Project story

Replacing a 19-year-old system in Converse: options compared

An R-22 system with a refrigerant leak. The homeowner compared another repair with two replacement options before deciding.

The problem

The system lost cooling every summer and had been recharged twice in recent years. The homeowner wanted to know whether to repair it again.
What we found

A leak at the indoor coil. The equipment was 19 years old and used R-22, which is no longer produced. The ducts were in reasonable condition, with one undersized return.
The options

Repair the coil leak and recharge with R-22, or replace the system with a matched one at two efficiency levels. Each option was explained side by side, in writing, with what it included.
What was done

The homeowner chose a new matched system. A load calculation set the size, the return was enlarged, the line set was replaced, the permit was pulled and inspected, and the charge and airflow were checked at start-up.
The outcome

The house cools evenly. The homeowner registered the manufacturer’s warranty and planned a first maintenance visit for the spring.