HVAC refrigerant leak, possible HVAC replacement next year

[Tanfodude]

Sigh. Had HVAC guy come to check why it wasn't cooling. Found out refrigerant is low but can't find the leak on the main lines, so it's possible it's in the evaporating coil. We must have been leaking for awhile as we noticed it was a gradual issue. Since it's a 17 y/o system, it uses R22. He used a sensitive electronic sensor for the leak but couldn't pick out where the leak is. So ended up recommending replacing the whole system sometime next year.

If replacing, I'm looking at these 2 after research (not a deep one yet):

https://www.lennox.com/residential/products/systems/ultimate-comfort-system - for very efficient in SEER and very high AFUE rating.

https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/furnaces/ and https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/air-conditioners/ - just for durability (our current is American Standard).


Any thoughts from HVAC guys here?

 

[INP8riot]

I'm in the same position and have started doing some homework. I hate buying HVAC because it is almost as bad as buying a new car! This video is pretty eye opening.

 

[Tanfodude]

I hear ya, I was even thinking about having it recharge while I save up for a new unit. I'll check that video out tomorrow, thanks.

 

[gassprint1]

I hear ya, I was even thinking about having it recharge while I save up for a new unit. I'll check that video out tomorrow, thanks.

Apparently the guy didn't do his job, if he did..he would have put die in the system and used a black light to find it. Could be leaking at the fittings at the evap. You can kinda tell if it is since it would have slight oil residue around the area. Probably is a good idea to replace since it's old r22 and people want a fortune for it. You might even do your research and see if you can vacuum the system out, put new pag oil in and charge with 134A. They used to say the automotive r22 systems weren't compatible with new stuff, but that wasn't true. We used to do it all the time with no problems.