yarmouth Rd, 206, Palos Verdes Estates, CA · 4242763155
- Air Duct Cleaning Palos Verdes Estates · 2306 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA · +13103596380
Get free quotes from Los Angeles, CA 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.