Home and Auto A/C Question - Leaking Evaporator Coil

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 09:45 AM

As the thread title states, the evaporator coil is leaking and needs replaced. They had to order a new coil from the manufacturer and it could take 5-7 business days. The a/c guy filled my refrigerant yesterday (for free) after diagnosing the leak. However, the first time they came out they tried to use a sealant, filled the refrigerant and it completely leaked out within 4 days and I had to wait another 5 days without any a/c to schedule them to come back out.

Is it possible to conserve the refrigerant that's currently in there by keeping my thermostat up high, limiting the time its running? Or is it leaking whether it's running or not? I know I'll likely still have to go a few days without a/c until the new coil arrives, but I'm trying to lessen that number as much as possible. It can touch low 90's inside during peak afternoon without a/c in here.

**Fire Me Boy!** · 07-06-2017, 10:02 AM

The Langstrom 7″ wrench can be used with the Findlay sprocket.

**Gonzo** · 07-06-2017, 10:06 AM

This is a bugeater question but I think the refrigerant will leak out regardless since the system is pressurized. Not 100% sure though.

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 10:11 AM

That's what I'm afraid of. I think my best bet is to try and have the part expedited.

ScareCrowe · 07-06-2017, 10:12 AM

It will leak out regardless of whether the unit is running or not. Honestly if its the evaporator coil it will actually leak slower when the unit is running as that is the low pressure side of the system. So when the compressor comes on the pressure in the coil will drop, when the unit isn't running the pressure will rise & it would leak faster.

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScareCrowe

It will leak out regardless of whether the unit is running or not. Honestly if its the evaporator coil it will actually leak slower when the unit is running as that is the low pressure side of the system. So when the compressor comes on the pressure in the coil will drop, when the unit isn't running the pressure will rise & it would leak faster.

Good to know, thx.

**Bugeater** · 07-06-2017, 12:40 PM

Assuming this is an old R22 system the fact that they filled it for free shocks the shit out of me. That stuff is like gold these days.

Also, one is risking their EPA license by filling a system they know is leaking.

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 12:51 PM

It was the third time they'd been out since the 2nd week of June. First time they sealed it and filled it using a dye. Second time he replaced a valve where he found some dye, filled it, but missed the coil leak. Each time we had wait nearly a week to get them back out. We've nearly lived more days this summer without a/c than with, so I was sure to make that known.

EDIT: He may of filled it yesterday before completely determining it was the coil as he was troubleshooting.

**Bugeater** · 07-06-2017, 01:00 PM

Not going to say I've never done it. When it's 90+ out and someone's AC just went out for the second time of the year, you do what you have to do to get it going. Most big HVAC outfits won't do it though. Seems odd that it would take that long to get a new coil unless it's some oddball size. Especially in a big city like Chicago.

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 01:16 PM

Could be. It's one of those rooftop AC/furnace units on the roof of our building. It's not super high up but you have to climb a ladder to get out there and it is hot as AF up there. As frustrated as I was/am, I know he'd much rather have diagnosed it immediately instead of coming back out. I have a reminded appreciation for people who work outside year round.

Nickhead · 07-06-2017, 04:22 PM

on/off topic but: even though i had never seen them myself in the states, does anyone use reverse cycle split A/C over there?

this is the most common air conditioner you will find here.

KCUnited · 07-06-2017, 04:34 PM

I had a mini split a/c installed inside my house in KC in addition to central air. It was perfect for the blown out attic that was remodeled into the master bedroom. I'd love one for our upstairs here but they won't let me cut a hole through the building.

**Bugeater** · 07-06-2017, 04:43 PM

I have been thinking about a mini split for a room that was added on to the end of my house since the existing ductwork cannot efficiently cool it in the summer. They are kinda pricey just for a supplemental system though.

Nickhead · 07-06-2017, 05:04 PM

our split system is in just the right spot in the house that it cools it entirely. all six rooms, upstairs and down. it's quite nice.

Chief Roundup · 07-06-2017, 06:08 PM

There is no way to "conserve" the refrigerant. The system is pressurized and it will leak out. At some point it will leak enough that your A coil will start freezing up into a block of ice. If you keep running it you could do damage to the compressor in your condenser unit. Granted the higher the pressure the quicker it will leak out. The pressures will be the highest when it is the hottest outside.
R-22 is going for $100 a lb down here right now. Nothing is free in this world you will likely see that somewhere in the bill. Hope for you it is R410a which still is over $50 a lb now.

07-06-2017, 09:45 AM
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1988244	A/C Question - Leaking Evaporator Coil As the thread title states, the evaporator coil is leaking and needs replaced. They had to order a new coil from the manufacturer and it could take 5-7 business days. The a/c guy filled my refrigerant yesterday (for free) after diagnosing the leak. However, the first time they came out they tried to use a sealant, filled the refrigerant and it completely leaked out within 4 days and I had to wait another 5 days without any a/c to schedule them to come back out. Is it possible to conserve the refrigerant that's currently in there by keeping my thermostat up high, limiting the time its running? Or is it leaking whether it's running or not? I know I'll likely still have to go a few days without a/c until the new coil arrives, but I'm trying to lessen that number as much as possible. It can touch low 90's inside during peak afternoon without a/c in here.
Posts: 34,080

07-06-2017, 10:02 AM	#2
Fire Me Boy! Cast Iron Jedi Join Date: Nov 2004 Casino cash: $9999900 VARSITY	A/C Question - Leaking Evaporator Coil The Langstrom 7″ wrench can be used with the Findlay sprocket.
Posts: 35,253

07-06-2017, 10:11 AM	#4
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1988244	That's what I'm afraid of. I think my best bet is to try and have the part expedited.
Posts: 34,080

07-06-2017, 10:12 AM	#5
ScareCrowe Abandoned Former Rams Fan Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: A van down by the river Casino cash: $5900400	It will leak out regardless of whether the unit is running or not. Honestly if its the evaporator coil it will actually leak slower when the unit is running as that is the low pressure side of the system. So when the compressor comes on the pressure in the coil will drop, when the unit isn't running the pressure will rise & it would leak faster. __________________
Posts: 1,066

07-06-2017, 12:40 PM	#7
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6232680	Assuming this is an old R22 system the fact that they filled it for free shocks the shit out of me. That stuff is like gold these days. Also, one is risking their EPA license by filling a system they know is leaking. Last edited by Bugeater; 07-06-2017 at 12:46 PM..
Posts: 70,443

07-06-2017, 12:51 PM	#8
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1988244	It was the third time they'd been out since the 2nd week of June. First time they sealed it and filled it using a dye. Second time he replaced a valve where he found some dye, filled it, but missed the coil leak. Each time we had wait nearly a week to get them back out. We've nearly lived more days this summer without a/c than with, so I was sure to make that known. EDIT: He may of filled it yesterday before completely determining it was the coil as he was troubleshooting.
Posts: 34,080

07-06-2017, 01:00 PM	#9
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6232680	Not going to say I've never done it. When it's 90+ out and someone's AC just went out for the second time of the year, you do what you have to do to get it going. Most big HVAC outfits won't do it though. Seems odd that it would take that long to get a new coil unless it's some oddball size. Especially in a big city like Chicago.
Posts: 70,443

07-06-2017, 01:16 PM	#10
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1988244	Could be. It's one of those rooftop AC/furnace units on the roof of our building. It's not super high up but you have to climb a ladder to get out there and it is hot as AF up there. As frustrated as I was/am, I know he'd much rather have diagnosed it immediately instead of coming back out. I have a reminded appreciation for people who work outside year round.
Posts: 34,080

07-06-2017, 04:22 PM	#11
Nickhead EvOlVeD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Blue Mountains, Australia Casino cash: $2359868	on/off topic but: even though i had never seen them myself in the states, does anyone use reverse cycle split A/C over there? this is the most common air conditioner you will find here.
Posts: 8,224

07-06-2017, 04:34 PM	#12
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1988244	I had a mini split a/c installed inside my house in KC in addition to central air. It was perfect for the blown out attic that was remodeled into the master bedroom. I'd love one for our upstairs here but they won't let me cut a hole through the building.
Posts: 34,080

07-06-2017, 04:43 PM	#13
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6232680	I have been thinking about a mini split for a room that was added on to the end of my house since the existing ductwork cannot efficiently cool it in the summer. They are kinda pricey just for a supplemental system though.
Posts: 70,443

07-06-2017, 05:04 PM	#14
Nickhead EvOlVeD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Blue Mountains, Australia Casino cash: $2359868	our split system is in just the right spot in the house that it cools it entirely. all six rooms, upstairs and down. it's quite nice.
Posts: 8,224

07-06-2017, 06:08 PM	#15
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $1761627	There is no way to "conserve" the refrigerant. The system is pressurized and it will leak out. At some point it will leak enough that your A coil will start freezing up into a block of ice. If you keep running it you could do damage to the compressor in your condenser unit. Granted the higher the pressure the quicker it will leak out. The pressures will be the highest when it is the hottest outside. R-22 is going for $100 a lb down here right now. Nothing is free in this world you will likely see that somewhere in the bill. Hope for you it is R410a which still is over $50 a lb now. __________________ Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
Posts: 19,234