Short answer
Repair when the system is under about 10 to 12 years old and the fix is modest. Consider replacement when the equipment is near the end of its life (roughly 12 to 15 years for AC, 15 to 20 for a furnace), the repair is large, the AC uses R-22, or there's a safety issue like a cracked heat exchanger.
Rules of thumb
- Multiply the equipment age by the repair cost. If it's higher than about $5,000, pricing replacement makes sense.
- Compressor failures on older ACs usually favor replacement.
- R-22 systems are expensive to recharge.
- A cracked heat exchanger is a safety issue, not a repair.
Replace as a pair?
If the furnace and AC are both over 15 years old, replacing them together saves labor and ensures matched equipment. A new AC on a very old furnace can be limited by the old blower.
Get the right quote
Ask for a load calculation, model numbers, efficiency ratings, warranty terms and whether permits are included. Compare two or three written quotes.
When to call a technician
- You've had two or more repairs in two years.
- Your system uses R-22 and needs refrigerant.
What the technician does: see ac replacement & installation.
Common questions
How long do HVAC systems last in Kansas City?
Air conditioners typically 12 to 15 years and furnaces 15 to 20, depending on maintenance.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for Kansas City-area homeowners, not a diagnosis. Conditions vary by home, so a licensed HVAC technician should confirm the cause before any repair.