I have a leak in my A/C system and Lockridge Priest tells me that it is 'non repairable'. They tell me it can be fixed, but for $1,600 bucks. They recommend a new unit in the attic for around $2,200 since fixing the leak would be almost as much anyway.

I'd like to get a 2nd opinion because
1) I'm cheap and
2) I always feel like i'm getting ripped off

Has anyone had good experiences with a particular repair company they'd like to recommend?

Sounds like the leak is in your evaporator coil. It may be possible to fix, but is usually not worth it and it will likely fail in the not too distant future. Also, if they are able to repair the coil, most likely the leak is in one of the elbows, then they'll have to cut away enough of the aluminum fins to reduce the efficiency.

From working in the HVAC industry, chances are also good that the cost to replace the coil (repair) is close to the cost of the entire blower/coil unit. That's why they recommended replacement.

I had this same problem last April. I had them refill the coil while I evaluated the repair vs. new system options, and it still hasn't run out. I expect it to run out eventually, but it has bought me a lot of time on the existing system at relatively low cost.

Adding refrigerant may work, it depends on how big the leak is.

Some leaks are so small, it may take years to drop low enough to need recharging.

Others, you'll be leaking as fast as you're pumping in.

Try Rabroker for a second opinion. We have used them numerous times and they have been very good.

Thanks for the replies