It's worth repairing an AC if the unit is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than half of replacement. The most common decision framework is the "$5,000 rule": multiply the repair cost by the unit's age, and if the result exceeds $5,000, replace instead of repair. A $600 repair on a 9-year-old unit equals $5,400, tipping toward replacement. A $400 repair on a 5-year-old unit equals $2,000, clearly worth fixing. The rule is a shortcut that accounts for how much useful life remains versus how much you're spending to extend it. For Los Angeles homeowners, it's also worth factoring in LADWP heat pump rebates of $3,000 to $5,500, which often swing the math toward the value of a new HVAC installation even when the raw numbers suggest repair. Call LA Heating and Air at (818) 660-1062 for an honest comparison.
