Okay, I'm not clear on what happened to the compressor originally... but I don't recommend replacing it either. When compressors burn out, they usually make such a mess with the oil that's in the compressor that it's very difficult to clean up. The burnt oil and burned wire insulation residue is acidic. What's more, most techs don't do a great job cleaning up after a burnout.

I would go with a replacement AC including line set and indoor coil. Don't let them use any of the contaminated stuff.

I would need a good reason to replace the furnace though.

BTW: Goodman equipment was at one time terrible. They've gotten better... but they wouldn't be my first choice. Also consider Energy Star rated A/C and see what utility rebates are available to you. Sometimes the higher SEER AC will pay for the marginal difference in rebates.

First, R22 will be gone soon, they are $50/lb now, will be $100 in a couple of years. So, if you have the money, and look for long term investment, go ahead with $6779 system. If for any reason, you don't want to spend that much money now, you can find some one who can install a new condenser (not just compressor) for you for about $1600 in southern states, up to $2800 in NY or CA depends on where you are. R22 is expensive, but if they install it right, you may not need any R22 for many years.
Important thing is find a good contractor, and get 3-5 years warranty. some of the local small shop is willing to do that in order to get your business.

Complete system replacment is the best way to go. And there is GOOD REASON to replace the furnace. It may develop a leak in heat exchanger in the near future. The furnace also has a 15 year old blower motor in it.

Jakethewonderdog - Does it make a difference that the compressor still runs but doesn't develop adequate pressure in terms of the mess (oil, acidic, etc) that you described?

Thanks.

nutso,

You should expect to get 20 years out of your furnace. You could take a few approaches to this:

1. Replace just the condensing unit (Clocert is right, you want to replace the entire condensing unit instead of just the compressor - less labor, less for a tech to mess up).

Let's say this buys you 5 years and then you would replace the entire system.

2. Replace the entire AC unit - lineset, indoor coil and all but keep the existing furnace knowing you will replace the furnace in 5-7 years.

3. Replace all of it - hopefully with a higher efficiency unit. Look at rebates from utility company and such when making this decision.

You want to do a Manual J load calculation because it sounds like you added insulation since the furnace was installed. Use online tools to do that. You may not need 3.5 ton A/C.

Get a few bids, but Goodman equipment isn't the best.

Nutso,

I don't understand what damage was done to your compressor. It doesn't make sense to me at all.

When a compressor burns out (meaning the windings on the motor overheat, insulation breaks down, and goes into overcurrent situation) is when it really makes a mess of the system.

The other problem with any compressor replacement is that the long term success is greatly dependant on the skill, time and thoroughness of the field tech. Unfortunately, there are far too many field techs that take shortcuts and/or don't have the knowledge and skills.

Replacing the entire condensing unit, as Clocert suggested, is the only way I'd recommend going forward with a limited repair of the A/C unit. It cleans up far more of the system, and reduces the opportunity for the field tech to mess things up. I would expect that to buy you 5 years at which point the entire HVAC system will be due for replacement.

If this were my system, I wouldn't consider a compressor-only replacement.