On Aug 28, 2:32*pm, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:
On Thu 28 Aug 2008 12:40:28p, phil scott told us...

5 ton condensing unit new if its low end model will wholesale for 1200
dollars or more... it its high efficiency, *seer 12 or 14 a lot
higher....

Our system is right in the middle, seer 13.

did you see the guy solder in a new drier? * thats a grey or blue
thing, generally 3 or 4" in diameter, 6 to 10" long... located either
inside the condensing unit, or outside in the small copper line.

Yes, he did install a new drier inside the condensing unit. *The housing of
our unit is fairly large with easy access panels. *It didn't seem as though
he had much trouble working with it. *He also replaced a contactor switch
and a couple of solenoids, although he said the old ones were probably
okay, he wanted to be sure we didn't have a problem. *All parts were
covered by the warranty.





Your tech guy *sounded at least reasonably competent to me... however
those driers (they remove acid contamination also) are critical to the
compressor lasting more than a few years, the ones inside the unit are
often hard to replace so are not replaced..not good. * *Its also not
good to just add a drier on the outside and leave the old one in
place ..but its not fatal and would still give *you good acid
protection.

If he did not replace the old drier, he owes you one.. *a new drier is
industry std protocol for compressor replacement even if there was no
acid or other problem. * You can usually see the inside drier by
looking down through the fan cowling opening.

Next time get a warranty that includes labor if you can... or skip
the warranty all together. *I dont buy them myself.

The company who originally installed the system did the replacement. *I
n
discussion with the tech who did the work, I learned that they offer a
maintenance plan for $225/year that includes two inspections/services
per year, and also includes labor for any work that needs to be
performed.
*
That would include labor for replacing the compressor. *We have taken t
he
maintenance plan for the future.

given its a replacement compressor thats a good deal...they keep
bringing up green flags with
me, thats not entirely usual these days.

but make sure you got a new drier. *(if any doubt look for dust on the
old drier)

We're good. *Thanks, Phil. *You brought up some good points. *I'm glad we
had a good service tech.

Phil scott

--
* * * * * * *Wayne Boatwright * * * * * *

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13 seer in a contractor built home is quite unusual, speaks highly for
all concerned, as does the installation of a drier and new contactor..
your contractors tech guy is in the top 2% or so... with fair rates
considering the quality.


Phil scott