Replace entire A/C unit or only A-Coil.

[Carolina E.]

I have a single family house that is missing the A-Coil/Evaporator.  I called an a/c tech and, over the phone, said I should just replace the entire unit.  I am not sure if the condenser/compressor works.  It looks like it may be 10 years old.  I am not sure why the a-coil is missing, but should I have the condenser tested and see if it works and just install the parts I need?  Or replace the entire thing?  He also told me that the refrigerant it changing to a different type and better to just replace the whole system.  Thoughts?

[Sergio Garcia]

Honestly  if it's 10 years old I would replace it if you have to spend $1000 to fix it.I had to replace an entire system which failed at 14 years. Didn't make sense to repair when the cost of the newer unit was the way to go.

Shop around...I don't use the big AC outfits to service my AC units. They have lots of over head which you will pay for.

The manufacturer warranty on AC units are usually 1 year labor, 5 years on parts.

Good Luck