Coil leak, replacement question. Lennox C23 21 FC

[jrh528]

I have a Lennox C23-21FC-1 that has developed a leak. The contractor who came out was able to show me that the coil was leaking using a leak detector. I was told that this model is no longer available because it uses HCFC-22 and a replacement coil would be larger in design, resulting in cutting away some of the duct work to make the larger, higher efficiency model fit.

Is it possible for me as a consumer to purchase a model of similar dimensions even if it is not a Lennox coil so that it is a direct replacement requiring no additional work? If it is possible, where can I go/talk to to buy a unit of similar dimensions if the C23-21FC-1 no longer exists? I want a professionl to install it, but I am just trying to keep the costs down.

Thank you for any advice!

I hope this doesn't count as DIY, I'm not trying to break any rules.

[SandShark]

I take it the leak wasn't repairable?

[jrh528]

He did not seem to like that idea. He told me he could not pinpoint the leak with the detector he had and that a repair was no guarantee the problem would not resurface or cause further complications. The options he gave me was to fill it up and see how long it would last, though he could not estimate on how long it would hold up. Or, replace it with a newer model.

[SandShark]

He didn't like the idea of finding and repairing the leak, but he liked the idea of selling you a new system? Nice!

[crymtide]

Use a different contractor

[BaldLoonie]

Usually a leak (leaks) on an evap are many pinholes as opposed to 1 big one that can easily be brazed shut. So a reliable fix often doesn't happen even when someone tries. There are small coils out there, maybe Lennox doesn't have one but their sister company ADP sure does. How old is the system? If the outdoor unit is getting past useful life, say 15 years, I'd be suggesting new too.

[SandShark]

The guy didn't find the leak. Apparently, he used only one method of leak detection and never showed the customer the leak. I can't even be sure, from what the OP said, that there even is a leak in the evaporator coil. Using an electronic leak detector, if I wanted to, I could easily convince an unknowing customer their evaporator coil has a leak when it doesn't.

[carmon]

The guy didn't find the leak. Apparently, he used only one method of leak detection and never showed the customer the leak. I can't even be sure, from what the OP said, that there even is a leak in the evaporator coil. Using an electronic leak detector, if I wanted to, I could easily convince an unknowing customer their evaporator coil has a leak when it doesn't.

I agree if electronic goes off... pin point and prove there is a leak.....