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 Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA
- Seattle Steam Co · Puget Sound Plaza, 1325 4th Ave #1440, Seattle, WA · +12066236366
- Warren Company · 500 Union St Ste 900, Seattle, WA · (206) 749-9484
- US HVAC Home Service Seattle · 300 Pine St Ste 100, Seattle, WA · (253) 793-1154
- MM Comfort Systems · 800 5th Ave 101 463, Seattle, WA · 2065429100
- Dorse and Company · 5000 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA · +12062842610
- Mighty Energy Solutions · 2910 1st Ave S Ste 201, Seattle, WA · +12068801558
- United Systems Mechanical · 1400 Airport Way S Ste 202, Seattle, WA · +12069336036
- Local Hvac Expert Seattle · 3250 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA · +12065651003
Get free quotes from Seattle, WA 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.