Any HVAC Techs Here?

[Mike69]

My evaporator coil has a big leak in my home. System is only 9 years old and I basically have 3 options. It is a Grandaire system and still using R22 refrigerant.

1. Replace the coil only and recharge with R22 alternative refrigerant. ($1000-$1200)
2. Replace the air handler with Goodman, charge with R22 alternative refrigerant and replace the condenser down the road when needed and switch to 410A. ($1800-$2300)
3. Replace the entire system with a new one (Goodman or Amana) with a 410A system. ($4300-$5700)

I've received 2 bids so far from recommended contractors. Both quoted me about the same price on a Goodman 3.5 ton, 14 seer system completed installed which was about $4300. Also got a quote for an Amana 3.5 ton, 16 seer system with lifetime warranty on the compressor for $5700. I do plan on keeping my house for a long time. Plans are to turn it into a rental property down the road so want something that will hopefully last a long time not like the one I have now. If I just replace the coil I will get a 1 year warranty on it. If I replace the air handler I get a 5 year warranty. If I replace the whole system I get a 10 year warranty.

What do you guys recommend? Just replace the coil only, replace the air handler or replace the whole system with the new 410A?

[Mike69]

Update: Option 1 is no longer an option. Cost of the coil was too high since it would have to be special ordered. So either replace the air handler or the whole system.

[black2002ls]

If you are planning to keep the house, and turn it into a rental, do the entire system to get the 10 year warranty. You should see a decrease in utility bills as well with the more efficient system

[GrayStangGT]

You can buy R22 a lot cheaper on ebay and order the gauges on amazon to charge it yourself.

[ceyko]

Option 3 on older (yours is getting there) systems is always preferred if you can afford it. Although I'd expect a better life out of these systems, this is TX and I learned not to f around.

[Mike69]

Old buddy of mine told me he would do a Rheem 3.5 ton, 14 seer complete system for $3400 out the door. I'm sure it's not some fancy system but the price seems really fair. Said he can do the 16 seer for $4400 if I want to go that route.

[Rick Modena]

I have a 16 SEER and it fucking rocks! My electric bill is never over $150.xx per month. I keep it 72* in the day and 68* at night all summer long.

[GrayStangGT]

Old buddy of mine told me he would do a Rheem 3.5 ton, 14 seer complete system for $3400 out the door. I'm sure it's not some fancy system but the price seems really fair. Said he can do the 16 seer for $4400 if I want to go that route.

Sounds like the route to go. I spent 10k when I replaced my system and vents.