Should I pay to replace my compressor in my 12 year old heat pump?

Question

I have a 3 ton unit and the compressor burnt up somehow. If he tells me the high shelf price will be about 1200 dollars to replace the compressor (that's parts and labor), should I just bite the bullet and buy a whole new system? What's the average life of a heat pump?

I'd like to add that our house is about 1200 square feet, and my repair guy said my unit could do with two more vents (I asked if I could add vents to our garage-turned dining room).

The price he quoted me for a brand new heat pump with a lifetime warranty was $2900 installed.

So, right now, my options are to go with a new compressor for 1200 (plus a 1 year warranty) or a brand new heat pump with a lifetime warranty for 2900.

Answer 1

Definitely replace the entire system - inside coil/air handler also. It's at the end if its' life expectancy anyway.

Remember, a heat pump runs all year around, so it has a tougher life than a straight A/C unit. A 12 year old heat pump's efficiency is probably around 10-12 SEER, the other parts are the same age so failure is more prone. Plus if the compressor is burnt, it may have contaminated the entire system. When replacing a burnt heat pump compressor, the reversing valve should be replaced also and if your contractor doesn't have that in his price, you're looking for trouble. It will be the next thing to go bad.
A contractor's cost of a new heat pump condensing unit (a good reputable brand) is about $1200.00, a variable speed air handler about $700.00, non-variable about $300.00.
You will be guaranteed an efficiency of at least 13 SEER plus most brands have a 10 year compressor warranty and 5 years on all other parts.
Scrape the money up and get the whole new system. You will regret wasting money on a new compressor on an old unit with only a 1 year warranty on it.
Plus your electric bill should be much better.

Answer 2

12 years is not too bad, but not great for a compressor, and you could probably count on at least that long for the replacement.

However, 3 ton is not a terribly large unit. Is it possible that it is undersized, and burned out trying to heat/cool a home too big for it? Maybe a larger unit would be a better size. If so, it would last longer and be more efficient to operate. A good heating a/c contractor could tell you the proper size for your home and climate. Get 3-4 opinions.

Answer 3

While you are probably near what would be considered the life cycle for a HVAC unit, you have to decide if the extra money required for a complete replacement makes sense. Also, remember if you are trying to get a gain in efficiency, you will probably have to replace the inside coils as well, which will double the costs of a new system.

Answer 4

Anything that is that old there is a chance that if they replace parts it will still not work. You are better off purchasing a new one that is more energy efficient, it will save you money in the long term and you may be able to get a rebate from your energy company.

Answer 5

$1200 hundred should get you a entierly new condenser, not just the compressor. But, keep in mind they will be responsible for reclaimiming thr freon, not something an average homeowner can do.

Answer 6

Oh crap, the inside coils won't have to be changed if they aren't damaged. I would definitely go with the new one. So many innovations have made the old unit obsolete.