Do I need to replace the whole A/C unit? It's only 8 years old :(

I have just joined the forum, in the hopes if any of the expert out there can help a newbie.

I have just bought a house, was built in 2004 with York units:
Coils Model No: HA12248C175B200584
A/C Model No: H1RA042S06D Serial Number: WCNM046520
Heating Unit Model No: P4HUB16N06401B

A/C was working absolutely fine even in hot weather of DC area for about 2 months, then stopped blowing cold air. I went downstairs and saw there was Ice on the incoming pipe, turned the furnace off for about 2 days, then kept the A/C off for about 2-3 days, replaced the filter, checked/reset the breaker and turned the system on.

Still air wasn't not coming cold, I have home warranty on the house, called the company and technician came, according to him there is R22(Freon)leak in system and whole indoor and outdoor unit need to be replaced, which will cost me about $1100, but I DO NOT BELIEVE the technician.

My question is, is it possible that system can go bad in 8 years or technician/warranty company guys are trying to rip me off? Please keep in mind, just bought the house so trying to save every penny.

Any help, input or advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

If the indoor and outdoor units truly need to be replaced it would be considerably more than $1'100. It might be correct if the new hardware is covered under your warranty but not the labor. Generally though I'd say your unit is too new to recommend replacement without a good reason.

Did the tech refill you system with freon and is it running OK now?

 

What the technician is saying is that it will cost you $1100 to replace that indoor evaporator coil. Having a coil leak after 8 years is common now a days. What kind of warranty is this? Either way it is the job of the warranty people to do everything they can not to have to pay for a replacement, even if this includes scamming you for 1100 when they are the ones who are supposed to pay it. If you are going to be forced to pay 1100 for a new coil you might as well have a real company come out and install it.

 

Insufficient airflow can cause freezing.

Change the filter and make sure all your vents are open.

Get a second opinion if it freezes again; ask the tech to check the blower wheel and coil for dust buildup.

If there's a leak, it can be repaired even if it means replacing the indoor coil.