Air Conditioning - Puron leak in Bryant system

Hii guys,
I could really use some help. My Bryant R410 system is leaking puron. It has been filled twice 3/29 and to day 5/9. The two techs that have come out have not run leak tests. They have told me that it is the Condensor coils. To fix the existing AC they want 1900$or around that . The furnace has to be pulled and the coils have to be replaced. The install on this system was not done right 9 years ago. The existing lines were used and the Bryant system replace an R22. In 2004 the compressor was replaced, so to fixing the existing system has the risk that the compressor is now bad. The advise:

1. Should I replace the existing system?
2. If not, how can I make sure that the compressor is not damaged? The system works good when it is full of Puron.
3. Do I need to replace the lines if I switch back to a R22 system? Can the lines be cleaned to make it okay to use for a R22 system?
4. Should I replace the furnace along with the AC system?
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9 years ago R-410 was new and not many techs knew how to install it properly or service it propery. It has come a long way and is fairly reliable. But after saying that I would still go with R-22.

The big problem is when they used your existing refrigerant lines. That and their lack of R-410 knowledge back then contributed to the compressor failure.

R-410 is a blend of refrigerants and thus each one leaks at a differant rate. When you have a leak "esspecially ongoing' like yours the properties of the refrigerant change.The oil in a R410 system is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture like a sponge and is almost impossible to get out. When the system was installed and the original lineset was re-used if it was not flushed and vacuumed properly it added moisture to your oil and when the compressor was replaced, if not done properly that also added moisture into the system.

I would reccomend changing out the indoor coil, line-set, and condensor unit with new. If you wish to go with R-410 again that's fine or an R-22 system will be fine either way. Replacement of the airhandler really depends on the age and condition and type of heat. If it's very old then you wont get quite the efficiency of a new a/c system if it's not matched up.

Mattison, Thank you so much for replying. I have gotten quotes and recommendations. I have decided to go with a Reem system, replace the outside unit and coils. The house is a two story house so to replace the lines is difficult. What would be the procedure to use the existing lines? I am keeping the old furnace. Again thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!

They need to do a very good flush on the linesets and then before they release the refrigerant a very good prefferably triple evac using nitrogen to break the vacuum should be prefomed.

MATT has said it all the way to go. You dont say if the new unit is R22. But to keep the old line set for sure go for R22. With a new inside coil and outdoor condenser. Like said the lines have to be for sure cleaned out good to go to R410a in them. But also most line sets are too small to use R410a in them. R22 will be made till 2030 . So it will be around for a long time

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your help. I was here for the last 5 hours while the guys installled the systems. The best advise is the most important part of the AC replacement process is to get several bids and the install is the second most important item. I put in a R22 system, SEER 14, 5-ton with the coils and outside unit. They put in a new slab and leveled the system. They cleaned the system with two flushes. They pumbed the system down with a good vac. They put in a new control unit which does hot to cold change over. It is a cool controller with touch screen access. There were 4 guys in the install team with the owner running the show. I believe that I really got a great deal.
The unit came with a 10 year compressor and 5 year part warranty.

Should I go with a yearly service contract? If I do there will be no labor charge on any repair. I just pay for parts.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I personally do not buy service contracts or extended warranties but that is ME. You have to decide for yourself if the potential benefit outweighs the cost. A service contract is like any other insurance. It is a gamble.

Matt was right on!

vmoakley, sounds like you lucked into a "Do it right company" good for you.

But, always a but, I agree with Grady. I wouldn't go with the service contract myself. I don't get service contracts on cars either, because I can do it myself.

You have a warranty on parts. If you take the contract you don't pay for labor but do pay for parts.

You may want to rethink what the warranty is?

Chris

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did not buy the service warranty. the AC is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and happy your happy.

Time for someone to close the thread.

Chris