Does my HVAC needs to be replaced urgently? Works fine, but noted this exterior sign

[cosmicruminatio]

I bought and moved into this townhome; had to waive home inspection in a very competitive market. According to the sticker, this was installed in 2007 when townhome was built. However both heating and cooling works fine. Based on the damage seen on the pictures, does this need to be replaced urgently? How long do you think it'll last?

[pecmsg]

So what did the home inspector say?

Yes it is damaged and “Should” be replaced.

Home inspectors know less about HVAC then the homeowner.
Hire a contractor.

[bobboan]

I’ve seen dog urine ruin quite a few in my time. If the condenser coil isn’t leaking, it soon will be.

You’d be better off replacing it now than waiting til it goes and getting caught unexpectedly. Equipment is getting more and more scarce and lead times are becoming longer.

[cosmicruminatio]

Was buying in Maryland and the typical advice here is to waive the home inspection due to competitive bids/market - we didn't get it. I think the bigger mistake was not to tour the home in-person, we were in a different state and tried to do the home buying process virtually.

[cosmicruminatio]

Do you think the indoor unit needs to be replaced too? I posted the white sticker image from the unit.

[bobboan]

New equipment requires that both indoor and outdoor units be an AHRI match. Your old AHU is not a match to new equipment.
If you have a furnace with and evaporator coil, you can keep the old furnace if it’s in good shape and do the coil and outdoor unit. However, if the furnace is the same age as the outdoor unit, it may be prudent to replace it at the same time as that would be less costly than doing it separately.
Again, we’re in 2022, not 2019 and I can’t emphasize enough how things have changed and equipment availability and costs will get worse for sometime going forward.

[Glennhvac]

I have a few clients running condensers far worse than that from dog pee. Thankfully the tubing was copper like yours.

[BaldLoonie]

Sis's unit is far worse than that. Been like that probably 15 years. She didn't have a dog at that time. Must have been a little one, it's a Rheem with a louvered cabinet and he shot his wizz up into it.