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Started By
Message
HVAC Experts of the OT: PM needed?
Posted on 3/8/19 at 4:48 am
Posted on 3/8/19 at 4:48 am
We had our bi-annual HVAC tune up yesterday and as usual, they are trying to up sell things as preventative maintenance. I usually decline, but our unit is now around 8 years old, so I am giving it a closer look. Obviously if something can be done now to prevent a bigger issue in the future, I'd rather catch it now and seemingly save money/inconvenience. Anyway, here's the details of the suggestions and cost. Any advice based on this? Prices seem pretty high, but I honestly have no clue.
Best Option: 2011 gas unit 410a
Found starting amp readings high at 136.3 and should be no more than 117, single pole contactor has burn
and rust marks, outside capacitor pulling low readings 67\70uF and is rusted, rusted EVAP coil, blower
capacitor pulling low readings 11\15uF
Performed ac tune up
Recommend replacing inside and outside capacitors,installing compressor saver, replacing single pole contactor, installing pan treatment.
Single Capacitor 1.00 $108.00
Pan Treatment 1.00 $59.00 - This is out. He couldn't give me a reason why this is needed.
Contactor 1.00 $226.00
Dual Run Capacitor 1.00 $226.00
Compressor Saver 1.00 $337.00 - Not even sure what this is, exactly. Based on that, I'd say not needed, but would need more info.
Best Option: 2011 gas unit 410a
Found starting amp readings high at 136.3 and should be no more than 117, single pole contactor has burn
and rust marks, outside capacitor pulling low readings 67\70uF and is rusted, rusted EVAP coil, blower
capacitor pulling low readings 11\15uF
Performed ac tune up
Recommend replacing inside and outside capacitors,installing compressor saver, replacing single pole contactor, installing pan treatment.
Single Capacitor 1.00 $108.00
Pan Treatment 1.00 $59.00 - This is out. He couldn't give me a reason why this is needed.
Contactor 1.00 $226.00
Dual Run Capacitor 1.00 $226.00
Compressor Saver 1.00 $337.00 - Not even sure what this is, exactly. Based on that, I'd say not needed, but would need more info.
12
Posted on 3/8/19 at 4:49 am to TigeRoots
their technicians make commission. call someone that isnt as big of a company and wont try to rape you financially.
\
<--- username@yahoo.com
eta: those replacement part prices are assinine. literally 10x material cost
\
<--- username@yahoo.com
eta: those replacement part prices are assinine. literally 10x material cost
This post was edited on 3/8/19 at 4:52 am
Posted on 3/8/19 at 5:15 am to TigeRoots
I bought spare capacitors and contactors on Amazon.
I think I paid around $20 or so for each. Maybe less.
I think I paid around $20 or so for each. Maybe less.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 5:42 am to TigeRoots
I threw an ac man out of my yard for wanting that much for a contactor. It was a weekend call so he said the normal price doubles. Problem was his normal price was still way too high and I was already paying double labor rate for a weekend call.
As mentioned, get a spare contactor and capacitor and watch a few videos on how to replace.
Oh, and ask him when was the last time he had his amp meter calibrated.
As mentioned, get a spare contactor and capacitor and watch a few videos on how to replace.
Oh, and ask him when was the last time he had his amp meter calibrated.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:03 am to TigeRoots
quote:
Single Capacitor 1.00 $108.00 Pan Treatment 1.00 $59.00 - This is out. He couldn't give me a reason why this is needed. Contactor 1.00 $226.00 Dual Run Capacitor 1.00 $226.00 Compressor Saver 1.00 $337.00 - Not even sure what this is, exactly. Based on that, I'd say not needed, but would need more info.
FL HVAC biz owner here
Cost of all the items mentioned will cost a contractor about a 100.00 - 150.00
The compressor saver is more than likely a surge protector, or a hard start kit.
I'm not saying you won't benefit from the parts but they are not treating you with the respect a faithful client deserves.
This is the type of stuff I see here. "a/c tune up" 49.00 next thing you know your in a trunk wearing zip ties and duct tape.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:11 am to TigeRoots
None of that will save you money Op doing anything now. The capacitor as said is $20-30 tops just for the one part. Not sure on the other stuff but likely you are being ripped off. But it’s that normal for them to rip you off on parts.
Also, I don’t know why you’d need to have it serviced bi-annually to be honest. Once a year in the spring or fall in the change of seasons is likely fine. Change your filters and buy you an extra capacitor and learn how to change those yourselves, it’s very easy and the most common failure.
Also, I don’t know why you’d need to have it serviced bi-annually to be honest. Once a year in the spring or fall in the change of seasons is likely fine. Change your filters and buy you an extra capacitor and learn how to change those yourselves, it’s very easy and the most common failure.
This post was edited on 3/8/19 at 6:13 am
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:13 am to wrongRob
quote:
wrongRob
What area are you located? May have work for you
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:16 am to TigeRoots
From what you just told us, I'd dump that company and find someone else.
Though if the caps are reading out of spec then I'd definitely change them. Its not just the mere inconvenience of having the A.c. quit until you get a new capacitor, a bad cap can damage fan motors and I think compressors.
I'd hit up BigEd if in BR area. Iirc he helped some fellow OTer after the flood.
Though if the caps are reading out of spec then I'd definitely change them. Its not just the mere inconvenience of having the A.c. quit until you get a new capacitor, a bad cap can damage fan motors and I think compressors.
I'd hit up BigEd if in BR area. Iirc he helped some fellow OTer after the flood.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:23 am to baldona
quote:
What area are you located? May have work for you
Tampa.
Work is overrated lol if you're close enough I buy you something to eat!
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:37 am to BigEdLSU
Thanks everyone, this pretty much confirms what I expected. BigEd - Will give you a holla. You in BR area? Would rather deal with a smaller company anyway.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 6:42 am to TigeRoots
Order capacitor yourself on Amazon. This is a simple fix. A capacitor is like $20, if that. Just get one the same numbers as existing. I always keep a spare capacitor available. This is the easiest fix on a A/C and one of the most common problems.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 7:22 am to TigeRoots
I would just get the capacitors and contactor yourself. You would spend under 50 bucks.
Don’t electrocute yourself. Watch a video or two.
Don’t electrocute yourself. Watch a video or two.
This post was edited on 3/8/19 at 7:25 am
Posted on 3/8/19 at 8:14 am to Spasweezy
FWIW OP this is not in common pricing. I had a Cap go out one weekend when I was away and my wife called a company and they charged $220. $80 service charge, $100 for the cap, and some other BS charges. Tech was there for 15 minutes.
But you can certainly find someone else that is considerably cheaper.
But you can certainly find someone else that is considerably cheaper.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 8:26 am to TigeRoots
You are being ripped off with pricing of these inexpensive parts. A run capacitor is only a few dollars. Find a company that offers yearly maintenance for a price in the two hundred dollar range and let them know you aren't interested in a sales pitch until your compressor dies.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 8:32 am to BigEdLSU
quote:
BigEdLSU
Email sent.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 8:39 am to TigeRoots
I agree w others. Many parts ore basically plug and play. Capacitors, contactor, etc. Any local supply house will have a part. Zip them off w a nut driver, reconnect and forget it. You can even buy your own charge hoses to check freon pressure before paying for a charge you don't need.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 8:45 am to TigeRoots
This sounds like One Hour Air. They have to charge these prices so they can pay Moscona to pimp their company.
Posted on 3/8/19 at 9:12 am to TigeRoots
i was in the business for 45 years so i will just tell you what these things cost
Single Capacitor 1.00 $108.00 - actual cost for them to buy $5
Pan Treatment 1.00 $59.00 - this is a simple chlorine tablet you can buy yourself and drop a few into the drain pan under the unit - actual cost for them to buy $5 for a pack of several
Contactor 1.00 $226.00 - actual cost for them to buy $8
Dual Run Capacitor 1.00 $226.00 - actual cost for them to buy $25
Compressor Saver 1.00 $337.00 - this is a start assist capacitor, best way to describe it simply is a jump starter to boost the torque power to start, its a good idea and it can never hurt to have one - actual cost for them to buy $25
also as a side note when replacing a contactor always go with the 40 amp size because its rated for what the contacts can handle (not the power) so the heavier contacts last a hell of a lot longer and dont get as hot so they dont go bad as often, just buy the right physical sized one since some 40 amp contactors can be a much bigger body style
Single Capacitor 1.00 $108.00 - actual cost for them to buy $5
Pan Treatment 1.00 $59.00 - this is a simple chlorine tablet you can buy yourself and drop a few into the drain pan under the unit - actual cost for them to buy $5 for a pack of several
Contactor 1.00 $226.00 - actual cost for them to buy $8
Dual Run Capacitor 1.00 $226.00 - actual cost for them to buy $25
Compressor Saver 1.00 $337.00 - this is a start assist capacitor, best way to describe it simply is a jump starter to boost the torque power to start, its a good idea and it can never hurt to have one - actual cost for them to buy $25
also as a side note when replacing a contactor always go with the 40 amp size because its rated for what the contacts can handle (not the power) so the heavier contacts last a hell of a lot longer and dont get as hot so they dont go bad as often, just buy the right physical sized one since some 40 amp contactors can be a much bigger body style
This post was edited on 3/8/19 at 9:22 am
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