15-year-old AC: Replace compressor or whole unit? $15K quote fair?

GlitterPanda92

Hey dads,

I’m wrestling with an HVAC issue that’s been weighing on me. There’s a drain problem, for starters, that’s causing the pan under the AC to fill up. We had a tech come out to look at it, and while he was here he noticed the unit outside sounding strange. He checked how many amps it was pulling and it’s pulling 22 when it should be 13. He said this is a sign that the compressor is failing.

Some facts: the unit is about 15 years old and it’s a 2.5‑ton unit.

My question is what should I do? Do I replace the compressor and put off buying the whole unit, or is it more prudent to just buy a whole new unit because of the age of the unit?

My other question is what should it cost; they quoted me basically $15 K for a I think 14‑SEER unit with warranty for 10 years. Is this reasonable? I have so many questions and I feel like it’s a very complex question. What say?you HVAC guys?

NewGameFlox

Honestly, I’m feeling that this price is way higher than what a 14‑seer should cost once it’s installed. To me, a range closer to 10‑12 feels far more reasonable. I’m reminding myself not to hesitate call around and collect as many quotes as possible.

VelcroViking

Yeah, you should get a couple more quotes. It might cost a bit extra depending on your exact locale or where the unit’s located. I’d start with just the compressor. The board could go bad later, or maybe a valve, but in my opinion it’s worth swapping out the parts.

Stardustslum

Why build an entire new unit?
Compressor, done still get a second opinion.

FrozenWildcard

Honestly, 14 k is a little high for 14 SEER, but the cost might be due to code updates and stuff. I'd definitely get rid of the supply and return plenums since they're duct board. But if you have questions or need a quote reviewed or a diagnosis reviewed etc. just DM me. I manage an HVAC shop and used to be a tech. Don't mind helping.

Darkstorming

The compressor is usually the biggest part of the cost. We paid $3,000 for an AC unit, and a year later the compressor failed; they quoted $2,300 for a replacement compressor.

StellarWhimsy

If you can nurse that unit a little longer awesome, that’s great.

A brand‑new compressor will set you back about $2‑3 K.

If your system is under 5 years old, swapping in a new compressor totally makes sense. At 15 years, a full replacement is the smarter move.

A full‑size 3‑ton mid‑range Goodman unit with a SEER rating of 16‑18 will run you roughly $7 K.

And remember, these numbers can shift depending on your local economy.