My Home A/C stopped working, looking for prices?

Question

ok the central air unit inside the house still seems to work properly, air will blow out of the vents, its just not cold. the outside unit isn't doing anything. i checked all of the breakers in the breaker box and the one outside connected to the outside unit but none of them are tripped. maybe its just the fan motor but even if that is it, the air was never really cold to begin with so it may need a recharge of gas or a replacement of the compressor as well. lets just assume the whole thing is junk, (worst case scenario) how much does one of those outside units cost? every website i visit says i have to call someone to get pricing, i just want to be able to compare brands, models, and of course the price and i dont want to call around to 20 different places to get the answer. please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

I just happen to have been in charge of 2 houses whose air conditioning did this exact same thing- blew air fine, but it was not cold. Before you get excited and think you have to replace the whole unit- call an a/c repair person! I was afraid too- the whole rip off scenario- and BOTH houses had the same problem- it was a "capacitor" which helps change the amount of electricity that goes to the cooling mechanism, and thus allows it to turn on. I got both units repaired, including parts and service call, one in CA and one in MO - each for about $100. I thought the units were trashed too. If you are concerned about the reputation of the a/c repair company- get a recommendation from a friend or someone that manages property etc. GL

Answer 2

Depending on the size, I was just quoted a price of between 4500-6500 for a 3.5 ton system. (42000BTU). This unit included replacing everything with the air. The "N" coil, thermostat, and the compressor unit, and run new lines. This unit would have the new R410a. Since in 2010 DuPont is suppose to stop making the R-22. So you know the price of the 22 will go sky high.
As for myself, I just replaced the "N" coil and had the system recharged. They wouldn't just add freon without repairing the leak.

Answer 3

It will depend on where you live, what SEER rating you choose, what size you need, what brand you select, etc.

As far as R22 vs R410a: the 410 units will be more expensive to install.
To reply to a previous answer about 22, AC manufacturers will stop producing new equipment containing 22 in 2010. Freon manufacturers can produce 22 until 2020. So 22 supply will be available for service, as AC units typically last 15 years.
To give you some idea of cost:
I sell Westinghouse equipment in Ohio.
A 3 ton 13 SEER R22 Air Conditioner with a new evaporator coil (located with furnace), new freon lines, etc. usually runs about $3000.

One last comment regarding the $700 AC: Remember, you get what you pay for...

Answer 4

any quotes under $2500 would make me worry about what I was buying. Remember that the more efficient the unit is the cheaper it will be over time.

I would not get anything under a 15 seer because if you don't you will end up paying for the unit a couple times through outrageous electric bills.

If you have the money to spend, get a geothermal unit. It will end up paying for itself since it uses so little electricity. It will cost you about $7,000.

As far as actual costs go, you have to call around. No one posts installed prices and the manufacturers do not list unit costs because they deal directly with the installers.

Answer 5

in case you have a gas furnace then no. in case you have a warmth pump then definite. not understanding how previous this unit is maximum compressors carry a min 5 365 days and greater present day equipment carry a 10 365 days. With that being suggested, If something of the equipment is in reliable shape i could have somebody quote changing purely the compressor. interior the compressor quote you ought to work out, compressor, contactor (they could desire to replace this area for guarantee objective on new compressor), a drier, and new refrigerate. Then consistent with that quote you would be able to make your greater suited determination from the place to circulate. If the full equipment is under or around 8 years previous i could replace the compressor. Now in case you dont have a warmth pump, and it basically ac then definite you would be able to desire to attend until next 365 days. basically submit to in concepts the quoted cost you get on the instant can't be an identical cost next 365 days.

Answer 6

okay, best case senario, it could be that its out of air refrigerant gas or whatever its called. that could explain why air comes out but its not cold

we recently found a guy whom charged us $700 bucks and that included a whole new outside unit and labor. which is actually pretty cheap, look around ask people whom work in that area.

but usually those systems + labor is $1,000 +

good luck