HVAC repair estimate on evaporator coil - reasonable pricing or not? (San Antonio: heat pump, neighborhood)

[daluu]

I got quoted for a repair estimate of $2,088.55 before a price reduction of $193.60 on previous work done (if called on to complete the work within 2 weeks) for this:

Pump down unit. Disconnect refrigerant and drain lines. Remove coil and install new OEM coil. Install filter drier. Connect refrigerant and drain lines. Pressure test, evacuate and recharge.

Is that typical pricing in the area or rather high for an estimate? This is the 1st major HVAC repair bill I've gotten.

[daluu]

For some context, this is for a 14 SEER unit on a 2 story 2508 sq ft home.

[SATX56]

They should replace the entire indoor furnace/ unit for that kind of money or close to it. If your furnace and indoor unit have many years on them replace it entirely. It's like replacing the entire outdoor condenser instead of the compressor only. Little difference in cost to service provider. Get estimates from others on replacing entire indoor unit which includes the evaporator.

[ged_782]

The price for replacing the indoor coil probably isn't too far out of line, as that is one of the major components in the system. But, as has been suggested, if the system is at least 8-10 years old, you may want to consider replacing the entire system (indoor and out). Probably would run you about $5000-$7000. I think 14 SEER is the minimum efficiency you can buy now.

Personally, I would either just do the indoor coil, if the system isn't too old, or replace everything, if it is old.

[TrapperL]

I'll respectfully disagree with SATX56. Two grand doesn't buy much in the HVAC business anymore. I would also disagree with the repair. For the 2 grand, you still have an old compressor. I'd get the entire unit replaced and apparently you already have an air handler/furnace that will work with a new 14 SEER unit so it shouldn't need replacing, that is. If the air handler is over 20 years old, you need a complete new system. The air handler will nickel and dime you to death if you don't. If it's ten years old, have the HVAC guy inspect the heat exchanger, if it's gas fired, and make sure it's good. A bad heat exchanger can kill you and it does it without any warning. If it's a heat pump, there's no heat exchanger issues.

Obviously you didn't state who gave you the price. You need to avoid the guys that do it all and guys that want you to do more than necessary and will take payments. There are several of those types around town that over charge for the install and then take payments at twice the normal bank rate. Don't fall into any of that. I use a small guy that has done my work for over 20 years on repairs. He's reliable and reasonable. I'd suggest getting an evaluation/estimate from him. Cook Jones Air Conditioning 675-3729

[SherryM78218]

I use Wright Services 6638 Topper Run, San Antonio, TX 78233 Phone:(210) 599-7000. They happened to live in my neighborhood and are very reasonable and honest. You might just get another estimate to see if it's in line with what you were quoted.

[grjr]

What did they say is wrong with the coil?

[SATX56]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

I'll respectfully disagree with SATX56. Two grand doesn't buy much in the HVAC business anymore. I would also disagree with the repair. For the 2 grand, you still have an old compressor. I'd get the entire unit replaced and apparently you already have an air handler/furnace that will work with a new 14 SEER unit so it shouldn't need replacing, that is. If the air handler is over 20 years old, you need a complete new system. The air handler will nickel and dime you to death if you don't. If it's ten years old, have the HVAC guy inspect the heat exchanger, if it's gas fired, and make sure it's good. A bad heat exchanger can kill you and it does it without any warning. If it's a heat pump, there's no heat exchanger issues.

Obviously you didn't state who gave you the price. You need to avoid the guys that do it all and guys that want you to do more than necessary and will take payments. There are several of those types around town that over charge for the install and then take payments at twice the normal bank rate. Don't fall into any of that. I use a small guy that has done my work for over 20 years on repairs. He's reliable and reasonable. I'd suggest getting an evaluation/estimate from him. Cook Jones Air Conditioning 675-3729

You're probably right Trapper. My brain isn't up to date with today's new world. Much has changed in the last 15-20 years. Options still depend a lot on which outfit you deal with. Shop around is always good advice.

[Thetowguy]

Total rip off. a NEW unit 14 seer 5 ton is around $1200 or less

[Thetowguy]

Sorry, you need the air handler

$800 (parts)for that. He shouldn't need to recharge more than 1 pound if any freon. (edit) might need more since leak. But still freon shouldn't be more than $30-$50 pound thats with the markup

$1500 tops thats $700 in labor


This is for a everything BRAND NEW inside