HVAC system is leaking coolant

[Lauren Daly]

My HVAC system is leaking coolant in the property I'm currently living in, but will be renting out next year. The unit is a "luxury" condo associated with a country club-- generally an "A" property. Several other units in our building are rented by doctors in residency at the local hospitals. I'm planning on owning this property for at least 5 years because I know it will cash flow and the area is getting very popular because the building is on a lake. The HVAC guy gave me a few options:

1) Bare Bones $5000 - It will keep the place cool for roughly 8 years

2) "Old Reliable" $7,500 - It cools, and is known for 15+ year life and a 10 year warranty

3) Bells & Whistles $10,000 - High efficiency (we won't pay the electricity on this place), Variable speed comfort (it basically can adjust how much air it blows so that your house is at a constant temperature), can be connected with the "smart home" system so I can change the temperature or lock/unlock the door from my smartphone, have security cameras, connect the smoke detector etc. Smart home is $1000 more to install.

Should I spring for the Bells & Whistles (would a tenant even pay for that)? Is it worth it to upgrade from bare bones to something reliable? Or should I just get the one that cools the place and replace if I still have the place in 8 years?

Any advice here would help!

[Account Closed]

Its leaking refrigerant, why replace everything? . Tell the guy to recover the refrigerant, find and repair the leak, then properly vac and charge the system. Most likely is leaking at evaporator or service valves. Make sure he is EPA 608 licensed.