Freon Leak Detection

[scottpierce]

My home and my HVAC unit are about 6 years old. I bought the house last fall and about 1 week ago I had a "routine service" done on the AC unit. I do not know whether routine service was performed by the previous owner. The unit is a Lennox Model HS29-036 and the evaporator coil is a
Lennox C23-46-1.

The technician needed to add some freon (about 12 ounces, according to my wife's uncertain memory) and said everything else looked fine. I was gone this past week and when I returned my wife said that the AC had stopped working a couple of days ago. Unfortunately she hadn't shut the system off, however it was not blowing cool air.

I checked the lines at the compressor and they were frosted over. I know enough to realize that probably means a leak in the system so I shut the system off to let everything thaw.

I called the people who serviced the system and they said there was a freon leak and I had two options: 1) They can do a leak detection, for which they charge $1000. 2) I can replace both the compressor and the evaporator coil (and maybe all the lines).

I have a couple of questions: 1) I know that halogen and dye-based leak detectors are available and cost a few hundred dollars. Shouldn't I expect the technician to come out, look for oily residue around joints and valves, and possibly use a halogen detector? Should this cost $1000?

2) Can I look for this leak myself? I'm a mechanical engineer and a pretty handy guy with a basic understanding of how this stuff works (i.e. I know enough to be dangerous). Can I rent a leak detector and find it myself? If I do, can I then expect a service technician to fix the leak and re-charge the system based on my detective work? (I know there are fines for re-charging a leaking system)

3) Should I consider replacing a 6 year old system that seems to be in good working order except for this leak?

Thanks very much for any advice/guidance that you can give.

Scott Pierce

[Profish00]

Leak detector 100 bucks, soapy water almost free, find it for them or atleist give it a try. Plus you may want to call another 1000 dollars is alot of cashola.