Repair or Replace? Make the Right Decision for Your Home
The most expensive home decisions aren't repairs — they're the wrong repairs. Each guide gives you the warning signs, the real cost of both paths, and the point where waiting starts costing more than acting.
Repair or Replace Your Roof in 2026? Warning Signs, Costs and When Waiting Gets Expensive
Repair your roof if the damage is isolated, the shingles are under about 15 years old, and the deck is dry. Replace it if leaks are recurring, granule loss is widespread, or the roof is past 20 years. Repairs typically run $400 to $1,800; replacement averages $9,000 to $18,000.
- Typical repair
- $400–$1,800
- Typical replacement
- $9,000–$18,000
Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner in 2026? Costs, Age and the $5,000 Rule
Repair your AC if it is under about 10 years old and the fix is a capacitor, contactor, fan motor, or small leak. Replace it if the compressor fails on a unit past 12 years, it still uses R-22, or repair cost times age tops about $5,000. Repairs usually run $150 to $1,500; a new system runs about $6,000 to $14,000.
- Typical repair
- $150–$1,500
- Typical replacement
- $6,000–$14,000
Repair or Replace Your Water Heater in 2026? Leaks, Age and Real Costs
Repair your water heater if it is under about 8 years old and the problem is a thermostat, heating element, igniter, thermocouple, or relief valve. Replace it if the tank itself is leaking, the water is rusty, or the tank is past 10 to 12 years. Repairs usually run $150 to $600; a new tank installed runs about $1,500 to $3,500, and tankless more.
- Typical repair
- $150–$600
- Typical replacement
- $1,500–$3,500
Repair or Replace Your Windows in 2026? Drafts, Fogging and Costs
Repair windows when the frame is sound and the problem is weatherstripping, caulk, a broken balance, a lock, or a single fogged glass unit. Replace them if frames are rotted or warped, several units are fogged, or they are single-pane and drafty throughout. Repairs usually run $150 to $700 per window; replacement runs about $600 to $1,500 per window installed.
- Typical repair
- $150–$700
- Typical replacement
- $600–$1,500
Repair or Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures in 2026? Faucets, Toilets and Showers
Repair a fixture when the fix is a cartridge, washer, flapper, fill valve, or wax ring. Replace it when the body is cracked, parts are no longer made, it leaks again after repair, or it is badly corroded. Fixture repairs usually run $100 to $350 with a plumber; replacement typically runs $250 to $900 installed, plus the fixture.
- Typical repair
- $100–$350
- Typical replacement
- $250–$900
Repair or Replace Your Furnace in 2026? Age, Safety and Costs
Repair your furnace if it is under about 15 years old and the problem is an igniter, flame sensor, thermostat, pressure switch, or blower part. Replace it if the heat exchanger is cracked, it is past 15 to 20 years, or repairs keep stacking up. Repairs usually run $150 to $1,200; a new furnace installed runs about $3,500 to $8,000.
- Typical repair
- $150–$1,200
- Typical replacement
- $3,500–$8,000
Repair or Replace Your Siding in 2026? Rot, Hail Damage and Costs
Repair siding when damage is limited to a few boards or one wall and matching material is available. Replace it if rot, warping, or hail damage covers multiple walls, water is getting behind it, or matching boards cannot be found. Repairs usually run $300 to $1,500; full replacement on a typical home runs about $10,000 to $25,000 depending on material.
- Typical repair
- $300–$1,500
- Typical replacement
- $10,000–$25,000