HVAC Leak - Compressor Not Turning On Help

Muku SAn

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Model No: Goodman CAPF4860C6BA

Refrigerant: R410A

Age: 10 years

Specs: As per the spec in the pic below, it seems it is a 4-5 ton

Background: Trying to sell the house due to bad financial situation

Location: SouthEast US

Issue: House not blowing cold air, Also Compressor fan not turning

The technician came by. He didn't check anything in attic. He just tried to check freon levels outside. But the compressor fan isn't coming on. So he told us that this unit needs 17 pounds of freon and its all empty. He can do a nitrogen test/Fill it up by freon. He said the unit has some more miles on it. But the cost of repairing the leak and topping up freon would cost a lot. So it might be better to replace it. Not sure what to do.

Previous Issue: Last year the same thing happened. The technician came by and said there might be a leak. He put in like 4 pounds. It lasted us from Aug to the rest of the year. But it seems it's all gone this year

Questions:

1. Is that calculation correct for total freon required to fill up? Last year guy told us it needs around 11-12 pounds. This year it's 17. So what's the correct number as per the model

2. Can the HVAC work on like 4 pounds of top-up and last us through summer. I understand the leak will still empty it. But maybe i can sell the house and let the new owner know that they will need to fix it.

3. From price point - How much should the leak test and repair cost. And what is the avg price for freon per pound for 410A. Any ideas?

4. Main Question: What should i Do? I dont want to spend money on it. WE can't live without AC in this heat. Please help

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Comments (4)

PRO
Austin Air Companie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
When freon leaks first start to develop the leaks are often times slow. (It doesn't always work that way.)

So what cost you money last year was a warning... some times this sort of thing can go on for years, sometimes not. The longer it goes, the leak gets worse and worse... the little leak becomes more and more.

The amount required to get the unit to function varies. It depends on the unit, the line set length, the size of the line set, how much the outside unit holds etc.

If the system is flat or nearly flat that is a significant leak. If you don't repair that leak now, it's only going to keep draining your wallet.

The model you posted is the model of the indoor coil. It doesn't give us nearly enough info. But from what you did post... you have to fix the leak... that doesn't mean simply topping off the freon.

System total freon charge can vary from a few pounds 'top off' as in slow leak --- 6-8 lbs to 20 lbs and sometime more. It varies. The larger the unit (capacity in tonnage), the more efficient it is, the more refrigerant there is, the more it will cost.

I service the Katy, Texas area.
Muku SAn
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for your answer.

Could you please tell me a little about the low-pressure switch on the compressor. Assuming this is a 17-ton system, how much low pressure does it need generally go to for trigger the switch. Could it be 10lb or does it have to go really low like 1lb to trigger the low-pressure switch. Thank you
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PRO
Austin Air Companie
6 years ago
According to the coil model number you provided the system is either a 4 ton or a 5 ton AC. That size whatever it is --- is determined by the condenser. They don't make a 17 ton AC for residential. 5 ton is the largest they go... unless you have room for a package unit either along side the house or on the roof. Those are commercial units, you would not have the indoor coil that you posted first post.

Low pressure switch cut out can vary there is no set magical threshold number. It's often quite low to where by the time it trips there is surely not enough Freon in the system to work right anyway.
twintechhvac
6 years ago
Hi there, a few things you need to check out is:

- Ensure the unit is receiving power (blown fuse, breaker has been tripped)

- Check your compacitor - this may need to be replaced

- Check your start relay, that may need to be replaced

- Check your valves to see if any are broken

- Are all your terminal connections tight and in place?

Best of luck to you,

Twintech Heating & Cooling

https://twintechheating.ca/