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bushy
05-28-2009, 11:37 PM
Hello all,

I recently purchase my first home. It's condo located in southern california. The A/C does not work. I had my first contractor come out today and look at the systems. I have a split system. The old compressor is the original one that was installed in 1988. The contractor told me that my furnance was recently replace. It had a 2005 date on it. The coil was new also. It had a year of 2004. I didn't get the name brand. I will get a quote in a day or 2. Here are my concerns.

1.) He is suggesting that I go with a R-22 system. First, because the new R-410a requires that the lines must be flushed and it's not always easy to get them completely cleaned out of the old R-22 which can cause issues. Is this true? Anything wrong going with a R-22 system? He claims that R-22 will still be available after 2010 in the jugs until 2020. Also, he stated that there is New R-22 that is simlar to R-410a and can be used with a system that has R-22 but doesn't have the issue that the R-410a has when replacing the R-22. Is this true?

2.) I am very price senstive. He is suggesting an Amana unit - 14 SEER. Sounds like he is going to replace just the compressor (outside unit). Is this ok? Or should the who system need to be replace. Also, it comes with a 10 year parts and labor warranty

He is going to replace a couple of ducts that need replacing and install a new thermastat. I will be a couple more estimates but just need some advice. Thanks for all the help

Bushy - New Homeower with Anxiety

matticus
05-28-2009, 11:50 PM
By getting a few more quotes your doing the right thing. A new T-stat is nice but is it necessary and are you getting a $15.00 cheapo apartment replacement. (I actually had a instructor tell us when ever you do a install give the homeowner a new shiny t-stat it makes them feel like their money was well spent.)

I would stick with a R-22 system right now from what I saw the 410 units tend to be a tad bit more. Most folks would say you need a matched indoor coil with your outside unit. Ill let the Vets weigh in on that answer. best of luck

ACFIXR
05-29-2009, 12:11 AM
Get more quotes.And some more professional advise

beenthere
05-29-2009, 07:07 AM
The new condenser, should be the same brand as the current coil, and a AHRI match.
Don't mismatch.

Lines sets don't have to be changed to use R410A, and its not hard to flush out the old line set.

safaridave
05-29-2009, 07:25 AM
IF you are going to that much effort ask about factory rebates and tax incentives on 15 or16 SEER equipment.

HVAC/Stud
05-29-2009, 08:34 PM
The warranty will be void if you don't match the evap coil with out side condenser unit. Make sure the units match IAW AHRI.

STUD

jw4335
03-22-2010, 12:20 PM
We flush lines from time to time when line set can't replaced. We have not had a problem, but we take the time to do it right. If someone tries to take shortcut could cause major problem