Relocating condensor unit.....

[chrisexv6]

Recently had our condensor unit removed and then relocated (for a patio install).

HVAC co did a nice job, and my wallet sure paid for that nice job :) but what is scary is what the tech said right after it was all done.

1 in 60 of the units we have will blow a compressor within 2 weeks of being moved. We have an Am Standard Allegiance 10 SEER unit. He said its a good unit, but seems to be a "bees nest" after being moved.

Does anyones experience here echo these comments? It seems odd that a "good" unit couldnt handle a move. Im wondering if it has more to do with *how* it was moved (tilted, flipped, etc).

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

[beenthere]

More like a 50/50 thing.

Seen some that are still running 10 years later, some that died a month later.

They were moved on hand carts, and not flippped or rolled.
Some just die, others don't.

[Jabarco]

Does anyones experience here echo these comments? It seems odd that a "good" unit couldnt handle a move. Im wondering if it has more to do with *how* it was moved (tilted, flipped, etc).
-Chris




"I guarantee you, there are no incompetent HVAC technician's in this industry".
-Bagdad Bob's A/C Repairs
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa214/jabarco/bagdadbob.jpg



Jabs

[davefr]

1. How old was the unit?
2. Did the Tech use a recovery machine? (or the "self suck" w/liquid valve shut method to pump down the unit until the compressor "crys uncle?)
3. Did he use proper brazing technique? Nitrogen purge.
4. Did he install a brand new filter dryer?
5. Did he pull a <500 micron vacuum?
6. How was the unit transported? Did he drag it so the service valves were in dirt?

[chrisexv6]

1. How old was the unit?
2. Did the Tech use a recovery machine? (or the "self suck" w/liquid valve shut method to pump down the unit until the compressor "crys uncle?)
3. Did he use proper brazing technique? Nitrogen purge.
4. Did he install a brand new filter dryer?
5. Did he pull a <500 micron vacuum?
6. How was the unit transported? Did he drag it so the service valves were in dirt?


1. Unit is 6 years old
2. Dont know, wasnt here when it was disconnected (wife was, but I doubt "recovery machine" means anything to her)
3. Dont know.....didnt watch him braze it
4. I didnt see a filter/dryer on the line anywhere.....doesnt mean its not there, I just dont see it.
5. He definitely pulled a vacuum. Was telling me how he didnt want to charge the line because it was raining and he didnt want to risk getting water in the line once he evacuated it (I would assume a tech who didnt really care would charge it regardless of getting water in the lines)
6. Unit was disconnected then carried (level) about 20' away (I actually carried it with a helper). All copper connections were capped and cut well above ground level to prevent dirt from entering.

Im sure some of it has to do with the tech/company. Ive used them before, and while they are expensive they were well worth it then, Im going on the assumption for now as well. Once fired back up he gauged it and said it was working well (after an hour of run time just to be sure).

I guess I have to cross my fingers, pray, knock on wood, etc.

-Chris

[davefr]

Since it's a fairly young unit and the tech appeared to practice good worksmanship standards then I bet it survives just fine. Sprinkle a little holy water on it and keep it well maintained.

[chrisexv6]

Well thats a little comforting to hear. We always keep it maintained, I just didnt realize relocating it might cause such big problems. Im not sure if I would have had it done if they told us this beforehand (it was moved mostly for cosmetic reasons, to make sure we could get concrete underneath it to match the rest of the patio). Live and learn I guess.

Holy water is a good idea, but I wonder if the Catholic church would send a priest out to bless an outdoor condensing unit. :)

-Chris

[Jabarco]

Holy water is a good idea, but I wonder if the Catholic church would send a priest out to bless an outdoor condensing unit. :)

-Chris

You might be suprised! Have you got any teenage boys in the house?

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa214/jabarco/preist4.jpg

Jabs

[davefr]

Well thats a little comforting to hear. We always keep it maintained, I just didnt realize relocating it might cause such big problems. Im not sure if I would have had it done if they told us this beforehand (it was moved mostly for cosmetic reasons, to make sure we could get concrete underneath it to match the rest of the patio). Live and learn I guess.

Holy water is a good idea, but I wonder if the Catholic church would send a priest out to bless an outdoor condensing unit. :)

-Chris

The tech said one failure for every 60 moved. That's only a 1.6% failure rate and I bet it's heavily skewed towards the oldest units. (old motors develop bearing wear patterns and often don't like to change positions).

A tithing plate, communal wine or a young boy should get that priest over there pronto.