Cost of AC Replacement In Arizona

[Prachi Metha]

I got the quote of 9800+ for replace 1 unit 3ton carrier unit with heat pump. Is this quote reasonable? Please advice

[Bill B.]

You’re getting a quote from a big company that’s going to swap out your furnace/air handlerand ac unit because you’re old ac unit uses the old Freon. You can ask me how I know, but you know how I know. 

I’ve been using a 1 guy 1 pickup truck solo operator for the last 4 years here in vegas. My pm got 2 quotes last month $11,500 minus a $2,000 discount because of my PM’s qty of units. I asked for a second quote. The 2nd company was $8500, also for a 3 ton unit. I had let the PM’s company do the last couple when they were in the $4500 range because the units that had failed were new enough to use the new Freon. 

But, this was just a bridge too far. My little guy had me pay for the unit directly to the wholesaler with a credit card. New 3 ton unit $1616 out the door. $1560 in labor, supplies and Freon $3176 total   He csucks out all the old Freon residue and runs the furnace on the new Freon. 

I don’t know how long this will last but he’s done 9 units in the last 6 years and none have failed yet. Worst case I’ll be forced to buy a new furnace/air handler  meant to run on the new Freon. But I’m currently ahead more than $5,000 times 9 units. 

TLDR: search for someone that can replace just the compressor side and “convert” the furnace/air handler to run on new freon by vacuuming out the coolant lines.