I have no technical expertise in this area, however I have to wonder what equipment he used to accurately differentiate between 20.3 and 20.6 amps.

BTW, was this a Clamp-On Ammeter?

I am not familiar with this product and generally skeptical of these third party additives both for HVAC, automotive, etc....and see no reason for twice yearly PMs on any conventional HVAC system...sorry but suspect you helped the dealer more than yourself and your HVAC system...

IMO

Thanks tiger. That's what I suspected. This company's techs have tried to cheat me several times. I have posted about those before. Guess who will not be bidding on the replacement when we need one. They use the slogan that the techs are sharing in the company. in other words, any service they can talk the customer into is a profit to them.

Nuff said,I agree with tiger and salty's points.

I think the amperage draw difference is inconsequential for an 18 yr old HP system. And you realize you are past the average lifespan for a HP.

IMO

Compressor oil gunk clogging TXV's from my understanding was due to a "new" rust inhibitor used in Copeland compressors around the 2014 time frame. However, from what I've read on the subject there was no requirement to add any other additive, just merely replace the TXV and drier.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HVAC/comments/2fike4/update_r410a_txv_failings_across_many_brands/

I stumbled across this problem because I was seeing a good number of new customers calling me with the problem --- no new installs of my own has had any issue such as this.

Compressor manufacturer's typically don't recommend any additive being added to your AC system and many have come out saying that adding anything will void the warranty of the compressor.

obviously not a warranty issue on an 18 yr old system...but certainly would not use any additive if within warranty period... I am very skeptical of these products whether HVAC, automotive, etc...probably no harm other than to your pocketbook...not inexpensive was it...

IMO

Adding anything creates a risk of debris floating around and causing a clog. Then you have to spend more money.

I agree with Saltidawg about the ammeter reading. It is doubtful the tech's ammeter is that accurate. This is the typical trying to find a reason to sell you a service.

Tigerdunes,

that's typically the con game with talking people into adding an additive is that your current system is out of warranty so it's OK to add something to it. LOL.

> thank you for the job security. <

But, once you add something to it --- what ever it is? it doesn't belong there. Most often new AC installs will reuse line sets and in some cases even re-use the existing coil. Then residuals of what was added "when your system was out of warranty" are now there to contaminate the new system.

Do not have anything added to your AC system other than the proper virgin refrigerant when needed.

For more AC tips and information: http://www.austinairco.com/Pages/ACTips.aspx

I've been an HVAC technician since 1998. A/C Renew lowers compressor amps by 10%. Some manufacturers recommend trying it first before they'll even approve replacing a stuck TXV under their warranty. It's especially recommended if you've had to add refrigerant or had a big repair that includes replacing refrigerant since oil is mixed in.

"Some manufacturers recommend trying it first before they'll even approve replacing a stuck TXV under their warranty."

Interesting. Which manufacturers require this?

"Interesting. Which manufacturers require this?"

Interesting indeed. I'm suscribed.

I used to work for the biggest Trane dealer in my city 4 years ago. They put out a service bulletin to all techs instructing how to inject the lubricant and move the refrigerant around the system to free up stuck TXV's. If that didn't work, they'd warranty the part.