Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2423629)

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

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2424009)

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.

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2423394)

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

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2423394)

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

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2423394)

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

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 2430655)

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.

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 2430655)

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

Originally Posted by marilynmltw (Post 2423621)

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.

Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2430711)

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.

Originally Posted by Tvflguy (Post 2430907)

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???

Originally Posted by Tvflguy (Post 2430907)

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???