Leak in 13 year old A/C System- repair or replace?

pvs2487

We have an 13 year old oversized (4 ton in a 1800 sq ft house) Rudd A/C system that required additional refrigerant last year, and again today, almost a year later. The symptoms were the same both times- ice on the A coil, line set and condenser piping. Low pressure was approximately 100 psi, and increased to about 130 psi after addition of refrigerant.

We're in Cape May, NJ (hi to Ed Young!), which is on the Jersey Shore and subject to corrosive sea air.

The tech says that repair of the leak would be a challenge and says that I should consider replacing the unit. I'd consider having a leak check done if a leak could be repaired reasonably, but the system is getting on in years, so I'm not against replacing it with a more appropriately sized unit. I'd like to think that the most recent refill would last the summer, but also realize that that's not a sure thing, either.

I've been with this service company and they have always seemed competent and fair. I'm speaking with the owner tomorrow. Any particular questions to ask?

What does the group think? Better to diagnose and fix a repairable leak, or bite the bullet and move on.

Thanks,

Peter Van Syckle

Cape May, NJ

pecmsg

it’s a coin flip.
that system has reached its average life.
if the leak is accessible then fix it. Evaporator or condenser questionable.
be advised anything you get is with the new refrigerant that’s still unproven as far as longevity.

mattmia2

do yo see an oil spot? that is a relatively big leak

pvs2487

Thanks- no oil spot that I can see.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@pvs2487

Any tech with a electronic detector should be able to find the leak fairly quickly. Don't let them use any dye crap.

Weather the leak is repairable is another matter. If its in a coil probably not.

I would have them take a shot at it. 13 years is not that old. its common to see systems last well over 20 years.

Right now thw AC business is in a mess. the new equipment is not holding up very well and every MFG is mandated to use the "NEW" refrigerants. This is causing issues with both cost and supply problems. It would be a lot better if you can hold off a year or two and hope things get sorted out.

Techs are taught to sell new equipment. They want to install new if anything is over 10 years old its junk to them.

HVACNUT

The salt air kills condenser coils. 13 years isn't bad.