5,841 posts, read 5,490,171 times Crappy situation I'm in, compounded by me being on maternity leave and bleeding savings by the hour... It's 102 here in TX and woke up to NO AIR. I thought it was probably due to Freon leakage or something, but found out that the worst case scenario - the compressor being hosed -- is now a reality. We have two AC units, one is a replacement (the downstairs unit's compressor also got hosed last year and was replaced) and the other is the original 6 year builder's grade Carrier. This is the one that has died. Should we both purchasing a new compressor, or should we get a new unit? Some more factoids: we found out that the tonnage for the existing AC is not proper for our size home -- 2.5! It uses Freon, whereas Freon is going the way of the Dodo. New unit would be in full compliance with new refrigerant and energy efficient. Price difference between compressor and new unit is 2.5K. We're really bummed out over this. 1,323 posts, read 2,934,142 times

445 posts, read 1,086,035 times 694 posts, read 2,327,427 times Originally Posted by riaelise Wow, the baby must be walking by now! Recently, we have received a few questions about the advantages and disadvantages of replacing an older R-22 outdoor unit (partial replacement) versus replacing the whole system (indoor and outdoor components).  Since R-22 refrigerant and related equipment is being phased out over the next few years as part of the Montreal Protocol regulations to reduce the effect on atmospheric ozone, the decision about whether to stay with R-22 or jump to a new system with R410A is causing some confusion among HVAC consumers.  This is becoming a very common situation and there is really no right or wrong answer as it depends on your particular needs and your personal preferences.  We’ve compiled a few considerations and suggestions for reference. Replacing an R-22 compressor or the outdoor unit (which contains the compressor) is a good, low cost way to get your A/C  system running again without changing the indoor system (which contains the cooling coil, the blower and often is integrated with a gas furnace or other heating system). 

This approach can save some money,  if the indoor components are still in good shape and you can find the R-22 outdoor replacement parts along with the R-22 refrigerant. Many people have decided to do this and many contractors support this approach.  We think this repair will continue to be a viable, low cost repair option, at least through 2016 and maybe longer – as long as parts are available. Some other low cost replacement options should be emerging even after the R-22 availability dwindles.  Many R-22 indoor coils built since 2006 were designed to be compatible with R-410A, which means a homeowner can keep the indoor equipment but upgrade to a newer outdoor unit and metering device. There are some extra parts and steps involved but it should still be lower cost than a total system replacement. Unfortunately, just like with the R-22 outdoor replacement option mentioned above, the overall efficiency of the system typically will not improve when only the outdoor equipment is replaced.