"whenever the compressor runs for a period of time without Freon, it damages the compressor"

Well, this could be true but the compressor could also be fine. Doesn't sound like he really considered the situation very carefully. I'd get a second opinion with some evidence to support it.

How old is the system? If the compressor really does need to be replaced, you might be better off replacing the entire condenser (which might require the coil to be replaced, also).

Edit: What does "*" and "**" mean???

Thanks for the feedback. The system is 13 yrs old.

Sorry, ”” and ””, i meant to say $2,400.

for some reason it didnt paste correctly.

Do you think, $2,400 for a new condenser, freon and repair of the hose with the hole is a fair price?

The repairman informed me, whenever the compressor runs for a period of time without Freon, it damages the compressor.

Yes and no, the compressor is a vapor pump. It's sole job is to pump refrigerant in vapor form thru your system, the vapor turns to liquid refrigerant by the time it leaves the condenser... so the problem if the system runs flat (as for R410a) is there is also oil that runs thru your system. The oil that is used for R410a is very hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture in the air.

If the system is allowed to run without any refrigerant for hours on end? The risk goes up for further damage so as the repair is not likely to last....

The main concern regarding POE oil and air exposure in refrigeration systems is moisture absorption. POE oils are highly hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb moisture from the air. Why is moisture in POE oil a problem?

• Corrosion: Moisture, when mixed with refrigerant and POE oil, can form corrosive acids that can damage system components.
• Reduced Efficiency: Moisture can freeze and block refrigerant flow, leading to reduced cooling and higher energy consumption.
• Lubricant Degradation: Moisture can cause POE oil to break down, forming sludge and reducing its lubricating properties, which can lead to increased wear on system components.

If it were me I would offer both options to repair it, with a tail light warranty attached to the option of just repairing the leak and recharging it with refrigerant.

Cost wise for a compressor replacement these days is pretty reasonable and I question how he gets to this price with refrigerant prices where they are? My pricing for a compressor replacement would likely be higher than what he quoted you... but I'm not in Florida and there's a difference from location to location.

Unlikely you would even find a R410a condenser now as this equipment is headed to the dust bin of history... and if you can find one the right size you need the cost is not likely to be cheap.

I just recently installed a R410a condenser for a customer of mine, it wasn't an easy find and cost was no where near $3000, not even close.

Why costs are going up, up, up? A2L refrigerants. Something for you to look forward to.

I service the Katy, Tx area.

For $2400, I'd consider replacing the condenser. You can get a single stage 3 ton Goodman condenser for around $2000 online. $1000 to install it and you're good to go. Your current condenser is R410a so you shouldn't need a new coil.

You can get a single stage 3 ton Goodman condenser for around $2000 online.

A 3 ton condenser is not likely to be big enough for a 2k sq ft home in Florida. Alot of Goodman models available on line are 13 SEER variety designed for northern climate and illegal to be installed in the south.

Another issue is that some of these condensers maybe R32, which is an A2L and even more steps need to be followed or you may burn your house down.

In addition to all that Florida has additional rules / regulations that need to be followed. Of course if you don't care about legalities go ahead, the ulgy home people may be willing to take the mess over for pennies on the dollar when you decide you've had enough of the flat wallet experience.

He quoted me $2,400. to replace with a new compressor (same model Goodman GSX130361DA)

The current condenser is 3 ton. If this 3 ton condenser has been able to keep the 2,000 sq. foot home comfortable since 2012, then there is no need to increase the size. Florida is a very humid climate. Equipment which is a little undersized would be better than over sized in my opinion.

Given the average life expectancy of an air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years, the OP should weigh repair vs. replacement of the entire system.

He quoted me $2,400. to replace with a new compressor (same model Goodman GSX130361DA)

The current condenser is 3 ton. If this 3 ton condenser has been able to keep the 2,000 sq. foot home comfortable since 2012, then there is no need to increase the size.

True, while this is possible it's not all that common to have this large of a structure with that small of a unit. But with extreme insulation, wraps and so forth it is possible.

Inferring the required size of an HVAC system based on the living area of a home often results in a poorly performing system and an unhappy customer. The industry best practice is to inspect an existing system--including duct work--and verify the required size via ACCA manual J load calculation and manual S sizing. Some states, e.g., California, make the calculations mandatory for both new and replacement systems.

"the average life expectancy of an air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years"

I wish someone would tell the IRS this - their depreciation schedule for HVAC equipment is 27.5 years!!!