When your air conditioner breaks down, you face a difficult decision: repair or replace? Making the right choice can save you thousands of baht over time.
The 50% Rule
If the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit, replacement usually makes more sense. This is especially true for older units that may break down again soon.
Age Considerations
AC Lifespan by Type
- Window AC: 8-12 years
- Split AC: 12-15 years
- Inverter Split: 15-20 years
Age Guidelines
- Under 5 years: Almost always repair (unless major component failure)
- 5-10 years: Repair if cost is under 50% of replacement
- Over 10 years: Lean toward replacement, especially if inefficient
Signs It's Time to Replace
- Frequent repairs: Multiple breakdowns in the past 2 years
- Rising energy bills: Old units lose efficiency over time
- R-22 refrigerant: Being phased out, expensive to refill
- Uneven cooling: System struggling to maintain temperature
- Excessive noise: Indicates worn components
When Repair Makes Sense
- Unit is under 5 years old
- Single minor issue (capacitor, fan motor, etc.)
- Repair cost is under 30% of replacement
- Unit has been well-maintained
Hidden Costs of Keeping Old ACs
- Higher electricity bills (old units use 30-50% more power)
- Lost efficiency each year
- Risk of sudden complete failure
- Missing out on new features (WiFi, inverter, better dehumidification)
Make Your Decision
Use our Repair Cost Estimator to get repair quotes, and Payback Period Calculator to see if a new efficient unit would save money.