We have a Luxaire 10 SEER 36,000 BTU unit. We keep the Temp at 76 deg. We live in Southeast PA (near Allentown, not Philly). The house was built in Fall of 1998. The house is 2100-2500 sq.ft. Friday the outside unit tripped the breaker. Cleaned the filter and reset the breaker. Wednesday it tripped again. Had a HVAC guy check it out. $60 diagnosis fee. Really like the service. Answered all my questions, although I have limited A/C knowledge. Amp draw at condensor 13 amps. Refrigerant pressure: Low 72, High 235. Supply Temp 57 deg. Three terminals: run and common 400Mohms, start
150Mohms. Guy said if the start windings gets down to 100Mohms it won't turn on again. He said we could try a start assist if it happens again. $125. No guarantee how long that would last. He quoted a Goodman 12 SEER unit. After Jan 1, 2006 we would have to install a 13 SEER (or higher?) and would need additional work inside - coil would need to be bigger. Checked the net and didn't find good words on Goodman. Makes me wonder about the HVAC guy. My brother-in-law was an electrician (now he is a NYC cop). He suggested Carrier or Trane. I plan on getting quotes for 12 and 13 SEER. (Replace Fall vs. Spring). Should I expect to pay for quote/cost analysis? Suggestions? Comments? I hate being at the mercy of an unknown service/installation company. I prefer to handle repairs myself. Plus this is a big ticket item. I would appreciate any tips or words of advice. Thanks!- posted
18 years ago