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Heating & Air Conditioning

Help! Need help with my condo's A/C Unit

16 years ago

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me (generally speaking) how long would a full A/C unit (full as in full of freon) last?

I live in a 1600 sq ft condo in Los Angeles and I believe we kept the A/C on almost every night for most of last summer (3 months).

Now, my condo's A/C unit is not working (does not cool or heat) and the tech came out and told my wife that there's a leak somewhere. He didn't explain why there is a leak; just that it would cost $400-$600 to find the leak and replacing the indoor A/C unit would cost $2K and the outside unit about $3K.

So, I'm just curious if it's possible that we simply burned through all of the freon?

And, does the techs recommendations sound reasonable?

Thanks so much!

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Comments (3)

ryanhughes
16 years ago
Freon doesn't necessarily just burn out--if it is depleted, then there is a leak. Leak tests can be extensive or easy, if the tech knows where to look. $400-600 sounds like a lot for this tests. I'd think maybe half or 3/4 of this. If you have to replace one unit, do yourself a favor and do both--better for the long run! Good luck.
mikenew
16 years ago
Your refrigerant did not degrade or vanish it leaked out so you need to find out where it went the price they gave you for a leak search is not out of line you just need to make sure that they are willikng to take that cost off the price of any equipment they whish to sell you they will probably tell you your evap coil is leaking and if they take the 300 to 600 off the coil or equipment replacement you should be fine

Here is a link that might be useful: Air Conditioning and Heating Repair Made Easy
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beej74
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you both for the advice, much appreciated!

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