The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
The compressor has failed
Growling, clattering, or screeching noises. AC won't start or takes a very long time to do so. AC stops blowing cold air. Reduced airflow.
If you kept your air conditioner in good condition over its lifetime, expect to need a replacement in about 10-15 years. Keep in mind that as your A/C grows older, its mechanical parts can become unavailable or obsolete over time. If you aren't able to replace a broken part, you will need to purchase new unit.
The average homeowner spends around $5,955 to install new air conditioning, but costs range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC. You can expect to pay an average of $5,955 for AC replacement costs.
However, if you have taken proper care of your equipment over the years, it may have plenty of life left. 14 to 20 years old: This is the average life span of well-maintained HVAC equipment. A breakdown at this age may warrant a replacement.
The first thing you'll want to do is check the thermostat. If you have air that's controlled by a thermostat, make sure a faulty thermostat isn't what's causing the problem. In some cases, the batteries may have died or the unit is malfunctioning. Reset the thermostat to see if that turns the AC unit back on.
On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.
Get a thermometer and measure the supply air temperature coming out of the grill and the return air temperature at the filter, it should be 18–22 degrees different if not a problem, then measure the temperature of the air entering the unit outside and the temperature leaving, the hotter air, 15–25 degree difference, if ...
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
If your AC is newer, you may be able to replace just the outdoor unit. In many cases, this could lead to decreased energy efficiency or early AC failure. Installing a new AC costs between $3,800 to $7,500. Replacing just the outdoor unit can sometimes void the warranty.
Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.
Newer systems can regulate the temperature in your home more precisely than older models. A new air conditioner will use less energy to lower the temperature and when paired with effective insulation, will keep your home cooler for longer.
If you have to pay for labor and the compressor, chances are you're going to need to replace the entire outside unit because it would cost slightly more than replacing the compressor.
Average New AC Unit Costs
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in 2024, including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
If your air conditioner has stopped working or keeps running without cooling your home, those are two clear signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced. The cause of overheating may be a mechanical failure or insufficient coolant levels in the evaporator. Either way, it will need repairs to function properly again.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling.
Many HVAC technicians use the "5,000 rule" when making this decision. Simply multiply the age of the system by the repair cost. If it's under $5,000, consider a repair; if it's over $5,000, it's probably better off buying a new unit.
How much will a new AC unit save me? How much you can save with a new AC unit will depend on your old unit, the replacement model, how much you use your air conditioning, and the cost of electricity where you live. Estimates vary from 10% to 50% savings on your air conditioning costs per year.
Yes. All of the air conditioning systems we offer are pre-charged to allow for the volume of about 20 feet of refrigerant lines.