Tenant called with an AC blowing warm air this am. HVAC guy says compressor is shot. Unit is 12 years old. $3500 to replace compressor. I asked for a quote for an entirely new system too - waiting to hear that big number. At 12 years, do I just replace the whole heat pump? The time either would take is about a week.

I just went through the same thing. I was going to replace, but the new units were backordered until September. Ended up with a new compressor.

12 years of service is close to the expected useful life of an AC ( 16 years). I would replace condensing unit and A coil. I would not replace the air handler.

I also advise that you study the differences between my recommendation and "complete system"

12 years is pretty much the expected lifespan of a heat pump. The problem comes in with whether your current system uses the older refrigerant, R22.

If the compressor is shot, here are your options:

Replace the whole system,

Replace just the compressor, or

Replace the outdoor unit and the indoor coil.

Your existing indoor coil is probably not compatible with the required newer refrigerant, R410a. If it is, at least the metering device will still have to be replaced.

Earlier this week I replaced a 14 year old R22 unit. I put in a new outdoor section with a new coil indoors. everything else indoors was in good shape, so why replace the blower and heat strips?

Replacing just the compressor will get you a one year warranty on the compressor only. Replacing the outdoor unit will get you at least a ten year warranty. The indoor coil only will have a one year warranty, but you can live with that.

Do you have a multi meter?

If it were me, I would Google it and go out and test the compressor myself just to be sure. I would also suggest that you get a second opinion. This guy is way over charging.

3500???????? For just compressor? People are sic up in your neck of the woods.

FIRST get another opinion from someone reputable. 12 years is nothing if your system has been working OK.

I feel helpless helping you because I don't know your competence level concerning AC's.

How big a uit is it what type of Freon is it really the compressor or just need a new capacitor. Gee I'm sorry I can't help each and every one of you.

A new compressor is about 600.00 max-- install another 600. Service 600 and that's 2 x's more than it should be.

6 bye NOT a good suggestion.

These carry 220V and will kill you.

A system stopped working, I called a new A/C repair guy. He told me the system was shot and I needed a complete new system. Cost $6,500.

So I drove an hour to reach this out of the way rental. I hooked up my Freon gauges and turned the system on. Nothing! I then tested the compressor's starter Capacitor and found it dead! I replace the starter Capacitor (I have a box of 50 of assorted values). The system started right up and worked fine. The differential or the ambient and output of the system was within specs., 18-22 degrees.

On another split system a/c that died, I checked the ducting, heater part, cooling part and power. The ducts were replaced and were non-asbestos. The only problems were it wasn't putting out cold air. The compressor was dead. A new Condensing unit runs wholesale between $1400 to $1,600 dollars. If I only purchased a new compressor that would run between $700 to $850.

So I asked my a/c guy to give me prices. A new condensing unit installed $2,000. To just replace the compressor, $1,400. And a new system complete $8,500.

I see your point myob. I should have specified to be sure to turn the breakers off and such.

Laura,

Reminder: HVAC repair tech work on commission. Mine recently told me he had to bill $XXXX per day to keep his job.

BRAD

Laura - You need to find a HVAC guy you can TRUST. Same for all other repairs electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and on and on. Pr-plan for breakdowns.

$3500 to replace the compressor is ridiculous. ???. You must have misunderstood.

PLEASE REREAD MYOBs last line.

And if you do NOT understand how the HVAC system works, and it appears that you don't - educate yourself and at least get several bids.

Good Luck

There are several shady HVAC companies in our area that will condemn various parts just to make a sale. Definitely get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. Also need to know what refrigerant it it using.