To repair or to replace? This should be one of the first questions you ask yourself when your equipment breaks or wears out. While repairing is in most cases less expensive in the short term, a replacement can be more cost-effective in the long term. There are several variants to consider when choosing to repair or replace such as equipment age, equipment condition as well as the cause of the equipment failure. Here are some ways to tell if it is more cost-effective to repair or replace your equipment.
Repair
- If the equipment is newer than 15 years old.
- If all other components of the HVAC/R system are operating properly
- If the equipment repair doesn’t cause any safety hazards.
- If the equipment repair is a simple fix or isn’t too costly.
- If this is the first time the part or component failed.
- If the repair will cost less than half of the total cost of the HVAC/R system.
Replace
- If the equipment is older than 15 years old.
- If several other components of the HVAC/R system are failing or are wearing out.
- If an equipment repair would cause safety hazards,
- If the equipment repair is too complicated or too costly.
- If the equipment or components have failed or needed repairs multiple times.
- If the repair will cost more than half of the total cost of the HVAC/R system.
A good rule of thumb is to repair when the equipment is newer and the other system components are working properly and to replace when equipment is over a decade old or several repairs have already been made. Choosing to repair or replace in the right situations will help you effectively plan your HVAC/R cost expenditures as well as get the most out of your HVAC/R equipment.
