The hot water disappears mid-shower. Your car won't start without drama. The AC is running, but the house still feels like a sauna.

When facing these or other problems with large ticket items, you might wonder whether repairing or replacing is a better move.

In 2025, decisions like this are weightier than ever. Costs are up across the board. Materials, labor, and shipping prices have steadily climbed. Basic appliances and home systems that were once easy to replace could be accompanied by longer wait times and more expensive price tags.

Even the prices of used vehicles remain higher than anyone expected post-COVID.

But pricing on large ticket items isn't the only pressing concern. Other factors adding complexity to the mix include timing, availability, and energy efficiency. And, of course, real-world questions about whether that fix is a cost-effective and long-term solution to your problem or if it just "kicks the can" down the road.

Repairing or Replacing: What's Changed Since Pre-2020

A few things are making repair-vs-replace decisions more complicated this year:

New tariffs and import costs are impacting the availability and prices of nearly everything, fror construction materials to standard kitchen appliances.

Supply chains haven't recalibrated to meet demands, so the availability of certain parts or products might be delayed or out of stock.

On top of these factors, inflation continues to drive up the cost of new items and associated labor costs.

Over time, everyday equipment such as HVAC systems, roofing systems, and vehicles lose operational efficiency and cost more to run. And, when facing the reality of the situation, the "less expensive" option isn't always the cheaper long-term solution.

But that pendulum swings both ways. If a unit or large ticket item hasn't exceeded the halfway point in its expected lifespan and the repair cost is reasonable, it might be more sensible to keep it going a few more years, especially if you're living on a tight budget.

A Tool That Helps You Compare Your Options

With costs and conditions constantly shifting, it helps to have something solid to help guide your decision. It's among the reasons we built the Repair vs Replace Calculator - a free, straightforward tool to help you gain insights about what makes the most financial sense to you.

Simply enter your numbers:

• The type of item or product.

• The current age of the item.

• The estimated repair cost.

• Recent expenditures on repairs or system maintenance.

• Estimated replacement cost.

Using your inputted data, it applies math and an analytical approach to calculate the long-term or short-term value of making repairs based on average lifespans, recommending the most logical and cost-effective course of action. But, of course, the decision remains up to you.

Making Smart Financial Moves In Unprecedented Times

In a time when nearly everything is more expensive, and the availability of HVAC systems, car parts, kitchen appliances, and even roof shingles remain unpredictable, it helps to have something that cuts through the noise.

Whether you're a private homeowner, a landlord, or someone wanting to avoid replacing a large-ticket item after making costly repairs, our calculator will help you better understand your options.