I would get another opinion about the repair and cost. Generally, I think it’s a poor choice of resources to make an expensive repair on a system this old. Good Luck!

That seems high for a blower relay(?) If it's part of the motor then you're still only looking at a couple hundred (depending on the type of motor). The main reason to replace the entire unit is if you have a leak in the coil. Is this an air handler or a furnace and coil?

Split system Rheem, air handler

Is the the blower or the relay that has the issue? An experienced HVAC pro should be able to figure this out. If it is only a relay it sounds like a lot of money to be replaced by someone who is retired. I suggest you get another quote.

If I were retired and a long time customer called me telling me I need to come out of retirement... I'd probably be looking for at least $1000 to do so as well. You're paying for knowledge more or less.

A 15 year old system yeah it probably will need replacing at some point, but this is how records are broken. If you've never had home warranty hacks working on this machine it might set a new record, by repairing it.

A new pro system install might run you 7 -8 grand. Maybe 5 grand if you hire a truck full of clowns.

I doubt the retired guy is foolish enough to tell you *exactly* what is wrong with it. If he's been servicing you for a long time he's not trying to rip you off, he's looking to get paid.

If he tells you 'exactly' what is wrong with it... you run to the internet. You want an expert but you don't want to pay the expert? If you don't trust the guy, don't use him.

It's always this theme of being ripped off because someone is doing something to get paid. (WORK) You're not being ripped off if the repair he does for you fixes the machine.

I am not running a charity. I doubt this retired guy is either. The homeowners on this board? I don't know truly why they post here? boredom? Monday morning quarterbacking?

I service the Katy, Texas area. Service available 7 days a week.