Is $8,400 to install a patched-together HVAC system a fair price?
Project Details
My 11-year-old Goodman 3.5-ton outdoor unit died, and the attic coil was leaking. I was trying to save money by patching together an HVAC system instead of replacing everything, which I was quoted $12,000-$15,000 for a new indoor and outdoor unit. My HVAC guy is an older gentleman who works in the evenings; I trust him because he's honest and tries to fix things. The system worked for 4 days, then lost power. I found two 40-amp breakers in the main panel switched off, and the outdoor breaker was warm. After resetting the breakers, the system worked again overnight but then lost all 7 pounds of refrigerant in less than a day, despite no obvious leak found with dry nitrogen pressure testing. The HVAC guy also mentioned the system was getting "way too much power" (over 240 volts). I'm currently stuck in a hot house, waiting for an electrician, and feeling helpless. I'm unsure if I should keep troubleshooting or cut my losses and replace the entire system, especially since I'm already $8,500 deep.
Quote Details
This quote is for patching together an HVAC system after my 11-year-old Goodman 3.5-ton outdoor unit died and the attic coil was leaking. The work involved multiple attempts to get the system operational. - Used 4-ton Carrier outdoor unit (condenser) installation - Brand-new GE air handler with coil installation - System designed to work with R-22 refrigerant and be adaptable for future refrigerants - Labor: 8 days of evening work by HVAC technician and a helper - Initial compressor failure on the used outdoor unit, replaced under warranty - Confirmation of a leak in the old coil, leading to the installation of the new indoor unit - System tested for 24 hours for pressure drop after installation (no drop initially)
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More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$8,400
Quote Date
June 27, 2025
Brand/model
Carrier outdoor unit, GE air handler
BTU tonnage
4 Ton
Efficiency rating
Not specified
Fuel type
Electric
System type
Air conditioner
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