[HORNET]

Broward

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Ptmcbriz

Living in Brownwood your system is not old. I’m curious to know if you had the 6-month service maintenance checkup all the time you had it? Munn’s comes every 6 months to service ours. I’m guessing this should extend its life. We have a Carrier.

Has Munn's replaced your capacitor? Have they run a test of the electronic float switch to make sure the evaporator drain pan will not cause the system to flood if the pan overflows? Have they told you if your thermostat has batteries that need to be replaced periodoically to prevent a system shut down when the batteries go dead? These are just some common reasons that cause HVAC systems to fail, but things that are usually not included in regular HVAC checkups. If you are paying Munn's to maintain your system, I would suggest that you ask Munn's about these items, and other items that could cause your system to fail.

[Remembergoldenrule]

We had to unexpectedly buy a new unit in heat of summer. The unit was only 10 years old. The previous owner didn’t believe in routine maintenance and only poured cleaner down drain and changed the filter. There is more to maintenance like checking fluid levels. Anyways we got three quotes and with two stage unit by Rheme installed with SunKool. In hindsight we would also get quote from Costco and if better price sign up for routine maintenance with SunKool or Munns.

[RogeRams]

Chuck Farrell’s heating and air conditioning One of the Besr

[Ptmcbriz]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I have never paid a company to perform any maintenance on an HVAC system because I don't think there is anything a technician can do that will extend the life of the system. I change the filter and make sure the condensate drain is draining. Why would you pay an HVAC company $75 to $100 every 6 months to do a checkup on a system that has a 10 year warranty?

Because every house I’ve ever had I’ve always had the maintenance service and my last house it lasted over 25 years. They don’t just change a filter and make sure your drain is clear. They run diagnostics and tell if something isn’t running right and fix it before it gets to a breaking point. They completely remove the casing over the unit and do other things. Obviously money well spent considering my HVAC track records.

[ithos]

Since a failed capacitor is a common cause for HVAC shutdown and can potentially damage the comressor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them every 5 years or so since they are relatively cheap.

For a few extra dollars, why not buy the best? USA Made capacitors.
Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ithos

Since a failed capacitor is a common cause for HVAC shutdown and can potentially damage the comressor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them every 5 years or so since they are relatively cheap.

For a few extra dollars, why not buy the best? USA Made capacitors.
Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors

I agree. Many people are paying an HVAC company $75 to $100 every 6 months to maintain their HVAC system, so the maintenance company should be installing a new capacitor at least every 3 years or so, which would only cost the company about $20. But I have never seen a maintenance schedule that indicates that this is ever done as a preventative measure.

[laryb]

Originally Posted by Spartan86

I have heard of people doing this. Curious how many interior units do you have? Ceiling units or wall units or both? I am of course, assuming you’re talking about a multiple mini split type system as opposed to a Mitsubishi system that used your existing ductwork?

My BIL has a new build townhome in Seattle that is all Mitsubishi - 4 interior units, one large external.

Thanks

Can only speak for my AC, but my Mitsubishi AC is the whole house unit that uses the existing ductwork. We find it quieter than our original Carrier.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by lpkruege1

Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.

And that Trane probably cost you 25% more

[lpkruege1]

Originally Posted by rmartineau

I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

Nothing Runs like a Trane. Unless it's dead. Then it runs like a Trane.
Enough Said.

[JohnN]

Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by laryb

Can only speak for my AC, but my Mitsubishi AC is the whole house unit that uses the existing ductwork. We find it quieter than our original Carrier.

You must have fantastic hearing. I have an original Carrier system installed by the builder, and I cannot hear it at all.

[biker1]

Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

Originally Posted by JohnN

Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by JohnN

Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

They are sold on Amazon. The most expensive one is 65$.
Sorry! Something went wrong!

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by biker1

Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

I'm like a doctor - see one, do one.
I don't quite trust myself to take it on.
We had the guy out there for the servide call already.
Good tip, though. thanks.