If you can't get a new compressor, I'd replace the air conditioner and indoor matching coil (needs to be replaced with the 13 SEER switchover) to get a warranted, matched system.

I hate it when I hear a compressor has been condemned. Not to say that compressors don't go bad but 9 times out of 10 when I'm called for a second opinion on a condemned compressor, I find it is something else.

With that said, and the compressor has indeed shorted out, it may be what is referred to as a burn out. If that is the case you are better off just going ahead and following ryanhughes advice. The burnout produces acids that require extensive work (with return trips) to correct and if not done precisely, will cause the new compressor to do the same thing.

The last post is definitely on the money, many compressors are replaced needlessly. Mon a homeowner had been told his compressor was burt out and a new one was needed. was also told condensing unit was junk and fan motor burnt out waa advised to replace whole unit. We were called because the company quoted him a whopping price, 3500 for the job. Checked unit, fan motor was burnt out, checked compressor, compressor, windings checked ok. Unit was an older Lennox that used both a start and run capacitor. Both were bad, I learned later after repairing unit and talking to home owner that there had been a power outage in the are, a tranformer was located right behind house, apparantly some type surge had knocked the stuff out. A neighbor also had furnace trouble, the main control board was fried on his. We called the power co and they are investigating. So be very sure your compressor is bad before opting for a new one.

Hello,

Contact any expert engineer, and get your compressor repair, if it works well after service, then well and good, other wise change it. No other option.

Regards,
sarah_9

Here is a link that might be useful: AC Maintenance

Thank you all so much for for your input.
I was lucky the technician from the AC company that AHS was sending was on our street today and agreed to come in a day early and take a look and agreed that the compressor shorted and needs to be replaced ("run winding- starts then trips breaker, run winding reading 4.3chms"). I am waiting to see that AHS authorises it and when the installation might happen.

maryland_irisman how can you tell it's a "burn out"? If it is what steps need to be made to ensure that everything is corrected?

Thanks again!

The Technician would know, if he does an acid test, which he should do just to protect his recovery equipment. When he cracks the valve to do that, anyone standing around would smell a burnt sugar smell (the best way I can describe it).