I have 2.5 year old Lennox HPA16-060 heat pump. Stopped working. Tech says bad circuit board. Replaces board (now it runs) and says some solenoid is shorted to ground so I only have first stage heating and cooling performance. Since solenoid is part of compressor "unit" the full fix, and presumably revival of the second stage, will require compressor replacement. Performance right now seems OK and I wouldn't know of the compressor failure if tech hadn't told me. 10 year warranty on parts (compressor) but labor not covered will be $1000. Seems to me compressor failed too soon and Lennox should have more responsibility for the repair.

I'm a pretty good mechanic. If Lennox provides me the compressor (which I bet they won't) can I install it or am I being an idiot? I assume I would have to have the system charged by somebody. Should I wait and see if I even notice the second stage not working?

If you aren't confident with the diagnosis, a second opinion might be in order, but this is definitely not a DIY project. If the warranty repair is not performed by an authorized service contractor, you may risk voiding your remaining product warranty.

I found this site: Lennox Service Manuals (http://www.hvacpartsshop.com/Lennox-Manuals.html)

Usually the parts warranty is void if not installed by a qualified dealer.

Not sure if this is an R410A or R22 system, but refrigerent needs to recycled.

You also need to be GOOD at silver soldering in tight places and the dryer also needs to be replaced.

Then there is leak checking and charging.