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

 

[Tubefreakz]

Refrigeration techs spray soapy water or Snoop leak detection solution in the area to identifiy the exact location of the leak. The leak will bubble. I recommend spraying the area with the cap on to confirm the cap is leaking.
However, the cap is not the source of the leak. The cause would be the schrader valve core under the cap. As Cujet explains, schrader cores can easily be replaced without removing refrigerant using a schrader core removal tool (Yellow Jacket - Ritchie in the photo)..
Also, there should be a small o-ring inside the black plastic cap (brass caps do not have o-rings). The o-rings often fall out whenever the cap is removed. If it is missing, the cap must be replaced.

 

[Cujet]

Refrigeration techs spray soapy water or Snoop leak detection solution in the area to identifiy the exact location of the leak. The leak will bubble. I recommend spraying the area with the cap on to confirm the cap is leaking.
However, the cap is not the source of the leak. The cause would be the schrader valve core under the cap. As Cujet explains, schrader cores can easily be replaced without removing refrigerant using a schrader core removal tool (Yellow Jacket - Ritchie in the photo)..
Also, there should be a small o-ring inside the black plastic cap (brass caps do not have o-rings). The o-rings often fall out whenever the cap is removed. If it is missing, the cap must be replaced.

Note: For $6 brass caps with o-rings are available. Amazon. It will prevent a leaking valve from liberating all your Freon. For those of us who like to think ahead, it's not a bad idea to install them. That said, mine have no caps at all. Need to fix that ASAP.