u/Every_Building_6121

Here's my original post that I wanted to update now that I have the proposal: https://www.reddit.com/r/hvacadvice/comments/1tbfpp8/cabanahome_office_15_ton_unit_replacement_options/

Short version: I have a cabana/guest house that I use as my home office, which consists of a bedroom, small walk in closet and bathroom. Current setup is a 2016 1.5 ton Rheem and a First Co. air handler installed horizontally in the closet attic. There are vents in the bedroom and bathroom, but closet doesn't get cooled in the current state, which is fine.

A few weeks ago the AC started working less well and I had the tech come Tuesday. He told me there was a coolant leak and the system wasn't worth repairing, so sent me the proposal below, essentially a like-for-like replacement for $8,000 all-in.

I'm not opposed to this, but it seems like the First Co. air handler is a piece of crap and the entire cabana is probably closer to 350 sq feet than the 700 I estimated in my previous post, so I wonder if the current setup is overkill both for cooling and energy costs. I'm open to a mini-split if it makes sense (although the bathroom may not be covered), which should also be more energy efficient. The room is probably small enough for a window unit but I'd rather not and my HOA doesn't allow those either.

I don't want to light $ on fire, but I want to do this right. Not planning on moving anytime soon.

https://preview.redd.it/zsdc3672441h1.png?width=762&format=png&auto=webp&s=04379213067b49d7ea227bc38f86a34fb3d4eced

Hi everyone,

I work from home in South Florida. We have a 5 ton Ruud for the main house (replaced in 2023) and a 1.5 ton Rheem (manufacture date 2016) for my cabana (~700 sq feet or so, consisting of a bathroom, closet and bedroom, which is my home office).

The AC in the cabana started not cooling very well about a month ago, and I had the technician come out today because it's really not cooling at all now. He said there is a leak in the coils and it's not really worth replacing the unit at this stage.

I'm open to a like for like replacement, but I am intrigued by a mini-split too. The space is small, I never sleep or store food there and the current system is annoyingly installed, with the air handler horizontal in the closet attic. There's also the tax credit which I can take advantage of.

I can share some photos if helpful, but any guidance here? I don't want to light money and I am open to repairs if they make sense, but I don't want to be pennywise and pound foolish.