HVAC - freon leak - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| wilson1311
 |  "HVAC - freon leak"
, posted Sun 6 Jul 09:27  
When we recently turned our A/C on for the season, it was not blowing cold air nor was it blowing very much air. We had 2 different HVAC contractors come out to get us an estimate, but they each gave us conflicting information, so we wanted to get some advice.
We have a Goodman CKL-1 unit (3 tons), 3.5 years old. We did some renovation in our house this winter and believe the unit was not properly sealed up/covered and is now very dirty. Both contractors agree the unit needs cleaning. In addition, we were told the unit is out of freon. The first contractor told us there must be a leak, and he couldn't guarantee that he'd be able to find it. The second contractor tested and said there was not a leak, just that someone had 'let the freon out'.
One contractor said our unit needs 3-4 lbs of R-22, the other said it needs 13 lbs. The contractors also gave us different quotes for freon price, $35/lb and $56/lb respectively.
We aren't sure what to make of the information. It appears we need the unit cleaned and refilled with freon; however the pricing is so different and the unknown if a leak will be found is concerning. Here are my questions -
-Is it possible that the contractor might not be able to find a leak? That contractor said he wanted to sell us a new unit, but we want to avoid that option on a 3 year old unit. Also, is it possible that the other contractor knows with certainty there is not a leak?
-How many lbs of freon should we need & what is the avg price per lb? We live in Chicago.
-Any suggestions on how we should proceed? At this point we feel like getting a 3rd estimate...
Thanks.
-Wilson
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Replies:
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| yuri
| "Re(1):HVAC - freon leak" , posted Sun 6 Jul 10:58
A honest GOOD technician/company will be able to pressure test the unit with nitrogen to determine if there is a leak. Not likely someone sabotaged it and let the freon out. Your unit holds approximately 6-10 lbs of freon. A 2 ton unit holds 4-6 lbs and yours is larger. It averages in price from $25-$40 per lb depending on your area/cost of living etc. Goodmans are cheaper entry level units and may have developed a leak. Try talking to your neighbors, friends, co-workers and see if they can recommend someone honest that they have used.
Yuri
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| | tinner73
| "Re(2):HVAC - freon leak" , posted Sun 6 Jul 15:32
get it cleaned and have it recharged. let them find the leak...if it's empty it shouldn't be that hard. run away from the guy that wants to sell you a new unit. Goodman is cheap garbage.....now you know why.
union trained in Chicago
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