DIYbanter - View Single Post - Air Conditioner- fix or place?

Stormin Mormon[_10_]

On 4/15/2015 10:24 PM, wrote:
I recently had my air conditioner (Trane split system,
r22 condenser, mfd 4/97)inspected on an Angies's List 20
point inspection for $70. My air conditioner barely
cooled the entire 12 years we lived here (we live in
California and the temperature is rarely boiling so we
rarely use it). They checked it and said it needs to
be recharged, estimate $50 per lb., for 8 lbs, and leak
checked. After the estimate that was it. I asked if
everything else seemed okay, as per the 20 point check.
No answer.

At this rate, am I better off fixing it or replacing
it? BTW, my house is about 2400 sq ft.

You didn't mention how many BTU or tons is your old
system. You also didn't mention if your residence is
old and drafty, or modern and well insulated. Both are
relevant.

I service HVAC, though I'm in PRNY, not PRC. With a
system that old, it probably needs cleaning. A good
HVAC guy would take the top off your outdoor unit,
mix up some cleaning solution and pour on. There are
three types, I use the purple stuff. For many reasons,
not the pink or green. After three to five minutes,
rinse the solution (and lots of dirt) with a garden
hose. Repeat, the second wash will also get a lot of
dirt.

Most of the time, no refrigerant is needed. Many
techs are big on weigh in a charge, look for leaks,
etc. My first treatment of choice is to chemical clean
the outdoor condenser.

After the condenser is clean, it needs to be dry to
check the refrigrant level. So, the guy should come
back in two or three days to check the "Freon".

BTW, Freon is a brand name, like Sunoco or Pepsi.

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Christopher A. Young
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