Whats involved in a refrigerant line repair
AC unit (high velocity central air) was low on refrigerant at the last maintenance visit and a leak was found at a bad brazed joint. They tell me it will take 5-6 hours to repair. I’ve got a service contract on the unit and the repair is being covered without expense so I’m not complaining but am wondering what takes so long. A typical plumbing copper joint would probably take less than an hour of repair. Does brazing (not soldering) or dealing with the refrigerant take a ton of time?
just curious
Comments
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Basically first they would have to set up to recover the refrigerant, or pull most of it back into the condenser. Then they would have to set up and flow nitrogen while they fixed the problem. Then they would fill the system with nitrogen to test for leaks. They will have to set up and pull a vacuum and made sure that held. Then they would refill the system refrigerant. Then they would have to make sure everything‘s running correctly.
It requires a lot of different tools. Nitrogen test for leaks, has to stand for some time. So does the vacuum/decay test.
I would think they are just giving you a max time and giving themselves some cushion. And if it’s a warranty job, that might be what is allotted for that type of repair.1 -
Has it always had enough refrigerant to stay under pressure even when running? was it always charged be someone that properly purged the hoses? where is the drier? does it have service valves on the condenser? 5-6 hours might be a little long but it is in the ballpark, it is pretty involved to do it correctly.
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"I’ve got a service contract on the unit"
What does that mean? Service contract as in Home Warranty Service or with a service provider.
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with the service provider. We had central air installed when we moved in 8 yrs ago and the installing company has done annual maintenance since. It was a complete install from scratch. Prior to us there wasn’t any AC or even ductwork
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So, are they charging for this time?
How many times has that System been recharged?
Do they know where the leak in?
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no they’re not charging me for this, though they could as refrigerant line repair is excluded in the contract language.
They found the leak at a joint in a copper line just outside the condenser. This is the second time that joint has leaked. Guy said the first repair looked messy which is why they’re taking care of this one no charge. They didn’t charge me the first time either.
i don’t think they have recharged the system beyond these two joint leaks
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Yeah it takes a lot longer than you think to repair refrigerant lines. If this company is doing the work at no charge based on your past business with them it seems like they are probably a good one to stick with.
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Let them do their job. They sound like a good service provider.
Tipping the workers is always appreciated. $10 or 20 each.
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