On Tue, 28 Jun 2005 19:25:49 GMT, "Alan Smithee"
wrote:

My A/C is in need of repair. The first repair guy I called wouldn't touch
it. Said it was too old that fixing (the slow leak presumably) would cost me
as much as a new A/C. Then he hit me with the sales pitch!!
Can't they just top these things up with more R-12? Or replace the coolant
with something else? Currently the A/C blows about 10 degrees F cooler than
the room temperature, not quite cold enough when the heat starts going up up
up. Do I believe the repair guy or get a second opinion?

Is it a window unit? If so and it is really old, you might want to
consider a new model because it will be more energy efficient and may
have some worthwhile features (timers, etc.). If you don't get
electronic controls (remote control, etc.) and can install it
yourself, they are reasonably priced.

OTOH, if I remember correctly, I read that next year's models will be
even more efficient and there is the possibility of bringing back
(tax) incentives for replacing old ones. But still, you have to pay
to have your current one fixed in the meantime so that gets factored
into the cost of waiting.

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!