Repair and refill Freon (for temp fix) or replace heat pump?

[sagar400]

I have a 26 year old 2.5 ton heat pump and air handler and I understand they need to go. The outdoor heat pump unit leaked Freon three years ago as a valve was bent. It was cheap to repair and add R22 at that time but I can't find the same independent technician now. I would rather do this temporary fix as I am traveling out of town at present for 6 more months.

Now even the cheap techs are saying refilling freon will cost up to $ (if the leak repair is minor) as R22 is much more expensive. I am torn whether I should go for temporary fix or replace heat pump and air handler. In my area heat pump costs are very high and I am afraid to even ask. One company gave me estimates of $ for new compressor and $ for heat pump (no band names or details on SEER rating, tonnage etc)
I plan to sell the house in a year and brand name and warranty are important.

Do I have to be present in person to supervise an installation or a casual friend can supervise it? I have read horror stories of problems in installation on these forums. Thanks!

PS: I don't have warranty. A neighbor got a new system all on warranty company cost.

[ga-hvac-tech]

First.. You really need to read and follow the rules of the site... no pricing. The reason for this rule is: Different areas of the country, things cost different amounts... due to many factors. Makes prices on a national forum really useless.

There is a 'contractor locator' feature at this site... might go there and find someone to visit you and give you advise.

The short term ownership does make the decision more complicated.... Have you asked a realtor if the new system will pay for itself, and if the 'name brand' really matters?

[sagar400]

First.. You really need to read and follow the rules of the site... no pricing. The reason for this rule is: Different areas of the country, things cost different amounts... due to many factors. Makes prices on a national forum really useless.

There is a 'contractor locator' feature at this site... might go there and find someone to visit you and give you advise.

The short term ownership does make the decision more complicated.... Have you asked a realtor if the new system will pay for itself, and if the 'name brand' really matters?

Sorry I totally forgot about that rule. I had read it a few days ago. Will need help in deleting the price part of my question as I can't seem to edit.

[beenthere]

Prices and price question are gone.

[timebuilder]

In many cases, a buyer will ask for a greater amount to be deducted from the selling price of the property than it costs YOU to have the system made to be working. If it was me, I would have the system repaired, because once it is replaced, you have a cost that some buyers may not recognize or respect. The shortest distance to maintaining your price is for an existing system to operate as intended.

[kdean1]

PS: I don't have warranty. A neighbor got a new system all on warranty company cost.

I shudder to think what sort a system your neighbor got from a warranty company. All of the work I've seen by contractors hired by home warranty companies has been shoddy to the point of dangerous and life threatening.