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Repair vs Replace Calculator

Compare the true cost of repairing a home system or appliance against replacing it outright. Enter the item's age, repair quote, and replacement cost to see which option costs less per year of useful life.

Item Details

Preset for this item type.
Repair Option
How many more years this repair is expected to last.
Ongoing upkeep cost if you keep the old unit.
Replace Option
Typical installed cost for this item type.
Ongoing upkeep cost for a new unit.
Leave at 0 if new unit is no more efficient than old one.
Results update as you type.

How It Works

The simplest way to compare repair and replacement is to convert each option into an annualized cost -- the total money spent divided by the years of useful life that spending buys.

Formulas:
  • Repair cost/yr = (Repair cost + Annual maintenance x Years gained) ÷ Years gained
  • Replace cost/yr = (Replacement cost + Annual maintenance x New lifespan − Energy savings x New lifespan) ÷ New lifespan
  • 50% Rule = Repair cost ÷ Replacement cost (if ≥50%, lean toward replacing)
  • Age ratio = Current age ÷ Typical lifespan (if ≥80%, lean toward replacing)

If the repair cost per year is lower, repairing is the rational financial choice for now. If replacement wins on a per-year basis -- or the 50% rule fires -- replacing tends to be the smarter long-term move even if the upfront cost is higher.

Key Decision Rules

Lean Toward Repairing

  • Repair cost is below 30-40% of replacement cost
  • The item is under half its typical lifespan
  • The item has been reliable with few prior repairs
  • You plan to sell the property soon (avoid large capital outlay)
  • Repair extends life by 5 or more useful years

Lean Toward Replacing

  • Repair cost exceeds 50% of a new unit's cost (50% rule)
  • The item is past 80% of its expected lifespan
  • This is the second or third major repair in a short period
  • A new unit offers meaningful energy savings
  • The repair only buys 1-3 more years before likely failure
The 50% rule is a common HVAC industry guideline: if fixing an old unit costs 50% or more of what a new one would cost, replacing is usually the better investment. The same logic applies to most major appliances and home systems.

Typical Lifespans

ItemTypical LifespanNotes
Central HVAC (A/C unit)15-20 yearsLonger with annual servicing
Furnace20-25 yearsOften outlives A/C condenser
Heat pump15-20 yearsMild climates get longer life
Water heater (tank)8-12 yearsTankless lasts 20+ years
Asphalt shingle roof20-30 yearsDepends on climate and quality
Vinyl windows20-40 yearsSeals may fail sooner
Refrigerator10-15 yearsFrench door models slightly shorter
Washer / Dryer10-14 yearsFront-load washers at lower end
Dishwasher9-12 yearsDoor latch and pump are common failure points
Oven / Range15-17 yearsGas ranges often outlast electric

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