Quote:
Originally Posted by ithos
The biggest cause of failure in hvac systems is a bad compressor. For some reason the contractors always talk the customer into buying a whole new system. On my block people have been spending 9 to 12k.
If it is a compressure failure than no need to replace the whole condenser. Just replace the compressor. With parts and labor it shouldn't cost more than $2500. Everything else on the condenser unit is relatively cheap to fix and is an easy DIY repair. There are many YouTube videos that explain how.
But to extend the life of compressor for many more years, add a soft start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs |
If the system is more than 10 years old, I would replace the entire system, including the inside air handler. If you just replace the compressor, you will still need to replace and recharge the refrigerant. It is a huge job. You will get a warranty on the compressor but it will not be as long or as comprehensive an entire system warranty. And many compressor failures are caused by something other than a defective compressor, so you may have a problem enforcing the compressor warranty. For example, suppose the evaporator coil leaks and causes the compressor to fail? I would hate to pay $2,500 or more for a new compressor and have it fail within a few months with no enforceable warranty.