Freon leak test/replace coil

[design2pin]

Does $250 for a freon leak test sound reasonable, when it is nothing more than placing the antenna of a walkie-talkie looking instrument up to the registers and listening for the "beap".

Also, how about a price of $3,665 for replacing the coils in two units (2 1/2 ton & a 3 ton) - obviously, the conculsion from the freon leak test - the coils are leaking?!

The upstairs unit quit cooling (2 ton), we turned it off, call the repair guy. Came out went to the units out back and told me that not only the upstairs unit, but also the downstairs unit was low on freon and he would have to conduct a $250.00 freon leak test - the $250.00 would apply to any repair to be done.

After the "walkie-talkie" beep test which included an inspection of the units in each attic (upstair/downstairs). I was told both coils were leaking and needed to be replaced. In fact, this was a problem with the "carrier" brand.

Just for reference, these units are 10 years old - we live in Texas and they do get a lot of use. Also for reference, this is what the estimate ticket says:
Checked 2 sysems found both evaporations leaking freon, also bothsystems need servicing. - Service both systems. Total #3,663

When I looked at the paperwork, I mentioned that it doesn't state anything about replacing the coils, at which point he wrote:
Replace Evap 2 1/2 ton 12 Seer
Replace Evap 3 ton 12 Seer
1 year labor
5 year warrant
on both


What say you guys -

Looking forward to hearing your responses





Diana

[imeduc]

For where you live and the 10 years on the units go for new units inside and out. most unit die from 10 to 15 years. Look at Trane they have a XL19i a seer of 19.50 and a XL16i with a seer of 17.15. If you are going to stay in the home for a time it will pay also look at the V/S blower. They have 10 years on all parts and labor. Get 3 bids for this job for sure. JUST A new 2 1/2 and 3 ton coil here put in would run about $1800 tot for both. you cant say what the seer of a unit is with the coil. Its more on what is out side. Yes the EVAP is just the inside coil. You dont test for freon leak at the registers you have to check at the coil and find the leak and see if it can be fixed. How low was it?? He could have put in some DYTELfreon and come back and find the leak. lots of ifs here the way I look at it

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.