>>> Our AC died two days ago. I am replacing the AC unit this weekend. I have 3.5 TON unit. The best quote I got is $2200 for new 3.5 TON unit (converting to 410a), new coil, new pipes (from teh coil to the unit), some duct work, 5 years warranty on the unit and 2 on labor.... Mick: Where do you live? $2200 for a 3.5t unit is a decent price for a low-end system. What brand and model # did they quote? It's hard to compare prices unless you are positive it is apples-apples and then even regional pricing are different (don't ask me how that's fair). Tarek: The quote above for ~$2400 is around what I was getting quoted this year to replace the coil in my 2.5t gas/electric packaged unit located on the roof. Replacement units ran anywhere from mid $3k to $10k for approximately the same level systems (Ranging from 3-3.5ton, 13-15seer, and 45-70k btuh on heating input). The Home Warranty can sometimes screw over the homeowner, other times not as bad. Sometimes the contractors are held (read: encouraged) to keep costs very low to keep business coming their way. So they are paid pennies for the covered part of the installation and they must recoup the cost somewhere. So it comes out in higher non-covered charges for installation.

Yeah that's R22 and while that is a builder grade Trane unit that is probably out of warranty by now... typically those were sold with 5 year parts warranty. Because R22 Freon was already obsolete by 2013. With that said, this condenser 'could' last another 10 years, provided the coil repair work is done appropriately. The replacement coil needs to be a coil suitable for R22 / any coil can be retro fitted to work, but skill is required in choosing the coil. Typically home warranty companies are known for tom foolery. If the condenser was a dry condenser (nitrogen gas) it would say it was on the data plate in some manner. That's the down side in anything Trane or American Standard because they were one of the last manufacture's to switch over to R410a refrigerant. The R22 conundrum only effects you if there is a leak... otherwise it doesn't matter much. While the cost for it will only go up now that production has ceased, it's serviceable life is still around another 10 years or so. Without United Technologies Corporation heavy investment in R410a AC equipment development we would be no where near where we are today. R410a equipment has been available now for almost 20 years if you can imagine that.

Does this happen sometimes or all the time? Depending on the size of unit,the type of metering device, the outside temperature, does it have a receiver, what temperature you have the unit set at,it can take up to 10 minutes to totally equalize. I personally don't like the answer they gave you. Perhaps they didn't feel like explaining the scenario's. Just because it's cooling doesn't necessarily mean there's no air in the system. With a cap tube metering device that would hold true for the most part. If there is air in there, you can bet you will know in short order because you will have a burn out or, as it gets consistently hotter, you will notice less cooling. If they properly evacuated the system and added filter/dryers I wouldn't be concerned.

First has made the same products for many years. You can probably buy a new pan from them. If they won't sell to you, make sure they have a pan available, then find a distributor willing to sell to you. Many local suppliers have bought from first over the years. First may have discontinued the product, but the replacement product may be the same size. You need to ask them if this happens. Pans can be made by a local sheetmetal shop. In the past they would have cost less than $50. I have not had the need for a replacement pan in more than 10 years, so prices are not current. Depending on where you live in Dallas, the prices for service can vary. Park Cities pay more for service. Frisco pays more. The company makes indoor coils and air handlers for York. It is a large company that has proved helpfull to me in the past. Before you call them know the model of the coil if possible, and the dimmensions of the pan. I saw a repair kit at a local supply store. I have used epoxy on evaporative coolers in the past, but never on an AC pan. The repairs I made were on the roof. Leaks would only reduce efficiency of the cooler. I recently saw a repair made on a tub with exoxy. It looks strong 2 months later. I would not normally consider this type of repair, but the customer was willing. I have gone back several times to fix problems at that house.