HVAC Techs Battling Antique Equipment

“Breaker tripped. Searched for grounds, didn't find anything. Checked compressor windings. If I'd had eyes I might have seen the wire stuck to one of the hot gas lines before I resorted to running the compressor. The wire had blown a hole in the line but it was also welded to it and was holding in the refrigerant. It flew off when the compressor came on. I only had a few pounds of 404a on me and a small recovery tank. Not enough to hold all 24 lbs. I rushed to grab my shit and vent whatev”

“So my 24 year-old trane 4 ton unit is failing. Significant corrosion and rust. Mold in the blower cabinet. It’s completely frozen over several times and the Tech that came out the other day said the refrigerant that’s in there is like $400 a pound and it needs 14 pounds and that doesn’t even address the leak. So doing some math, I’d already be up to about 8 to 10 K on a repair of a 25-year-old system. had sales guy from the same company come out quoted me nearly 24K for a “premium” Bosch inverte”

“Open/close, clean/inspect, replacing relief valves, and combustion checks. submitted by /u/ZeroFcksGiven [link] [comments]”

“How's that laser on water in stainless steel? Might be good to verify with a thermometer in the stream.”

“We just moved into a house with an extremely old A/C system, the schematic on the service panel shows a 1987 build date. Despite it's age, the system looks like it's been maintained fairly well. I can't find the model # anywhere, but it's a Janitrol made by Goodman in 1987ish. From what I'm finding online, the 40/5 capacitor is probably correct, but I'm not 100% positive on that. Anyways, it runs fine, but after running for 12+ hours it will blow one of the two plug fuses”

Is my pump oil empty? submitted by /u/Ok-Ice-2111 [link] [comments]

“Hello, is there any way for a technician to tell how old an AC refrigerant leak is? Months vs years old? Thanks! submitted by /u/Medium-Special2658 [link] [comments]”

“Hi all, I have a mitsubishi trane split AC unit that broke down, had a tech come out who said the board and the fan motor need replacing. Problem is, they're saying that they can't find parts for it and its been about 2 weeks since our last communication so I'm guessing they gave up and don't want to bother. I'm out in Hawaii so I get sometimes stuff is harder to get, but is this an actual case of the parts are hard to find or is the tech just not wanting to put in the leg wo”

“I have a whole question outlining what our AC has been doing and will post that question later but more pressing is the quote we got yesterday. Our contactor was full of ants. Our choices: 1. Low tech replacement of contactor a little over $700 2. Higher tech sealed contactor (“ant proof”) just under $900. 3. Replace whole system because it’s 20 years old. Do these prices tell you I must be a sucker? We don’t want #3 right now because we are about to renovate and correct me if I’m wrong, but rep”

“The attic giveth after the attic had taketh enough tribute. Found in aircoil in Galveston, Tx. submitted by /u/Certain_Detective_72 [link] [comments]”

“Definitely not a Woodford. What does the other side say? What do the rest of the parts and handle look like? It visually looks like a Nibco 90 but I can't say for sure seeing only this. Edit: I meant Nibco 85”

“Hi we had our system tuned up the other day. The tech said the contractor was charred and pitted and the motor was leaking oil. I’m just not sure based on the photos? Unit is working just fine. Thoughts? submitted by /u/CalmNefariousness69 [link] [comments]”

“Anybody know what to do with these valves on 454b cans. Older cans were just knockouts. Picked up some of these from the shop to help cleanup and don’t want the recycling plant to cause a fit. submitted by /u/Sheeshgotit [link] [comments]”

“If you don't have tools to remove it then I doubt you have the tools (Propress crimper) to install a replacement. So not sure why some have suggested that route. Maybe cut out the pipe on both sides and sweat in a new section.”

“Already did that, thanks! I manually spun the crank to make sure nothing was seized too”

“Unit finally shit the bed this year. Units from 1968, what's the oldest unit youve worked on/condemned so far? submitted by /u/SeverianXVI [link] [comments]”

“I just bought a house with a old unit from 2003. I searched online with what i had but i can’t seem to find any owner manual nor service. I just want to clean it and inspect if everything is ok. Im not planning on doing any repairs myself but let professional handle it. submitted by /u/LoudChickenkueef [link] [comments]”

“4-ton, about 2 years after install, 410a. Seems like a TXV issue. submitted by /u/CoffeeIsMyLife03 [link] [comments]”

“1985 Lennox 15 ton condenser has a compressor shorted to ground. Still holding charge. Doesnt smell acidic. Lennox said you're out of luck finding a replacement compressor. Bristol told me they no longer make the compressor or anything even close. Found an equivalent copeland compressor, but its a scroll and much taller than the existing recip compressor, which means rerouting most of the lines inside the unit. Also the compressor costs $8k. The air handler and/or evaporater cannot be remove”

“2 leaking coils later, 14 ton VRF supposed to be turned on last week submitted by /u/macoveli [link] [comments]”

“Closing on a cabin in northern AZ this month, and the home inspector noted that the propane furnace was at or beyond its service life. When I put the label into AI (I know... I know... but we don't take possession for a few more weeks and I was trying to get information from a distance), it very sternly told me we are going to die if we don't replace it immediately. Obviously we will get an HVAC tech to look as soon as we arrive, but I guess I'm mostly looking for reassurance that if”

“Only one minor leak at the pump..ugh but good enough for today submitted by /u/wrenchgirl69 [link] [comments]”

“Went to look at a close friends AC. Was shocked to see these two things still running, well one of them at least. Only thing I got is the serial number, I believe these are from 1976? Anyways, condenser fan motor is shot. They’re aware they need to replace this, but want to know if I can get a replacement fan to get them through the next couple weeks. Anybody have any idea what RPM the original motor is? Whatever nameplate was on there is no longer legible. submitted by /u/Sufficient”

“Saw this relic in an early 1900’s/ late 1800’s home in lower Alabama today. It had a bad TXV… submitted by /u/Ok_View7796 [link] [comments]”

“Need some help identifying this old ac unit, there’s no model number or any identification on this except for it being a fedders unit. Any help would be greatly appreciated:))) TYIA!!! submitted by /u/Queenmissthiccc [link] [comments]”

“Basically the title. I'm a chiller guy, I don't want to recommend a brand that you can't get parts for when people ask me what to buy. submitted by /u/AdventurousRip3916 [link] [comments]”

“RIP! Hopefully mine lasts awhile. Mine has been running strong since 2016 time frame.”

“Weird clunking/knocking noise coming from the air handler. What might be causing it? submitted by /u/jawnney-t [link] [comments]”

“3 out of 4 of the Trane CGAMs look like this.... Head pressure is 550+... "We have gotten several quotes to clean them but just keep waiting"... This is a county Admin building on top of that. submitted by /u/ManiaCCC86 [link] [comments]”

“https://preview.redd.it/jg9g5jyj0bbh1.jpg?width=274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8cfcab227d9fd9139bae47c62233da5993e9d26 I have an R22 Goodman 3.5ton heat pump and I'm pretty sure I already know the answer (no) but can I just leave the old filter dryer and put a new one inside near the ahu? and if not, I can just remove it, straight pipe it, and put the new dryer inside right? It's such a pain to get to it. submitted by /u/ThreeEasyPaymentsof [link] [comments]”

“This is to replace an old unit that leaks. Is this a good deal? Are there alternatives I should look into? submitted by /u/jorifame [link] [comments]”

“If I have an AC from the mid-90s, and I think it's R22, is it even worth it to replace it? It works great and has no leaks as far as I know. The electric bill isn't bad at all either, and it easily cooled my house to 70°-72° during a 90°-95° heatwave. But I was told that it probably should be replaced soon. To be fair, it wasn't a licensed HVAC guy who told me that. I'll edit this post or put it in the comments to let you know if it's R22 for sure or not. I'll check when”

“Hope all is having a good weekend just looking for some advice. I'm in ohio so has been extremely hot this week. Have the a/c set at 74 and hits 74 but even after reaching 84 the unit does not shut off. This happens at any temp I set on a/c. Filters are only a few weeks old. I've also turned cool off and fan on just to make sure nothing is freezing up. Now I do live in a mobile home so I know insulation is a problem. Any one have any recommendations or tips? Thanks for any information. &”

“A lot of you have been doing this a lot longer, but I've never seen this before. I double checked my clamps and hoses thinking I was losing my mind. Compressor's pulling 6.4A on all 3 legs, OA is like 76. submitted by /u/ACEmat [link] [comments]”

“I would be more concerned that the condensate is going to eat up that cast iron (underneath his slab, no less). I probably would've had it piped to condensate pump, instead.”

“Yeah he said it was the control valve portion that failed or something on those terms. Since it’s 11 year old tank makes more sense to just replace instead of spending all that money to replace that one part on an older tank.”

“That thing is crusty! (The pump, not Grandma). Does it turn on when you lift the float?”

“This was the result after attempting to diagnose and fix the problem with my AC which suddenly stopped blowing cold air. The condenser is only a few years old but the air handler is 40+ years old. It's... loud. But fortunately it alleviated the problem a little bit and now it's blowing slightly cool air. I haven't gotten an estimate yet from him, but he said it should be fine to run the AC to get some relief from the heat until the actual replacement. I'm not sure, is this sound”

“1997 GE 35uf capacitor, found on a Lennox condenser with an unknown model and serial number because the name plate was long gone. submitted by /u/Unveiled_Nuggets [link] [comments]”

“Hi there, just had a tech out to my house. I seen some water near furnance and it's not cooling well at all. Says there's a leak and there's no refrigerant left in it. 2k to fix it. Im assuming I might as well just replace, it's 8 years old. Got quoted 5 to 6k for a new a AC installed. It's a "keep rite" system. Does that seem fair? Im in canada. Do most people just replace furnance at the same time? submitted by /u/dirtyqussy [link] [comments]”

“Hi Everyone, I really am trying to do my due diligence and calling the correct people but I'm questioning where to go next. Our a/c keeps tripping the circuit breakers. It will run for about an hour and then trip, though it has been working through the night, which is good because it's 90+ degrees outside this week. The HVAC company came out to look and said everything in the unit checks out. He said it's an electrical issue and the breakers in the box should be a Square D 35 Amp 2-p”

“Hello Experts - Have a question regarding a significant failure following a furnace (and AC) tune-up by a reputable local company and I'm wondering how hard to pursue this. Equipment: Aire-Flo gas furnace (15yrs) Last Wednesday I completed a furnace tune-up. Following the appointment, the tech documented that unit was in proper working order, but observed a clicking noise coming from the blower after servicing the unit. He believes that the clicking is likely from the screw holes expanding o”

“First time homeowner here - the unit is 10 years old. Everything will work for a few days and then die, so I'd like to fix it without breaking the bank. Still getting other estimates, but this is the best one so far. Appreciate any advice or suggestions! submitted by /u/Jb521 [link] [comments]”

“Our ac has stopped blowing cold, naturally during a heat wave.. I realize I’ve put myself in a bad situation by poorly maintaining my condensor. It’s filthy. Lesson is learned. I’m cleaning it out now. My question is this though. I believe that the fan motor is the problem, is there any way to check for sure. After attempting to run ac for an hr. The motor is too hot to touch. During that time the fan did not turn, but I could hear something happening or trying to happen. After taking the housin”

“I constantly come across issues that could be avoided if the last tech read the manual or the wiring diagram. Just yesterday I followed a warranty company tech that had replaced a compressor in an old rheem pig and he had run and common reversed on the contactor despite the 2" flags on each lead telling them where to land them and ruined the compressor. submitted by /u/Rowbot_Girlyman [link] [comments]”

“Context: ancient system (1990’s), Emerson thermostat that is blinking snowflake. Last week the fan would run even when off, air blowing b it not cool. Turned breaker off to get fan to stop. Called Home Warranty people and they sent someone out and said the capacitor was bad. The replaced it on Monday. Ice cold air until today. Blinking snowflake. It’s 12 degrees hotter on the house that what’s it’s set on. Unit won’t turn on at all. Anything we can do in the meantime to troubleshoot? Or should w”

“Furnace with split A/C unit. Condenser is outside, A/C is in basement with furnace. Forgive my verbiage but just trying to be thorough... House is ~50 years old. All duct work is metal, & in the basement. The problems-- I have had a consistent serious dust issue for a while now. I've considered having a service clean out the duct work, but I've heard that is pretty much it rip off? IDK, opinions? A friend of mine who is an HVAC tech suggested I might have a leak in the duct work? He”

“Adapters, tees, core removal tools basically anything brass that has threads and is for refrigeration. I got a mb3 blackout veto bag I recently picked up and am using for refrigeration service but can’t find a good way to keep all the fittings together and in tact. Packout small compartment organizer ? submitted by /u/type-sex [link] [comments]”

“Just got this used-but-new-to-us hi-lo to replace the old fossil that finally bit the dust. Love how it controls in comparison, but damn it feels like it frosts up even more than the others we have. How have your freezer experiences been, equipment related or otherwise? submitted by /u/jrn0891 [link] [comments]”

“hey guys, so this might be a stupid question but I’ve been in the trade for five years and have never had to actually do this. However, doing commercial I’m working with old units that utilize r22 as the refrigerant. And these systems take mineral oil as it says on the compressor itself. It’s a scroll compressor and it leaked out a good portion of its original charge.. I’m wondering, can I cut it out, drain the oil that’s in there, and refill it with polyester oil so that it can be recharged wit”

“I believe the unit is a Weil McLain. I’m assuming it’s an issue with the control board. Could be something else. I know very little about this thanks. Btw the unit eventually kicks in. Video got cut short submitted by /u/Playful-Check-4968 [link] [comments]”

“Well,to be more accurate, little AC. My Heat Pump is currently giving out very little air and my technician is waiting to schedule me for a new compressor. I'm currently in VA during the heat wave, so I'm asking if there's anything I should do? I've called them and they've said that they're working on a big project and they'll call me when it's done, but I feel like I should call them instead. submitted by /u/RickHammersteel [link] [comments]”

“Trying to figure out how I can flush out my condensate line. But don’t see where I could access it. submitted by /u/mondaygreene [link] [comments]”

“This is working just fine last week. Now it’s not shooting. All fittings are hooked up properly, There’s no jams and it’s freshly lubricated. submitted by /u/TheCrimsonNim [link] [comments]”

“Ambient temp 93 deg. Return temp 74, supply air 67. Coils and filter clean. Comp is reading 6a, rla of 12.8a. Comp is boiling to the touch. Thoughts? submitted by /u/dito22 [link] [comments]”

“Hi all, as the title says, I’m a commercial fridge tech but I’m having a go at repairing my own commercial air con unit, it’s a Sanyo big pac dc inverter. It’s not cooling properly indoors, on first glance the liquid line is cold and getting condensate around it. The suction line is cold as it should be. So straight away it seems low on gas as there’s flashing going on in the liquid line. However when removing the panel I’m finding that the liquid line is ambient until it reaches the two solenoi”

“Never thought I’d work on one in a house. Great experience. Just did the chilled/hot water ahu swap submitted by /u/D-Nice_2007 [link] [comments]”

“I've never seen thermostat wire used to mount a replacement control board, but it seemed to be pretty secure. So, I left it tf alone. submitted by /u/MasterPhilip [link] [comments]”

“Time for a new leak detector! What’s everyone using for leak detectors, don’t care about brand or price really just want it to be heated diode that’s all! submitted by /u/No-Regular7739 [link] [comments]”