A/C Guys Follow-up

[Mattya1ic]

First, I want to thank everyone for their input and recommendations.

I was able to have someone come out and oddly enough, I did not need an entirely new system. Yes, he agreed the system is old but the simple issue was that the capacitor had gone out. Got it replaced and, although the first tech said I had "obsolete" refrigerant, the second tech just happened to have a supply of it in his van. Also, the first tech told me I was low on refrigerant and he could add it (at a little over $100 per pound), but he had no idea how much I would need. The second tech was able to determine, prior to adding refrigerant, that I needed about a half pound, which he added for free. Oh, and the coil did not need to be replaced for $3k!
So all in all, instead of spending $6,000 to $9,000 on a new system, my system is working well at a cost of $230.

Thank you all again for saving me a great deal of cash!!

[no1hogkiller]

Good deal. At some point it will need more work and when that happens the honest A/C guy gets the work. Having some one trustworthy is a true comfort.
Been there. Done that. Most service companies want to sell new systems.

[Twztid]

That's the problem the bad one give everyone a bad name! It's hard to trust someone you know nothing about when there asking or telling you to dip into your retirement funds....there are good guys out there but be weary of the low ballers and the guys who ask for a second mortgage for a new system. Most techs or they call themselves techs are glorified salesmen on a commission based pay. More they sell you the money they make....to me that's bad business and most techs who get paied that way take advantage of people. I fix,install and sell Ac systems for a living and I can sleep at night knowing I'm honest with customers and do good job and recommend them parts or replacement only when needed.

[homegrown]

That's the problem the bad one give everyone a bad name! It's hard to trust someone you know nothing about when there asking or telling you to dip into your retirement funds....there are good guys out there but be weary of the low ballers and the guys who ask for a second mortgage for a new system. Most techs or they call themselves techs are glorified salesmen on a commission based pay. More they sell you the money they make....to me that's bad business and most techs who get paied that way take advantage of people. I fix,install and sell Ac systems for a living and I can sleep at night knowing I'm honest with customers and do good job and recommend them parts or replacement only when needed.

Yup!


HG

[sqiggy]

Looks like I could use your guy at my place. The outside unit went out according to my wife since I'm on the road working and haven't been there to talk to the AC man. But he told my wife the whole system needs replacing!!!
Just had the coils replaced 3 or 4 yrs ago. The prices she's been quoted are around $9,000 or better!!!
If that is the case, I'm going with a couple window units!!!

[TXBlkCld]

Looks like I could use your guy at my place. The outside unit went out according to my wife since I'm on the road working and haven't been there to talk to the AC man. But he told my wife the whole system needs replacing!!!
Just had the coils replaced 3 or 4 yrs ago. The prices she's been quoted are around $9,000 or better!!!
If that is the case, I'm going with a couple window units!!!

I'd get a second and third opinion.

[sqiggy]

I'd get a second and third opinion.

That was with a second opinion. My wife did say there is a 3rd guy with a much lower est., but he never came out and looked, just a quote over the phone. I should be home in a couple of days, THEN, they can explain to me why the system needs replacing!!!

[DDH]

Ask all your friends for referrals, like car mechanics, hard to find one you can trust, IE Capacitor $12.00 all day long at the supply house, you pay $169.00 + tax.

[bowhntrmatt]

That was with a second opinion. My wife did say there is a 3rd guy with a much lower est., but he never came out and looked, just a quote over the phone. I should be home in a couple of days, THEN, they can explain to me why the system needs replacing!!!

I would wait until you are there and have the tech explain WHY they recommend what they recommend and exactly what is wrong, and all your options.
I would be very wary of anyone who shoots you a price over the phone without even lookin at the system.