Equipment Replacement vs Repair Decision Prompt
Prompt
Advise customer on replace vs repair. Equipment: [AGE, MAKE, MODEL]. Repair cost: [PRICE]. Replacement cost: [PRICE]. Equipment lifetime: [EXPECTED YEARS REMAINING]. Energy savings if new: [% EFFICIENCY GAIN]. Output: Break-even analysis. Recommendation: Repair or replace? Annual cost comparison 5 years out.
Why it works
Break-even analysis converts what feels like a financial guess ('should I spend $800 to repair a 12-year-old unit?') into a structured comparison that customers can evaluate rationally. The 5-year total cost of ownership comparison including energy savings is particularly valuable for HVAC decisions, where efficiency improvements can justify replacement economics that repair-versus-replacement alone wouldn't support. Giving a clear recommendation rather than 'it depends' is what customers actually need from a trusted technician.
Watch out for
Break-even calculations that don't account for the cost of replacement downtime, installation labour, or disposal may understate the true cost of replacement versus repair. Ensure all costs are included in both scenarios before presenting. Also be aware that equipment replacement recommendations from a contractor who profits from the installation carry an inherent conflict of interest — acknowledge this proactively with the customer and offer to provide only the analysis so they can make the decision independently if they prefer.
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