Originally Posted by
nichoveski
Have worked with refrigerant systems for 60 years, yes I'm 79. Taught (college) A/C for 15 years.
In my opinion, changing over to 410A is a fiasco and shaft to the public. Understand the phase out of R-22. It should be a long, long process.
They have to come up with something that is a drop in. With 410A/R22, as usual oil is a problem, as is the pressure differences, and the volume of air over the coils.
As to R-22 systems, long as you can obtain a compressor for domestic units. The system can usually be repaired. If you have a leak in the evap or condenser, it is usually caused by an erosion and chafing of some type of retainer. ---repair it.
If you have a metering device problem, TXV valve replace it, the cap tubes can be cleared with a vacuum pump and propane torch. Tubing leaks repair them. These will take care of 95% of all problems. Everything else is disconnected to the refrigerant side. Fan motors, capacitors, relays etc. Keep them as long as you can.
On my R-22 units, have hard start kits on them. Clean the condensers and change the filters regularly. With the unit breaker turned OFF, I spin the fan blade with a screwdriver every couple of weeks. If the blade turns slowly, this is an indicator if the bearings are going out, I replace my fan motor.
Look at the name plate for minimum size electrical breakers. On my HVAC condensing units, have 15 amp breakers on my 1.5 ton units, 20 Amp on
2.5 ton. and 30 Amp on my 4.5 ton. If there is a problem YOU want the breaker to trip. These are just my thoughts and opinions.
nick