A new system would cost considerably more than $2700, so if you are sure that the leak is in the outdoor unit, since you are financially tight now (aren't we all), then I see no issue with changing it out with an identical match, of course cleaning out the existing refrigerant lines, etc...

Is the indoor unit matched to the current condenser so that the outdoor unit replacement will be worthwhile?

1200 dollars for a accumulator changeout OUCHOLA dude that is expensive. Get two more prices minimum. That job goes for about 450 around here unless the unit is on the roof or something lol.

As far as I know both units are the same. They would have been installed by the builder. One thing I do know is that the home inspecition showed that the blower was installed "backwards" resulting in the duckwork having to make a u-turn. The inspector said that this was not a problem but would probably make the system less efficient.

The unit is on the ground sitting on concrete surrounded by nothing but gravel. I think he said something about the fact that the unit is old and not made anymore he had to track an accumulator down and it will take 2-3 weeks to get it.

I am not sure about this guy now, he charged us around $300 to add freon earlier this year and that seemed pricy at the time but he showed me his price list and it clearly says Refridgerant Adjustment Suggested list price $300.

This is what he wrote: (Unit low on freon) found both isolation valves leaking under caps. Leak lock caps. Adjust R-22 level 224/71@90 anb 7* Superheat.

I agree get more estimates on repair that repair price seems way up there to replace an accumalator, Its only a metal can with 2 pipe stubs, 2 joints to sweat recovery, evacuation and recharge. I think you can get it done cheeper.

Here is a link that might be useful: Goodman accumalators with pricing

Thanks for the website trane_tech. So according to that website the accumulator costs around $150, with a 100% markup ($300) plus the refrigerant reclaim and vacuum listed on his invoice as (suggested retail price $400) that equals $700, which would mean he is charging $600 for the labor? Am I correct that this is how I would break it down?

In general it sounds as if this guy is HIGH, and I don't mean just his prices.

Shop a bit. When calling ask them specifically: "How much to come out AND do x-y-z".

We had the same problem but due to the age of the unit decided to replace everything after charging it for two years (but only once each year) in a row. The costs averaged around $150 for 2-3 pounds including trip charge. Varies by location I'm sure.

R22 is around $30-35 a pound installed I believe. Add a trip charge (which s/b under $100 unless you are in Martha's Vineyard) and you should have your figure. Ask them to weigh the tank before and after charge to see how much was used.

Lots of unethical techs out there, hopefully an equal number of good ones too.

That is way overpriced.....we are having that done while we speak and it is costing $440 including tax, labor and Freon refill with a guarantee for the life of the unit!!

Call him back a year later and boo doo, doo, doo:

"We're sorry the number you have dialed has been disconnected and no longer in service. Please try a different number!"

#Sounds too good to be true...