Is replacing an R-22 AC system worth it when selling?
Verdict: YES — Yes — R-22 is phased out, recharge runs $1,200+/lb, and any major leak makes the system uneconomic to repair. Different math when you're listing in <12 months. ROI at resale is what matters, not lifetime savings.
Cost & payback at a glance
| Typical cost range | $5,800–$9,000 |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual benefit | $420/yr |
| Simple payback | ~18 years |
| System | hvac |
| Scenario | resale |
How HomeScore decides
HomeScore evaluates "is it worth it?" decisions across 40+ home systems using 2026 cost data, regional installer rates, lifespan modeling, and resale ROI. Every verdict on this page is anchored to the underlying replacement cost, annual operating savings, and the scenario you're in: general homeowner, in-2026 pricing, resale-driven, forever-home, or pre-1980 retrofit.