I have a downstairs 5 ton 10 seer RUUD heat pump that is 7 years old. Already has a new compressor from the previous owner. System was not working, and the HVAC contractor found that there was no refrigerant in the line, he found the leak, and after putting new fluid in, there was a blockage in the line, requiring him to drain the new fluid, relieve the obstruction, and possibly refill. It appears that the compressor is working OK, as is the capacitor (but hard to tell as the system has not been up and running yet with proper levels of refrigerant for any length of time), and the auxiliary heat system has 3 of 6 heating strips that need to be replaced in addition to the circuit breaker. The blower motor appears to be OK. Without adding the second round of fluid after the obstruction is relieved I am already in about for about $1200 in repair costs; the hvac company is recommending replacing the entire unit plus the blower with a carrier 14.5 seer, 5 ton, Variable speed fan unit for a cost of about $7500. I am the new owner of this home, and it would seem that a few less than great contractors have had their hands on this unit, so I have no idea what other problems may be lurking here. Would greatly appreciate any objective advice on this one... Thanks!

Stay away from the variable speed fan. When they go bad out of warranty it will cost a small fortune to fix. Just get the standard 3 or 4 speed model. Also get at least two more bids on your job.

Sounds good. As it was explained to me, the Variable speed fan converts what would be a 13 seer unit to 14.5, and it is about $600 more expensive. Do you think I should go with the 13 seer standard fan? The unit has a 10yr parts warranty. Thanks for your advice, greatly appreciated.

As it was explained to me, the Variable speed fan converts what would be a 13 seer unit to 14.5,

Someone lied since the variable speed will not add 1.5 SEER's to the equipment efficiency. A 13 SEER standard today. GET more estimates 7500.00 seems a bit high.

Thanks for the advice. For what I have now, a 7 year old, 10 seer, 5 ton ruud unit, already on its second compressor, do you think it is best to replace it, or spend the money to get it up and running (likely about $900)? Appreciate your input/ advice.

That is a very tuff decision. The unit is 7 years old and no one knows exactly how long it will last. I will say that loosing two compressors in 7 years is not good since in all actuality a compressor should last the life of the unit if the unit is installed properly. My unit was installed in 1978 and still runs well with the original compressor but since I am in the biz you can bet it was installed correctly and gets the proper maintaince. I always say let your wallet be your guide