I have an Amana package unit on the roof, I have been told that it will cost $1200 to replace the TXV valve, 4 hours to drain and reclaim the free-on(R22). Can the re-claimed R22 be put back into the unit and does $1200 sound like the right price? I happpen to know that you can replace a compressor for half that. Thank you for any advice anyone can give me.

Sounds a bit expensive to me but the prices charged in different parts of the country make it difficult to say. The actual dead cost for the valve is about 100.00 and if it is brazed in there will be brazing gas and silver alloy cost along with draging the recovery machine and vac pump on to the roof. The gas recovered should be reused so the refrigerant cost should be just about zip. Depending upon other situations regrading the unit other items might also need to be replaced along with the valve (like the drier).