A new compressor will not make the unit more energy efficient, except if the system was running more than expected, etc. because the old one was failing. Compressors are replaced all the time -- I doubt that there is anything inherently part of a SubZero that would make it more of a problem! If you were thinking of remodeling or buying a new fridge fairly soon, this may be the time. OTOH -- if you are happy with your kitchen and fridge, you sure can't buy a new SZ for $700!

Wow! I am so glad I found this thread. I was just quoted $1100 to replace the compressor in my Trane unit outside at ground level. He said the compressor was under warranty, but the filters, freon and labor are $1100. I knew that sounded high so I told him I would think about it and get back to him. Can anyone tell me if his diagnosis was valid: The unit is cooling but not very well. The freon is full. He hooked up his gauges, closed the liquid line valves and found the pressure would not drop below 30 lbs. He says that indicates the seals in the compressor are leaking internally. The normal pressures were: Liquid: 195-200 lbs. Sug: 95-100 lbs. Does this sound legit? He said the pressure should have gone down near 0 instead of hanging at 30. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

There's alot of profit,labor & overhead built into these options. For a rental-unit you might think about one of the less expensive brands that every manufacturer has, and also consider other installers - Heil, Payne, Goodman, etc all make a decent product with a decent parts warranty period - ten years is common. R22 complete systems can be had on ebay for $1500 delivered, R-410 isn't much more expensive - and the labor to install one will be whatever you'll pay - personally, I'd think $500~ish if you're resourceful and negotiate well. Although there is always a problem or difficulty on an install, 95% of them are done in ONE day - How much do YOU make in a day? No need to pay the HVAC guys like they are rock stars. I doubt you'ld be pleased to pay $2200 for a mismatched condenser & labor, and then realize you have a marginal, mismatched and un-warrantied system, and you've paid (conservatively) $250 PER HOUR for the labor to install it. I'll eat my shoe if a condenser-only replacement takes more than 4 hours. Likely TWO hours if they cut some corners. As for R-22, it is going away, but it's still being manufactured for NINE more years. There isn't a huge tax on it like R12 had, and it's WIDELY used, both commercially and in residential situations. Right now, many Hvac guys charge $100 for the first pound of freon - their cost is closer to $10 - this is just taking advantage of consumers that don't know how much it really costs. It isn't rare or difficult to procure, but they charge alot because consumers allow them to.

Well, he should have checked it when he did the repair the first time. Like something couldn't have happened to it since the compressor likely shorted to ground? You only know what you know, the rest is guessing. But guessing and Monday morning Quarterbacking is so much FUN! (Don't quit your day job) The TXV the tech is likely talking about is in the condenser itself most likely as this is a heat pump. The other TXV is on the indoor coil used during cooling mode only. If the TXV on the condenser is shot, then that requires you to pull out all the refrigerant again. Put that refrigerant in a tank and reuse it they say.... If you're stupid and like changing compressors all the time go for it... that's likely the reason you have a bad compressor in the first place. (foolish practices) The refrigerant gets contaminated turns acidic and viola you have a repairman's dream of repeatable repairs the customer pays for. Usually this takes about a year to complete just outside any labor warranty. With that said, it is 'very' uncommon for a compressor to fail 'in warranty' period. If things aren't done properly this will keep occurring. (In fact it's fairly uncommon for a compressor to fail *OUTSIDE* of warranty period... if you're a AC Repair Specialist like me --- because I am paid to fix it. Now find and tweak your definition of 'fix') Sure anything can happen. I've had repairs to older systems where the compressor lasted an additional day, month etc. So anything can happen. But when you follow 'proper' procedures -- failure is much less likely. OH BUT I WANT THE CHEAP FIX?... I can't help you with that, I would have to lower my standards. New condenser only not done properly - same result. New system (properly matched) not done properly - same result. So what does 'Done Properly' mean? That is the $1500 question. Clearly what you got the first time, likely was not proper. Choose Bryant they said, it's the sister company of Carrier with cheaper prices and the equipment is the same. LOL. Now they tell you that if you go with replacement you need to change out the air handler again too? What's the purpose of the part warranty? I service the Katy, Texas area.