13 years isn't old for an air handler. If I was told my expansion valve required replacement,I would first make certain tech knew e-x-a-c-t-l-y what he's talking about. There are other problems with similar symptoms that occur far more often than valve failure. Getting to your question. No,I would not replace the handler unless there's reason to. Ordinarily, labor to replace handler is easily 3 times labor for expansion valve alone.

Thanks KLEM1. The unit cools ok except in 90+ temp then the thermostat setting and thermometer are 7-8 degrees different. Tech making the tests seems to know his business.

Well if the tech know's his business AND is honest,you should follow his advice.

Hi, We have airhandlers in our high rise/condo building. 2 years ago, we got a new system and have had problems constantly, spending money on other companies, because the one who installed ours failed many times; then that co. did not even come back to repair "because we didn't do some things" and now we are faced with a repair/replacement of $ 6,000. We have two quotes 1) for repairs , 2) for replacement. What bothers me is that in the replacement the main components ball valves/flash valves are also in the replacement quote. The difference is 1) one hydronic fan coil and cost for disposal, disconnectin, reconnection pipe fittings coil mounting basicall all the labor. Repair is $ 2,500, replacement $ 5,900. I just wonder, if the repair doesn't take care of our problems, mainly, there is no spigot to release water and the actuator is broken. Thank you. I am a girl and lost!

Hi Miss Hu-####### , as you can see from my reply to Bernard I'm well aware that inept and outright greedy contractors are abundant. How do you envision I might cause your contractor to be qualified and honest ?