Coil leaking

[Shaz]

My condo has a really old air conditioner. I replaced the thermostat and then the A/C wouldn't come on, so I called an A/C guy. He adjusted some wires and it works again. I asked him to do general maintenance and as he cleaned the coil, he found leaks. He said there's no way to tell how big or small the leaks are. He told me I had three options: (a) replace the unit with a new one; (b) replace the coil .. if we're lucky enough to find one, because the unit is so old; or (c) add sealant into the coil (?) which seals up the leaks. He said method (c) would run less than a new coil. He also said he's done this method with customers and in fact, he did one five years ago that is still working fine with no leaks. BUT another customer's lasted a week before it started leaking again. No guarantees. I don't know what to do because the condo is a rental, currently between renters. Obviously, more money's going out than coming in right now. My question is: Is the method of using a sealant to "fix" coil leaks commonly used? (I've not heard of it, but then, why would I?) Mainly, is it a valid option that you recommend? And why or why don't you think I should do it? Also, I know we don't talk dollars in here, but can you at least say if $ is in the ballpark? Because I have no clue. Sorry so lengthy -- comes with not knowing. I thank y'all for your time and expertise. I appreciate it a lot!

[beenthere]

Sealers are a last resort. The money you waste on it, could go toward a new coil/system.

If its leaking, did he add refrigerant to it?

[saylor240]

I agree with Beenthere, your really taking a risk with sealer, could end up causeing harm to compressor also...and not gauranteee. I would focus on New Air handler just cause its so old.

[Shaz]

Thanks guys. Can you say if what this guy was asking for doing the sealant job was about right or was it way off?

[ar_hvac_man]

He gave you options and was honest about wether the sealer would work or not. I am surprised he didnt mention it could kill your compressor.

Id opt for the new coil.

[beenthere]

Thanks guys. Can you say if what this guy was asking for doing the sealant job was about right or was it way off?

Pricing questions are not permitted. I remove the price you posted, as posting prices isn't allowed either.


I'll bend the rules alittle though. I'd be about 60% of that price.

[SandShark]

Did he happen to mention where specifically the leaks were located (tubing bends) and if the leaks were repairable by brazing them?

[Shaz]

He couldnt tell exactly where in the coil the leaks were, or how big the holes were, but he thought they might be over on the left side, if that means anything to you. I have to say last Thursday, I did go ahead and let him do the deal...he added sealant to the intake and then pressurized it and the temp went down 10 degrees in no time and seems to be working fine now. Fingers crossed it continues positively for me. No one I heard from here said it was a smart thing to do, but I have to admit, it just made sense to me. I figured the leaks couldn't be THAT bad since the system hadn't been checked in about 5 years, while I had the renter. And in all that time, the freon level only went down half way. If it had been really bad, tenant would have been complaining long before now. We're in Texas after all! So I'm hoping I made the right decision. Watch this space, and I'll try to let y'all know how it's working in 6 months. Thanks to all those that commented. I did consider everything said, as I weighed my options and what I could afford. Great forum! Thanks!

[Shaz]

[QUOTE=Shaz;12982921]He couldnt tell exactly where in the coil the leaks were, or how big the holes were, but he thought they might be over on the left side, if that means anything to you. I have to say last Thursday, I did go ahead and let him do the deal...he added sealant to the intake and then pressurized it and the temp went down 10 degrees in no time and seems to be working fine now. Fingers crossed it continues positively for me. No one I heard from here said it was a smart thing to do, but I have to admit, it just made sense to me. I figured the leaks couldn't be THAT bad since the system hadn't been checked in about 5 years, while I had the renter. And in all that time, the freon level only went down half way. If it had been really bad, tenant would have been complaining long before now. We're in Texas after all! So I'm hoping I made the right decision. Watch this space, and I'll try to let y'all know how it's working in 6 months. Thanks to all those that commented. I did consider everything said, as I weighed my options and what I could afford. Great forum! Thanks!

[hvac wiz 79]

Did he happen to mention where specifically the leaks were located (tubing bends) and if the leaks were repairable by brazing them?

that's the first thing i thought as well