"The line to the a/c froze"

Have you checked the filter is clean? Failing that, most likely low on refrigerant (signifying a leak somewhere).

Bought a house with an older a/c unit. 24 years old to be exact so I know we’re past it’s last leg. We moved in ran a/c for a week, turned on heat one morning when the temp dropped pretty low. The line to the a/c froze..... I hear it click, the unit fan starts spinning but no air thru the vents. Left it off for 6 hours and still won’t push air. I now have the fan back on and it’s pushing freezing cold air through the house but if I put it back on ”auto” it will shut back off.

Is the unit a heat pump or an AC? Without the indoor fan motor running in AC mode the unit will freeze up. Same difference if you run it with clogged air filter. A heat pump will freeze up running in cold weather in heat mode. An AC is more likely to freeze up in colder weather if the unit is operated with the intent to keep it running (low settings that prevent it from shutting off)

The unit is 24 years old... so this could have many more things wrong with it than just 1 or 2 problems. There *could* be a problem with the blower motor, controls for the blower motor, thermostat issues, refrigerant issues (low charge or other problems like restriction).

So do you spend the money to fix all the problems by hiring someone that isn't going to guess? (the more you guess, the more it will cost) Given that it's 24 years old a repaired 24 year old unit isn't getting any younger. The I don't want to spend any money rears it's head? Yeah why you here on a forum board looking for guesses? (I only ask fair questions, you may not think they are fair but why provide another guess that leads to more guesses?)

If the unit was newer like a year or two old and you had a problem with it and called a different contractor? You think that contractor isn't going to ask you why you didn't call the installing contractor? Why say this? New units break just as much as old ones do... sometimes more. Because money clouds peoples heads. (How dare you moment? -- if there is no honesty now, won't be honesty later.)

Without actually trouble shooting (diagnosing a HVAC system) a guess from the internet is a guess. This is where people like to pick sides over changing parts (just because) and eventually get it right (for a time -- it's 24 years old).

If you're not testing you're guessing. If you're going to go that far (parts changer) replace the system (all the parts all at once.)

I service the Katy, Texas area.

If you go on Craigslist under services, you'll find guys who specialize in repairs. 100-200 dollars can get you a possible resolution. Because these guys mostly do repairs, not complete replacements. Good luck.

Busy HVAC pros don't advertise on Craigslist. The really good ones are busy and don't advertise at all.

Get recommendations from neighbors, it's an excuse to knock on a few doors and introduce yourself.

You can always get a $15k+ bid fron a 'pro'. Use the CL guys to avoid that for now.

A lot of "Pros" work for big companies who pay them peanuts so they do jobs on the side.

Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better or helps you justify poor choices. In my area, competent techs are very hard for contractors to find and they earn top doillar. Plumbers, HVAC techs, auto technicians and the like, into the low 6 digits, from what I've heard. People making that kind of money want their time off to be time off so they can enjoy themselves.

Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel batter!

I'm in an area of seemingly continuous boom times. Few in any occupation are unemployed or under-employed, especially not in the skilled trades. Sounds like it's different where you are. Too bad.

Knowledge is confidence and power.

This guy is a professional with an extensive educational suite of YouTube videos showing best practices in an accessible format. He has examples and sources for tools and refrigerant. How to get EPA licensed. You can become cognizant of hvac enough to evaluate a contractor and kick him off your job if necessary. You'll be more likely to find and negotiate with a competent contractor. Or you can easily diy the install to save thousands. Soldering An HVAC Line Set Using Staybrite 8. STRONGER THAN BRAZING! (youtube.com)

Problems with Stay Brite 8?

not just 1, but 2 units with major leaks using stay brite 8 listen at 9:42 in the video.

Personally I've never used the stuff for what I view are obvious reasons.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

For obvious reasons, he nitrogen checks for leaks at 300psi. Plus vacuum with micron gauge. Scotch-brited with the recommended flux and heat placement. Everything requires a level of competence.

@livelife4eternity

1 year agoStaybrite 8 works if fittings are tight. I mainly use staybrite 8 and can't say I had a leak in the last 8 years. The normal staybrite ( not the 8) seemed to leak 15 years ago especially on heat pump 410 systems in my experience. Keep the heat right and the fitting tight!

@Honestandtruth007

2 months agoAnd 10 years ago I also installed Complete AC and gas furnace System by using Stay Brite 8 for copper line set. No issue Whatsoever. Brazing just too much heat ......burn the Crabs of Copper

@leefalvey9670

1 year agoUsed Staybright on my system 20 years ago and still running with no leaks after all this time. Think guys use to much heat when using Staybright

*IF* a leak has been determined to an AC system, meaning it is low on refrigerant AND Staybrite 8 was used then every serviceable connection in which it was used on would be suspect until proven otherwise.

Just providing examples of those via text only of success, doesn't prove much. Check yourself, Dan.

Freon leaks will always be an issue, regardless if you use Stay Brite 8 or not. Just spouting this like it's some new whiz bang thing that makes problems go away is fake news at it's finest.

Using Staybrite 8 is one procedure for installing lines. It's not the only method. Like other options, there are correct methods that will create a higher probability using it will be a success without leaks. Installers above were able to follow recommendations . They are successful. Some may not be able to replicate that success. They have to use another option. Or get training or a friend to help them improve their skill level. For some it'll be simple. I think anybody could use the product successfully with some uncomplicated instructions. There are people happy with their existing ways. Change can be difficult.