A/C condenser unit: can it be repaired? (houses, contractor)

[behtypa]

My (13 y.o., 3 ton, Goodman, 12 SEER) condenser unit is leaking freon (R-22). The technician is pushing me to replace the whole unit.

Is there a chance to replace just the condenser/dryer or a pump or coil upon inspection? In other words, can it be fixed by replacing just some parts and not the whole unit?

[cheryjohns]

Call One Hour AC - 281-469-9999. I use them to get detailed checks on houses, if needed - and replacement is only a sometimes suggestion.

I thought they were phasing out R-22, but do not know the details or if there is an alternative.

My understanding is the SEER rating goes down with age. Energy efficiency imay also be a factor in your decision to repair or replace.

[Felixmp]

At some point, I suspect they will stop making R-22 units. So if you don't replace the whole thing now and wait, when it does need replacing, you may have to replace both the outside unit and the inside unit to match the new freon (coils). How old is your inside unit? 13 years also?

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by behtypa

My (13 y.o., 3 ton, Goodman, 12 SEER) condenser unit is leaking freon (R-22). The technician is pushing me to replace the whole unit.

Is there a chance to replace just the condenser/dryer or a pump or coil upon inspection? In other words, can it be fixed by replacing just some parts and not the whole unit?

Yes you can repair just about anything on the unit. What you need to know is the estimated cost to repair Vs. replacement. Also take into consideration the future potential of other failures. Look at the cost for a major failure such as the compressor in that unit. Ask your HVAC Contractor what it would cost both for parts and labor for just that item and it is a real eye opener! For many of these units a compressor failure is half the cost of a new unit. If you spend a large amount to fix the coil leak and the compressor fails then you might wind up just spending more later.

I have seen 20+ year old units just humming along without a problem. On the other hand I've also seen 5 year old units that have failed miserably. Your HVAC Contractor might be trying to save you a big cost later on down the road. If the repair on this unit is high, in comparison to a new unit, it might be well worth replacing it instead. If you do have the system replaced and the interior air handler/evaporative cooler coil is old and potentially worn you might be able to obtain a package deal and lower the cost for a new system?

Another advantage to full replacement is you will have a brand new warranty with it. Read the warranty closely though as I have not found one yet that covers labor costs which can be very high!

[jtothemak]

13 year old Goodman, might be time to replace it. How well has the unit been take care of? Have you had someone come out yearly to maintain it? If not I would say replace it. Cost factor you will probably be better off in the long run. You fix this and then 6 months later something else breaks and so on and you could have a brand new unit. I deal with equipment rooms all over the city and it does not fail every time they fix instead of replacing an ac it just has more and more problems costing me more on both the AC and the equipment in the room that burns up.

[behtypa]

Originally Posted by jtothemak

13 year old Goodman, might be time to replace it. How well has the unit been take care of? Have you had someone come out yearly to maintain it? If not I would say replace it. Cost factor you will probably be better off in the long run. You fix this and then 6 months later something else breaks and so on and you could have a brand new unit. I deal with equipment rooms all over the city and it does not fail every time they fix instead of replacing an ac it just has more and more problems costing me more on both the AC and the equipment in the room that burns up.

Thank you.

[ToyYot]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Call One Hour AC - 281-469-9999. I use them to get detailed checks on houses, if needed - and replacement is only a sometimes suggestion.

Any other suggestions? I'm a bit concerned by my ac unit and would like it checked out.

[modster]

Elsy's AC, I don't have a number handy on them.

Goodmans generally will handle abuse better than some, but they are not very efficient.

[behtypa]

Originally Posted by modster

Elsy's AC, I don't have a number handy on them.

Goodmans generally will handle abuse better than some, but they are not very efficient.

AFAIK, Goodmans are loud too. The quietest models would be in 62-70dB area.

[Backspace]

Did they give you a quote to replace the entire unit? I would figure the cost of replacing what is leaking plus the cost of replacing a fan motor or something else that might be quite a few years old and you may be getting close to full replacement cost anyway.