I'm going to be straight with you: we make money on replacements. A new system is a bigger job than a repair. So when I tell you to repair instead of replace, I'm leaving money on the table — and I'm fine with that.
We've been family-owned since 2018, with 94 Google reviews at 4.9 stars and Texas License TACLA126718E. Our reputation is worth more than one upsell. If your system has 5 good years left, I'll tell you that. If it makes sense to replace, I'll show you the numbers and let you decide.
Here's how to make the repair-vs-replace decision without getting pushed into something you don't need.
The 50% Rule
This is the simplest guideline in HVAC, and it works:
If the repair costs more than 50% of a new system, replace.
A new system starts at $8,000 (Stay Cool package). So the 50% threshold is $4,000.
| Repair | Cost | 50% of New System | Verdict | |---|---|---|---| | Capacitor | $500 | $4,000 | Repair | | Blower motor | $750-$1,500 | $4,000 | Repair | | Refrigerant leak + recharge | $350-$1,000 | $4,000 | Repair | | TXV | $1,500-$3,000 | $4,000 | Repair (borderline at high end) | | Compressor | $3,500-$5,000 | $4,000 | Discuss — depends on system age | | Evaporator coil | $3,500-$5,000 | $4,000 | Discuss — depends on system age |
The 50% rule is a starting point. System age, refrigerant type, and repair history shift the math.
The Age Factor
Age is the biggest variable. Here's how it changes the equation:
Under 10 Years Old
Almost always repair. Even a compressor replacement at $4,000 makes sense because you have 10+ years of life left. The system's other components — condenser coil, evaporator coil, motors, controls — are still young.
10-15 Years Old
Repair most things, but start budgeting. At this age, one major component failure usually means others aren't far behind. A $1,500 blower motor is worth fixing. A $4,500 compressor? Run the numbers carefully.
15+ Years Old
Lean toward replacement for major repairs. At 15 years in DFW's climate (100+ degree summers, 2,600 cooling degree days per year), every major component is at end-of-life. Spending $3,500 on a compressor for a system where the coils, motors, and electrical are all 15+ years old is risky. You might fix the compressor and have the evaporator coil fail 6 months later.
20+ Years Old
Replace unless the repair is under $500. A 20-year-old system has been through 20 DFW summers. It owes you nothing. A $500 capacitor to get through the rest of this summer? Sure. A $3,000 TXV? Put that money toward a new system.
The Refrigerant Factor
What refrigerant your system uses matters more than ever.
R-22 Systems (Installed Before 2010)
R-22 production ended January 1, 2020. The remaining supply is recycled or stockpiled, and prices are extreme — often $150-$200+ per pound. A full recharge on a 3-ton system can cost $750-$1,500 just for the refrigerant.
If your R-22 system needs a major repair, replace it. You're paying premium prices for a refrigerant that's getting more expensive every year, on a system that's at least 16 years old. The math doesn't work.
R-410A Systems (Installed 2010-2024)
R-410A production started phasing down January 1, 2025 under the AIM Act. It's not banned — your system still works fine, and R-410A is still manufactured. But production is decreasing on this schedule:
- 2025-2028: 40% reduction from baseline
- 2029-2033: 60-70% reduction
- 2034-2036: 80-85% reduction
If your R-410A system is under 10 years old, don't worry about the phase-down. Your system will likely reach end-of-life before R-410A becomes scarce.
If your R-410A system is 12+ years old and needs a major repair involving refrigerant (compressor, coil, or leak), factor in rising R-410A costs for the remaining 3-8 years of the system's life. A compressor replacement at $4,000 today might be followed by a $1,200 refrigerant recharge in 3 years when R-410A costs even more.
R-454B/R-32 Systems (2025+)
All new installations use R-454B or R-32 exclusively. These refrigerants are the current standard with stable pricing and abundant supply for the foreseeable future.
The Efficiency Argument (Real Numbers)
Old systems aren't just more likely to break — they cost more to run every single month. Here's what efficiency gains look like in real DFW electricity bills.
DFW average electricity: 13.8 cents/kWh. Average summer bills: $250-$400+.
| Old System | New System | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings | |---|---|---|---| | 10 SEER (pre-2006) | 15 SEER2 (Stay Cool) | $50-$80 | $600-$960 | | 10 SEER (pre-2006) | 18 SEER2 (Stay Frosty) | $70-$110 | $840-$1,320 | | 10 SEER (pre-2006) | 20+ SEER2 (It's A Frosty Life) | $85-$130 | $1,020-$1,560 | | 13 SEER (2006-2014) | 18 SEER2 (Stay Frosty) | $35-$60 | $420-$720 | | 14 SEER (2015-2022) | 20+ SEER2 (It's A Frosty Life) | $25-$45 | $300-$540 |
A homeowner replacing a 10 SEER system with an 18 SEER2 saves $840-$1,320 per year. Over 15 years, that's $12,600-$19,800 in electricity savings alone — potentially more than the cost of the system.
Our Three System Packages
Every package includes Frosty Thermostat, new disconnect box, electrical whip, overflow shutoff, condensate drain treatment, copper line inspection (replaced if needed), permit, full cleanup, and haul-away of the old system. All new installations use R-454B or R-32 refrigerant.
Stay Cool — $8,000-$14,000
- Goodman, 15 SEER2, single-stage
- 1-year labor warranty
- Manufacturer equipment warranty
- Best for: homeowners who want reliable cooling at the lowest cost
Stay Frosty (Most Popular) — $12,000-$18,000
- Carrier, 18 SEER2, dual-stage
- Ductwork inspection + sealing (up to 5 connections)
- 2-year labor warranty
- Best for: homeowners who want better efficiency, quieter operation, and more even temperatures
It's A Frosty Life — $16,000-$20,000+
- Trane, 20+ SEER2, variable speed
- Full ductwork inspection + sealing
- Vibration isolation mounts
- 1-year Frosty Club included ($99 value)
- 5-year labor warranty
- Best for: homeowners who want the highest efficiency, whisper-quiet operation, and maximum comfort
Frosty Club members save 10-15% on every service and repair for the life of the system. Learn more about Frosty Club.
The Decision Framework
Here's the quick version. If any of these apply, we'll have a replacement conversation:
- Repair costs more than 50% of a new system ($4,000+)
- System is 15+ years old with a major repair needed
- R-22 system needing any major repair or refrigerant
- 3+ repairs in the past 2 years — the system is cascading
- Energy bills climbing 20%+ year over year despite maintenance
- System can't keep up — runs all day and house stays above 78
If none of these apply, repair it, maintain it, and ride it out. A well-maintained system in DFW lasts 15-20 years.
What We'll Never Do
We'll never push a replacement you don't need. If your 8-year-old system needs a $500 capacitor, we're not going to scare you into a $12,000 replacement. That's not how we've built 94 five-star reviews.
We'll show you the repair cost, the system's age, its overall condition, and the math on repair vs replacement. Then you decide. If you want a second opinion, get one — we're confident in our diagnosis.
See What a New System Would Cost
Try our AC Replacement Cost Calculator — it shows real pricing for your home size, system type, and preferred package. No sales pitch, just numbers.
Call (469) 254-0548 or request service online.
We serve homeowners in Farmers Branch, Coppell, Irving, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Grapevine.
Financing available through Optimus, Synchrony, and GreenSky — $0 down on approved credit. See financing options.
Written by Omar Jacobo, EPA 608 Universal Certified Lead Technician at Frosty's HVAC LLC. Family-owned since 2018, 94 Google reviews at 4.9 stars, Texas License TACLA126718E. Serving DFW homeowners with flat-rate pricing and no surprises.