Refrigeration Repair vs Replace Calculator

Commercial refrigeration guides for Bay Area businesses

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Updated October 14, 2026

Quick answer

Enter the unit's age, the repair quote, the replacement price and the refrigerant. The calculator weighs them the way most contractors do: a repair over half the replacement price on an old unit, or on an R-22 system, points toward replacement.

What the calculator weighs

The common rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than about half of replacement and the unit is past the middle of its life, replacement usually wins. R-22 refrigerant is no longer produced, which makes those systems costly to recharge. R-404A systems can still be repaired. Get both prices in writing, and ask about the condition of the compressor and coils.

Age of the equipment (years) Expected life for this kind of equipment (years; 10 to 15 is common for reach-ins and condensing units) Repair quote ($) Replacement cost, installed ($) Refrigerant Repairs on this unit in the last 12 months

When to call a technician

If a cooler, freezer or ice machine still is not right after the safe checks, a C-38 refrigeration technician can find the cause.

Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.

Call 1-800-266-5243 Request service online

Frequently asked questions

Can I still repair an R-404A walk-in?

Yes. EPA states that components used to repair existing systems are not subject to its refrigerant restrictions.

Related guides

Sources

Published by Cool Aid Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, a family business serving the Bay Area since 1966. Owner Jim McKinny holds California C-20 and C-38 contractor licenses and EPA Universal certification. Repairs we complete carry our 1-year parts & labor warranty.

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