Central A/C [censored] out

[TOMJ]

Seems like yesterday but it was actually 15 years ago that we replaced the HVAC system in our house. A few weeks ago we noticed that the unit seemed to be running longer than normal
and then when 90* temps came along the unit couldn't maintain the 74* set point.
Had a tech come out and we were told that the unit was low on refrigerant. The tech added 1 lb of R22 (at $125 per pound)and everything was great for a week and a half now we're back to barely being able to maintain 76*.
My dilemma is do we replace the system at a cost of $6,000 - $7,000.00 or do we just go with a 15,000 btu window unit for less than $400.00?
The furnace still works great and our gas bill is only $42.00 a month based on the gas company's levelized billing. (average of the previous 12 months usage).
This is a 1,350 square foot split level and we do already use a 6,000 btu unit in our bed room.

Anyone have any experience using just window units in a split level home?

Hoping that this will keep us cool and not be a waste of $400.00 if it doesn't. We have already spent $200.00 on a service call and a pound of R22.

 

[cpayne5]

It needs to be diagnosed, which the first tech should have performed.

Sounds like there's a leak. Depending on where the leak is, a proper fix may be less than the $400 window unit.

 

[bugeye]

First tech should have used an electronic sniffer to find the leak. Then decide on the repair.

 

[TOMJ]

The tech did not do a leak check and did not offer the service to us. He just topped off the R22 and then went in to his sales pitch.
Seems like most companies don't want to repair your system, they want to sell you a new system.

 

[CT8]

Central A/c units are expensive. Window units are economical and you can replace one for the price of a service call..

 

[JustinH]

6000-7000 sounds like too much for a swap out of furnace and ac unit.

I had a 2.5 ton unit installed in my 1000 sq foot house for around 2500 bucks.

Get some bids on home advisor if you end up replacing it.

I also had a leak in my R22 system, that leaked out after a week or so.

 

[WyrTwister]

Yep , find the leak . Repair if feasible .

I replace the Schrader valves in the service ports in my equipment as Standard Operating Procedure , preventive maintenance .

Many HVAC companies are more interested in selling new equipment , than repairing existing equipment . :-(

For what it is worth , my cost for 30 pounds of R-22 is about $ 450 . Take that for what it is worth .

 

[skyactiv]

Originally Posted By: cpayne5
It needs to be diagnosed, which the first tech should have performed.

Sounds like there's a leak. Depending on where the leak is, a proper fix may be less than the $400 window unit.


Yep.
You can buy a new, more efficient condenser, evaporator and line set delivered for under $1500. Waaaaay too much profit at your quote.
That house probably takes a 2 ton unit: https://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewcategory.cfm?categoryID=17

 

[bullwinkle]

Need to add refrigerant dye to the system, then use a UV light to track down the leak, or an electronic detector. As stated above, too many HVAC techs are getting paid commissions on selling new equipment, giving them an extra incentive to overlook easy fixes like the Schrader cores listed above-which can go bad just from age & having a set of gauges put on them!! If you were local to me, I would help you out-I hate to see a BITOGer get ripped off!

 

[Cujet]

I purchased cases of R22 when Costco still sold it. Expecting to need it when my system got old. I've not needed it yet. However...

I have an American Standard 5 ton with 2 compressors. Inside is a 2.5 ton and a 5 ton comp. They share the load, so I guess, last longer, as each runs less than if it were a single comp. 18 years old now, and in serious South Florida use.

In any case, if it's leaked down again, that could be an easy fix. I'm not a big fan of replacement just to get the latest and greatest. The new units are wicked expensive to maintain, with digital circuits, variable speed permanent magnet fan motors (read $600 each instead of $50) and so on.

And, yes, quality window units will work well when sized correctly. However, I'd only do that when you know what's failed on your central AC.

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted By: WyrTwister
For what it is worth , my cost for 30 pounds of R-22 is about $ 450 . Take that for what it is worth .
Must be worth a lot!

The technician spends time diagnosing, possibly to no avail depending on his skill level and work ethic. He cannot find the problem, he charges you for hours he spent diagnosing, and you are angry that he could not fix the problem. The company makes money money marking up his labour, and the mark up on the freon. A one man show might like doing service calls because they are an easy way to make money for one man.

The technician comes in and refills the system, he sells you a new system. Company marks up labour, parts, refrigerant and if they do a good job they possibly get referrals. Everyone gets a paycheque at the end of the week and the business continues to operate.

What I think most people do not understand is that these guys are not DIYers. They do not want small jobs, it is hard to make a profit on top of overhead making $500 repairs for homeowners. Not only do they not want small repair jobs, I will bet they don't even want residential jobs. These guys want the big commercial jobs and that's where their effort is going to go. They are not sending their best troubleshooter to a residential service call.

 

[JMJNet]

Get referral or find a company which are owner operated.
They tends to be able to fix better than big run company.

Oh, by the way, somebody suggested Home Advisor.
Here in DFW area, Home Advisor does not have good/honest provider.
Anybody can just sign up there.

 

[bullwinkle]

FYI-at least around here, commercial companies generally don't do residential work-but the companies that do residential HEAVILY INCENTIVIZE selling new systems! I don't normally do A/C, I'm actually more of a refrigeration & commercial food equipment guy-but I've worked on several family members systems that had simple problems (gas furnace igniters, bad condensing unit contactors, minor freon leaks) where companies had told them the system was junk & needed replaced to the tune of $4K+! That's why they advertise cheap service calls-to get them in the door, then the screwing starts. Kind of like a $19 oil change special...

 

[WyrTwister]

I personally like to use the florescent dye for leak detection . But change out the schrader valves first & see if that helps . If so , it was a cheap repair . If not , not much $$$ spent .

 

[edwardh1]

I wonder why a central unit would not / could not consist of a air handler with plug in window units that could be removed and junked when they fail.
youd need a control system to turn the window units on and off

 

[bubbatime]

A 15 year old AC unit in the south is approaching end of life.

A new central AC unit is likely the best option, although not the cheapest. If you have the money, I'd go that route. If you need to save up money to replace the central AC, then the window unit would work.

 

[PimTac]

Originally Posted By: edwardh1
I wonder why a central unit would not / could not consist of a air handler with plug in window units that could be removed and junked when they fail.
youd need a control system to turn the window units on and off

That sounds like the split systems but those can be pricey as well. In general though they are cheaper than a whole house system.

 

[WyrTwister]

You used to be able to purchase " dry charged " R22 condensers for replacement installs . Do not know if they are still available ?

 

[WyrTwister]

https://www.google.com/search?q=dry+char...ent=firefox-b-1

 

[HonorAndHonesty]

Id try the window unit route. They can be a minor pita, but a lot cheaper.

We have a cape cod and have to put a window unit in one bedroom upstairs. There is not enough airflow up there to cool in the summer.

We had a 3 ton heatpump installed in 09 for 5500, a bryant midrange unit.

Been happy with it, but I have considered trying to install the next unit our self.

I can solder copper, do the electrical, I have numerous auto ac jobs when I was a tech.

Id give it a crack.