Need AC help

[pied2]

I am an idiot when it comes to my AC and need some help. I don’t trust what AC guys tell me.

I live in the Dallas area and my house is 13 years old with two units, one larger one for the down stairs and one smaller for the upstairs. I do not know the tonnage/seer/etc.

My units have been sucking (not cooling and costing me about $400/mo.)for a couple of seasons and I figured I’d have to replace them. Over the weekend I had to fire them up for the first time and the upstairs was not cooling at all. Called the AC guy out and said the fan was out and would be $450 to replace. He said that if they fix that the coils may be fired and we’d have to end up getting the whole thing replaced anyway. Not suprising, but nto ready to drop that kind of coin right now.

Questions, should I try the minor repair?

If not, what brands/companies should I be looking for? Any ones to stay away from? What about seer ratings, etc.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[accuratehorn]

I replaced the outside unit fan a couple of years ago myself, and it is still working. Also, the whole system was low on refrigerant, and I added some, which I am thinking will keep it from running so much this summer, and will reduce the electric bill. There are appliance parts dealers that will sell the correct parts for the units if you get all the information off the metal tag on the outside unit.

 

[pied2]

I appreciate the suggewtion. Anyone else have other ideas?

 

[jmrob93]

My father-in-law owns an AC company in Houston. Don't replace a fan, etc... minor parts. You are paying for labor and not addressing the root issue. Seriously look into new units, the high efficiency units these days can pay for them selves in a yr or two by the savings. In addition some of the new technology-- two speed outdoor compressors and indoor fans have the ability run at low speeds to maintain the temp at lower energy costs. Also, most of these have humidity controls to where you may not have the temps as low is the humidity is correct--55% is ideal in TX-- you might be as comfortable at 80 degrees v. 76 id the humidity is correct. A new digital thermostat-- accurate to 1 degree v. the old style --3 degrees-- it becomes hot, then you override, overcool because it doesn't come on when it should. Also thinks about one cooling-- automatic controls in dampers in the plenum.

All total 10-12k for everything, 5-6 for less-- they almost guarantee to cut those bills in half--assuming the insulation is good. Additinally, it is a huge upgrade if selling th house in anywhere in the future.

 

[El_Guapo]

If your units are 13 years old, you might as well bite the bullet and replace them. That $450 is most likely a temporary fix at best and you're gonna have to replace the whole thing anyway.

My only advice is to take whatever tonnage they recommend on their "load test" and add at least another half ton.