Central A/C Coils for residential unit?

Question

I have a unit that is 10 years old, the compressor was replaced 6 years ago. An a/c tech came out and told us we had a freon leak and needed a whole new system. Would just replacing the coils solve this problem? If so, is this normally a part that is readily available or could take 1 to 2 weeks to get? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, a lot of a/c companies have taken the low road and are sending out salesmen on service calls as opposed to qualified technicians. I wouldn't place a lot of stock in the advice of your alleged tech who sounds like he is working on commissions.

You may or may not have a leak. Why not have a reputable company come out and give you an honest diagnosis?

To answer your question, however, an evaporator coil for your inside unit will run about $750 for a 3-4 ton unit, and the part should be in stock. But I would think long and hard before I spent that kind of money on an old system.

Answer 2

If the coils on the condensor (the unit outside) are leaking in multiple places, you may be better off replacing the entire unit. If only a couples of spots are leaking, the unit can be pumped down (free of freon and air,) and braized to repair the leaks.

A lot cheaper to repair the leaks, but tricky to find all the leaks within the fins on the unit

Answer 3

If you had a leak he should have fixed it (report him to BBB).If your compressor is only 6 years old it should be OK(you should have had both replaced at the same time).The evaporator is cheaper than the compressor but will probably more labor intensive to replaced.I would go to a different air conditioner repairman(since he apparently doesn't know how to fix(find) a leak(it is probably only your Schroeder valve(make sure it has a cap,It should also have a valve that can turn off the Schroeder valfe(they are just like tire valves and leak) but most instalers don't bother puting it in) if it cools for more than a month without being recharged)

Answer 4

If the leak is in the A-coil in side the furnace, replace the system. The labor and materials required to repair the coil leak will cost you almost as much as a new furnace. The efficiency of a new furnace will help defray the cost over time. I would call a couple of HVAC contractors and get a couple of bids. The bid process should NOT cost you anything.

Answer 5

The coils wouldn't be worth replacing after there cost and labor are factored in. If the unit is that old then I would replace it and reap the benefit of the higher efficiency system.

Answer 6

i don't work on equipment that old if it has problems of that nature