My 18 year old York 4 ton compressor went south the other day. Lucky me, one of my techs is a HVAC contractor. He chased prices for a while and then presented me with a compressor replacement, R-22, filter/dryer for about $1100 or a new York condenser unit for the same price. Hmmm, I went for the new unit. It's a quarter the noise and more efficient. But WHY wouldn't just the pump be a lot cheaper?
Central air mystery
Aug 10, 2005
5 Replies
R-22 and spare parts are always more expensive than they should be.
Pete C.
Not sure, but the labor is more involved on the compressor change out vs the replacement of the whole unit.
Also, there is a risk of corrosive contamination in the rest of the system after a burnout. That should be remedied in any case.
He said there was no odor and the oil looked good, but he flushed the system and said he felt good about acids and such not being a problem.
There are test kits that are more discriminating that the sniff test.
He should braze in a filter/dryer canister in any case.
Yes! He did put a filter dryer in the suction side, about 4" dia x 8" long. A very neat install and then past waxed the sheet metal. I'll be moving in the next year or so...hope it lasts that long.
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required