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Should I repair or replace my AC?
Enter four numbers. Get a 5-year cost comparison, a monthly savings estimate, and a straight answer — the same math a good technician would walk you through.
Your numbers
Estimates are fine — you can adjust after.
Replacement cost ranges are estimated for a standard central split system installed in Baldwin County, AL. Actual quotes vary by equipment brand, efficiency tier, and ductwork condition.
Your system age (12 yrs) × repair quote ($1,800) = $21,600 — above the $10,000 threshold where replacement almost always makes financial sense.
5-year total cost comparison
Repair path includes future repair risk. Replace path includes new system + reduced energy bills.
Replacing saves $526 over 5 years compared to the repair path.
Est. efficiency gain
24%
13 → 17 SEER
Monthly energy savings
$32
if you replace
Break-even
4.5 yrs
on replacement cost
Est. life remaining
~8 yrs
20-yr typical lifespan
How this is calculated
Your 12-year-old system has an estimated 13 SEER rating based on the federal minimums in effect when it was built. A modern replacement runs at approximately 17 SEER.
About 62% of a South Alabama summer electric bill goes to cooling. The efficiency difference between your current and a new system applied to that cooling portion gives the monthly savings estimate.
Future repair risk of $600/year is based on real-world service call averages for systems of this age in Baldwin County — not a worst-case estimate.
Replacement cost range: $5,000–$7,500 for your home size, installed. Actual quote depends on equipment brand, efficiency tier, and ductwork condition — get a free estimate to confirm.
Get a free replacement estimate
We'll size the right system for your home, show you equipment options at multiple price points, and give you a written quote — no pressure, no obligation.