Is $1,400 to replace thermal expansion valve and refrigerant a fair price?
Project Details
I was getting a winter service call when the technician hooked up his computer gauge to my system. The low side pressure was proper, but the high side would steadily rise to over 500 after the compressor turned on, causing it to get hot and shut off. The technician had to use a water hose to cool it down. He diagnosed the problem as a thermal expansion valve. I heard a lot of coolant come out when he plugged in his tool. The unit had been working decently before, and the AC worked fine all summer. In June, they had found a small leaking schrader valve and low coolant, which they topped off and replaced the valve. I'm confused because the unit worked great all summer after that, and my cooling bills were lower. Now, after he hooked up his equipment, a bunch of coolant escaped, and the compressor suddenly died. I'm currently running AUX heat on the tech's recommendation until they can get the part and come back. I'm seeking insight on whether this diagnosis sounds correct.
Quote Details
The technician diagnosed the issue as a faulty thermal expansion valve (TXV). The compressor was overheating and the high side pressure was steadily rising to over 500, causing the compressor to shut off. - Replace thermal expansion valve - Add 7 pounds of new refrigerant
You say...
Vote Distribution
These ratings are not endorsed by Quote Critic. They are submitted by other Quote Critic users like you.
More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$1,400
Quote Date
December 4, 2025
System type
Air conditioner
Comments
No comments yet
Sign in to share your thoughts and ask questions.
Similar Quotes
Perform comprehensive HVAC system repair and maintenance
This quote covers a comprehensive set of HVAC services, including: - Uninstallation and disposal of the old damaged coil. - Leak free installation of the new coil. - Full system testing and calibration for peak performance. - Uninstallation and disposal of the old damaged filter drier. - Leak free installation of the new filter drier. - Full system testing and calibration for peak performance. - Refrigerant leak detection. - Recover refrigerant. - Nitrogen purge. - Leak repair. - Pressure test. - All refrigerant recovery and recycling following EPA protocol. - Purging refrigerant lines with dry nitrogen. - Accurate refrigerant weigh in/out with calibrated scale. - Complete refrigerant testing for peak system operation using super heat and sub cooling diagnostics. - Adding refrigerant to EPA guidelines. - Remove schrader core with isolation tool. - Install new schrader core and new cap. - Leak test service valve.
Replace a TXV valve
The technician diagnosed the AC system and found that the liquid line is colder than the suction line, indicating a restriction, most likely a failed TXV (thermostatic expansion valve). The proposed work includes: - Recover existing refrigerant (R-410A or as applicable) - Replace the TXV on the indoor coil - Pressure test and evacuate system - Recharge refrigerant to manufacturer specifications - Seal return and supply plenum to improve system performance and efficiency - Perform system startup and verify proper superheat and subcooling
Replace the TXV valve in the inside unit
The technician diagnosed the issue as a faulty TXV valve in the inside unit. The valve was causing different temperature readings between the unit and the vents, and fluctuating more in high temperatures. The quote includes the replacement of this valve. The initial $300 service call fee was deducted from the total $1300, making the final cost $1000. The technician stated the system seemed fine otherwise. - Issue: Faulty TXV valve in the inside unit- Symptoms: Different temperature readings between unit and vents, fluctuations in high temperatures- Work Included: Replacement of the TXV valve- Cost Breakdown: $1300 total, with a $300 deduction for a previous service call