|
Posted by Noon-Air on August 28, 2006, 9:58 am
> I've always been in the habit of feeling the larger, cold fitting when
> walking by the back yard unit to check the coldness.
> CY: As you'd noticed, a good running AC has enough cooling power to
> cool both the house, and also the cold refrigerant helps cool the
> compressor.
>
> Nice and cold until
> a few days ago. It then was only somewhat cool and had a little oily
> substance on the cold fitting. I turned off the A/C right away until I
> can get it checked.
> CY: That's a cautious approach.
>
> From what I gathered lurking here, a tech needs to
> at least evacuate the entire system, ensure there are no leaks, and
> recharge with brand new freon. I have some questions...
> CY: From what you write, I'd expect a tech to use a leak detector
> while the freon was still in the system. See if he can detect a leak.
> After beeping to find a leak, then put the gages on and see what
> pressures, superheat, adn so on. And, then, remove the freon and fix
> the leak if a leak was found.
What if the problem isn't caused by a leak??
> 1) Generally, how much should I expect to spend if that's all that is
> needed? It's a long run from the back yard compressor to the attic
> furnace system towards the front of the two story house.
> CY: Trip charge, plus labor, plus probably five or six pounds of
> freon. Wild guess would be $300.
5 or 6 pounds of refrigerant??
What about the actual repairs??
What about a new filter dryer??
What about torch and filler rod??
What about evacuating the system down to 400 microns??
> 2) How do I find a reputable company with competent technicians?
> CY: Ask your neighbors and friends who they use, and if they are happy
> wtih the service.
>
> 3) Any other periodic maintenance that should be done?
> CY: Change the air filter. Have a tech check the freon level in the
> spring, and clean the condensor every couple years.
>
> 4) From day one, the lines in the outside wall by the back yard unit
> have occasionally produce a pressure-relief-like swishing sound that
> lasts for about 20 seconds. Is that bad?
> CY: If it happens when the outdoor unit shuts off, that's just the
> pressures equalizing.
ummmm Chris, ya think it might be a heat pump?? or might be grossly
overcharged?? or both??
> 5) Are service rates seasonal? Higher rates in the summer?
> CY: Yes, I'd expect so.
Nope... rates are the same but they can be adjusted depending on the
customers attitude.
> Thanks to the group.
>
> Jerry
>
>
| 
Yahoo! 
Google 
Windows Live 
del.icio.us 
digg 
Netscape 
XML Sitemap