HVAC Techs????

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

LockedNLoaded

LockedNLoaded

10 Year
Joined
Aug 4, 2013
Threads
37
Messages
532
Location
Raleigh, NC
Hey everyone, I know this is a longshot, but I was wondering if we have any HVAC techs in our club? My AC unit has a very small Freon leak (I usually have to recharge every 2-3 years). Well apparently its due for more Freon (which is not a problem because I have plenty of R22). Last go around I recharged the system myself and also used some SuperSeal (that obviously did not work). I have had terrible luck with the last three HVAC guys that came out to my house over the years. One guy just said I have to replace my unit without even looking at anything (obviously he was thinking about that commission). Another guy said he fixed it and obviously did not (ended up costing me 900 bucks). Then I even had one guy go to get parts and never came back.

Another problem I have is I have my own Freon and HVAC companies naturally will only install their Freon so they can bend me over when it comes to price. Also, I am not trying to pay a company 85 bucks just to show up to my door. So, I didn't know if there was someone in the club that I can get some honest advice from. I am certainly willing to pay both with money and beer, but I just want to cut out all the BS and get this fixed before it gets really hot.
 
By the way, most problems I find is my motor capacitors go bad, same with neighbors homes, blows hot air. I change them every couple of years and for $15 each is pretty cheap insurance. My next door neighbor had someone looking at his units, they told him compressor was bad, $4000. I changed his capacitors out of my spare kit and he has been running cold for a couple of years. Cheap check.

 
Last edited:
⬆️ This. Capacitors have been the cause of two recent failures for me. Airstream A/C unit smoked one as did my Bosch dishwasher. Both were cheap and easy fixes. Generally the caps are needed to provide a quick burst of power to start a motor. If you switch on and just hear a hum, suspect a capacitor. Also, if the cap goes out the motor will get very warm. Hot, actually. If you let it sit too long this way, it will fry the motor windings.
 
izzyandsue said:
Rafael (ROXX) owns an HVAC company.
Click to expand...

Wish I lived in CLT because if I did Rafael would be the first person I would call. Wasn't aware that is what he does, but I certainly trust him.

izzyandsue said:
By the way, most problems I find is my motor capacitors go bad, same with neighbors homes, blows hot air. I change them every couple of years and for $15 each is pretty cheap insurance. My next door neighbor had someone looking at his units, they told him compressor was bad, $4000. I changed his capacitors out of my spare kit and he has been running cold for a couple of years. Cheap check.

Click to expand...


That's interesting, I will certainly take a look at that. I just thought I had a leak because that is what I was told and adding Freon always solved the issue for 2+ years. That's also why I stocked up on R22 when the prices started to go ape s__t. I really appreciate the idea. Hell anything at this point helps.
 
If you turn off the power in the unit, and in NC they have a breaker outside by the unit, then a screw driver is pretty much all you need to swap them. A place like Grainger industrial supply typically has them in stock, there are a few in Raleigh. The capacitor has a number printed on them for size, voltage, etc. You can take a picture of it, and the printing, and call or bring it to Grainger. That's what I have done, save a lot of money.
 
Thanks for the good words. Yea most of the calls are refrigerant or capacitors and contactors. Feel free to give me a call if you have any question. 704-737-9200. 99% of the time the leak will be in ur evap coil. Just ley me know if i can help with advise.
 
Roxx said:
Thanks for the good words. Yea most of the calls are refrigerant or capacitors and contactors. Feel free to give me a call if you have any question. 704-737-9200. 99% of the time the leak will be in ur evap coil. Just ley me know if i can help with advise.
Click to expand...

Well in typical gear head fashion, I have decided to do this myself. It will be a learning experience and should be fun. So tomorrow I am going to take a look at the contractors and capacitor. Going to order a freon leak detector to confirm the leak is in the evap coil.

Or is that a waste of money in your opinion? I am fairly certain I have a leak. I have probably added 17 lbs in the last 7-8 years. Would it make more sense to go ahead and order a new evap coil? Certainly, appreciate your help Rafael!

I am actually looking forward to this, I must be sick.
 
I have 3 HVAC units at home, one still original after 15 years, add freon every summer so I do have a leak, but change capacitor every 2 years have kept it going to avoid new unit. Freon recharge is ~$50, so no brainer in my situation.

If you have a split system, with air box inside the house and compressor outside, there are smaller capacitors for the inside fan motor boxes. These should be changed also, they are smaller and cheaper too, and keep that motor blowing air like new. A flashlight a Phillips screwdriver is all you might need. Same deal as the outside capacitor, they have a rating and number printed on the body, take pictures and go to Grainger. I go to the counter, point to the picture and grunt. They will know what you mean....
 
LockedNLoaded said:
Well in typical gear head fashion, I have decided to do this myself. It will be a learning experience and should be fun. So tomorrow I am going to take a look at the contractors and capacitor. Going to order a freon leak detector to confirm the leak is in the evap coil.

Or is that a waste of money in your opinion? I am fairly certain I have a leak. I have probably added 17 lbs in the last 7-8 years. Would it make more sense to go ahead and order a new evap coil? Certainly, appreciate your help Rafael!

I am actually looking forward to this, I must be sick.
Click to expand...


Give me a call and i will try to point u in the right direccion. Make sure u have ur models and serial numbers. It is hard for me to wright during the day. Well it is hard for me to wright period.
 
izzyandsue said:
I have 3 HVAC units at home, one still original after 15 years, add freon every summer so I do have a leak, but change capacitor every 2 years have kept it going to avoid new unit. Freon recharge is ~$50, so no brainer in my situation.

If you have a split system, with air box inside the house and compressor outside, there are smaller capacitors for the inside fan motor boxes. These should be changed also, they are smaller and cheaper too, and keep that motor blowing air like new. A flashlight a Phillips screwdriver is all you might need. Same deal as the outside capacitor, they have a rating and number printed on the body, take pictures and go to Grainger. I go to the counter, point to the picture and grunt. They will know what you mean....
Click to expand...

I guess i am going to have a new customer soon ;)
 
Roxx said:
Give me a call and i will try to point u in the right direccion. Make sure u have ur models and serial numbers. It is hard for me to wright during the day. Well it is hard for me to wright period.
Click to expand...


I really appreciate this my friend. Over the weekend I will start to take a look at everything and will touch base with you when I get my facts straight. Certainly, do not want to waste your time.

izzyandsue said:
I have 3 HVAC units at home, one still original after 15 years, add freon every summer so I do have a leak, but change capacitor every 2 years have kept it going to avoid new unit. Freon recharge is ~$50, so no brainer in my situation.

If you have a split system, with air box inside the house and compressor outside, there are smaller capacitors for the inside fan motor boxes. These should be changed also, they are smaller and cheaper too, and keep that motor blowing air like new. A flashlight a Phillips screwdriver is all you might need. Same deal as the outside capacitor, they have a rating and number printed on the body, take pictures and go to Grainger. I go to the counter, point to the picture and grunt. They will know what you mean....
Click to expand...

I actually do have a split system, so I appreciate the insight.
 
Rafael, do you ever make it up to Durham? I would love to pay you to evaluate my system.
 
Haha, some times to pick up a truck that i buy up there. Or to visit my cousin up there. I replaced a system last year for one club members up there. Dont do it often since it is quite far for a service call. If i make it to the next HAMOM i can check it for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom