HVAC issue, opinions and recommendation

[Jinwon H.]

I have a property in Lillington, NC, close to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg area that's managed through a property manager.

I'm currently living in Atlanta, GA.

The house is only 6 years old, so is the HVAC system. 

The heating failed last winter, the property manager called the service, and the service filled up the freon and the heating worked fine.

Then the heating failed again yesterday, and now they are recommending me to replace the unit and got quoted for $5228. The note says

"Existing seven year old system has failed due to major refrigerant leak in the indoor heat pump coil (unrepairable), and the outdoor unit compressor has failed also because of this we recommend replacement of the outdoor unit and the matching air handler unit in the house."

I'd like to get a second opinion if this is the right action, and I'd also like to get a recommendation for a reliable HVAC service in Fort Bragg/Fayetteville/Lillington area.  

Thanks in advance!

[Scott A Moore]

@Jinwon H. 

As an HVAC technician, I find it unlikely that the compressor has failed due to a leak in the evaporator coil. I find it more likely that they can’t/don’t want to/don’t know how to repair/replace the evap coil and want to make a few Benjamin's by replacing the entire system.

That being said, burnouts do happen, even on newer equipment. From the description though, I’d say it isn’t burned out. The leak may be too big to pressurize the system so the compressor won’t run... Of course I’m just speculating here. 

If it were in my neck of the woods, I’d check it out for you. For free... Just for kicks :) That not being the case, I’d recommend reaching out to at least one (maybe two) other companies for an evaluation. You will have to pay for the service in most cases but if I’m right, you will save thousands.

Best of luck to you.