Your condenser uses R22 refrigerant which is being phased out and has become very expensive. That and the fact you plan to be in the house another 3-5 years makes the decision for a new system easier.

If you have the funds I suggest you replace the air handler and condenser (heat pump). You should be able to get nice system for less than $10,000 if you have concerns about investing a lot a money into a house you don't plan to be in long term.

Most often I repair these kinds of units when home owner tells me the plan of 3 to 5 years or less of living at a particular residence.

Sure there are risks in further breakage, but a new system is not without risk either. A new entry level system break even is around 10 year mark, you won't make anything off of it on a home sale... it will merely help you sell the home to one degree or another.

If you live there 5 more years then sell, once ownership of the home changes the warranty on the system you buy reverts to the 5 year standard warranty. It's always better for the new home owner to install a system to their liking.

Under this sort of premise it's a toss up as to whether to repair vs. replace. If the leak is in fact in the outdoor unit this will complicate repairs because replacement condenser coils are very expensive and in the realm of American Standard or Trane they are aluminum spiny fin coil. It's typically not worth trying to repair them / can be difficult in many cases.

You can't buy a new R22 condenser, so it means a refrigerant conversion would have to be performed. That requires skill. Much of which is lacking in the HVAC field for some time.

This is a complicated repair. It can be done, provided the right skill set required is found.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

Replace the entire system. Prices are very regional but $10,000-$12,000 is an awful lot of money for anything other that a top of the line system with all the bells and whistles. Get more estimates. They should start at around $5000 and up.

replace complete system and include var speed air handler...minimum efficiencies 15-16 SEER, 13 EER, 9+ HSPF...for your location, I would insist on on HP condenser with EDD, electronic demand defrost...

IMO

Replace complete system with V/S air handler, V/S air conditioner, humidifier, and dynamic air cleaner and still be under $8K.

Get three estimates on Good, Better, Best equipment.

Search for manufacturer rebates.

Search for electric and gas rebates on furnace, A/C and thermostat.

In most cases, the $$$ you spend on the best energy efficient system will repay you sooner.

You all are recommending high end equipment for someone who plans to stay here for 3 to 5 years. It will be a waste of money. It simply doesn't pay you to do it. It would be different if the OP was staying here at least another 10 to 15 years. Otherwise it's not worth putting this kind of money into a home you're not staying at.

Any option has to make economical sense when home owner isn't staying.

What is the house worth? 150k or less: forget about it, repair it.

250k - replace with entry level system. It could help you sell the property - that's the only reason.

300K or above: borderline from entry level to mid grade system.

400k or above: you may take a hit in this range if the AC system isn't 'all that' at the time of sale. There are fewer buyers and typically the buyers are better educated.

PS: The energy you save in 3 to 5 years of living there will not amount to much. This greatly depends on how efficient or inefficient your current system is /was.

There are very few homes in my area <400k. A 3-car garage is just as important as a high end HVAC system.

Wealthy people did not become wealthy by throwing money away.

An air conditioner (ANY) in my area 'should' drop temperature 20 degrees from that of the incoming temperature from the return.

This is achieved by proper system design and installation of the equipment, not the brand name that is plastered to the side of the unit.

If an air conditioner is performing as it should, you can not tell what brand it is without looking at it. Can you?

No one has mentioned a brand on this posting. Not sure why you are bringing it into the discussion.

Variable speed equipment will save some operating costs. However the main reason you buy variable speed equipment is for comfort. I think there is some value in being more comfortable, but everyone has to make their own decision.

Variable speed can achieve a higher SEER rating which could qualify for a local utility rebate. The rebate helps offset the additional cost. A good contractor should present a few options and explain to the homeowner what he gets for the extra money.

You can buy a basic heat pump to heat and cool the house and not spend $10 - $12K. You can can also buy a variable speed air handler, variable heat pump with demand defrost, humidifier, and electronic air cleaner, but it is going to cost a lot more than $8K. I think in this case something in the middle would be appropriate.

I agree. Comfort is the ultimate goal in our house, and that can't be achieved with low end, single stage equipment.

Most contractors forget about asking the customer, "what would like to achieve?"

It is very common on this site for several folks to recommend the "best" technical solution, but you should also take into account the unique non-technical factors (climate, payoff time, etc.). I also find that many recommended solutions are tailored to be best for a specific climate. However, the best/most efficient heating system for Maine is probably not needed in Houston, and the best A/C system for Houston would be overkill in Maine.

With respect to payoff - My house in Texas has two 22+ year old Trane A/C units, and about six years ago the coil failed (leaked) in each one. I could have replaced the entire system, but chose to limp along with a coil replacement. That has turned out to be a good choice, but it could have just as easily been a bad choice if the compressor had failed shortly afterward. YMMV. I just keep setting aside funds for the eventual replacement.

Bruce