Home AC - Coil Leak

[axle hongsnort]

Looks like a coil replacement could be in the $1-2K range. I am rolling the dice and opting to get the freon replaced for now.

The unit is about 15 years old and if we were going to stay in this house it would make more sense to get the whole hot/cold system replaced.

I'm certain there are a ton of variables, but does anyone have experience or know how long a freon re-charge could last in light of a minor coil leak?

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I just now called & asked the A/C guy that I do some work for & asked him what to expect; he said it's a very subjective question & is dependant on the size of the leak.

I asked if it could be 10 minutes, 10 days or 10 weeks & he said (again) "Can't say. It really is based on the size of the hole."

He was busy, so I didn't get the chance to ask him this; something in my head makes me think that if you have a leak on one of the old ozone depleting systems, an A/C company isn't allowed to put the same stuff back in.

Again, that's my words on the 2nd part, not his.

 

[Sii]

I had a coil leak in mine and it ended up needing to be replaced

it was only going a few weeks before not blowing that cold again

 

[axle hongsnort]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.

NCAA - super cool of you to call your buddy!

By the way, I still need to research, but am pondering the effectiveness of one of those home warranty deals given the situation.

 

[Sgt. Longhorn]

Considering freon is $40 a lb, you are going to be spending $200 or $300 just charging it up.

 

[MilkmanDan]

Had that happen in August to a 14 year old mismatched unit. We were able to limp along with only one recharge until January, at which time we replaced the entire system.

 

[zork]

what kind off system did you go with mmd? did you just replace the outside and inside units, attaching them to existing ductwork, etc?

 

[MilkmanDan]

We got a new Trane system (XL15i, 15.25 seer) that tied into the existing tubing and ducts from Air Conditioning Specialists. I was surprised how much larger the furnace was compared to the old unit.

Of the three contractors I received quotes from, A/C Specialists were the most thorough and did the most with the city's rebate program. Other than blowing some new insulation and re-sealing the ducts my house didn't need much, but I'm still hoping to see a big change in the electric bill come summer with the significantly more efficient unit.

 

[fratboy_legend]

i have done it a couple times. Once it lasted a year, once it lasted a day. completely un-analyzable situation.

 

[pevodog]

I've been going for three years, takes about 5lbs. per year.