Replace compressor or replace R-22 condenser

[savannahcool]

Compressor on 7 year old 3.5 ton 10 SEER Coleman R-22 condenser with heat pump (model BRHS0421CD) burned out (cause might be lightning but not sure). Inside air handler is model F2RP042H068

I'm waffling back & forth regarding how to handle the situation. Options from HVAC service tech are:

1. Remove & replace compressor
1 yr warranty, 90 days labor
Don't know if any other components are damaged (ex, reversing valve or charge level haven't been tested since compressor is inoperable)

2. Replace with new R-22 13 SEER condenser - 10 SEER condensers not available
5 year parts warranty, 1 year labor

3. Replace with 3.5 ton 13 SEER R-410 Lennox system
10 year parts, 2 years labor warranty

My concerns are:
price (of course)
liklihood of more repair issues needed soon if only compressor is replaced,
possible mismatch between 13 SEER condenser & 10 SEER evap system, phasing out of R-22 systems possibly affecting future parts availability,
rising cost of R-22 vs R-410 refrigerant cost.

I'm getting conflicting info from HVAC repair techs regarding whether the 13 SEER condenser with the 10 SEER coils would work without causing the heating mode in winter to trip out because the 10 SEER coils won't dissipate the heat sufficiently. The repair tech said he'd put a R-22 expansion valve upstairs to regulate refrigerant flow to the coil but another tech said that "fix" hasn't solved the issue in the majority of cases he's seen.

In case the below facts would influence your advice:
Evaporative coil was replaced in 2007 after freon leaks.
Townhome is for rent, not owner-occupied (and not cash-flowing). I live out of state.
Warranty - expired (was 5 years)
Insurance deductible is high so having a claim for the relatively small remaining cost for compressor replacement is not a good idea. Don't think insurance (if determined that lightening was the culprit of the compressor burnout) would pay for a entire new R-410 system.

[jimj]

You need to remove your pricing and you will get some comments.

[pilotlight]

With a 2007 evap coil. There is a really good chance that is rated for 410a. I would go with a complet replacement. replace the evap coil lineset and condensing unit. This will give you a posiable tax credit and a good long warranty. But You could always " slumlord " it in. I have a few 10 seer R 22 heat pumps. That I am willing to sale and ship.

[amd]

I would have a new outdoor unit installed which matches the indoor coil. (if available)

Something caused that compressor to fail - 7 years is a very short life.

[savannahcool]

I would have a new outdoor unit installed which matches the indoor coil. (if available)

Something caused that compressor to fail - 7 years is a very short life.

Apparently, 10 SEER condensers are no longer available ( & no longer manufactured after Jan 2010)

HVAC tech said that damage (compressor burnout) might be consistent with lightning. I've also been told that the average life expectancy of a system in GA is 9-10 years (?)

[amd]

10 SEER condensers were phased out 2006.
As of Jan 2010, manufactuers aren't allowed to produce new R22 units.

Your coil was replaced in 2007 and might be able to be matched with a new 13 SEER condenser. (they'll have to change the metering device + possibly flush out the coil) If not, either replace the compressor or the whole system.

If you post the coil model number and make, someone on this board should be able to give you a definitive answer.

I've also been told that the average life expectancy of a system in GA is 9-10 years (?)

...perhaps if no maintenance is done and minor repairs are out of the question.

[savannahcool]

10 SEER condensers were phased out 2006.
As of Jan 2010, manufactuers aren't allowed to produce new R22 units.

Your coil was replaced in 2007 and might be able to be matched with a new 13 SEER condenser. (they'll have to change the metering device + possibly flush out the coil) If not, either replace the compressor or the whole system.

If you post the coil model number and make, someone on this board should be able to give you a definitive answer.
...perhaps if no maintenance is done and minor repairs are out of the question.

Unfortunately, coil (under warranty in 2007) was replaced with same as original part. Replacement info: Coleman 37318112001, serial# X001310511

Re replacing the compressor - what about issue that there may be other problems (reversing valve damage, etc) that are not know since the compressor is burned out? If replaced, any guess for life expectancy of condenser or probability that there are other issues, especially if the burn-out was caused by lightning to ground?

[amd]

In that case replacing the system is a good option; another problem may have caused the compressor to fail.

A 3.5 ton 10 SEER coil should not be used with a 13 SEER unit of the same size - see http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...xrmv3qKsVE0n3A

[savannahcool]

A 3.5 ton 10 SEER coil should not be used with a 13 SEER unit of the same size - see http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...xrmv3qKsVE0n3A[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much for the link to the article - very informative. I (mostly) concluded that mismatching the 13 SEER condenser & 10 SEER coil was not a good idea but keep wavering because of conflicting opinions. The article gives data, not just opinions

Any feedback on below system, such as quality, value compared with similar systems, durability or anything else relevant? There has been no load calc or onsite HVAC analysis of suitable systems -still exploring options due to burned out compressor. System is for 1880 sq ft 2-story townhome in Savannah, not owner-occupied, built in 2003.

3.5 ton 13 SEER R-410 Lennox
Condenser 13HPX042
Air Handler CVX26UH