Today I got an estimate for fixing my cheap Amazon-special 9000 BTU mini split that the proper prior resident installed.
Heating guy said that repairing the old one would cost $2-4K if he could find a new compressor for it, but nobody sells parts. A new high-quality 12000 BTU Mitsubishi unit with warranty and parts support would cost $7500 installed.
Meanwhile Home Depot is selling 12000 BTU mini splits for $500-$1000 (not including installation but I don’t think installation can cost more than about $1000)
What am I missing here? I would much rather have a quality unit with parts support and proper trained professionals installing it, but at this price differential that just seems untenable. Are air conditioners really unreliable cheap throwaway items now?
Get a new unit stand alone and connect it to the existing lines. AC guy will have the charge the lines again for you, but it should be cheaper than that repair quote.