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

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pvs2487
pvs2487 Member Posts: 14
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

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

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Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,269

    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
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,366

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

  • pvs2487
    pvs2487 Member Posts: 14

    Thanks- no oil spot that I can see.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,170

    @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
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,840
    edited June 20

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

    mattmia2
  • CTETeach
    CTETeach Member Posts: 19

    I'd find the leak and repair. I would probably go as far as replace. As was stated earlier the new mandated refrigerants A2L that are in the new systems are a headache to put it nicely. I have never heard of so many coil failures (leaks) out of the box as I am now. Not to mention the refrigerant is becoming difficult to lay your hands on. The R410a refrigerant will be pricey but right now I think it's a safer bet IMHO.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,823
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1858752#Comment_1858752

    What equipment have you had this issue with?

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • CTETeach
    CTETeach Member Posts: 19

    A Fujitsu showing bubbles in the middle of the coil. A friend had 2 Goodman evaps one end bend leaking like a sieve. The other same location but much smaller leak still a P.I.A. finding it

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,823
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1858760#Comment_1858760

    I thought evaporators leaking has been a common problem for 20 years now or so?

    Or are you talking out of the box never used evaporators?

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • tim smith
    tim smith Member Posts: 2,870

    If no buried lines in walls or underground then maybe give them a shot with electronic leak detector. You could possibly pump down to outdoor unit and pressure test indoor coil and line set if not found with electronic sniffer. Then narrow down to outdoor unit. Can be tedious or can be semi quick. Your limit is for repair is probably under 2 k I would think which goes pretty quick at service rates here in northwest. Cheaper there. Good luck

    T

  • pvs2487
    pvs2487 Member Posts: 14

    Thanks for all the thoughtful comments.

    We ended up going with a new American Standard set up- calculated J analysis from house scan recommended 2.5 ton vs existing 4 ton equipment.

    We'll see how it goes.

    Thanks again

    Peter

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,269
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1858860#Comment_1858860

    sounds typical


    I think you’re going to be very happy with down sizing.

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