
Right-Size Repair or Replacement Scope
The $5,000 rule is one planning tool for a repair-versus-replacement decision: multiply the unit's age in years by the estimated repair cost, and a result above $5,000 generally points toward replacement. Actual equipment condition, load requirements, and the complete project scope still matter.
- Inspect ductwork, electrical capacity, roof structure, and existing curb dimensions before choosing a scope.
- Compare repair and replacement carefully when an older system uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced.
- Phase aging rooftop-unit replacements across budget cycles when a multi-unit property has staggered equipment ages.


