Any luck replacing an a/c coil?

Question

Tenant called saying no cold air. A/c is about beyond its life. On my home I've always replaced the whole unit. This time I opted to replace the coil only.

A/c is working great now. Question is how long will the other old parts last. I spent about 1/3 of what it would cost to replace the whole unit.

Your thoughts and experiences?  Bad idea?  Terrible idea?  Decent crap shoot?

Regardless, what's done is done.

Steve S. · Answer

I'll keep this post bookmarked to come back and document if this ended up being the right business decision or not for the $2,800 i spent.

Steve S. · Answer

I ended up replacing the coil, supply plenumm, emergency drain pan and safety switch and 4 pounds of R22 freon for $2,800 all in. To replace the whole unit would have been $6,000+

Steve S. · Answer

Thank you for the thoughts

Jeff V. · Answer

Steve,

I know the question wasn't one about taxes specifically but... replacing the coil would be a repair and fully expensed the current year, while a full replacement would be capitalized and depreciated over multiple years.

It's worth mentioning you should discuss major repairs with your CPA to determine the tax impact as well.

Sometimes it's better to take the full deduction current year where other times its best to depreciate it over multiple years.

Not specifically what you a asked for but good to know either way.

Jeff V

Arthur Cook · Answer

"Decent crap shoot" for sure. Just make allowances for additional repairs should other issues pop up.  Talk to the repair person and get their feel for the life left in the rest of the components.