Second Opinion Saves Homeowner Nearly $7,000 on HVAC Replacement

A customer recently contacted Total Environmental Cooling and Heating after another HVAC company told him that his entire system needed to be replaced. He had also been told that repair parts were no longer available because the equipment used “outdated” R-410A refrigerant.

The homeowner was referred to us by one of our longtime customers, so we made time on Sunday morning to inspect the system and provide an honest second opinion.

R-410A Systems Can Still Be Repaired

Although the HVAC industry is transitioning away from R-410A in newly manufactured equipment, that does not mean existing R-410A systems are automatically obsolete or cannot be repaired. Components used to repair existing systems are not prohibited under the EPA’s current refrigerant-transition rules.



After inspecting the homeowner’s five-ton Carrier Infinity system, we confirmed that a replacement evaporator coil was currently available. The system could have been repaired by replacing the failed coil instead of automatically replacing the entire HVAC system.

Repair and Replacement Options

We explained both options so the homeowner could make an informed decision:

• Replace the available coil and continue using the existing Carrier Infinity system.
• Upgrade to a new Bosch inverter condenser and matching indoor coil rated at up to 20 SEER.



The existing Carrier Infinity was already a high-quality system, but the Bosch option offered updated inverter technology and a modest improvement in efficiency.

The homeowner ultimately decided that investing in the new Bosch system made the most sense for his home. As a courtesy, we added R-410A refrigerant to help keep the existing system cooling while he waited for the replacement installation.

Nearly $7,000 Less Than the Competing Quote

After reviewing the equipment, installation requirements and available options, we agreed on a price for the Bosch replacement. According to the homeowner, our proposal came in approximately $7,000 below the quote he received from the competing HVAC company.

This service call is a good reminder that an older refrigerant does not automatically mean an air-conditioning system is unrepairable. Before committing to a complete HVAC replacement, it can be worth getting a qualified second opinion from a contractor who will confirm parts availability and explain both repair and replacement options.

If you have been told that your R-410A air conditioner cannot be repaired, contact Total Environmental Cooling and Heating for an honest evaluation.

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