Sure could be a bad compresser. And replacing a 12 year old unit won't hurt your electric bill at all.
What part ok the country do you live in?
What part ok the country do you live in?
If we are to give you full and accurate information and you know the type of expansion valve it has it necessary for you to inform us.Thanks for all the replies.
Theoretically.... if the exansion valve was way too big, could that explain why the compressor is only compressing 1.7 times. If there's very little restriction in the system, the compressor would just be pumping the refrigerant, but there would not be a lot of pressure difference between the suction and discharge lines.
I do want to do the test Plumber101 suggested. I'm assuming there's some sort of safety device build into the compressor so it can't overpressurize/blow up the condenser coil. Pressure relief, pressut switch cutoff? I'd like to do this myself without any techs, are the standard fittings 1/4" SAE 45degree flare?
If it's indeed a bad compressor, I will surely get a whole new system. Does the price vary much/at all if I get it installed in the summer months vs winter? The house is in the shade, so even on 90 degree days it doesn't get above 78 inside, maybe, just maybe I can live with the old unit for a little bit.
I agree with hvaclover and another thing is you seem to know quite about the system being a diyer, how do you know the TXV is over-sized???? and you should think twice regarding shutting off the liquid valve as a diyer you could be creating a hand grenade, do you have gages and know how to use them???? Is there a HPCO on the unit???? Plumber 101 should not be advising people to close that valve it's not a refrigeration system with a receiver for pump down operation. Be Careful.If we are to give you full and accurate information and you know the type of expansion valve it has it necessary for you to inform us.
But if you are referring to a simple fixed orifice being over sized than I would disagree.
A TXV stuck completely open would be true to your description but I Don't see that being the case because it is Payne equip and a ten SEER unit.
All that and the fact that it is a rental makes me think other wise.
With respect to Plumber101, that is not a true test of the valve integrity.
I can pump a compressor down to 20"hg that has bad valves.
Plumber101 also failed to mention that if the valves are bad the freon pressure would start to equalize, leaking back thru the high side into the low side.
That is the acid test.