On my 10 year old Carrier heat pump, the outside unit is rattling. First tech said it was the fan motor ($700 parts and labor). Second tech brought the fan out but the rattle remained. Put old fan back and said it was actually the compressor ($2200 parts and labor).

First question: If I replace the compressor, can I get 5 more years out of the system? Never had any problems with the rest of the system (indoor or outdoor).

Second question: For a complete new system (seems to be $5000-$6000) is it worth paying $500 more for an R-410 based system over an R-22 system?

Third question: Does Kenmore make a quality heat pump? Sears rep said it uses same main components as Carrier? Or should I stick with Carrier/Trane?

Thanks everyone!
-Tony

On my 10 year old Carrier heat pump, the outside unit is rattling. First tech said it was the fan motor ($700 parts and labor). Second tech brought the fan out but the rattle remained. Put old fan back and said it was actually the compressor ($2200 parts and labor).

First question: If I replace the compressor, can I get 5 more years out of the system? Never had any problems with the rest of the system (indoor or outdoor).

Second question: For a complete new system (seems to be $5000-$6000) is it worth paying $500 more for an R-410 based system over an R-22 system?

Third question: Does Kenmore make a quality heat pump? Sears rep said it uses same main components as Carrier? Or should I stick with Carrier/Trane?

Thanks everyone!
-Tony


It worth paying $500 more for an R-410 based system over an R-22 system
I would not pay 500.00 just for R-410 R-22 will be around for a long time as far as parts and gas goes.

I do not trust Sears because there contract installers are unusually at the bottom of the barrel.

10 years is to old to be spending that kind of money on for a compressor. Get a new inside and outside unit and while they are at it get a new lineset.
All that compressor noise could have launches metal particles through the entire system.

Make sure what ever you get put in... look at reputation of company... like previous answer... I don't think you will call Sears for a 24 HR Emergency call... also look at Warranties... right now we are registering Payne and Carrier systems for 10 year parts warranty. But they must be registered online. Company I work for has been in business for 67 years. Cheaper is not always better.

Don't waste the money on a compressor replacement, usually a new compressor has 1 year warranty, 10 years is pretty old for a heat pump, considering it runs pretty much all year long. Don't spend the extra money on a 4-10 system, it's not worth it, like hvac1000 said, R-22 will be around for many years. I think the most Important things for you to look for is a contractor with a good reputation, also get several quotes, find the best warranty, most companys are offering 10 year parts/labor.

make sure what ever you get put in...look at reputation of company...like previous answer...I dont think you will call Sears for a 24 HR Emergency call....also look at Warranties...right now we are registering Payne and Carrier systems for 10 year parts warranty. But they must be registered online. Company I work for has been in business for 67 years. Cheaper is not always better.



.: R22 vs R410A (http://aircontalk.blogspot.com/2008/04/r22-vs-r410a.html)

It worth paying $500 more for an R-410 based system over an R-22 system
I would not pay 500.00 just for R-410 R-22 will be around for a long time as far as parts and gas goes.

I do not trust Sears because there contract installers are unusually at the bottom of the barrel.

10 years is to old to be spending that kind of money on for a compressor. Get a new inside and outside unit and while they are at it get a new lineset.
All that compressor noise could have launches metal particles thru the entire system.

.: R22 vs R410A (http://aircontalk.blogspot.com/2008/04/r22-vs-r410a.html)

.: R22 vs R410A (http://aircontalk.blogspot.com/2008/04/r22-vs-r410a.html)
407c is the closest replacement for R22 407c Dupont.