Fix it or replace it?
Something broke. Do you fix it, or start fresh? These guides help you decide.
- Water heatersWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- Central airWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- Electrical panelsWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- Pipes and leaksWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- WindowsWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- FloorsWarning signs, life spans and repair prices.Decide →
- RoofsWhen a roof fix is enough, and when it is not.Decide →
How every guide works
How we help you decide
- Spot the signsWhat to look, listen and smell for.
- Check the ageHow long that thing tends to last.
- Weigh the priceA fix next to a new one.
- Call a proCheck the license first.
Each guide starts with the warning signs. Some signs mean a quick fix. Others mean the end is near.
Next, it shows how long that part of your home tends to last. Home inspectors keep a chart of life spans, and we use it.
Then it puts repair prices next to the price of something new. That way you can see the gap with your own eyes.
Last, it tells you how to stay safe and who to call. Some jobs, like gas and power work, are not for doing yourself.
Want prices first? See our cost guides or try a calculator.
How long things last
Home inspectors keep a chart of typical life spans. Here are the ones for the jobs we cover.
- Tank water heater: about 6 to 12 years[1].
- Central air: about 7 to 15 years[1].
- Service panel: about 60 years[1].
- Copper water lines: about 70 years[1]. PEX is about 40 years[1].
- Vinyl windows: about 20 to 40 years[1].
- Carpet: about 8 to 10 years[1]. Tile can last 75 to 100 years[1].
These are typical numbers, not promises. Care, weather and use all change them.
A simple way to decide
- Write down how old it is.
- Get a price to fix it.
- Get a price to replace it.
- If it is young and the fix is small, fix it.
- If it is old and the fix is big, think hard about new.
- If you can't tell, ask the pro what is likely to break next.
Signs to call a pro right away
- You smell gas. Leave first, then call from outside.
- A panel or outlet is warm, buzzing or smells like burning.
- Water is coming through a ceiling or spreading on a floor.
- Your AC or heater stops in very hot or very cold weather and someone at home is at risk.
For these, safety comes before price. Read the guide after the danger is gone.
Questions people ask
Is it always cheaper to fix?
Today, yes, most of the time. But a fix on something near the end of its life may only buy a little time. HomeAdvisor's floor rule says if a repair is over 50%[2] of the cost of new, lean toward new.
How do I find out how old something is?
Look for a sticker or label. Water heaters, AC units and panels often show a date or a serial number. A pro can read it for you.
Who decides if it is safe to keep?
A licensed pro who has seen it in person. Our guides help you ask good questions, but they can't see your home.
Sources
- InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes. Planning estimates under normal conditions, not warranties. InterNACHI notes hot climates sharply shorten asphalt shingle life.
- HomeAdvisor (Angi). How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost?. Sample/coverage: HomeAdvisor says it surveyed over 30,000 customers about their project costs (site-wide statement on the page). Per-square-foot prices include taking up and hauling away the old floor, but not a new subfloor, underlayment, baseboards or trim.