Have to replace an a/c unit in a rental - suggestions?

[Steve S.]

The unit is two story and has 2 a/c units.

Total size is about 2,500 sq ft. Downstairs unit won't cool below 80 degrees. About 1250 sq ft on first floor.

Any cost effective recommendations?

[Steve S.]

Originally posted by @Justin Yocom:

I'm unsure of the prices in Texas but it sounds like you may be low on coolant. If this is the case you would want to decipher how long it has been since the last time you have gassed it up. If it has been years than you may be better off just gassing it back up but if it has been a short amount I would call a professional as you most likely have a strong leak. R22 is running nearly a grand a can in Tennessee so I would assume the cost is close in Texas.

 The unit is from 1998 so it's certainly on its last legs.  Assuming that's about the price, I'm probably looking at a full replacement so I'm guessing at least a 14 SEER 2.5 ton unit and probably about $5,000.  I'm going to try to get a guy out there tomorrow to look at it since the tenants said they can't get it to below 80 degrees in the home.