Posted: 4/27/2015 4:38:46 PM EDT
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Condenser was installed 15 years ago. Last 2 years the unit required a charge to make cold air. One of the charges the tech added a sealer with the freon to seal the leak. Last year it didn't last through the summer and was blowing warm air again.
I assume it it time to replace the unit due to it's age. We don't run the air very hard in our part of Ohio, it only gets real hot 2-3 weeks during the summer. What do you recommend for a replacement unit? Size? SEER rating? I can't decipher the unit size by the nameplate sticker. Efficiency is not THE top priority because it really does not run that many hours per summer. Any need to replace the coil at the furnace if changing condensers? Thanks for looking.  </a>" />
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no one tried to trace the leak?
that seems pretty sloppy. there are sniffers to find the leak instead of just charging and going on with life. adding sealant crap means I would probably replace and have them flush the lines. you would have to replace inside and out now or still have to figure out where the leak is. also don't do the a/c without the furnace. 15 years, you might as well do both. I tried to save money doing only a/c thinking the furnace was fine, only to have to replace the other the next year. the labor cost was what hurt, paying for that twice instead of only once doing the whole thing. |
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It uses R22 refrigerant which is being phased out. I would suggest replacing the outdoor condenser, indoor evaporator coil, and the refrigerant line set. The oils used by R22 equipment and R410A equipment are not compatible. You could just have the lines flushed, but after the use of leak stop I would replace them. If the furnace is also 15+ years old it would be prudent to replace it at the same time.
I recommend American Standard or Trane, both are manufactured by Ingersoll-Rand. I'm assuming you are heating with natural gas. The furnace we sell most is the Gold 95v. Pair that with the basic 13SEER air conditioner and you should be good to go for 20 years. |
| I would of had them sniff the leak out (with the proper tool) to see if it could be fixed, no need to change the entire system and spend all of that money if the leak can be fixed (usually it can). Almost any tech you get out there will push for a change out so they can make some $$$$. And never use that same HVAC tech again, any good tech would of used a leak detector. If you do opt for a change out then American Standard is very good stuff, Goodman is bottom shelf and Carrier is hard to get warranty approval for. |