Yes this does look like a item that would be covered under warranty. I would call the manufacture, and see if they will do anything for you, regardless of the age of the unit.
At least they might be able to point you to a authorized warranty agent, who can repair it. My guess is that I could heat the tubing to 1100F and melt in some solder in a few seconds, then cut off one of the low pressure tubes and install a freon fitting. Install a drier, and put it on a vacuum pump for about 1 hour. Recharge and it will work like normal. This will take about 3-4 hours. Most shop labor is in the $100 per hour range these days.
Sadly most will go for a new unit with a new warranty, rather than a repair basically without warranty (for very long). Hopefully the factory will pick up the tab, or at least try to get them to pay 1/2? And would you be able to return to this repair shop for any warranty work related to this repair? Probably not. .
So I hope that you can find a reasonable repair cost at someplace local. Most will just climb up on the roof and fix it there.
Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a
Porsche or Country Coach!
If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!
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