replace compressor or more?

[lofft]

I have had two recommendations regarding repair of my A/C system. Last spring, the A/C unit was disconnected and sat idle for at least a month during construction of an addition on my home. We ran the AC last summer with no problems. First time we turned it on this year, it could only lower the temperature by two degrees and then seemed to stop cooling completely.

Both companies agree that the unit is large enough to handle the original house + addition.

Company A says replace compressor.

Company B says replace compressor & capacitor, evacuate & refill system.

Company B says most likely the unit was not capped off properly when disconnected and contaminants got into the unit and killed the compressor; therefore, the larger job in necessary or the new compressor will only die also.

What is the real story? Thanks for any advice.
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Reply: In reply to micdundee & danglerb--


The entire system is just over 10 years old. The compressor was one month out of warranty. We have had a local gas/electric company service contract on the entire HVAC system. They evaluated the problem & said replace compressor (not covered under service contract) or get a new system. The company that installed the system recommended the bigger job rather than a new system and said it should have lasted 25 years if the contractor didn't mess it up.

[Edited by lofft on 06-26-2006 at 11:49 PM]

[newoldtech]

Any company that changes a compressor without evacuating you don't want. The capacitor is also a good idea to change. The addition of a capacitor shouldn't add to much to the cost. Its possible the first company will do the evacuation they just did't mention it because they just automaitcally do it. Confirm this with them. Either company will have to "refill" the system when they change the compressor.

[mtnwrench]

make sure they add or replace a liquid line filter drier as well.

[micdundee]

answer: B,if compressor is in warranty.if not, considering you have built addition suggests a long term stay and you might consider new, more efficient equipment.

[danglerb]

Did anybody actually diagnose the system, or just look at it and talk to you and then say replace this or that?

I'm just a consumer, but AC does NOT like moisture etc. in the lines, so whoever disconnected it and didn't cap it off, and worse whoever reconnected without a line dryer after it was disconnected and not capped off right may have kacked it.

How old is the unit, more than about 5 years and I would look at replacing the whole box if you shop around you may find the whole thing with a real warranty is about twice the cost of just the compressor without the labor of installing it and all the misc parts related.

Find out what company C and D have to say.

[leapfrog]

Who evacuated and disconnected the system in the first place?

If they disconnected the lineset and did it legally then they must have closed the service valves - which would seal off the condenser and compressor. If they didn't cap the lines to the evaporator that could cause a problem with the piston or TXV metering device, but that wouldn't create a problem at the condenser end.

Something doesn't sound right. I'd call the company or individual that disconnected and/or reconnected the system and hold them accountable. And be sure to get a third opinion before you spend big bucks on a compressor replacement.