Would it be better to replace a motor or whole unit for central A/c?

A repair person is coming to check out the A/c tomorrow. Person on the phone said since we smelled something burned it may need a new motor. How do we know whether to replace motor or whole unit. A/C is cental A/C and about 15 years old maybe more.

Would it be better to replace a motor or whole unit for central A/c?
where did you smell the burning odor inside or outside....if inside, the fan motor or the transformer burnt up and it would cost less to replace the fan motor or transformer than the whole unit....if outside...the fan motor burnt up..you cant smell the compressor when it burns up, it is a sealed unit,....you could replace either fan motor inside or outside motor for less than 300 dollars.....if your unit was cooling good and is not in bad shape i would just replace the motor...especially if you have never had to add freon.....a new unit is going to be around 3000 to 4000 dollars...plus labor...
Reply:Well if you live within the US your state should offer some rebate or your local utilities company or both. Not only that you'll save significantly with an energy star unit.
Reply:If you do replace the whole unit, consider going with the new freon R410, I believe. You will have to replace the whole unit, inside and out, and replace the copper lines. The oil is not compatible with the new freon. It is suppose to be more efficient that the old R22 units. good luck.
Reply:Replacing the unit will probably save you some money on electric bills.
Reply:Depending on your finances... if a new unit is cost prohibitive right now, consider repairing what you have and asking your a/c repairman if he'll credit you for the repair amount if you replace your unit w/in the next 60-120 days or so.





Once the dead of summer is over %26amp; done with, you'll likely find prices on whole unit replacement and its associated labor costs will drop some, it being "off-season."





TX Griff
Reply:it's probly cheaper to buy a new a\c unit .depending on what this guy has found out.if he said you need a compresor.for get it.
Reply:!5 Yr.s, for an exterior unit, might mean it's near the end of its service life.


When the trouble shooting's done, get his evaluation of the overall condition of the unit, and estimates both ways.


Keep in mind that a new unit is llikely to be a bit more efficient, and energy costs are only going to rise.