Outside AC unit valve leak

[MetalSlug]

Hello everyone, I notice last a
Week or so my house temp keep climbing and it go down a bit overside, outside Texas lately is around 95.

Last couple night I been sleep with a fan. I change the filter ( inside the house ).

So today I call a HVAC tech and he found a leak on my Ac unit outside is a valve. He said it leaking oil bad.ly.

He said my unit is 13 years old I should start to get a new unit.

He said he can't warranty after replace the valve the leak stops. But to replace the valve and 9lb of Freon cost me $1,100.

He pull the outside unit fuse off but my Ac inside still running.

I don't have moneys for a new unit now, I should have renewed the homeowner warranty.

And when I up in the attic I found water drip between those 2 screw.

Man being home owner… it's what it's.

 

[MetalSlug]

Since he pull the outside unit fuse off and it's not running. Should I still leave inside cool setting on or turn off ?

 

[Reggaemon]

Doesn't matter that its in cool mode that will keep your inside fan running if that will help.
Is the valve leaking because of a bad joint or is it the core leaking. If its just the core that can be changed without any refrigerant loss.
Nine pounds seems like a lot of refrigerant.

 

[Lubener]

Get a second opinion. 13 years old is not that old to replace it and I feel his estimate is on the high side.

 

[sparky123]

I'm in the same predicament w/my 24 yr. old Rheem 2 1/2 ton outside unit. (Leaky TXV valve so was told by HVAC Technician.) I believe it's time to replace both inside/outside units. Ouch!) In your case 13 yr. old unit seems to young, so would elect to fix. But what do I know....

 

[Cujet]

OK, first things first. The refrigerant leak is a specific issue that can be addressed. Address it. If it is the Schrader valve, those can actually be replaced 'in place' without liberating all the refrigerant. There is a tool that does this. And/or one can purchase a quality metal cap with "O-Ring" and screw the cap on, sealing the bad valve.

One can also purchase a 30 pound jug of refrigerant on Facebook marketplace, along with a set of gauges for a fraction of what the AC companies will charge you. Then ask a technician to do the task using your tools and supplies. Saves a FORTUNE.

Also the drip may be normal, as cold parts condense water and, well, drips happen. Or it may be that the "Evaporator" (The A coil) is not draining well and the drain pan needs cleaning. If you have access, this is generally not hard to do. One can even take a Shop Vac and suck out the drain pipe to clear it. This often works wonders!! Simple, fast, effective.

But after cleaning, there are tablets that keep the bacterial growth to a minimum. Homeless depot sells them. Put 2 or 3 in the drain pan before closing it up.

NOTE: AC repair companies are notorious for pushing people into replacing their entire AC units. Often at insane prices.

You can find the valve core tool for $25-$50. And DIY.

Same for a cap that seals a leaky valve, $10.

All forms of Freon are expensive today. But a 30 pounder can be had for far less than your $1100 repair bill. And I promise you likely have a friend or neighbor who can use your supplies to service your unit if you are not capable.

And no joke, Homeless Depot sells this Gauge set for $39.

 

[Nukeman7]

I have found this video to be helpful for home HVAC novices:

 

[thastinger]

OK, first things first. The refrigerant leak is a specific issue that can be addressed. Address it. If it is the Schrader valve, those can actually be replaced 'in place' without liberating all the refrigerant. There is a tool that does this. And/or one can purchase a quality metal cap with "O-Ring" and screw the cap on, sealing the bad valve.

One can also purchase a 30 pound jug of refrigerant on Facebook marketplace, along with a set of gauges for a fraction of what the AC companies will charge you. Then ask a technician to do the task using your tools and supplies. Saves a FORTUNE.

Also the drip may be normal, as cold parts condense water and, well, drips happen. Or it may be that the "Evaporator" (The A coil) is not draining well and the drain pan needs cleaning. If you have access, this is generally not hard to do. One can even take a Shop Vac and suck out the drain pipe to clear it. This often works wonders!! Simple, fast, effective.

But after cleaning, there are tablets that keep the bacterial growth to a minimum. Homeless depot sells them. Put 2 or 3 in the drain pan before closing it up.

NOTE: AC repair companies are notorious for pushing people into replacing their entire AC units. Often at insane prices.

You can find the valve core tool for $25-$50. And DIY.

Same for a cap that seals a leaky valve, $10.

All forms of Freon are expensive today. But a 30 pounder can be had for far less than your $1100 repair bill. And I promise you likely have a friend or neighbor who can use your supplies to service your unit if you are not capable.

And no joke, Homeless Depot sells this Gauge set for $39.

Yeah, tech could have changed out the shrader valve without loss of any charge