Qusjone
09-30-2009, 02:29 PM
Board newbie, private homeowner here, looking for some pro's feedback and advice. Sorry for the length of post; thanks in advance for all replies!
System specs (dual zone home, 3200 sq ft):
- ADP evap coil/air handler, model # HA03236C145B252273
- Carrier furnace, model # 58PAV070-12/Series 160
- Carrier fan/compressor, model # 38ckc036340
- Install dates around July 1999.
Upstairs zone evap coil and furnace both located in attic, as vertical stack assembly (coil on top, furnace below), both situated on top of a secondary drain pan underneath. Refrigerant level (HCFC-22) reads normal ops level.
We've had water draining out from secondary pan line, called a pro. Tech investigated, found secondary pan filled with water, looked to be dripping down from primary pan drain line outlet. (Trickling down and through furnace!) Thought primary pan drain line was clogged and causing overflow leakage into secondary pan, so cleaned it out. Seemed to initially solve issue. Then same happened again twice - secondary pan filling, draining out secondary line. Called pro again, and by 3rd time pro tech finally decided that primary drain pan line not clogged, and that primary pan is leaking out somehow down into secondary pan and needs replaced. (Can't see the pan itself other than drain outlets as coil unit is completely encased and sealed.)
After more than 2 weeks of no contact re: replacing primary drain pan, pro's office finally states that "Carrier no longer makes that particular coil and primary drain pan, no exact replacement pan is available, and since coils and pans have to be precisely matched" we need to replace the entire unit, coil and all! Office also said that this particularl coil unit was all-in-one and the primary pan wasn't mean to be replaced alone anyway. This is contrary to what pro's tech said here on site: that coil was ADP (not Carrier) and that the pan was removable and replaceable (after opening unit case). Difference in cost (parts + labor) = jumped from $ for pan replacement to $ for coil + pan unit replacement, with some new ductwork.
QQ1 - Am I being scammed here? Can just the primary drain pan be replaced? Even if so, is it worthwhile to do the coil and the pan together? ADP's info implies the drain pan is ABS plastic, very unlikely to leak (no rusting) but regardless can be pulled out and replaced as needed...
QQ2 - If not being scammed, the pro recommends a larger 22-SEER rated unit from Bryant. Generally speaking, is this good or would you recommend different size/rated unit or brand?
I am confused here and need to calm down my B.S. warning alarm. Thanks!
Ps. If anyone wants to recommend a good HVAC pro in Charlotte, NC - I'm much obliged.
System specs (dual zone home, 3200 sq ft):
- ADP evap coil/air handler, model # HA03236C145B252273
- Carrier furnace, model # 58PAV070-12/Series 160
- Carrier fan/compressor, model # 38ckc036340
- Install dates around July 1999.
Upstairs zone evap coil and furnace both located in attic, as vertical stack assembly (coil on top, furnace below), both situated on top of a secondary drain pan underneath. Refrigerant level (HCFC-22) reads normal ops level.
We've had water draining out from secondary pan line, called a pro. Tech investigated, found secondary pan filled with water, looked to be dripping down from primary pan drain line outlet. (Trickling down and through furnace!) Thought primary pan drain line was clogged and causing overflow leakage into secondary pan, so cleaned it out. Seemed to initially solve issue. Then same happened again twice - secondary pan filling, draining out secondary line. Called pro again, and by 3rd time pro tech finally decided that primary drain pan line not clogged, and that primary pan is leaking out somehow down into secondary pan and needs replaced. (Can't see the pan itself other than drain outlets as coil unit is completely encased and sealed.)
After more than 2 weeks of no contact re: replacing primary drain pan, pro's office finally states that "Carrier no longer makes that particular coil and primary drain pan, no exact replacement pan is available, and since coils and pans have to be precisely matched" we need to replace the entire unit, coil and all! Office also said that this particularl coil unit was all-in-one and the primary pan wasn't mean to be replaced alone anyway. This is contrary to what pro's tech said here on site: that coil was ADP (not Carrier) and that the pan was removable and replaceable (after opening unit case). Difference in cost (parts + labor) = jumped from $ for pan replacement to $ for coil + pan unit replacement, with some new ductwork.
QQ1 - Am I being scammed here? Can just the primary drain pan be replaced? Even if so, is it worthwhile to do the coil and the pan together? ADP's info implies the drain pan is ABS plastic, very unlikely to leak (no rusting) but regardless can be pulled out and replaced as needed...
QQ2 - If not being scammed, the pro recommends a larger 22-SEER rated unit from Bryant. Generally speaking, is this good or would you recommend different size/rated unit or brand?
I am confused here and need to calm down my B.S. warning alarm. Thanks!
Ps. If anyone wants to recommend a good HVAC pro in Charlotte, NC - I'm much obliged.