Central Air/Mini Split maintenance service check.

[space-time]

deckeda wrote:
space, the guy that just refilled the system is who got it going again. The leak occurred prior.

I understood that. What makes you think I did not understand that?

If you want me to be more clear: maybe it leaked at the access valve, he refilled it and closed it properly and now it no longer leaks. Or maybe another compression fitting was loose, he tighten it before filling, and now it no longer leaks.

Unlikely, but possible.

[deckeda]

I see what you’re saying now, a speculation that certainly could have occurred.

[d4]

I completely understand the different viewpoints. I hope that if there is a major leak the symptoms will reappear soon in weeks or months and not 6 years. The information I got from the repairman (and relayed here) was through casual conversation while he was working. And not a transcribed record of every word and detail.

[modelamac]

If outside the fan won't spin manually, a motor has burned out. If it spins manually, the problem may be a 'Start Capacitor. Get the model of your unit and look up the Start Capacitors to see the rain and location. They are usually less $20 or less and easy to replace. Be sure to disconnect power first. Capacitors can knock you into next week faster than your mother can. If that doesn't work call a repair company.

d4 wrote:
Central Air/Mini Split maintenance service check.
Add this to the, "No one ever told me about this when I bought the house" list.

The 6-year old, Mini Split (ductless) AC unit was not cooling. Just blowing air. Condensation hose was bone dry. Outside unit's fan was not spinning. And of course, temperatures were up in the mid-90s. Ughhh...

Capacitor? Electrical? Leak? Compressor? No idea. $$$???

The first HVAC company said they could come by in 3 weeks. $250 service charge just to come out and look at it. No thanks. The second company I called can come by next business day. No service charge. Done!

The moment he comes around to the back of the house, he sees the refrigerant copper line is frosted over, and he tells me the refrigerant needs to be recharged. He asks, "How long ago was the last service call?" Me, "I've had this AC unit for 6 years, never knew I had to do routine maintenance checks. It's never had any issues, before this.

Do you do annual service/maintenance checks on a dishwasher? Stove? refrigerator? Window unit AC?? No. Ohwell, now I know.

The gauge shows it's VERY low in refrigerant, that's why the outside fan was shutting down. He pumps in 4lbs of gas into the system. And the mini-split unit is back in business.

If I was in Florida, where the AC is pumping year round, I guess maybe annual checks is warranted. But here in NY where the AC is used maybe 4 months out of the year,,, I'll see if I can get by with every 3 years

Next you all will tell me I should be doing maintenance/service checks on my boiler Sheesh! LOL