It seems like every year our system freezes up and a technician comes out and adds "freon" but tells me that he can't find the leak in our system. Is this normal?
Absolutely not! Systems are designed to be leak free for the lifetime of the unit. If your "freon" is leaking down every year then there's no reason that your technician shouldn't be able to find the leak on his first trip out. On average, residential systems hold 5 lbs of freon. Modern leak detectors detect leaks as small as 1/16oz. leakage per year. Some leaks are harder to find than others due to location and accessibility but they can all be found. I do not charge customers for a leak search unless I find one.
What else can cause my unit to freeze up in the summer?
Common causes of system freeze ups are low refrigerant charge, restrictions in the refrigerant circuit, dirty air filters, inadequate duct system, or any other reason why you may have inadequate airflow across the inside coil.
How long should my system last before I have it replaced?
That is the most expensive question that I can answer! I have seen a system last 30 years and I have seen a compressor fail in less than a year. It is a general rule that systems usually last 8-12 years before it is cost effective to replace. Most failures can be traced back to the quality of the original INSTALLATION. There are allot of items to think about when considering wether you should replace your system, including:
1. Current SEER rating vs New SEER rating. Keep in mind that SEER rating has nothing to do with BTU capacity. It is more so compared to the octane rating in gasoline. A higher SEER also does not mean that you will be more comfortable. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is to operate but again, INSTALLATION is the key.
2. Size of your current system vs. size required to cool your home. I would recommend that a heat load be performed on your home if you have not been comfortable with your current system. No two homes are exactly alike so general rules of thumb are never perfect and may result in an improperly sized system.
3. Investment of new system vs. Cost of repair of current one. Also consider extended warranties as they usually pay for themselves before the system needs to be replaced.
4. Environment. Example: If your unit is right on the ocean front, I wouldn't expect to get the normal life out of it due to corrosion factors. I usually don't recommend higher end equipment on the beach front as it does not normally last long enough to get a return on your investment. Also, your extended warranty may not cover what they consider "acts of god"
As a technician I will always recommend that you research information online at the web site of the manufacturer of YOUR equipment before replacing. Nobody knows your system operation like you and the designer do!
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