[Help] - Central A/C unit

[GJUN]

Our central A/C unit outside doesn't really work well so got it looked over by a tech last year. He said there's a leakage somewhere in the unit that causes "something" (I forgot, a coolant maybe?) to leak which causes A/C to not produce cold air. Does this sound familiar/common? He recommended a complete replacement... I was wondering if it's something I can purchase myself and fill it out each year for a foreseeable future?

 

[kbeefy]

It's not good for the environment to vent refrigerant.
Professionally, it is against the law to add refrigerant to a system with a known leak.
I don't know why refrigerant is even available to the general public... lots worse things out there I suppose.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Our central A/C unit outside doesn't really work well so got it looked over by a tech last year. He said there's a leakage somewhere in the unit that causes "something" (I forgot, a coolant maybe?) to leak which causes A/C to not produce cold air. Does this sound familiar/common? He recommended a complete replacement... I was wondering if it's something I can purchase myself and fill it out each year for a foreseeable future?

Too costly to repair...... Replace the system NOW and you will thank me later.

 

[GJUN]

It's not good for the environment to vent refrigerant.
Professionally, it is against the law to add refrigerant to a system with a known leak.
I don't know why refrigerant is even available to the general public... lots worse things out there I suppose.

I didn't even think about that. But I'm not 100% sure if it's that. I don't see any strange liquid around the unit so maybe it was something else (unless y'all sure that's the only thing the tech would be talking about).

 

[GJUN]

Too costly to repair...... Replace the system NOW and you will thank me later.

Hmm Gotta check how much the replacement costs. Refilling whatever he was feeling would cost me a couple hundred or so. Replacement sounds way more expensive (full disclosure: I haven't researched replacement cost).

 

[machsnell]

Doesn't matter if it's cheaper you (and he) need to either fix or replace a unit that is leaking refrigerant. It is very bad for the environment.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[kbeefy]

I didn't even think about that. But I'm not 100% sure if it's that. I don't see any strange liquid around the unit so maybe it was something else (unless y'all sure that's the only thing the tech would be talking about).

It was absolutely freon/refrigerant. There is no other chemical in an AC system.

Refrigerant is a clear gas that disperses into the air. Very similar to propane.
You won't see any evidence of leakage unless there is leak detector dye in the system. I don't think its very common on residential, but I don't do residential.

 

[kbeefy]

Replacement will be much more expensive. And aside from repairing a worn out old unit that will probably break again is the only realistic option.

 

[yeldogt]

Think you need to get a better understanding of what they recommended -- some leaks can be fixed and the refrigerant charge "replaced" ... and the system will work. In other cases the leak is not able to be fixed and the system needs o be replaced as fixing the system is too expensive or too old.

How old is the system?

 

[acmikee]

you need to locate the leak, using an electronic leak detector, soap and nitrogen, then repair the leak normally brazing a joint, evac the system and properly charge the unit.
pay the service tech

 

[GJUN]

Doesn't matter if it's cheaper you (and he) need to either fix or replace a unit that is leaking refrigerant. It is very bad for the environment.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

It was absolutely freon/refrigerant. There is no other chemical in an AC system.

Refrigerant is a clear gas that disperses into the air. Very similar to propane.
You won't see any evidence of leakage unless there is leak detector dye in the system. I don't think its very common on residential, but I don't do residential.

Replacement will be much more expensive. And aside from repairing a worn out old unit that will probably break again is the only realistic option.

Hmm... sounds like refrigerant leakage is indeed the issue. Will start looking at the cost. What do you think is the ballpark figure am I looking at for a central A/C unit to cover 3 rooms + bathroom?

 

[GJUN]

Think you need to get a better understanding of what they recommended -- some leaks can be fixed and the refrigerant charge "replaced" ... and the system will work. In other cases the leak is not able to be fixed and the system needs o be replaced as fixing the system is too expensive or too old.

How old is the system?

I'll have a tech come over next month to get more detail info and maybe ask for some suggestions as far as the replacement unit/installation goes.

 

[GJUN]

you need to locate the leak, using an electronic leak detector, soap and nitrogen, then repair the leak normally brazing a joint, evac the system and properly charge the unit.
pay the service tech

Thanks for the idea. I'll call in the service tech.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It's not illegal for residential units to be charged without leak repair, but it's still a bad idea. Refrigerant is only available to the "general public" to be sold and resold. They are not allowed to "handle" it. There ARE visible signs of leaks. Oil is the best visual indicator. There are other materials used for refrigerant that are not "freon". Freon is a brand name, BTW...

If the system is more than 20 years old, replace everything, including the lineset.

Tommy

 

[quickfarms]

The cost is based on the size of the unit.

The age and condition of the unit will also factor in determining if an attempt to repair is feasible