Air Conditioning - Newbie Q? on Central Air Replacement

Hi guys,

I'm familiar with the AC theory, but zero practical / hands-on knowledge. So here goes:

Last night the central AC stopped blowing cold air. It was just blowing air, like the fan.

So I called the Home Warranty company - they promptly sent a guy - he checked the capacitor and then the compressor pressure. Those things were apparently okay.

After many futile attempts he reported that the compressor was jammed - he also said that he's gone to try one more thing tomorrow (something like a hard-start/spike - don't remember the exact term he used).

But if that too doesn't work, he said, I'd get a replacement from the Warranty company. The replacement unit will be a SEER-13 "Payne".

Now the questions:

He says, that I'll still have some out-of-pocket expenses, 300$ for disposal of the old unit; 300$ for the city permit (I live in Nor-Cal) and another 100-400$ for changing any lines back to the furnace.

So of-course, the questions to you guys:

1)Whether the $$$ (700-1000) quoted by the guy are reasonable?
2)Is there anything I can do to reduce the cost (e.g. Can I dispose the old thing myself?)?
3)What's your opinion about a SEER-13 Payne? My current unit is approx. 28 years old (Lennox, installed in 1979-1980).

Thanks for any and all advice.

-G

That's the only way the warranty companies make money. You're kind of stuck because you'de pay double that to get it done on your own. Yes the disposal fee is very high, granted they will have labor involved in recovering the refrigerant and taking it to the parts house for disposal and also the disposal of the condensor. If the condensor has no refrigerant in it and they tag it for you then you could scrap it out.

You should be able to pull the permit yourself.

Normally there is enough refrigerant in the new condensor for the entire system unless your lines are over 30' from the condensor to the airhandler.

One question though. Did they mention changing the evaporator coil ? I would pay the extra to get that changed out also.

If you end up paying $700 - $1,000 for a new condensor you're ahead of the game. Even if you get a new evaporator for another $500 - $600 you're still way ahead.

Not to sound like a pessimist, but I'm really surprised the HW is going to provide new equipment. Usually they put a new(er) compressor in an ancient condensing unit.

Id also go for new inside coil with the new unit. Also the way power is going Id look into a unit with a seer of 15 or better. You can get a tax credit from the IRS for a unit with a seer of 15 or better,

Guys,

Thanks for your valuable input. I'll check on the evaporator coil when they come back again.

Actually, the work of getting a new AC will only start after the "Estimator" comes in to check out the size of my house.

Are there cases, where people manage to convince the HW company to go for a 15 SEER, instead of their usual one (Payne-13SEER)?

Also, I will find out if this is a refurbished unit or brand new...

Thanks again!

-G

I'd make him pull the refrigerant on-site and leave the old unit behind. All you have to do is to dispose is pull the oil out. Then cut the coil free and take it to the recycling center. The coil should net you at least seventy cents per pound. To remove the oil, drill a hole in the top of the compressor and drain. Dispose of oil anywhere that takes automotive oil. Around here, the city dump has a collection site.

Hi Gremlin,

These are great instructions. I assume, then, that the city doesn't mandate a "specific" way to get rid of the "metal" as long as get rid of the coolant and oil.

-G

Hi again, everyone,

I just got a quote from the system for the unit replacement.

Electrical / Copper Mods : $125 + $125
City Permit : $300 ($@#%@#$%#$)
Disposal: $200

Total = 750

This is for a 13-SEER. I've got their estimator to see, how much "an upgrade" will cost to a 15/16-SEER. As mentioned by you guys earlier, 15-SEER gets IRS deductions, 16-SEER gets Pacific Gas & Electric Rebates.

Thanks!

-G