Repair or replace? Every big-ticket call
Updated August 2026
Two numbers decide most of these: the thing's age and the repair quote against half the cost of a new one. Past a system's expected life, the 50% rule says stop repairing; before it, a single failed part is almost always a fix. Each call below leads with the threshold that settles it, then gives the repair-vs-replacement range so you can place your own situation on it.
Hvac
| The decision | Repair vs replace |
|---|---|
| Should you repair or replace your central air conditioner? | Repair $150–650 / replace $5,000–10,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your furnace? | Repair $150–1,500 / replace $4,000–8,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your heat pump? | Repair $200–1,500 / replace $5,500–12,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your AC compressor? | Repair $1,500–2,800 / replace $5,000–10,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your furnace blower motor? | Repair $300–1,200 / replace $4,000–8,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your boiler? | Repair $200–1,200 / replace $5,000–10,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your evaporator coil? | Repair $900–1,800 / replace $5,000–9,000 |
| Should you repair or replace a cracked heat exchanger? | Repair $1,500–3,000 / replace $4,000–8,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your mini-split? | Repair $150–800 / replace $3,000–5,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your air handler? | Repair $300–1,500 / replace $2,000–3,500 |
| Should you repair or replace your AC condenser unit? | Repair $150–600 / replace $5,000–10,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your dehumidifier? | Repair $150–500 / replace $200–350 (portable), $1,500–2,500 (whole-house) |
| Should you repair or replace your ductwork? | Repair $1,000–3,000 / replace $3,000–8,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your radiator? | Repair $10–200 / replace $300–1,000 |
| Should you repair or replace your thermostat? | Repair $5–50 / replace $15–50 DIY, $100–300 installed |
Plumbing
| The decision | Repair vs replace |
|---|---|
| Should you repair or replace your water heater? | Repair $150–600 / replace $1,200–2,000 |
The repair-or-replace call is easy when you know the unit's age and service history. OnOtto keeps both, plus the maintenance that pushes each of these decisions years further out.
Start your home's service log, free