Question:
I have a Lennox A/C unit that was installed in 1994. My local HVAC
technician did a leak test and identified a leak in both the interior evap
coil and the outside condensing coil.
The HVAC company in question has a good reputation locally.
My system is covered by a home warranty company. The home warranty company
has given me three options - 1) they will cover the cost of replacing both
coils. I would only be out of pocket by my home warranty deductible. 2)
should I decide to not pursue the repair option they will credit me $1000
(one thousand) toward a new unit or 3) they will pay for the installation of
a refurbished non-name brand 10 SEER unit.
In all instances, I would continue to be covered by my home warranty
agreement (realizing that the new until would also have some other warranty
coverage.)
I am inclined to purchase the first option (repair
Answer:
Soudns like the repair option will be the least expensive. I don't
have any data on the efficiency, but I'd guess the cost of the new
equipment will be more than the energy saving.
If you do have a real offer of a 10-seer, it's gonna have to be fast.
Cause I thought the EPA requires minimum of 13 seer for any equipment
made after the first of this year. So, it's not likely to find any 10
seer equipment any more.
After 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to
service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a
result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system
manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22
to produce new air conditioners and heat pumps. These existing
supplies would include R-22 recovered from existing equipment and
recycled.
