How to think through the decision honestly
Not every failing unit is worth repairing again. Here's the framework we actually use when a customer asks "should I just replace this?"
| Factor | Leans Repair | Leans Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Age of unit | Under 10 years | Past 12–15 years, especially compressor-based systems |
| Repair history | First or second issue | Third+ major repair in under two years |
| Type of failure | Gasket, fan motor, minor electrical | Compressor failure combined with an aging cabinet |
| Parts availability | Common, in-stock parts | Discontinued model, hard-to-source parts |
| Energy efficiency | Reasonably efficient for its age | Older refrigerant type or notably high energy draw |
Our honest position
A repair company that always recommends repair — even when replacement is clearly the better financial call — isn't doing you any favors long-term. We'll tell you when a unit's reached the point where another repair is throwing money at a losing bet.
When repair is almost always the right call
Gasket failures, fan motor issues, control board problems, and most electrical faults are usually worth fixing regardless of unit age — they're inexpensive relative to full replacement and don't indicate the whole system is failing.