Expansion Valve Requires New Freon?

[convexion]

I have a quick question I'm hoping someone can answer for me. I recently had my A/C stop blowing cold air (happened suddenly, one day it was cold and the next it was warm) and a service tech came out to check it yesterday. He told me that the expansion valve is no good and that it will need to be replaced along with the freon. I asked him if the unit still had freon and he said it was full, but he recommended replacing the freon completely as there could be contamination in the line from the bad valve.

My question is does this sound like a line to get me to spend more cash? I have a 12 lbs. R-22 unit so the freon won't be cheap. Is it really necessary or at least a good idea to replace the freon?

[jpsmith1cm]

Not necessary to replace the refrigerant unless it is contaminated.

Very unlikely that a bad TXV caused contamination, HOWEVER, contaminated refrigerant CAN cause a bad TXV.

[convexion]

Thanks for replying jpsmith. Would a technician be able to somehow check for contaminated freon or would it be better to just play it safe and let them replace it?

[carmon]

my professional opinion would be the refrigerant you allready own would be happy to work with the new valve... the other thing if the expansion valve is defective how on earth was it determined the system was full....

[Six]

Ooooh 12 pounds of R22 is going to sting a bit.

Ask him exactly what is contaminating your R22 ? If the TXV didn't cause a compressor burn out there would be no reason to replace that refrigerant.

Honestly I wouldn't deal with that guy. He's not being honest.

It's not motor oil, it doesn't have to swapped out every 300 miles

[jpsmith1cm]

my professional opinion would be the refrigerant you allready own would be happy to work with the new valve... the other thing if the expansion valve is defective how on earth was it determined the system was full....

I would reuse the gas.

Replace the valve, replace the filter drier and reuse the gas.

[beenthere]

No reason to not reuse the refrigerant, a bad TXV won't damage/harm the refrigerant.

[carmon]

I would reuse the gas.

Replace the valve, replace the filter drier and reuse the gas.

I concure.....:angel:

[convexion]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. The compressor is definitely not bad so it sounds like this guy is trying to swindle me. I'll go ahead and get another technician out here and see what they have to say about the situation.

[mark beiser]

In the past, I've always assumed that any system I didn't know the installation and service history of had been subject to poor installation and service practices.

While that is usually a safe assumption in my part of the world, the price of refrigerant these days has been making me rethink things in some cases...

[carmon]

That would be a good Idea....

[mark beiser]

That would be a good Idea....

Improper brazing techniques, improper evacuation, and non condensable contamination is almost the norm around here though, especially in new construction installations. :(

[beenthere]

In the past, I've always assumed that any system I didn't know the installation and service history of had been subject to poor installation and service practices.

While that is usually a safe assumption in my part of the world, the price of refrigerant these days has been making me rethink things in some cases...

Recover it through a filter, and then pump it back in through a filter. If a contaminate was in it. You filtered it out.

For TXV's or power heads. I just pump it down/back to the condenser.

[carmon]

Recover it through a filter, and then pump it back in through a filter. If a contaminate was in it. You filtered it out.

For TXV's or power heads. I just pump it down/back to the condenser.

I concure.... someone trying to sell some refrigerant .... gotta be honest with folks....

[mark beiser]

Recover it through a filter, and then pump it back in through a filter. If a contaminate was in it. You filtered it out.

Filter driers remove the nitrogen, or air, or whatever was in the lines when they brazed them to the unit and opened the service valves without pulling a vacuum?

I think some of you are failing to realize just how shockingly bad the average installation is in the residential new construction end of things in some areas, even in the residential repair/replacement segment. :p

[XcelTech]

It doesn't HAVE to be replaced. It is probably the best route to take. There is no way to know if the refrigerant is or is not contaminated and/or have air in it. When the TXV is changed they will have to vacuum the system, then put refrigerant back in. If your refrigerant was contaminated it will cause problems.

I know it costs more but I just feel it is the safest route to go.

It would be cheaper to do it now then have multiple service calls.

Now if the tech is no good then doesn't matter what route you go.

It is just a smart idea.

[jpsmith1cm]

Filter driers remove the nitrogen, or air, or whatever was in the lines when they brazed them to the unit and opened the service valves without pulling a vacuum?

I think some of you are failing to realize just how shockingly bad the average installation is in the residential new construction end of things in some areas, even in the residential repair/replacement segment. :p

Charging as a liquid will do that.

:.02:

[beenthere]

Filter driers remove the nitrogen, or air, or whatever was in the lines when they brazed them to the unit and opened the service valves without pulling a vacuum?

I think some of you are failing to realize just how shockingly bad the average installation is in the residential new construction end of things in some areas, even in the residential repair/replacement segment. :p

Pump it back into the system by pulling it out of the recovery cylinder as liquid. Leave the last 1/2 pound in the recovery cylinder. That way, any air or nitrogen will remain in the cylinder.