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HVAC just serviced...thoughts on needed repairs

9K views 57 replies 9 participants last post by  Home Air Direct 
#1 ·
"both 5mfd phase shifters reading 1/2 range on blower motor in furnaces, both main motor starters very pitted and need replacing in out door ac units. and 35+3 MFD phase shifter very low on compressor side. Due to condition all components need replacing" They estimated $1600 combined for both units. Does that sound right?

This is what it says on the invoice
1 5 MFD phaseshifter(upstairs blower)
1 5 MFD phseshifter (downstairs)
1 pole motor start A/c
1 pole motor start a/c
2 35+3 MFD phase shifter outside a/c

Model NACO30AKI
Serial L000761611
 
#33 ·
Quick update...
I called the company this morning to discuss my concerns...they of course were shocked and the Service manager will be calling me back to discuss.

I now have moisture condensation and frost and making a gurgalling(sp?) noise...the picture on the previous page shows this but now the even the black wrap has moisture on the entire pipe...
 
#34 ·
Your refrigerant is leaking out.
As before, probably from the access fitting that is missing the cap.

Make sure you remind the service manager that the caps weren't missing before the PM.
Or, if they were, then the tech should have included that you needed them.
 
#36 ·
Do you suppose that this so-called 'service tech' might have vented a bunch of refrigerant so as to guarantee another service call? I know that sounds pretty low, but considering.....

It's certainly possible though that the schraeder valves are indeed leaking; that's why there are caps on them.

Don't run the system with low refrigerant. It'll wreck the compressor, and won't exactly do the expansion valve any good either!

Rob
 
#37 ·
I think his "specialty" was/is selling electrical components. Probably the caps are laying on the ground nearby. I always use soap leak detector or the homemade stuff (spit) to make sure the schraeders seal. Gross but it works. Get a bad one once in awhile.
 
#39 ·
Another quick update...

Found one of the caps on the ground...cant find the other. Used a little soapy water on the end caps and did produce a little bubble on one. Put the cap on that one.

Service manager called 2 rings...when I picked up they hung up. I immediately called back told the receptionist they just called. She put me on hold and said "Service manager is making all of his return calls now he will call you back" No call..... Tip 1 never use the fancy trucks/tv commercial guys. Tip 2 When you call a Service Mangager and they are "returning all service calls" may indicate a problem....
 
#41 ·
Update...
The service manager tech came out and rechecked, cleaned and showed me the readings....

Both 5 MFD blower capacitors were reading 25 and the one outside 35+3 MFD capacitor was reading 20. He actually cleaned up the dust/webs and tied up all the wires....actually looks like a professional job. He said he cleaned up the motor starters and they do not need replacing but did suggest and E-Z trap for drain protection.

Here are the pricess for the 3 capacitors
2 5mfd $424
1 35+3 MFD $258
Optional ez trap $334

Can you tell me the proper capacitors to order... or do you suggest just going with them and having them replace/guarantee them?
 

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#42 ·
After allowing a crazy amount for the cost of the capacitors, and even throwing in a "trip charge", the labor comes out to $600 per hour. I just don't get it???? I know that trucks have to be paid for and insurance has to be covered and on and on, but that is just obscene.

My son is a neurologist and he does not make near that much money, and I can guarantee you his student loan maintenance is just has heavy as any contractor overhead.

oh.......and and ez trap is like $20 wholesale. Did I miss something?? Was there a problem with your condensate drain?
 
#43 ·
5 mfd 370 vac capacitors cost me about $20 the larger one a bit more. Not rocket science to change as the small ones have no polarity. The larger one will have the same info, mfd and voltage rating but you do need to connect it to the proper terminals. Not sure why you would pay major $$ for them to change them. What happened to the freon leak, gurgling issue? You do need to wear gloves when changing them as they can shock you. I would find the parts and if you know an electrician friend get him to install them and buy the guy some beer.
 
#46 ·
Your probably only gong to get a 1 year part warranty from them.

Capacitors(what they are calling phase shifters).
Are referenced by their uF/mfd rating first, and voltage second.

So you would want to two 5x370volt capacitors.
And one 35+3x370(look at voltage rating on current oneto confirm voltage first)volt capacitor.

You can get capacitors at Grainger. They may have to order the 35+3x 370 volt.


Yuri. Your being robbed if you pay more then 8 bucks wholesale. for two 7x370 caps.
 
#47 ·
Yuri is a Canadian. Everything is more expensive there. i know of a Canadian mfg who is in Windsor. They come to Graingers In Troy to buy industrial supplies.
Even with the tariff they paid on the supplies they were still less expensive to buy here.
 
#55 ·
Sorry too.

My flat rate progressively comes down in price, the more things I'm doing on the service call.

And if the repairs/PM part replacements are approved for change out during the PM check, then there is of course no diagnostic charge. And all parts are at a lower price. Since I'm already there.

It sounds like the company your using, has one tier only. And charges for each part as if its the only thing wrong.
 
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