Air Conditioning - Leaking evaporator coil on 7.5 yr old system
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tbaum
05-12-07, 11:26 PM
I have an upstairs 2.5 ton split system unit (10 SEER) that was put in by the original builder. It is trying to cool approximately 1000 sq ft in a hours in a hot climate (Dallas area). During last summer, the upstairs had a difficult time keeping up with the heat (not to mention my sky-high electric bills). We had someone come out and recharge the system twice. Finally, we had someone check for a leak - one was apparently in the evaporator coil.
Now the dilemma... Since this is a builder unit, I feel safe in assuming this was not the highest quality unit. I have been told by 2 people that they would need to charge extra ($750-1000) to rotate my upstairs unit because there is not enough room to put a plenum for the new coils (the current until has an AllStyle plenum/coil, so I need a new plenum also.) I need some advice on how to proceed. Some possible solutions:
1. Replace just the evaporator coil. (
$2000-2500 [+new plenum ($250) and rotating furnace ($750)]
2. Replace both the evaporator coils and the condenser coils.
~$6000 [+new plenum ($250) and rotating furnace ($750)]
3. Replace the total system.
~$9000 for a 16 3-ton SEER system
(Prices are approximate from one bid.)
I really am not wanting to spend big bucks, but I don't want to throw good money after bad. Thanks in advance for any help.
Now the dilemma... Since this is a builder unit, I feel safe in assuming this was not the highest quality unit. I have been told by 2 people that they would need to charge extra ($750-1000) to rotate my upstairs unit because there is not enough room to put a plenum for the new coils (the current until has an AllStyle plenum/coil, so I need a new plenum also.) I need some advice on how to proceed. Some possible solutions:
1. Replace just the evaporator coil. (
$2000-2500 [+new plenum ($250) and rotating furnace ($750)]
2. Replace both the evaporator coils and the condenser coils.
~$6000 [+new plenum ($250) and rotating furnace ($750)]
3. Replace the total system.
~$9000 for a 16 3-ton SEER system
(Prices are approximate from one bid.)
I really am not wanting to spend big bucks, but I don't want to throw good money after bad. Thanks in advance for any help.
Ed Imeduc
05-12-07, 11:41 PM
Id say the big if here is . Will you stay in the home for 10 years. If so Id go for new blower coil unit and condenser. Now also this way you can get a seer of 15 or over on the unit.
AllStyle plenum/coil, Lost here do you mean its a heatpump???
A new blower unit will have the coil in it. Just tie in to the duct work you have there.
For sure get 3 bids for this job
AllStyle plenum/coil, Lost here do you mean its a heatpump???
A new blower unit will have the coil in it. Just tie in to the duct work you have there.
For sure get 3 bids for this job
jim-connor
05-13-07, 05:45 AM
The allstyle coil is a combination evaporator coil and plenum. It sort of looks like a curved coil sitting in a somewhat larger sheetmetal enclosure. The sheetmetal enclosure acts as the case for the coil AND serves as the plenum. It's popular is certain areas, especially Dallas/Ft. Worth. These coils are cheap, and are used by builders. Many techs hate them and complain about leaks, but sometimes they are forced to replace it with another if space and cost is an issue. My opinion is to replace it with a "real" coil and plenum.