trader_4 writes:
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 1:39:30 PM UTC-4, TimR wrote:
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 12:36:52 PM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
Time to junk it. Lots of experiences here with people who only get a few
years out of these. You can't DIY unless you have gear to solder/braze
to attach fittings, vacuum pump, refrigerant, gauges, etc. Even if I had
that, I'd probably junk it anyway, not worth the trouble. And then
you'd likely need parts, what do they cost? They don't lose refrigerant
unless something is shot, eg the coils are leaking. Also, while
I almost never buy an extended warranty, I would look into that for the
new one. I bought on, got the extended warranty and in the third year
it died, so it was covered, got a new one.

I've followed that advice this year, bought a recommended name brand and added the extended warranty. We will see.

However, the Santa Fe is not a $300 one year product. It's a $1500 product expected to go 5 years. I haven't seen one apart but it's barely possible it has fill ports and is repairable.

Wow, didn't know that. That could change the equation. But maybe it shows
that even the ones that cost 10x don't last either. Wonder how big it is,
what capacity? If it really costs that much, I'd call around to some
local refrigeration repair guys, see what they think.


It also has a 6-year warranty from the manufacturer.