Repair or replace calculator
Typical lifespans and replacement prices
| Appliance | Typical life | Fair replacement price |
|---|---|---|
| Tank water heater | ~12 years | $1,900 |
| Tankless water heater | ~20 years | $3,600 |
| Gas furnace | ~18 years | $4,900 |
| Central air conditioner | ~15 years | $7,200 |
| Heat pump | ~13 years | $8,700 |
| Sump pump | ~10 years | $875 |
Lifespans are typical averages. Maintenance, water quality and climate move them in both directions. Prices are national base prices for a standard replacement. See each guide for sizes and options.
How the math works
- End of life: if the unit is at or past its typical lifespan, we recommend replacing it, since another failure is likely soon.
- The 50% rule: a repair costing half or more of a new unit is a strong signal to replace.
- Cost per year: we spread the repair over the unit’s expected remaining years and compare it with a new unit’s price spread over its full life. If the repair costs more per year, replacing is better value.
Two or more warning signs means replace, one means it’s a toss-up, and none means repair. Seeing a blinking code first? Look it up for Carrier or Goodman furnaces, or for water heaters. Safety always overrides the math: a cracked heat exchanger, a gas leak or a leaking tank means replace.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50% rule for repair or replace?
If a repair costs half or more of what a new unit would cost, and the unit is past the middle of its life, replacing it is usually the better value.
Should I repair or replace a 15-year-old furnace?
Gas furnaces typically last around 15–20 years. A small repair, like an igniter or flame sensor, is usually worth it. A major one, like a heat exchanger, inducer motor or control board on a unit that old, usually isn’t.
Should I repair or replace a 10-year-old water heater?
Cheap part repairs (thermocouple, T&P valve, anode rod) are usually worth it. A leaking tank can’t be repaired, so any leak from the tank body means replacement.
Is it worth repairing an AC that uses R-22?
R-22 production ended in 2020, so refrigerant top-ups for older systems are scarce and expensive. A major repair or a refrigerant leak on an R-22 system is usually a signal to replace it.