Should I replace 13 year HVAC?

7 years ago

I have 1 3 year old Lenox (Freon 22). The capacitor and outside fan Motor just broke. Costs around 1000$ to repair. The HVAC Technician says by the end of the year, no more Freon 22 will be sold so better to replace the whole unit. But the Unit is in a very good shape (with the exception of the above repair)and the two stage heater is an great shape. I feel it can work for another 4+ years. So should I repair and take chances or replace with a new one. This is the upstairs unit, no one is there using it (Empty nester)

Thank you

Featured Answer

PRO

Austin Air Companie

7 years ago

While you should start making plans to convert this system to R410a refrigerant via replacement (you can't convert from R22 to R410a using the same equipment).

If you don't have any refrigerant leaks now the system could very well last much longer.

Certainly if you develop a leak, the R22 Freon will cost more because of the phase out and production ban.

But the situation is complicated for you because this system is a low use system.

What kind of fan motor are they replacing? Is it a variable speed DC motor or what?

If it's a special motor thru Lennox the pricing could be right. Lennox, Carrier, Trane, American Standard brands are well known for charging high part prices for specialty parts.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

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Comments (9)

tigerdunes
7 years ago
the pricing is ridiculous...get another dealer involved...should be under $500....I would not make a decision to replace based on refrigerant, still many R22 systems in operation, I have two of them myself...

IMO
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mike_home
7 years ago
Get some more quotes. You can describe over the phone you need a new fan motor for your Lennox condenser and ask for a ballpark quote. I would do the repair for $500 and take you chances you will get another 5 years of life given the low usage.
tigerdunes
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
You can bet the fan motor is not var speed D.C. Type. Many condenser fan motors are generic across different HVAC brands. And capacitors are relatively cheap. Call around. Have your model number and serial number available. For this type repair assuming diagnosis is correct, you should be able to get an estimate over the phone.

good luck!....
PRO
Austin Air Companie
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The AC condenser is low end Lennox.

How do you know?

Even I am not that good of a psychic. Lennox made a bunch of 2 speed R22 units back in the day, that some certain models were really good units back in the day. These were NOT 'low end' units.

So just because the brand is something you don't like doesn't mean much Tiger.

No where does it say on this thread what unit the OP has. If it's not repaired properly it's even more prone to having other failures.

----------

R22 is only illegal to be produced, it's not illegal to be used in servicing older air conditioners provided all reclaiming rules are followed there is nothing preventing the repair of an R22 Freon system. Currently those in the reclaiming Freon industry believe there will be more than enough to serve the HVAC industry up through 2030. So while you should start considering replacement options, there is still plenty of time.

I service the Katy, Texas area. I work on all brands. I do not bash brands.... THEY ALL BREAK!
sktn77a
7 years ago
Call around and say your condenser fan motor isn't running. Tell them you're hoping it's just the capacitor (then they'll know you know a little about these things and will be less inclined to try to rip you off). Does the fan motor start running if you give it a "shove" with a stick? That's a good indication it's the capacitor, but it's not definitive.
Love Trees
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for all the responses. I called another contractor. He changed the capacitor and the unit is working. The earlier contractor, I think forgot to push the reset button after changing the capacitor and decided it was the fan motor.
kevinande
7 years ago
I am glad you got it fixed, hopefully for a reasonable price. Some of these folks just see dollar signs and mark up to ridiculous proportions, or just salesman disguised as technicians. Some of them even have the audacity to try and justify the prices. People should not have to take out loans or run up credit card debt to be comfortable, ridiculous.
George Herrin
7 years ago
I think replacement can be the best option as in new system, you won't have to spend much money in repairing and maintenance and it will last long and work properly.