Repair vs Replace: Is Your Miami Window AC Worth Fixing?

The 50% Rule: The Most Reliable Starting Point

The industry standard for repair-vs-replace decisions is the 50% Rule:

For example: A new 8,000 BTU window AC in Miami runs about $350–$500. If your repair quote is $200 or more, a new unit makes more financial sense — especially if your current unit is over 5 years old.

How to Factor in AC Age

The average window AC unit has a lifespan of 8–12 years with proper maintenance. In Miami's brutal heat, that lifespan skews toward the lower end due to near year-round operation. Here's a quick age guide:

Unit Age	Repair Budget Recommendation	Our Verdict
Under 3 years	Up to 70% of new unit cost	Repair (likely still under warranty)
3–6 years	Up to 50% of new unit cost	Repair for most issues
6–9 years	Up to 30% of new unit cost	Replace if major component fails
9+ years	Minimal — consider only minor fixes	Replace

Repairs Worth Doing vs. Death Sentences

Repairs that are almost always worth it:

Problems that usually mean: replace the unit

The Miami Factor: Why Our Climate Changes the Math

Miami's climate creates unique factors that affect this decision:

• Year-round use: Miami ACs run 9–11 months per year. A unit that's 5 years old here has done the work of a 7–8 year old unit in a northern climate.
• Salt air corrosion: Homes within 5 miles of the coast see faster coil corrosion. This significantly reduces repair value on older units.
• FPL electricity costs: A new energy-efficient unit (EER 12+) can save $30–$60/month vs an old inefficient unit. Over 5 years, that's $1,800–$3,600 in savings.
• Humidity stress: Miami's humidity puts constant stress on drain pans, fans, and seals.

"We see Miami homeowners keeping 12-year-old units running with $200 repairs every year. In almost every case, a new unit would have saved them money within 18 months." — Miami Window AC Pros technician

EER Rating: The Efficiency Math

Modern window ACs have EER ratings of 12–14+. Units from before 2015 often have ratings of 8–10. This difference can translate to:

• An old 8,000 BTU unit at EER 9: ~890 watts
• A new 8,000 BTU unit at EER 13: ~615 watts
• Savings: 275 watts × 12 hrs/day × 300 days = ~990 kWh/year ≈ $130–$160/year on FPL

Quick Decision Checklist

Answer these 5 questions before deciding:

1. Is the unit under 5 years old? → Lean toward repair
2. Is the repair cost under 40% of a new replacement? → Lean toward repair
3. Is this the second major repair in 2 years? → Lean toward replace
4. Is the compressor or refrigerant the issue? → Lean toward replace
5. Is the unit 8+ years old? → Strong lean toward replace

Still Not Sure? Get a Professional Assessment

Our Miami technicians offer a flat-rate diagnostic — we'll inspect your unit, tell you exactly what's wrong, what it costs to repair, and give you our honest professional recommendation on whether it's worth fixing.

We don't have an interest in selling you a new unit. We repair. So when we say "replace it," you can trust that assessment.