Quadplex to buy a used condensor or a new HVAC?

Question

Hello BP family,

I have a quadplex that I recently purchased. One month in the condensor HVAC in one of the unit goes bad. I have a home warrarnty that the seller purchase. But, I doubt they would cover the replacement since I heard alot of horror stories.

This is the south where its very hot, the furnace/air handler is in decent shape. The technician can put a used condenser (will fill with R-22) for $500 and a new setup from around $4000.

Does anyone have experience with purchasing used HVAC?

Any advice. I am very nervous since this is my first ever rental, I am house hacking the quadplex. The one that went bad is the one i'm living in!

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

R22 doesnt scare me...usually means I can buy the unit cheaper, and now they have the synthetic freon you can use instead of costly R22.

I have units that are 35 years old that are still running great.  Again I'm just looking for functionality... something that blows cold air and hot air when I need it to, things like efficiency and SEER ratings mean nothing to me... and these new units that they try to hard sell you on because they have a 10 year warranty, well nobody tells people that that 10 year warranty means absolutely nothing when you will have to wait forever to get parts and then you're gonna get raped on the labor charge so that the company can still make money

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

300-500 is standard pricing for used units, installed and functioning.  And I personally don't care if it's a licensed technician or Santa Claus installing the equipment as long as it operates as it should.

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

I go the used route most all the time...usually lasts 3-5 years then it blows up...then I get another used one for $500....saves a ton of money and it functions. I am looking for cold air to come out of the vents, that's it.....could careless about the efficiency that new ones have to offer...

Ugochukwu Opara · Answer

Fascinating topic and I think this is super smart! @Robert Hernandez If you are still nervous then just get a home warranty after your install that way you are covered should something fo wrong. @Mark Fries you are a smart man.

Robert Hernandez · Answer

That makes sense. The Freon replacement synthetic one you use that for your r22 system? What is the name of the synthetic Freon? 422b? Thank you!

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

Either option ok, as long as it works properly.

Robert Hernandez · Answer

@Mark Fries I forgot to ask this. But, when you go about getting your used unit do you pay an independent contractor or company? Do they provide the used unit and do the install? Or are you purchasing the used unit yourself and only pay for labor?

I found an independent contractor that will provide the unit and labor for $500. Thank you!

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

No problem best of luck

Robert Hernandez · Answer

@Mark Fries That is all great advice! When I talk to the HVAC contractor i'll make sure to have the following request. I really appreciate all the help, it was very informative and helpful! If it operates as should I am happy, and for $500!

The technician mentioned it can break in a week or last a couple years. You never know, but with the info you told me it feels like less of a gamble. Thank you!

Mark Fries · Answer

@Robert Hernandez

There is no pre-test. I like older trane units or Rheem. Seem to be built better then Goodman and Carrier. Just look inside the unit, under the fan. Look for weld near the compressor...that would be a red flag. Other than compressors going out there isnt much non-repairable items on older units. Older units also do not have computer control boards which is nice. Stay away from variable speed units. You want single speed units, and heat pump units, not straight cool units.

Quadplex to buy a used condensor or a new HVAC?

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