Coil leak after maint check??? Possible???

wraiththe

"How probable is it that the leak really sprung up on it's own due to testing the heat pump?"

Hi,
We had a regularly scheduled maitnenance check on our AC (Heat Pump) yesterday. While our AC has been working very well, and I am here every day, Now it is leaking and not cooling properly. I am extremely suspicious of foul play. While I know some other companies have been known to sell people units who did not need them here, I had trusted this company which I will not mention. How could we spring a leak right after the guy checks our unit outside. He said he was mainly checking the heat pump and heating capability and circuits, but when he opened the area for the coils, there was a visible mist, and sound where the coil was leaking. I looked and it is definitely leaking. This is a Carrier FB4 type coil that is showing signs of surface rust on the sides where the copper(?) pipe bends are, and the unit is only 7 years old. He filled it with more freon for us to be cool overnight, but the unit is not working well and my lungs hurt a little and feel tight. How probable is it that the leak really sprung up on it's own due to testing the heat pump? What course of action would I have if it turns out foul play was involved? I have not accused anyone of anything, but I won't be able to sleep if I cannot cover my ass on this one and be as sure as possible that we are not being taken advantage of. I mean the AC worked before he came, and now it does not!
Thanks in advance

techpappy

Just the disturbance of taking the covers off etc. could have caused a weak (rusted) connection to leak. I would take another look and see if the area around the leak is rusty/corroded OR if there are signs of fresh exposed metal parts which may reveal a mechanical disturbance such as a screw driver etc. However even if so it could be from the tech trying to clean off a suspicious area to check the condition of the area. I remember having my car radiator pressure tested and then had to have it replaced due to several leaks that occurred due to the pressure test.

beenthere

Post pics of the leak.

sublime2

Go with your gut!
If it looks like a duck,sounds like a duck,9 times out of 10 it's a duck!

bobelectric

Dump him.

beenthere

Wow, just throw a guy under the us. No way to know with what was posted so far, what really happened.

ben's plumbing

yea you guys are tough..lets get the facts 1st.....then throw him under the bus

COLDIRON

" x2" I say lets throw him under the bus, sounds like a scam artist to me as long as the OP isn't a scam artist.

__________________
No Warranty Means- If it breaks in half you get to keep both halves.

retired guy 60

You will never know what caused the leak so don't let it eat at you. There is not enogh to go on for anyone to conclusively make a determination. You could inspect for signs of deliberate damage. If you see something suspicious take a pic and post it on this thread. In today's world you would need a video of the HVAC guy poking a hole and even with that you might not be able to get restitution. Because you suspect foul play find another HVAC repair person to fix the leak.

sublime2

The door of suspicion has been opened and can not be closed!
He can never prove to you he didn't do it.
Another HVAC is really your only option at this point.

Patrick Eubanks

go out and bubble soap the service valves. Sounds like a leaking valve to me.

jkv

Not saying the guy done anything wrong but I went on a service call added some r22 to the guys unit wile I was there he had asked me to check the charge in the other unit, I put my gauges on and ckecked s/h and s/c temps. and pressures all was fine the next day he called me and said that unit is not working when I got there the compressor was out I changed out the compressor and all was fine. You said that he showed you the leak? put freon in it and left? If that is right that is wrong he should have fixed the leak.