Is $3,800 to repair a damaged AC compressor and refill refrigerant a fair price?
Project Details
I've used the same HVAC company for 15 years. They serviced my central AC unit in 2019 and again in August 2024. During the August 2024 service, the tech topped off my R-22 refrigerant. Recently, my unit stopped blowing cold air. A new HVAC tech found that the Schrader valve cap was missing, which caused all the refrigerant to leak out and subsequently damaged the compressor. I believe this damage is due to the previous tech's negligence, as no one else has touched the unit. I'm concerned that the previous tech added 1.5-2 lbs of R-22 to my small 3.3 lbs capacity unit without charging me or mentioning a potential leak, which I consider negligent. I haven't booked the repair yet and am seeking advice on how to address this situation with the original company.
Quote Details
This quote is for the repair of a central AC unit that stopped blowing cold air due to a damaged compressor. The damage was caused by a complete loss of refrigerant, which occurred because the Schrader valve cap was not reinstalled, leading to a slow leak. - Problem identified: Missing Schrader valve cap causing refrigerant leak - Consequence: Compressor damaged due to complete refrigerant loss - Scope of work: Repair damaged compressor - Scope of work: Refill system with refrigerant (R-22 was previously used)
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More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$3,800
Quote Date
June 27, 2025
Fuel type
Electric
System type
Air conditioner
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