AboutHoward Livingston Expertise Can answer questions on electrical control circuits, power supply,airflow & distribution, electrical components,refrigerant problems,gas, electric & propane furnaces.No boiler or refrigerator or oil fired furnaces experience.Just HVAC questions please.
Experience 35 years experience in residential & light commercial repair & installation.
Question Thanks in advance for trying to help. The short of the story is this: I had 2 Luxaire Outdoor Split-System air conditioners installed in 2005. The upstairs unit has lost all freon (presumably over the winter) each year (each spring it must be recharged). The coil was replaced two years ago under manufacturer's warranty. Last year and now this year the leak occurred again. Last year Luxaire's rep told the installer that they could not do anything unless there were 5 repairs to the same problem. Since the exact problem has never been isolated, the 5 incidences will probably never occur (the unit will blow up before then!). And presently, Luxaire's rep will not replace the coil (which it seems may not be the problem since it was replaced before) unless the leak is pinpointed. After at least two nitrogen tests, the installer cannot pinpoint the leak. The installer has been eating most of the repair costs until now. He is not willing to help further with resolving with the manufacturer (which I think he should - am I wrong here?). Just yesterday, 7 days after it was recharged with freon, it iced up and had to be recharged again!
Of course, there all are all kinds of circumstances why, in my situation, this is dire and must be taken care of now.
My question is this - do you have any suggestions for me as far as succeeding in getting the unit replaced through the manufacturer? I have created a detailed timeline of all repairs and plan to call the Public Relations Director and/or President of the manufacturer. Something must be done and I want to make sure I'm covering all bases when I present this to the them. Thanks so much for your time.
Answer Freon leaks can occur ANYWHERE !! A 7 day leak should be able to be heard 100 ft away. But I have had 10 lb. leaks in 3 days & can't find it. I've also had to isolate the inside coil, the line set, & the outside unit & pressure test over several days to find the leak. How about a nail driven into the line in the attic ?? Ya just got to find it = period. The outside unit can leak too, don't forget. Difficult to get the factory to help on freon leaks. Only case I had help is 2 Trane units leaking in same place & both non repairable with aluminum coils after 3 - 4 years. Ya just have to do different things to find leaks like yours.
