Question about heating and air conditioning unit
 

Our CV was built in 2011 and after a routine service call we were told the evaporator coil was leaking and advised to replace the unit with a mid priced Carrier heat pump to the tune of $6200. My question, is that the typical life span of the standard unit with Villiages construction? Also I could use some recommendations. We have talked with someone about installing a Trane unit. What has been your experience? Appreciate your advise

IMO you should be able to get 15 years of service life.

6,200.00 is excessive.

Do YOU notice reduced performance? Disregarding what the tech stated.
Often, the tech will get a commission for selling a new unit. Unsure of your tech and his firm.

You should definitely get a second opinion, many times a "leak" can be repaired, or the element that is leaking replaced without replacing the entire unit. I have seen many posts praising Chuck Ferrel (I think I spelled it correctly), he would probably be my next call.

Our villa was built the same year, we had a HVAC problem last summer.
I'd suggest you not use Munn's (if you were).
Chuck Farrell is a top choice, but they weren't taking new customers,
they referred me to Kalos 352-243-7088 , who came quickly, did a nice job at a decent price, and the tech shared a lot of info with me.

Absolutely get a 2nd opinion.

My Carrier unit in a courtyard villa developed an evaporator leak two years ago (it was seven years old at the time), and I called the installer, Munns. They came out, ran a leak detection process on the evaporator, fixed the leaks (there were several), ran a pressure test, and the unit is running fine today. I don't recall the cost, but it was certainly way less than a new unit, probably a few hundred dollars.

Wow 6200.00. You need a Second opinion buddy ... if the evaporator leaks your unit won't cool, .. watch for wool !

You need to get at least two more opinions. But, if the evapoator coil cannot be repaired, it is not unreasonable to consider a new system. You can replace the evaporator coil, but it may cost almost half the cost for a new system because the refrigerant needs to be replaced and the entire system checked for leaks, and you will only get a warranty for the evaporator coil itself. A new system will come with at least a 5 year or longer warranty on everything.

Chuck Farrell may come for a replacement estimate. If you do replace, definitely get a quote for him. I put in a new one from him with a 10 year warranty for almost $2000 less than what was quoted to you. My CYV unit was 2006 model.

My CYV was also built in 2011, I've had two service calls, once was to replace the capacitor and the other was to replace the blower fan. I called Chuck Farrell A/C both times. Even though Chuck didn't install my A/C, that was done by Munn's, he replaced it when it was four years old for free, said the part was under warranty for 10 years, he charged just $70 for the service call. The same week another poster wrote they had called Munn's and was charged $313 for the same job.

For the fan blower, Chuck's tech replaced the fan with a temporary unit that was on his truck so we have immediate A/C, he ordered a new one which came in two days later. He came back a second time and replaced the temp with the new fan and charged $175 total.

Here's a thread not long ago where Chuck Farrell's name is mentioned 12 times, so it's not just me. He will look at unit and fix whatever it really needs. If he needs to install a new unit, he'll probably be at least $1500 to $2000 cheaper.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...=chuck+farrell

Like a Dr get second opinion Up selling is rampant by big companies
Tecks are expected to push new units

Munn's, DeSantis, both long time and deserve whatever profit they make to their long-standing ties to the community

Overpriced services in the Villages
 

I am glad you have a lot of money to not care if you get ripped off paying for a service that other reputable companies that offer quality, great service and a REASONABLE price can do. There are a lot of seniors living here who don’t have money to burn but being overcharged for services seems to be the norm here.

A/C Unit Evaporator coil leaking?? It is possible, It is usually repairable or It is replaceable. Without knowing what kind of system you have is really difficult to estimate. You said something about a heat pump system?? Is that what you have now?? I have a gas furnace for heat and there is a A/C evaporator coil inside for cooling. The blower is used for both A/C and Heat. I really don't like heat pump systems. It is just reversing the A/C system to make the evaporator a condenser and the condenser then becomes your evaporator. Like many others stated get a second or third opinion. I know its a pain getting contractors in but you could save a great deal of money and get a learning experience by asking lots of questions. Being a smart consumer is always best.

My husband who used to be in the air conditioning business says that it's possible to let that coil can last up to 20 years, I would get a second opinion, as far as the two brand names carrier or trane... Both of them are good brands, he said that is not an unreasonable price to replace a system.his question is is that the entire system indoor and outdoor? Does it include the indoor furnace and the outside condenser?

Maybe replace the leaking coil .Most contractors are happy to sell new ac and furnace , have had friends say they paid 8-9000.00 for it.