Super Seal fix

[jjmcbrusty]

I have a Rheem heat pump (~15 yrs. old) that has had to have the refridgerant replaced 3 times in 2 years. So we obviously have a slow leak. The HVAC company that refilled it last time (in winter) said that once the weather warmed up they could look for the leak.

Now that it's warmer I have contacted them to fix the problem. I have been given 2 options. 1. Test the system with dye to try to find the leak. 2. Assume the leak is in the line set and use Super Seal (the line set goes in between walls). Technically we have a third option of running a new line but this is a two story house and the inside part is in the attic and they said it would have to be on the outside of the house.

Both options will be a couple hundred dollars. And if we use the dye and the leak is in the line then we have to go to the super seal anyway. They have told me that on their experience they assume the leak is in the line.

The company is a friend of a friend so I'm sure everything is on the up and up. They have been very honest and upfront about the options. I just don't know what to do. Any advice?

Thank you.

[jdenyer]

Don't use the super seal. There are only 2 things that belong in any refrigeration or A/C system, and that is refrigerant and oil. Nothing else. Dye is ok to use if the leak cannot be located by other methods, most dye's are compatible with refrigerants and oils. If it were me and the leak was in the lineset then I would have a new linset put in. Hope this helps.

[pecmsg]

Your system should have been isolated during the winter. Condensing unit/Line Set/Evaporator. 150#’s Nitrogen. If this can still be done great, If not, Dye.
3 times in 2 years you should have an oil stain some ware.

[mikep]

Adding the sealer = certain death. I bet that slow leak is in the evap not the line set, IMHO.

[hugodrax]

Time to buy a 2006 model AC and dump the junker. I would not want to drive my car for 15 years.

[mark beiser]

Did they make any attempt to find the leak with an electronic leak detector?

Most leaks end up being in the evaperator coil.

If your contractor uses leak detection dyes and stop leak, find another contractor pronto!

[mark beiser]

Originally posted by hugodrax
I would not want to drive my car for 15 years.

I'm the oposite, my newest car is 25 years old and is being restored. My regular driver is 31 years old. I hate new cars, give me something old and British, or old and German. Life is to short to drive boring cars. Even modern sports cars have no character or soul.

[derrick1623]

Originally posted by mark beiser

If your contractor uses leak detection dyes and stop leak, find another contractor pronto!

that sounds like a commercial waiting to be produced!

[jjmcbrusty]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I called another contractor for a second opinion. This time an electronic leak dector was used and no leak was detected! He ended up finding that some caps in the outside unit were loose!

So thank goodness for second opinions and all your feedback that I should be leary of the Super Seal.