[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by jrref

For those who believe that a yearly HVAC check-up and service is not needed are foolish. Why? Because the tech can find components such as the capacitor going out of spec which will put more strain on the compressor and shorten the life of your system. Also, cleanig the coils, inside and out, will make the system run more efficiently saving you money over time. They also measure the current the inside and outside fan motors are drawing, and test to make sure your Auxillary heat coils, which most have, are working properly. Also testing the coolant will let you know if you have a leak. Typically, you A/C should never need coolant unless there is a leak somewhere. Again, running your A/C with low coolant eventhough it's still cooling in your opinion will shorten the life of your system. There is no way to know unless you test the various items. Your HVAC system is not an item you should forget and don't do any maintenance untill it fails. In the long run you will be spending more money.

All this said, you need to find a company such as Sunshine, Munns, and other larger companies that don't need to resort to these scams to stay in business. And if you are one of those who are able to change the capacitor yourself, all you need to do is when the tech says it needs replacement, tell them you will do it next time around and do it yourself after he or she leaves. Just remember get the US brand capacitor such as this brand from Amazon which is what your HVAC company uses and not the cheap Chinese knock-offs. Make sure you check the rating you need for your machine. The cheap Chinese capacitors are less reliable and wear out faster especially in our hot Florida weather so in the long run it's not worth the savings. You get what you pay for.

Amazon.com

I used Sunshine (emergency visit at 8 pm on a Friday night...), and after paying for the "capacitor lesson", I now know how to do it myself and I bought the same "Amrad" brand capacitor that my AC unit needed.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

I used Sunshine (emergency visit at 8 pm on a Friday night...), and after paying for the "capacitor lesson", I now know how to do it myself and I bought the same "Amrad" brand capacitor that my AC unit needed.

Excellent!

[wikolia]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Have a neighbor who called one of The Villages larger Air Conditioner installers for a yearly checkup. Don't know how much neighbor paid for the checkup. However, neighbor was told by service rep that Capacitor readings indicate that a new capacitor was likely needed before current capacitor failed. A price of $225 was verbally quoted.

I know that a capacitor costs between $10 to $20. If service rep was reading Capacitor, he already had the panel off. That meant he had to simply, disconnect power, discharge capacitor (Screwdriver between contacts), remove one bracket screw, disconnect 3 wires, remove old capacitor and simply install new capacitor. You can replace capacitor in about same time as it takes to check capacitor readings.

Since capacitors are one of the most frequent items to fail, are inexpensive and easy to replace, why don't we as the customers expect or force this abuse to stop.

Check UTUBE

thanks for posting....VERY valuable info....who does your A/C?

[RICH1]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Have a neighbor who called one of The Villages larger Air Conditioner installers for a yearly checkup. Don't know how much neighbor paid for the checkup. However, neighbor was told by service rep that Capacitor readings indicate that a new capacitor was likely needed before current capacitor failed. A price of $225 was verbally quoted.

I know that a capacitor costs between $10 to $20. If service rep was reading Capacitor, he already had the panel off. That meant he had to simply, disconnect power, discharge capacitor (Screwdriver between contacts), remove one bracket screw, disconnect 3 wires, remove old capacitor and simply install new capacitor. You can replace capacitor in about same time as it takes to check capacitor readings.

Since capacitors are one of the most frequent items to fail, are inexpensive and easy to replace, why don't we as the customers expect or force this abuse to stop.

Check UTUBE

you are 100 correct! the neighbor was smoked.., replace capacitor every 5 years , spray condenser, and replace air filter....

[xcaligirl]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Have a neighbor who called one of The Villages larger Air Conditioner installers for a yearly checkup. Don't know how much neighbor paid for the checkup. However, neighbor was told by service rep that Capacitor readings indicate that a new capacitor was likely needed before current capacitor failed. A price of $225 was verbally quoted.

I know that a capacitor costs between $10 to $20. If service rep was reading Capacitor, he already had the panel off. That meant he had to simply, disconnect power, discharge capacitor (Screwdriver between contacts), remove one bracket screw, disconnect 3 wires, remove old capacitor and simply install new capacitor. You can replace capacitor in about same time as it takes to check capacitor readings.

Since capacitors are one of the most frequent items to fail, are inexpensive and easy to replace, why don't we as the customers expect or force this abuse to stop.

Check UTUBE

So, does anyone have an air conditioning company they would recommend?? We've been told during a "service call" that our unit isn't ready to be replaced however it will be in the next couple of years. That was 2 years ago, I feel since it's the original unit and the house was built in 2003, I prefer to replace before it needs to be replaced in the middle of hurricane season. Is there a company that people how used and are happy with them? We got one quote and the company is trying to sell us a unit that is actually bigger than recommended for the size of our little house... RED FLAG or maybe not??

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by xcaligirl

So, does anyone have an air conditioning company they would recommend?? We've been told during a "service call" that our unit isn't ready to be replaced however it will be in the next couple of years.

Around 15 years or so is a good time to start pricing and thinking about replacement.
Obviously the longer you can wait the better, but then it's the increase in prices.
Some of my neighbor's units are in their house pushing 20 years.
Then again who wants their unit to go out in July and take a chance.

Another point to remember is the government is in the process of changing to a different freon standard , which you might what to check out.

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by xcaligirl

So, does anyone have an air conditioning company they would recommend?? ...

Chuck Farrell’s Air Conditioning and Heating
(352) 633-9364

[Topspinmo]

For those of us with some general skills (cause we had to learn) be wise pull quick disconnect take panel off and write down the model, and numbers on order one from Amazon for spare when it goes out on Friday night or week end ( especially it you’re until over 7 or 8 years old?) 15 to 30 bucks save you hundreds. Now if you won’t or can’t do simple maintenance due fear of electricity ( the quick disconnect removes all power from unit) have no choice to pay the piper at what ever rate they charge, because you are happy you found someone to come out and quickly big score. There very easy to replace if get over the fear, usually three wires color coded put back in order according to top letters stamped in and mount strap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGO93EgXWSI


This what my new carrier unit got in it installed by munns. So carrier used made in China products. Probably rest do too? I do like how the capacitor color coded with hook up wires.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by marilynmltw

I had M&S come for the semi annual checkup. I was told I probably should get a new system. In the end, I was charged $264.00 after a $40.00 discount.

I don’t recommend them due to my experience using them from my observations. But, that me, others have had good experiences with them.

[Kelevision]

And I just had one of “the big” a/c companies come check mine and was told I needed a new valve. The person came out the next to replace it and it took 3 hours. He then said it was covered by the warranty so no charge. My brother who is a construction contractor and said I was lucky they admitted it was the valve that usually they just top off the cooling. I was very happy with it and yes, I usually do educate myself on things so I know as much as I can going in.

[BillyGrown]

We keep an igniter for the hot water heater and a capacitor (now) for the AC as spares in the garage.

21 dollars on Amazon

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

And I just had one of “the big” a/c companies come check mine and was told I needed a new valve. The person came out the next to replace it and it took 3 hours. He then said it was covered by the warranty so no charge. My brother who is a construction contractor and said I was lucky they admitted it was the valve that usually they just top off the cooling. I was very happy with it and yes, I usually do educate myself on things so I know as much as I can going in.

Same here a few months back, expansion valve I think?

We just had the blower motor replaced under warranty @ 5+ yrs. Had to pay the labor on that one.

The motor controller failed but they only replace the entire unit ($940 list cost)

Replaced the capacitor about a year ago.

The tankless water heater ignitor and gas pressure regulator have also failed on the hot water heater.

Intermittent hot water is a early warning of gas pressure regulator failing.

The plastic drive gear on the garage door opener broke a couple weeks ago.

We normally have not taken service contracts but decided to take them here given our frequent travel and they have paid off so far.

[Tvflguy]

Just received a reminder call from Munns re our annual checkup. Tomorrow - $99.99. For us it's a peace of mind thing. The do a thorough check.

HOWEVER - they told me the next annual is now $139.99. ?????? I told them to come tomorrow but the next annual - NO.

40% increase??? nope. I religiously clean the drain line monthly, and we have an Aprilaire electrostatic air filter system. And I get those filters on Amazon and change myself every 6 months.

IF we have an issue (like the capacitor failing), is there a more economical local AC firm???

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Just received a reminder call from Munns re our annual checkup. Tomorrow - $99.99. For us it's a peace of mind thing. The do a thorough check.

HOWEVER - they told me the next annual is now $139.99. ?????? I told them to come tomorrow but the next annual - NO.

40% increase??? nope. I religiously clean the drain line monthly, and we have an Aprilaire electrostatic air filter system. And I get those filters on Amazon and change myself every 6 months.

IF we have an issue (like the capacitor failing), is there a more economical local AC firm???

Just change it yourself, it takes less than 5 minutes. You can pull off the cover and look at it, it’s about the size of a European soft drink can. If it’s a little swollen, you will need one soon.

Just make sure to shut off the power before messing with anything. The power box is usually right next to the unit on the wall. If you start pulling wires you need to discharge it by shorting terminals with a screwdriver. The shock is no fun. Also take a picture with your phone so you know where the wires are.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Just received a reminder call from Munns re our annual checkup. Tomorrow - $99.99. For us it's a peace of mind thing. The do a thorough check.

HOWEVER - they told me the next annual is now $139.99. ?????? I told them to come tomorrow but the next annual - NO.

40% increase??? nope. I religiously clean the drain line monthly, and we have an Aprilaire electrostatic air filter system. And I get those filters on Amazon and change myself every 6 months.

IF we have an issue (like the capacitor failing), is there a more economical local AC firm???

How long have you been paying the $99 rate? It could be that the 40% increase balances several years of no increase.

Keeping up with the drain line certainly makes a difference. The checkups might catch a developing problem and allow you to pick a time to be without AC rather than the system choosing when it wants to fail. The checkup told me that my capacitor was beginning to degrade which gave me time to buy and install a new one.

When we did have a part fail unexpectedly, Munn's had a reasonable response time and I was happy with the price for the repair. Munn's is not the only game in town but they seem to have a good reputation.