There is no universal cutoff
Equipment age alone does not decide the answer. The observed condition, repair scope, availability of appropriate parts, comfort performance, property plans and complete replacement scope all belong in the discussion.
Build two comparable paths
- Repair: approved work, limitations and what remains unchanged
- Replacement: equipment, installation, related work and project responsibilities
- Timing: immediate comfort needs and planned property use
- Risk: what is known, what still needs inspection and what is not guaranteed
- Budget: complete price, warranty information and financing terms when applicable
Make the decision from a written scope
Ask for the assumptions behind each option. The useful comparison is not simply repair cost versus equipment cost; it is the approved repair path versus the complete replacement path for the actual property.
