I need an unbiased opinion about compressor repairs.

by Julie
(San Antonio, TX)

I had a technician come out to check out our unit that had stopped cooling. We have had problems in the past and had to replace the fan motor, so when I came home and it wasn't blowing cool air, I went outside and the fan wasn't turning.

The tech came out and within 2 minutes of being outside he told us that we need a new compressor, the unit's shot. They quoted us a bargain according to them of $4,250.00. After he left I'm reading the notes he gave us and it says checked outdoor unit. Found condenser fan motor out also compressor bleeding over valve are bad.

In looking at his notes I need someone unbiased to tell me if he is trying to get us to buy something we don't need. If it is a bad fan motor and a bad valve it seems like that could be replaced without replacing the whole unit, but I'm not an expert. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
thanks,
Julie

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Hi Julie:

Thanks for finding my site and for sending your question about air conditioner compressors.

I sure understand your concern. When you don't know about something, and someone that's supposed to gives you bad news about cost to repair, it's pretty unnerving.

Gosh, I'm sorry, but I have no experience with air conditioner compressors whatsoever. My background is industrial air compression for air tools, air cylinders etc.

While the concept of compressing fluids is similar, the air conditioner compressor compresses a coolant and is a closed loop system. And frankly, I don't know how the whole system works.

All I can suggest is that you call in a technician from another air conditioner service company to check and give you another opinion.

Sorry I can't help. Good luck.

Bill