PSA, Check Your Air-conditioning...
9 months ago
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- 9 months ago
- 9 months ago
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advice needed regarding air conditioning refrigerant leak
Comments (4)The system warranty was just for 5 years, regarding service history; last time the system was checked by a tech was at the end of the warranty period and it was OK. The tech who checked my system yesterday is from the same company how installed the system in my house (the system was installed at the time when the house was built) and therefore I believe he is a qualified tech, but it does not make since to change everything because of a leak! The tech mentioned that to locate the leak it is going to cost me $300, and after finding out where it is leaking from, then he can provide me with an estimate for fixing it (if possible . . . that what he said) and therefore the total cost could end up close to replace the full system. So his advice is to replace the system because in this case IâÂÂm going to get another a 5 years warranty. Is it a good idea to ask for adding Freon and see how long it will hold? So based on that I can predict if the system has a serious leak or not before spending the $2000. Thank you all...See MoreHow You Can Check Your Home & Air Conditioning System
Comments (5)I just now came back to see some responses here. Hey, Coolmen CJ, congratulations on being NCI Certified. No it is not spam; I nor no one else makes a penny from the information I provide on my Web sites. However, if you are a good Tech, you will get a lot more work, because when folks get interested in how their HVAC system is performing & in knowing how to reduce energy use, they will call a contractor for Tech help. I think he is getting a little too hi tech. for the home owner to do all this checking. How many home owners are going to buy air testing meter? (They don't need it.) A lot of dealers don't have them. Later paulbm I don't actually disagree with you Paul. The Tech needs all the air testing instruments; the folks running my simple test only need a thermometer & either a humidity gage or do a wet bull temp check. They can respond on twitter or on a forum, or e-mail me, & I'll go much further with that seemingly insignificant information. Just using that little info data; I can tell them an amazing amount of performance & trouble shooting information, concerning their system's performance. If they provide supply air & rerurn air wet bulb, I can closely ballpark with psychrometric software the BTUH that their system is delivering within those operating conditions. Every Tech could do that, especially if they had worked in HVAC/R since before the mid-1970's. The mfg'ers ought to provide the condenser splits so I wouldn't have to do extra figuring to get the condenser temp split at differing load conditions. Challenge me with actual test data & I'll show what we can come up with I need to know the "SEER Rating of the condenser." Typing with eraser ends of pencils, cause my hands are messed-up is difficult so I'll quit, for now. - udarrell Here is a link that might be useful: Simple A/C Performance Checks Anyone Can Do...See MoreAir conditioning question
Comments (2)Unit could be oversized. There are some thermostats that can control the cycles/hr. that would reduce the cycles but do nothing about the noise. It could be you are overly sensitive to noise or types of noise. Short of earplugs, I really doubt there is much you can do other than threaten to break lease and move. Have you discussed this issue with your neighbor? Obviously the noise is not a problem for them. You could also ask your landlord for permission to have an HVAC pro out to take a look. That of course would be on your dime. Is another apt available that you could move into? sorry for your trouble, IMO...See MoreHeat/Air conditioning recs for WI house
Comments (5)Ok, your electric rate is quite high. Given the age of your air conditioner it could be 6 SEER. Which is quite the relic. Minimum efficiency for the northern climates is 13 SEER which would more than double the likely efficiency of your current AC system. But realize if you go with 13 SEER in an Air Conditioner this is bottom rung and brand would mean nothing. (13 SEER is only allowable in the north, in my climate 14 SEER is lowest efficiency allowable by law today.) SEER ratings for AC go as high as 24.5 SEER today. For your climate you may want to consider 16 SEER. However, the 2 speed variety is typically better made and 2 speed AC's start at 16 SEER efficiency --- so this would be considered mid level. All things equal installation is the most important and due to your climate you may want to focus more on heating than AC. Brand really doesn't mean much, in my opinion. I see regular failures of 3 years old or less equipment of every brand. No brand is immune to failure. It is probably in your best interest to go to 95% or greater efficiency in a gas furnace. It would also be a good idea to find a insulation company that specializes in reinsulating the walls of older homes. If you plan to live in this home for any real length of time this would be money well spent. Window replacement is probably not a bad idea either, but replacing windows without tackling the insulation issues would be pointless in my opinion. Another thing about brands is that it's best to choose brands that have good support, great warranty coverage in the area or location of where you live. Every brand breaks, so you will at some point in time, depend on your installing contractor as well as the distributor of the brand you choose. If you don't have easy access to parts, it could spell long wait times to put your system back on line....See More- 9 months ago
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