Is $3,700 to replace AC outdoor unit and air handler a fair price?
Project Details
My AC unit started blowing hot air. A local HVAC person diagnosed a completely shot compressor on my 2018 model unit. I have a home warranty, as I bought the house 10 months ago. The home warranty contractor initially recommended replacing the entire outdoor unit, including flushing the lines, because he wasn't sure what killed the condenser and the new unit would use a new coolant. I initially paid $1,200 out of pocket for this. A week later, I was informed of an additional $2,500 out-of-pocket expense to replace the entire air handler in the attic. I'm now facing a total out-of-pocket cost of $3,700 for a new outdoor unit and air handler. I'm curious if this is common or if something odd is happening, and I'm weighing whether to pay the additional amount, fix it out of pocket and seek reimbursement, or challenge the situation. The home warranty is covering some of the total cost; I was quoted $2,800 for just the condenser if I went the out-of-pocket route. I also heard that we are a few months out from not being able to replace a condenser at all.
Quote Details
This quote covers the replacement of the AC outdoor unit (condenser) and the air handler in the attic. The original AC unit was a 2018 model with a completely shot compressor. The home warranty contractor recommended replacing the entire outdoor unit due to uncertainty about what caused the condenser failure and the need for new coolant. - Initial diagnosis: Compressor completely shot - AC Unit Model Year: 2018 - Outdoor Unit Replacement: Entire outdoor unit (condenser) - Line Flushing: Required due to new coolant - Air Handler Replacement: Entire air handler in the attic - Home Warranty Coverage: Home warranty is covering a portion of the total cost
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More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$3,700
Quote Date
October 2, 2025
Fuel type
Electric
System type
Air conditioner
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