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Updated about 6 years ago on . Most recent reply

HVAC repair or replace?
I'm trying to decide within the next day or so if I should repair or replace the hvac in my rental. Here's all the details...
-Townhome, 2 bed 2.5 bath 1600 sq ft. There are 2 HVAC units, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. The upstairs unit has stopped working.
-I've only owned the place for a month so I don't know HVAC history...intake filters were pathetically dirty
-The place is currently occupied by tenants, their 13 year old son occupies the bedroom upstairs
-it's April in north Alabama, not terribly hot but it is upstairs and temperatures are beginning to rise.
-Both hvac units are 12-13 years old, 1.5 ton Bryant original units that came with the home.
-Condenser fan motor is gone, $150 I can replace myself BUT I'm also low on freon, estimate about 4 pounds of R22. I've been told that the evaporator coil is usually the culprit for freon leaks about 85% of the time, that's a $600-$900 repair plus about $200 in freon. All in all I'm looking at a $950-$1250 repair in a 13 year old unit. One of the hvac guys also mentioned that compressor may fail soon as well because it's not holding pressure quite like it should.
-I've been quoted $3900 for an Airtemp 1.5 ton system and $4500 for a Rheem 2 ton system. Hvac guy mentioned he thought the airtemp was a solid unit, didn't breakdown any more than other brands. I'm gonna get 2 more quotes today.
-I don't pay utilities
-Prices on new hvac will likely go up next month, its the off season still
What would you do? Repair or replace? If replace, then replace with cheaper unit? I don't pay utilities in this thing and I'd like to keep costs low, especially since the currently working unit is the same age.
Most Popular Reply

Replace and have peace of mind for the next decade.