Replace Compressor or Install New System

[RFI]

Hi Guys,
I am being told that my compressor has been shorted to the ground and it needs to be replaced. Contractors are suggesting installing a new unit. Here is my delima...

My electric heat RUUD units were installed back in 2005 by previous owners. Not under warranty anymore. I am in the process of selling my house now. So, don't want to invest too much into the house. But then again, not sure how long it will take to sell the house; months, years?

Should I:
Option1: just replace the compressor only
Option2: replace the outside unit only
OPtion 3: replace both inside & outside units

I live in Philadelphia suburbs. How much am I looking at for each of these options? Given my situation, what would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[jonjon1]

I would replace both in and outside units... Then market the house as "NEW HVAC" most replacement systems will only cost you around $3500 installed, should easily add that to your homes value...
good luck

 

[RFI]

Thanks for the reply. I would gladly replace both if they charged me around $3500. The quotes I am getting are $8000+. Do you know any one around Philly that charges reasonable amount? Thanks.

 

[nadogail]

If you only replace the compressor, your out of pocket cost will be less, and you can honestly advertise that it has a new A/C compressor with the applicable guarantee.

 

[jonjon1]

Thanks for the reply. I would gladly replace both if they charged me around $3500. The quotes I am getting are $8000+. Do you know any one around Philly that charges reasonable amount? Thanks.

$8000!!! Wow, what size unit is this????

Do it yourself, then pay a tech to come and braze the line set/charge the system...

Figure it this way, if its a 3 ton system which is most popular..
Air handler $650, outdoor unit $1150, line set $200, then 4 hours for someone to come braze, vac, and charge it.. Even if they charge $400 that is under $2500 if they charge you $100 to come and recover it...

 

[BD1]

Your existing system is most likely R22 [ on name tag ] . The new replacement is most likely 410 A. Most manufactures will require a complete new inside coil, line set , and outdoor unit. Many manufactures say the line set of R22 is not compatible with the 410 A , resulting in a complete new system.
I would definitely get multiple estimates.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Id pick up a dry r-22 condensor and have it installed as long as the indoor coil is still good.
Id never bother putting a compressor in a 10 year old condensing unit.

 

[dreasoner]

I'd would go the route Zmax suggested with a R22 system. Is the system a burn out? If not get the dry system, install a liquid drier and a suction drier if concerned about the contamination levels of the existing refrigerant. The suction drier should be removed after some run time has accumulated. That can be determined with with a refrigerant sample. Most people do not consider the duct work changes usually required when going to a new indoor coil. The 410 A indoor coils are much taller usually to get the higher SEER factor required for the new systems. New furnaces are much shorter to allow for the taller coils. Retrofitting a 410A coil can be problematic.
Airflow can easily be adversly affected with a bad sheet metal retrofit causing even more headaches down the road. If you have electric air handlers there is no concern about a 11 year old heating section.

 

[JCQuick]

I just wen thru this in November. Compressor died in a 10 year old unit all of the major A/c guys said that code is to replace the air handler when replacing the outside unit which would have been 6K they wanted 1700.00 to just replace the compressor and only a 1 year warranty. I found a guy that installed a new out side unit for $2400.00 it has a 10 year warranty and my power bill is down by about $25-$50.

 

[CNGsaves]

Turn those "HVAC guys" who quoted you $8K . . .
. . . . . into Law & Order SVU as they were trying to **** you !!

+1 to follow ZMax advice & definitely shop around !!

 

[jacob_coulter]

I went through something similar, and I had just the outside condensing unit replaced with a dry R22 unit. I know a guy that's been in the business a while he recommended that path.

Have had it for a few years, has worked great, no problems. It was a 3 ton Trane, and it cost around $2,500 out the door with installation.

He also said I could replace the compressor, but the difference in price was just not worth it and my outside unit was around 15 years old, and he said it was not the smartest move but he could do it if i wanted to save some money.

 

[PugetDude]

Replacing a 1998 vintage 4-ton R22 compressor and the indoor coil with a new RUUD 410A unit at the AZ house. It was DOA when we got here. Compressor shorted to ground.
Cost is $4k complete.

 

[sms1974]

$8000!!! Wow, what size unit is this????

Do it yourself, then pay a tech to come and braze the line set/charge the system...

Figure it this way, if its a 3 ton system which is most popular..
Air handler $650, outdoor unit $1150, line set $200, then 4 hours for someone to come braze, vac, and charge it.. Even if they charge $400 that is under $2500 if they charge you $100 to come and recover it...

Your cost numbers are way off.... 10 years ago you would have been close.

Depending on what equipment brand and model $8000 might be a great price.
we on average are in the $5500-$6500 ballpark for a 3 ton American Standard 16 SEER heat pump system.

And i agree with the others about a Dry 22 replacement unit being the best bang for the buck...

 

[182RG]

Depending on what equipment brand and model $8000 might be a great price.

we on average are in the $5500-$6500 ballpark for a 3 ton American Standard 16 SEER heat pump system.

^ This ^

I had (2) replacement Bryant 3 ton 16 SEER heat pumps (with new air handlers) installed last year. $5800 ea.

$400 for an A/C tech to spend 4 hours to braze, charge, and test a DIY install. Not sure what planet you'd find this on?


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[LS6 Tommy]

Id pick up a dry r-22 condensor and have it installed as long as the indoor coil is still good.
Id never bother putting a compressor in a 10 year old condensing unit.

I'd would go the route Zmax suggested with a R22 system. Is the system a burn out?

I'm with Z.

OP stated it was shorted, so, yes, it's a burn out. OP needs an acid clean up suction line drier installed and checked/changed until pressure drop is less than 3 Psig across the drier. then it gets a regular drier.

Tommy

 

[dreasoner]

Acid test (preferably oil) will confirm a burn out situation.