Recharging my Freon, How much could it possibly cost?

[gonelifting]

My home AC unit was`nt coming out cool, so I called the AC guy to (what I thought) fill it with Freon. He said the whole AC compressor unit has to be changed for $1800 or $2100 depending on which efficiency I choose.

Damn, I thought I was gonna pay $75 or $100, now I get a $2000 bill! I blame the changeover on EF, since then, nothing seems the same.

I get contractor prices from a warehouse, so I`ll price it out first and maybe get someone to install it. It`s only a 1.5 ton unit.

ONE QUESTION, Is it absolutely neccessary to replace BOTH units, outside AC and inside (attic) air handler/w heat at the same time?

thanks

 

[Y_lifter]

Outside unit and Inside unit are separate, yet connected. including the freon line.

If one is broke and the other OK, only the broken one need replaced
If they did a pressure check on the air handler/ducts and they are leaking
or not working well, you should or must replace it or you will be wasting money. Replace the outside unit only, cold/warm air will just blow into your attic or not
blow at all or whatever..

 

[gonelifting]

Outside unit and Inside unit are separate, yet connected. including the freon line.

If one is broke and the other OK, only the broken one need replaced
If they did a pressure check on the air handler/ducts and they are leaking
or not working well, you should or must replace it or you will be wasting money. Replace the outside unit only, cold/warm air will just blow into your attic or not
blow at all or whatever..

Thanks a lot Y_L, It`s just the outside unit. Everything works AND the Freon is still in there but the gaugues told the guy the compressor was`nt letting the Freon flow though.

I`m glad it`s just the outside unit. I thought I heard to replace both if one goes bad. Does`nt matter at this point. I`ll just replace the outside. Not into crawling around in the attic. lol

 

[Y_lifter]

You may need the freon lines that go into the air handler replaced only.
That's Possible..

Basically the air handler is nothing but a fan in a box with the freon line
going thru a grid like thing that the air blows over to cool it down..And a water drain

Our inside unit had to be replaced because it was so old that they could not mate
up new freon lines to it that were leaking..

 

[gonelifting]

You may need the freon lines that go into the air handler replaced only.
That's Possible..

Basically the air handler is nothing but a fan in a box with the freon line
going thru a grid like thing that the air blows over to cool it down..And a water drain

Our inside unit had to be replaced because it was so old that they could not mate
up new freon lines to it that were leaking..

When you say "replace freon lines" Do you mean physically take them out and install new ones from the outside compressor to the air handler in the attic? That would be a huge undertaking. I`m assuming if they are bad or overly kinked they would need replacing.

Maybe I`ll get another guy to look at it and see what he says. Also, I just looked at my power company`s Rebate program, $550 for AC unit and $650 for heating. Wow, that`s a lot! I may just replace the inside unit at the same time for a higher efficiency one anyway, the package price for both units combined with these rebates might be a very good price. $1200 OFF!

I have another High Efficiency unit (for my first floor) that I already got a rebate for, so I know it`s not a scam.

 

[Y_lifter]

YES.. Depends on where the leak is and how old/bad they are..
Replacing them totally usually involved concrete work so lets hope the
leak is inside the handler and they can just solder it or add a new coil on..

I would definit get a 2nd opin on what needs done above the compressor replacement
as you can do that yourself cheaper of have someone install it after you buy it..

 

[gonelifting]

YES.. Depends on where the leak is and how old/bad they are..
Replacing them totally usually involved concrete work so lets hope the
leak is inside the handler and they can just solder it or add a new coil on..

I would definit get a 2nd opin on what needs done above the compressor replacement
as you can do that yourself cheaper of have someone install it after you buy it..

Oh SHHH, I`m sorry, I will explain myself better. I just ASSumed I needed freon (thread title messed you up I know) because all of a sudden the air coming out of my registers was not cool at all, it was just room temperature. So I called the guy to fill the freon or check for leaks. Upon checking he said "The gauges tell me you have no leaks and the freon is good, BUT the freon is NOT circulating through the system." He pointed to how he can tell by the gauges, but I did`nt really follow him. He said the compressor outside has to be replaced so the freon can circulate. =$2000

I`ve been looking online and found a few prices, but like I said my buddy gets contractor prices at a wholesale place and I`ll look there. PLUS the $550 rebate for cooling and $650 for Heating from my power company are GREAT incentives. I`ll see what the package costs.

Bottom line is the change right outside, it looks pretty simple just the copper pipes that need to be attatched. I did the electric (fusable diconnect and connections) myself anyway. How much can someone possibly charge me for soldering the pipes on there and prepping for turn on? That would be my best route.

Thanks again, sorry for the confusion. lol