[Novice HVAC]

I continue to have to add about 4-4.5 lbs R22 every 7-8 months or so to my 04 Trane system. This is probably the 3rd time doing this the last 1.5 years. Last week the half HP indoor air motor was not responding and replaced that as well for $375 just to get the system running again. I was told that this 1 coil is leaking as evidenced by an oily sheen on the coil and a new one with labor would cost about $1500...and then we may get a leak on the outside coil or a compressor could go so not sure if that is really something to seriously consider for a 12 year old system. I am waiting for a quote on a new system for our 1900 sf home but have read quite a bit on a product that seems to have many good reviews and a few not so good reviews, the AC Easy Seal made by Nu-Calgon. I called them this morning and was told it is a polymer based sealant that will not affect any components...hmmm, not sure about that one. I found an old thread on this forum as well discussing the product. Curious what you experts think as I am considering its use as I cannot seem to find anyone willing to try soldering or brazing the leak. If anyone knows of anyone that does this I would be greatly interested, I am in SE FL. I could probably ride this out for another 7 months or so and look into a new system at that time assuming there would be some wintertime rebates available, am guessing I am looking at a minimum of 4k for new system. Just weighing all options, thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[user_12345a]

zero experience with this stuff, if it was my system i would go for it only as a last ditch resort for a unit nearing replacement.

apparently it hardens when exposed to air/moisture so once it's put in opening the system to the atmosphere may cause damage.


12 years isn't very cold, you should get 15 to 25+.

Did they run a leak detector over the coil?

I agree with changing the entire coil if it has a leak.

I don't agree with just jumping to the coil 'cause it looks oily, even water can make it have a sheen.

1500 does sound steep though, have you gotten other quotes?

 

[Novice HVAC]

The original tech detected the leak about 1.5 years ago...that began the sage of adding additional freon outlined above. As old as it is I am reluctant to sink 1500 into it for a new coil. That price goes back about 1 year ago from the previous tech and yes he would give me a cash discount of about 150. Just a lot of money to sink in with no guarantee that would fix it. I would rather find someone to solder it but no one seems interested to do so. So my dilemma and consideration of the Easy Seal potential approach...not sure what to do and may do nothing to the winter period but that is why I am trying to find out whatever I can, thanks for the feedback.

 

[user_12345a]

if the leak is in the coil, changing it will work.

1500 is a lot of money though. $4000 must be including an air handler.

if the leak is where there are fins are soldering would be futile even if the fins around leak are cut out or something; it's all the same material, exposed to the same environment; u could fix one leak and have two more spring up in the same coil.

an isolation test can be done to rule out a leak in the condenser, the refrigerant gets pumps into the condenser and the lines and coil get pressurized with nitrogren.

You can get this fix a flat leak stop in, but it will cost you more if the compressor craps out as a result.

 

[beenthere]

Some of us curse leak stop, others praise it.

4 grand for a new indoor and outdoor unt is not a bad deal. Might get it slightly cheaper if done during the mildest/coolest time of the year.

 

[Novice HVAC]

Thanks for the information which is all I really wanted at this point, the system is working after topping it off last week and replacing the air blower motor. I am waiting on a quote for a new system but am probably just going to ride this out until the end of the year when I most likely will need more freon. Still researching my options but it sounds like I should stay away from the sealer until it is a truly last ditch effort.

 

[airtrackinc]

Yes, it’s possible to brazing but only if the leak is visually accessible.