Another "Leak test costs how much?" post

Ohio. Residential heat pump. Trane XL15i (or something like that... definitely 15, definitely installed 2011). I believe it is a 2.5 ton unit. R410a.

Evaporator froze over, tech came out and after checking a few things said it was low on refrigerant. I had a recharge done 4-5 years ago and they said that because it was recharged previously they could not charge it again because they knowing it has a leak. So my options are either do a leak search/fix, or replace the whole system (condenser, evaporator/lineset).

Have not got an official quote for replacement of the entire system, but was warned it would be in the ballpark of $12,000. This system cost me $8k 15 years ago, so that's not a surprise.

The leak search test option is a flat rate $2,900. For that I get:

• Identify the source of the leak
• Repair the leak if it is repairable in place
• Look for any further leaks, fix them etc.
• Recharge the system with new R410

They warned that if they have to actually replace a component then that would be extra cost. e.g If the evaporator is bad.

I'm kinda torn. $2900 is a of money, but it a sh*tload less money than $10k. Also, the recharge I got 4-5 years ago was $850, so having the recharge be part of that cost really means finding and fixing the leak is around $2k.

We don't expect to still be in the house in 5 years, so if fixing the leak is an approved repair then I'd rather save the $10k.