Answer a couple questions to quickly get feedback on whether to repair or replace your HVAC unit. Follow the $5,000 rule of thumb ordive deeper with a guide to discover the best solution for you.
Your safety matters!
Some damage to your system, like carbon monoxide and gas leaks, can be lethal. In those situations, furnace replacement is necessary. Help prevent emergencies before they happen with seasonal maintenance checkups by aprofessional HVAC technician.
Calculator for the $5,000 rule
The $5,000 rule is an industry-accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair it. If over $5,000, you should replace it.
Age
How do I find my system’s age?
- Look for a nameplate, metal tag, or sticker on your unit.
- Find the MFG Date. This is the manufacturing date, which lets you know how old your unit is.
- IF NO MFG DATE: Some units don’t state the MFG Date, but you can still figure out the age by finding:
- The brand name
- Model of the unit
- Serial number
- Call a dealer and give them this information to decode. Or, you can decode the age from the serial number yourself! Brands and models use different code systems, so it’s best to look up the system for your unit online.
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Repair Estimate
How do I get a repair estimate?
To get an accurate HVAC repair estimate, call a dealer to come by and look at your unit. They can give you a quote for an air conditioner fix, heat pump service, furnace repair, or air handler repair as well as discover the issues your unit is experiencing.
Find a dealer near you
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general guideline only. Consult a licensed HVAC professional to help ensure that you are making the best decisions about your equipment.
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general guideline only. Consult a licensed HVAC professional to help ensure that you are making the best decisions about your equipment.
Your safety matters!
Some damage to your system, like carbon monoxide and gas leaks, can be lethal. In those situations, areplacement is necessary. Help prevent emergencies before they happen with seasonal maintenance checkups by a professional HVAC technician.
Where do you go from here?
STEP 1
Research your needs
Consider your home comfort level, climate, ductwork, energy use, and desired monthly heating and cooling costs.
STEP 2
Get a dealer quote
Schedule a visit with your dealer for a custom recommendation. Visit our Dealer Locator page for a list of questions to discuss with your dealer.
STEP 3
Fix or upgrade your unit
Gather all your information to make a replace or repair decision. Follow up with your dealer and enjoy your new or improved HVAC.
Find a dealer
Further repair or replace guidance
Fill out these 2 checklists. Put a check next to items that apply to you and your system. At the bottom, view your total number of checkmarks for each checklist. More checkmarks under either Repair or Replace means that may be the better option foryou.
Repair if...
Your warranty is active. Your repairs may be covered.
A/C: 12-15 years
Furnace: 15-20 years
Heat Pump: 15-20 years
If this is your 1st or 2nd repair, your system may still have a lot of value left. A repair may be your best option.
Consider long-term value. The less time you plan to stay, you will get less value from a new system compared to its cost.
- Airflow strength
- Full room or full house coverage
- Time taken to change temperature
- Ability to reach desired temperature
- Outdated technology
- Lower efficiency with a lower SEER rating (8-9)
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Read more about SEER ratings - Outdated technology lowers energy efficiency and drives up monthly costs
- Cost of purchase
- Higher efficiency with a higher SEER rating (13-22)
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Read more about SEER ratings - Standard model can save 20-40% in monthly costs
- Energy Star certified models save additional 15%
Use this page’s Repair or Replace tool or this formula:
Age of your product x repair cost < $5,000
A/C:
Over 10 SEER What is a SEER rating? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Furnace:
Over 80% AFUE What is an AFUE rating? AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This industry rating measures the averaged annual efficiency of a furnace. A higher AFUE means your heating system is more energy efficient.
Heat Pump:
Over 10 SEER or 8 HSPF What is a SEER rating? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient. What is an HSPF rating? HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your heat pump operating in heating mode during the fall and winter heating season. A higher HSPF means your heat pump is more energy efficient.
Replace if...
Your warranty expired. Your product is no longer covered.
A/C: 12-15 years
Furnace: 15-20 years
Heat Pump: 15-20 years
Frequent repairs likely mean your system is on its way out and has other hidden issues that will appear after this repair.
- Airflow strength
- Full room or full house coverage
- Time taken to change temperature
- Ability to reach desired temperature
Consider long-term value. The longer you plan to stay, you will get more value from a newly-bought system.
- Outdated technology
- Lower efficiency with a lower SEER rating (8-9)
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Read more about SEER ratings - Outdated technology lowers energy efficiency and drives up monthly costs
- Cost of purchase
- Higher efficiency with a higher SEER rating (13-22)
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Read more about SEER ratings - Standard model can save 20-40% in monthly costs
- Energy Star certified models save additional 15%
Use this page’s Repair or Replace tool or this formula:
Age of your product x repair cost > $5,000
A/C:
10 SEER or less What is a SEER rating? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient.
Furnace:
Over 80% AFUE or less What is an AFUE rating? AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This industry rating measures the averaged annual efficiency of a furnace. A higher AFUE means your heating system is more energy efficient.
Heat Pump:
10 SEER or less; 8 HSPF or less What is a SEER rating? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your system operating over the entire cooling season. A higher SEER means your cooling system is more energy efficient. What is an HSPF rating? HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor. This industry rating measures the averaged annual energy efficiency of your heat pump operating in heating mode during the fall and winter heating season. A higher HSPF means your heat pump is more energy efficient.
Critical
Your unit uses R-22 Freon.
This refrigerant is being phased out as R-22 Freon is harmful to the ozone layer. Why is R-22 refrigerant phased out? R-22 refrigerant is harmful to the environment due to ozone depletion. EPA made R-22 illegal to produce or import as of 2020. Back in 2010 EPA banned production of HVAC systems that used R-22. If your HVAC unit is from 2010 or earlier, it most likely uses R-22. Due to the phase out R-22 is very difficult and expensive to replace if it leaks or has any issues. We recommend replacing your system if it still uses R-22.
Contact a Trane dealer near you
The $5,000 rule is just the start. Schedule a visit with an expert for a custom recommendation.
Find a dealer in your area
This badge spotlights dealers who are experts in servicing and maintaining Trane’s HVAC systems.
Dealer is available for 24/7 emergency service.
A NATE certification is the top accreditation for HVAC technicians. It is awarded by an independent organization.
If you choose to share your system data, this dealer is equipped to remotely troubleshoot potential issues before they become emergencies.
Dealer offers flexible financing options to help manage expenses of owning a system.
Charter members are the original Trane Comfort Specialists. They’ve been committed to TCS values since the program started in 1998.
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Troubleshooting
Discover the ways you can troubleshoot your HVAC system.
Learn to troubleshoot
Owner’s Manual
Learn more about your product, like its technical specs and innovative technology.
Find your manual
Maintenance
A healthy HVAC system can last longer and save money. Maintain your system with these tips.
Get tips
FAQs
The $5,000 rule is an industry accepted guideline that helps homeowners make a financial decision about their HVAC system. First, multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If the outcome is over $5,000, you should probably replace. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair.
At this time, the best way to get a repair estimate is to speak with a dealer. No worries, you can use the guide above to get some guidance even without a repair estimate.
A number of factors can affect your system’s lifespan. Running your A/C or heater nonstop, mixing old and new parts in a system, or poor installation can lead to frequent repairs or an early breakdown of your system. Protect your HVAC system’s health with regular seasonal maintenance visits from your dealer. This will help maintain your system and help catch any issues early on before they become emergencies.
In non-emergency situations, you can try a few troubleshooting tips like changing your filter, turning a unit’s power on/off, or resetting your thermostat. For a detailed guide, check out the Trane Troubleshooting page!
Caution: Avoid experimenting and never troubleshoot if you have an emergency. Call an HVAC professional instead who can safely diagnose your system’s issue and advise next steps.
We highly recommend replacing the whole system as not all products are compatible. While in some cases it is possible to only replace a part, mixing old and new parts or multiple brands in a system can lead to early repairs or higher monthly costs due to an inefficient system. Talk with your dealer or check out the Buyer’s Guide to find the best option for you.
Contact a local dealer
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.
We’re here to help
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
1-800-945-5884
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