AC Unit Replacement Too Costly & Seeking Alternative Solutions?

[Nick L.]

The AC unit and damper system in my rental property just went out yesterday and my property management company is proposing a fix of ~$5k to replace the AC and ~3k to replace the dampers using their trusted contractor. I'm planning to ask my pm to see if they can get a 2nd opinion but as I know most professional pm companies are usually reluctant to go out of their way to do so seeing how they've got processes already in place and insider ties to their contractor they use. Just wanted to see whats the fastest most efficient way to go about handling this as I want to try my best not to delay and upset the tenant as well especially in this Texas heat!

Also as a side note, the damper system did go down before some time about 6 months ago but I had the PM use a temporary workaround by forcing the dampers open since the 3k to replace them sounded a little too costly at the time being. Not sure if tahts what caused the AC unit to work harder all this time eventaully leading to its demise.

Also not sure if it helps but the PM has informed me they have sent portable AC's to the property as a temporary fix until I make a decision although I'm not sure how much time I can sit on this.