Author Topic: HVAC question - repair or replace?  (Read 1313 times)

Dave1442397

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HVAC question - repair or replace?
« on: July 24, 2018, 06:49:42 PM »
So my AC is crapping out on me today. It was inspected a couple of months ago, and the AC guy thought the coil might be leaking, and he said it would cost around $1200 to replace.

This is a standard (for the Northeast) furnace/AC unit in the basement. It's a Carrier unit that we had installed in 2001. The house is approx 3400 sq ft.

The AC guys are coming to look at it tomorrow, and if it is the coil that needs replacing, I'm wondering if I should spend $1200 on a 17-yr-old furnace, or just replace it? Any thoughts?

swiper

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Re: HVAC question - repair or replace?
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2018, 10:02:25 PM »
I'd go new essentially in a similar boat; but for me the "reconnect" cost is $800 vs buying a new unit.

lthenderson

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Re: HVAC question - repair or replace?
« Reply #2 on: July 25, 2018, 07:24:25 AM »
To make an informed decision, I would need to know the cost to replace the furnace and how long you plan to live in this house.

Dave1442397

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Re: HVAC question - repair or replace?
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2018, 05:08:09 AM »
It turned out to be a blown capacitor, and we only paid $65 to get it fixed. Hopefully, I'll get a few more years out of it.

FIKris

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Re: HVAC question - repair or replace?
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2018, 10:18:47 PM »
Energy efficiency of AC systems has improved enormously since 2001.    Chances are you'll save a lot of money on AC bills.    I vote replace.