How Long Should My Air Conditioning System Last?

How Long Will My Air Conditioning System Last? In California, your air conditioner should last a long time. People looking for the answer to how long their AC should last. An air conditioner is designed to last about twenty years. So if your technician tells you to replace your air conditioner, watch this video for the honest truth about the life span of an air conditioner in Sacramento. Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning is not one of those companies that is highly motivated by selling you an HVAC system if it's not time yet.
Please visit our website @ www.foxfamilyhvac.com/ Call or text us at [phone] to schedule an appointment. Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. proudly serves the entire Sacramento Valley including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Davis, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Antelope, Arden Arcade, Auburn, Cameron Park, Carmichael, Diamond Springs, El Dorado Hills, Elverta, Fair Oaks, Florin, Foothill Farms, Foresthill, Georgetown, Gold River, Granite Bay, La Riviera, North Highlands, Orangevale, Parkway, South Sacramento, Pollock Pines, Rancho Murieta, Rio Linda, Rosemont, Shingle Springs, Vineyard, Wilton, Penryn, Loomis, Newcastle, Auburn Lake Trails, Garden Valley, Coloma, Plymouth, Amador City, Sutter Creek, Ione, West Sacramento. Call or Text [phone] or visit our website online for more information at www.foxfamilyhvac.com/

[@Nitronerd]

One honest American tech out of 8 I've watched. God help us.

[@WhittyPics]

Lots of CROOKS in this industry.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Lots of crooks in all industries including doctors, lawyers, car mechanics, you name it!

[@kdp66]

I found your youtube channel after a neighbor was told by one of your local competitors that his air conditioning system needed replaced. The system was about 5 years old, we live across the canal from your shop. I watched a few videos and suggested he call somebody else. New guy shows up, cleans a few things, checks a few things, and adjusts the refrigerant pressure (which the previous company over filled) and everything is fine. Charged $79.99 for the service call. Thanks for the effort you put into your videos.

[@Javelina_Poppers]

Good honest advice. I live in Arizona and my AC system is a 22 year old Trane All-In-One heat pump. I'm fortunate that the company that services mine is owned by someone who was a friend of my kids growing up and we know him well. I asked him last year if I should be replacing my unit and he told me, "Definitely No". He said my old unit was built way better than new ones and he'll just do what's necessary to keep it going. He said even if my compressor fails, it will still be a cheaper fix than a full replacement of the whole unit. It's rare that you get good advice from technicians nowadays.

[@styxxrivers7576]

This kind of talk is so refreshing. Even three years after the fact. I moved into my house 20 years ago. I had an old school friend show up to service my AC. HE said OHHH this is a really good AC unit. BUT they will tell you to replace it. Don't listen to them. That was 20 years ago. Knock on wood it is still running great. I WISH I could get your company to service my system up here in Ontario Canada. It is a sad state that we can't ask our service people their expert opinion with out a heap of skepticism. Thanks for your great video

[@TheAirOfAuthority]

Nodding my head through the whole thing in agreement. All about the maintenance. It is so important.

[@robertwhite9898]

Yea

[@myvideobuffet5398]

Your thumbnail photo looks exactly like the 19 year old York A/C unit I just replaced. The HVAC company I use here in Illinois kept my furnace and A/C going for as long as possible. We chose to replace it now while business is slow for them and we got last year’s models (& prices). I have a video on my channel featuring the replacement of our HVAC system. It’s really good to see honest people that are working for their clients.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Hey thanks for letting us know. Yeah I great idea doing it while it's slow.

[@optimusprime1634]

My system is 17 years old and its a carrier and the compressor is dead. You are right, all 3 techs that came to look told me that they don't make r-22 compressors anymore and i will need a new unit and that they can't get R-22. They all sent me quotes for new units from 15-18k. Looking around i see these copeland r-22 compressors still being sold. Pffff i wish we had honest HVAC people like you up north here.

[@MarkVP]

Thank you for your honesty. My Carrier is 20 years old. Went up to clean it today and the thing still looks new.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Sweeeeeeet!

[@kayjohnson6867]

Thank you for all your videos. I appreciate your honesty and integrity.

[@randydiebolt846]

Got 25 years out of my last ac and just serviced a 40 year old ge weather tron with original parts but just remember that cap from the 70s has the old PCB's in it

[@Tc-gt5vm]

Allowing customers to do a cost benefit analysis of repair or replace is the answer. The key is they get factual information from the technician who is presenting the options from a thorough dIagnostic... everyone loses if that step is missed

[@werquantum]

Excellent channel. Thank you. I have an ICP 3 ton heat pump manufacturer’s date 1996 (27 yo). Split temp AC is 17° at 50% humidity. Air flow strong. Scroll compressor running at 80% of RLA. Compressor makes a little squeal as it turns off in AC mode. That’s it. I clean condenser annually and change air filter monthly, and keep suction lines properly insulated. Installed new motor, squirrel fan and 5-2-1 compressor saver in 2023. Several HVAC companies told me in 2018 that I needed a new system. NW Florida.

[@kriskaay]

I live in Phoenix and my AC is 26 years old.

[@bradleymorey]

Thanks for sharing Greg👍

[@DSC800]

My 1986 vintage Payne (Carrier) evap coil just failed. I've owned the house for 22 years and never had expensive professional maintenance. Just hosed it out, kept it clean, changed a couple of capacitors and a few filters a year. New unit is on its way, a Goodman.

[@djpookie2000]

My Carrier is 20 years old and still works great. And I live in Texas. Summers can be rough.

[@tairdudeusa7981]

I always tell my customers that the average expected life is between 15 and 20 years but I have units over 35 years still running well, so it's not over till it's over.

[@mutleymutley7474]

My AC system (Ruud) was installed in 1985. With regular maintenance (not breakdowns) my system is operating now as good as it did when it was first installed.

[@Nitronerd]

My central air/heating is about 13-years old. After 10-year warranty, I've replaced about everything except compressor and refrigerant: fan, blower, board, and this week two capacitors. The caps are $12 online. Tech charged $80 ea. But I appreciate this video.

[@sumdumguy2648]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@chessdad182]

I gave the maintenance guy a quiz question while he was maintaining mine. Who was President when this AC unit was manufactured. He amazed me by instantly answering with the correct answer. "Ronald Reagan!". LOL. I told him to quiz the office employees on this.

[@bruce4607]

Thank you for your honest video. I have always known that AC's last a lot longer than many AC companies will tell you. The AC in the house I grew up in in Houston, Texas, and if you know Houston you know that ANY AC in Houston works its ass off. This AC unit was installed in 1954, and it was still cooling fine in 2003 when we sold the house. Granted we replaced many of the components when it was about 30 years old (fan, compressor, evaporator, and a couple capacitors). We lived in the house for 23 years, and my father, and later I did all the maintenance each year.

[@bobboscarato1313]

I live in the Houston are for 42 years; units run hard all the time; including heat pumps! Our Reliant electric rates are awfully high!

[@Heavy_metal_rulez]

Hey Greg well put my friend! The big companies are the ones to stay away from. I wish more home owners would know that

[@GVBGS57]

My RUDD is 27 years old original and had it maintained 3 times or tuned .I clean the coils every year and use free flow filters.

[@TheGgin]

Couldn't of said it better myself! Awesome video/topic. BTW NC Dave is right you need a new system haha, although back in the day those York's were not too bad for entry level.

[@ss442es]

Trane Executive, installed 1986, still functioning after 36 years. Cleaning, lubing bearings that can be lubed with only WD-40 has been the ticket. Expect heat exchanger replacement and when that happens will replace all. Thanks for answering the question, "what machines do you NOT work on".

[@MasterGriff1]

Great stuff! Keep it coming.

[@theairconditioningguy]

Great information Greg. Very professionally presented.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

You rock Juan! Hope you're doing well down in SoCal!

[@theairconditioningguy]

@@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696 Can't complain. Keep up with the great videos!

[@scottheady3577]

20 years is pretty reasonable if the system was installed correctly, designed with properly sized ducting, and air filtration. I love April Aire and have systems 20 years old I installed that are as clean as the day I put them in. You are right, as long as they are maintained they really do last. I have dove into variable speed heat pumps Trane and American Standard 18-20 SEER and love how they are performing for the customer. Really great video dude. Makes me sad the majority of contractors due not have any integrity. Thanks for your honesty.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Some folks claim American Standard and Trane are not as good as they used to be; I think they sell Carrier or Ruud!

[@tacbear]

Built my house in 2000. I was told Amana was the best HVAC, so that's what we installed. We only has it serviced 3 times in 22 years!! We had to replace the condenser fan in 2017. We had to have a little Freon in 2020. Lightning welded the compressor switch earlier this month (JULY 2022). Our Insurance company replaced the entire HVAC System (minus a $1000.00 deductible)!! Of course we went with Amana again (Lifetime Warranty). So we got 22 years out of ours with basically no maintenance and NO Problems!!

[@mnqobidube2345]

What about the refrigerant(gas) , doesn't it need refilling?

[@chuckoman]

Thank you

[@LX-cg1oi]

Depends what part it is. If it's a new compressor or a coil, probably good idea to change. Especially now with expensive refrigerant cost

[@terrysmith8714]

Mine is a SEARS, installed in 1967. Still running. (Aug 2021)

[@bobboscarato1313]

Those units lasted a very long time; how high are your utility rates?

[@tycurtin7565]

My AC is 34 years old, has never been serviced by a pro (I just do the simple cleaning procedures every few years) and still works like a champ. It's a Carrier. I have no plans to replace it anytime soon.

[@ibobeko4309]

Dont you have to refill the refrigerant after a while?

[@tycurtin7565]

@@ibobeko4309 If it doesn't leak it won't get low. If it's not low, then you don't need to do anything.

[@josephagnello3603]

My trane is 38 years old. Replaced the fan once (bearings went out) still going strong.

[@bobboscarato1313]

How high are your utility bills?

[@cabrik6271]

I just replaced my HVAC system. My old carrier unit was still working. It was just shy of 41 years old.

[@CarlosMorales-wk5bg]

I like you’re style Greg. I can see the virtue in this video

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Thanks so much!

[@ScantPear]

My old system lasted 25 years and it was just replaced with a new lennox system… but it was still working but it was starting to show major age and we replaced them because we were worried that it would fail… so we replaced it before it failed…

[@blancarivas6427]

I have one 1980 is still running ❤

[@secondwindmusicproductions]

We had our house built in 1986. The upstairs heatpump came with the house and is still operating. The cap was replaced once and the main contactor a couple of times but that is all. It heats as good as ever but the cooling has only a 12 degree drop or so. I'm hoping it's only an inline filter as there are separate ones for heating and cooling and with summer coming, it will need to get fixed soon. It is a Trane Weathertron 1.5 ton. Your videos are great. Keep it up.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Thank you so much!

[@throttlebottle5906]

probably no insulation left o any of the duct work from aging and rodents. other attic/wall insulation that settled and lost R-value. I'd start looking there ;)

[@secondwindmusicproductions]

@@throttlebottle5906 I appreciate your comments but I can see almost all of the ductwork in the attic and it looks fine. I can measure the temp drop right at the air handler right across the evap coil and see it is only 12° there so I am pretty sure it is a refrigerant restriction but I need to do more checking. I'll be looking for temp drop across the filter, reversing valve etc.

[@bryanmceachern904]

Ive had a Lennox XC21 for 14yrs and my evaporator coil in the air handler has a leak. I called the company who installed it out to take a look and the recommended a new system because the current system wouldn’t run as efficiently by just replacing that particular part. Everything is fine with the condenser. I’m wondering if this is a classic $$ grab by the company. The price of the new system is triple the cost of replacing the coil. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thks

[@WalterKnox]

I don't really do central air. I just don't like it, But I do have quite a few vintage window and wall air conditioners. The oldest one so far is an early 60s Philco noiseless unit. It needed a bit of cleanup, and a new run cap for the compressor. It was VERY dirty, but after that it ran like a charm. The good ole Tecumseh pancake sounds just as good as it ever did. Now that it is cleaned up it is ready for another 50 years. Most of my other ones are from the 70s-90s. After the 90s, they just went to junk that breaks, but anything before that is great. Anything old enough to have a reciprocating compressor is even better. One of my favorites is a late 70s Emerson Quiet Kool, it also only needed a cleaning and that was it. That machine has a Tecumseh AE in it which also sounds spectacular. The old motors have oil ports and don't just fail due to a lack of lubrication like the new "sealed" motors do. And as far as the old units blowing "as cold" as the new ones... nope, they work so much better than any of the junk made these days. A simple set of mechanical controls, a good quality reciprocating compressor and very large coils compared to the new ones will preform better and outlast generations of modern units with cheap no name rotary compressors and touchy electronic controls that seem to malfunction after 3 years.

[@karkourkaka]

My A/C lasted for 37 years. I sold the house and it was working efficiently. I never serviced it except one time to add som refrigerant.

[@blackericdenice]

I called a tech and he said he didn’t stock r22. He told me the government didn’t want him to recharge a leaking system. I watched some videos on KZbin. I bought some tools and r134 freon from Walmart. I charged my system and it worked fine for 5 months. I’m not calling another tech again.

[@trentonlacy1431]

I just replaced mine. It was still running fine but couldn't keep up with cooling and was energy bills were high. So I put in a 4 ton. I live in south Florida and my home size is 1525 sq feet. House is also 50 years old so I hope I didn't get too big a system. It doesn't short cycle so that's a good sign it runs 15 to 20 minutes before shutting off.

[@bobboscarato1313]

You should have insulation in walls and attic checked out with infrared camera; settlement can cause load problems!

[@User-be5yj]

Do A/C units last 20 years in desert conditions? Could extreme temperatures make it last that 10-12 year range instead of 20

[@buffydog21]

My system has lasted 30 years. The only thing, that is wrong with it, is compressor bearings are worn out.

[@MarkHernandez62024]

Ours (a Day & Night model 2091E23398) was installed in 1991, so this week it failed after 29 years.

[@GuruMN]

I have a 34 year old air conditioner, new capacitor is all it's needed in the past 10 years that I've owned the house. As long as the compressor keeps running and it doesn't leak, I'll keep it and replace things like the fan motor and capacitor as needed. ..but if my furnace gives up, I'll replace the whole system to get a 95+% condensing furnace and a 16 SEER AC. I've insulated and sealed up the place a bit and could use a downsize from a 60k and 2 ton system to 40k and 1.5 ton too.

[@snick06]

One day my Goodman AC worked fine, the next day just hot air through the vents. The condenser would turn on, fan would spin but no cool air. Technician comes out. He tells us all the refrigerant has leaked out somewhere. It's flat as they put it. Just last year we had them come out because the condenser would just switch off on its own and we were told the hedge surrounding it needed to be trimmed by the HOA and it was low on refrigerant. They topped it up. Season began, no issues till now. They told me no other refrigerant but R22 can be used in that condenser. They also told me that the R22 refrigerant is illegal in the US and the aim is phasing it out. While they do top ups, to refill the entire machine is not something they'd be willing to do or recommend because of the increased cost of R22, plus the cost of locating the leak and repairing it. So it seems I'm looking at a new system. My Boiler sits on top of the air handler (which they tell me will also have to be replaced)in a closet. I just wish I knew about this R22 business earlier. Of course all of this happens when the temp is 90 degrees plus and it's sweltering. Just waiting to hear a quote from their sales guy when he comes out. It's been a 10+ year run and it's out of warranty. Thanks for this video. It did help with some questions I had.👍👍

[@thomasrhinehart6084]

my system is over 30 years old, I have a "protection plan" through my local utility company that puts any repair or maintenance costs on them(which has only been cleaning and refrigerate)

[@coppingtonfarnham7731]

My compressor is circa 2004. It still works fine, but I'm afraid it'll die when it's real hot, and there'll be a days-long delay in replacing same. I paid $150 for a part years ago, otherwise, just inspection/cleaning in the past 19+ years.

[@alensley1368]

My heat pump is over 29 years old. Yes, I've replaced a fan motor, fan blade and a couple of capacitors and Freon from time to time but its still going. My HVAC man came out last week to fix a minor electrical problem. My wife told him we may replace it after winter and hard to believe he told her we should keep the one we have unless it starts to nickel and dime us to death. There are a few honest one's out there. I know a lot would have said replace it now.

[@1crazypj]

That was interesting and what I thought about planned obsolescence. We had a new system installed about 12 years ago and about 7 months ago it froze up due to low Freon (?) pressure. First tech wanted us to fit a $10,000 replacement. Original installer topped up gas with a modern equivalent (?) but want's us to install a new $6,000 unit. Personally, as we had never had unit tested or serviced for around 10 years, (I just change filters and capacitors as they don't last long in Florida-too many voltage spikes) I would be more than happy to just pay $2~300 to get a few more years out of it. (as I'm retired and on 'fixed income')

[@cyleclayton1910]

I have an 11 yo 5 ton York with two large leaks in the inside coil. Can a coil be repaired? One guy told me it wasn’t worth it.

[@ericbutler3107]

Hello Mr. Fox I just subscribed to your channel I'm writing cause I was just told that I need a new system cause R22 is no longer available. From your shows I see that not true. Thank you. Eric Butler Atlanta Ga.

[@marianoperez9452]

I'm going to study HVAC can you tell me about some good book please.

[@JSFGuy]

I have a 1995 build house as well as tempstar 3.5 k a/c. I did convert the r22 over to es 22, hydrocarbon alternative refrigerant and it is 14° cooler and runs approximately half the time as it did before. It's still going I keep it clean. I'm in the western Mojave so it is a fairly easy life only to cool air and low moisture. I would consider replacing it with a NOS r22 unit retaining the alternative refrigerant.

[@bobboscarato1313]

You could use an evaporative cooling unit. No compressor to worry about; it can drop outdoor temps by 30 degrees!

[@cyberlight22]

Everything you said is true, except for one thing the EPA they phased out r 22 causing people to upgrade their system because it is prohibitively expensive to recharge an R 22 system, especially after a compressor replacement

[@MrBjorn6]

I have 2 R22 air conditioners. That's I installed in my house in 2002. A 5 ton American standard and 2.5 ton Magic aire. My cousin serviced both my units last week and everything is running fine. I also was able to purchase 30 pounds of R22 for $924. My cousin found a slow leak in the attic. He charged me $500 and it's working like hopefully I get another 20 years.

[@AtxMamasita]

Thank you. My system is 21 years old, I know I need a new one but I find the AC vendors are just as bad as car dealer sales ppl. I don't know if I'm getting a "deal" or getting ripped.

[@adamsteele6148]

Mine is 21 years old the fan failed last week they want me to replace the whole system. I told them to replace the fan motor and capacitor and see what happens. I'm not dumping 10k if I don't have to

[@christinearmington]

My AC in Florida is over 20 years old. A mad Russian replaced a motor at the air handler with dodge Dart motor I’m pretty sure. Replaced the condenser a few years later. We’ll see.

[@alfredoarenas8616]

My AC was installed in 2005 and since then I had been paying $100 every year for a tunup and coil cleaning. Do you think it worth to pay for this? Or is it a waste of money?

[@yvelinecole2001]

My trane was still going after 22 years .but had to replace it because of inside unit issues . They do not make them like that anymore.

[@ablelock]

I have been told that changing the Freon to the newer half price Freon is a very expensive change do you have any kind of idea what kind of things would have to be done to do this. And what the kind of prices would cost because what they tell me is it is very expensive to make that change.

[@Erk0806]

You’re looking at about a few thousand dollars whenever you open up the system which is going to have to be done at the dryers or the filters to the line so you’re gonna have to pull a vacuum if I’m correct you also have to change the oil inside the compressor to mineral oil this whole process is going to take if done right at the very least a half a day you’re going to be doing it on our old system so pulling a proper vacuum is going to take some time so to do all that work and a whole day is easily going to cost a few thousand dollars or should if done correctly by a reputable company The problem that most customers don’t want to understand is on a job like this to repair it it’s gonna take so much time there’s a lot of lost revenue because you can’t run other calls so you’re going to be out there good part of a day operating cost on the HVAC company or high there’s a lot of overhead you got vehicles you got insurance you go skilled labor then you got materials honestly the overhead never ends so it’s a must for a company that wants to stay in business and be successful to charge top dollar there for a job like this if I was doing it to my system at my house knowing what I know the access to materials that I have would probably just cost me a few hundred dollars and a day of work on the weekend but for you it should cost a few thousand dollars and it anyone offered it to you for less I would be weary sometimes it’s best to pay a premium but make sure you demand premium work that’s the key to this doing a job like this if not done right can be a nightmare to you later on being that no matter what you do it’s going to cost a good amount trying to save a few hundred bucks and getting a guy that’s going to cut corners and not pull a proper vacuum would make that money that you just spent a total waste it might not happen soon after the job is done but the longevity of the system is definitely compromised you need to give it some serious thought I know that we all want to save money but just think about it like this if you had to get heart surgery and you were looking at two doctors to do it one was half the cost of the other one and when you asked the doctor that was half price why he’s so much cheaper and he said the other guy just is overcharging just cause he can this really is an a big deal I can do this easily then when you asked the other doctor why he’s so expensive and he went into detail what he was going to do why was it important to follow certain procedures that are really important then back to his work up with guarantees and a reputation who would you go with would you take your chances and spend half or would you go with the guy that don’t compromise his work therefore he don’t compromise on price no this is in as big of a deal as heart surgery but I’d say it matters especially to you a lot of people can’t separate what’s best For them from what they wanna hear they rather hear what they want to hear those are the real crux the people that tell people what they want to hear as a post to the people who tell them what’s best for them

[@robertsitch1415]

It looks like the limited amount and high prices of R-22 refrigerant is a prohibitive factor for needing more than a couple lbs of it. At the same time, you might have to worry about older copper refrigerant lines corroding if the outside portion was exposed to salt or it got buried in moist soil though anyway. An older 8 to 10 SEER unit is only tolerable in places with short summers or relatively cheap electricity rates.

[@bobboscarato1313]

You can pump system down and replace outside copper lines!

[@robertsitch1415]

@@bobboscarato1313 that is possible if all the refrigerant didn't leak out though. In general it does seem that a massive refrigerant leak is usually the end of old R-22 systems if the compressor doesn't fail first. Here in Canada, I read that our federal law prohibits topping off a leaking built-in refrigerant system.

[@furio9328]

Quick question and thank you for your informative video! I want to go from two 3 ton units (18 years old) to one 5 ton unit. My home is close to 2,500 square feet and was told this size unit is adequate to cool it efficiently. I’ll loose the redundancy of two systems, but it will still be configured to use two thermostat for more efficient cooling and heating. So far it’s been the cheapest option of all the quotes I received. Can anyone help answer? I live in a desert with 120 degree summers so cooling is very important. Thanks!

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Yes this could be done for sure. Here's another video explaining how zoned systems are supposed to work too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4e6dnqkf8aAqK8 But essentially your contractor finds all the ducts for one system and the other, installs a couple motorized dampers and a zone board. They should even be able to use the existing thermostats. Good luck 👍 (it's likely your lineset will need to be upsized to at least a 7/8 suction line, sometime 1 1/8 so be aware of that)

[@georgekolos5255]

Always better and more desirable to have 2 systems vs. one even if one system is zoned out for several reasons

[@TheAhemahemahem]

I have the exact unit displayed in the thumbnail. 😂 The fan motor went out and I’m debating wether to suck it up and just get a new unit or keep kicking the can down the road with my current 20+ year Coleman ac. I will say having a newer unit means I could turn my ac down a little more. Hmmm…

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Yes I do notice people dow that. (I did it too once I changed mine out)

[@performancebasedheatingair8006]

I simply tell them its mechanical, nobody knows how long it will last....R22 systems with refrigerant leaks or major repairs I do educate customer on replacement and alternative refrigerants. Im the only one here carrying 407c, and I think out of the 6 primary companies here most are carrying something different. Last thing I want is a customer to feel like they cant go elsewhere cause Im the only one carrying the refrigerant in their system.

[@KeithsTVHD1]

I just got my Central air conditioning replaced and it’s only a couple of days old😁

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Ready for the summer!

[@j.rcoker9051]

My Rheem 2.5 ton A/C with scroll was installed in 1995........I do maint every year and its never worked better. I called a company for a quote and they came out and told me these old Rheems are tanks and they don't build units like these anymore. He said they have replaced these units that have lasted 35 years so im going to let it run!!

[@bobboscarato1313]

Good idea; just don't wait too long; they usually fail around the 4th. of July and then you won't get help!

[@railroado1238]

Heck my ac is acting up now. It won’t hold temp. The house and unit is 5 years old the tech came out and told me I needed a new unit. Smh needles to say I won’t be using them.

[@amypeterson8223]

My 25k btu AC wall unit is 8 yrs old. It is clean. I do know how to keep them clean. Coils in front back, filter etc. but the temps in the summer get to 100’s+. It only blows hot air. Does this seem normal.. low Freon? Or is it due to the location of the install is on a side the sun is hottest. Would that effect it’s longevity?

[@bobboscarato1313]

You need to call a licensed HVAC co. or two who can't evaluate the condition of the system. You can't just learn from videos; maybe is a loss of shading from trees. Check their BBB complains or call trade associations listed online or yellow pages!

[@sarasotafl]

My system is 22 years old I take good care of it

[@randydiebolt846]

And just remember when using 407c just make sure the compressor has poe oil in it there should be an e in the model # of the compressor

[@bobboscarato1313]

Replacement units for R407C already have right oil in them!

[@PHamster]

My Heat Pump barely heated ... The Carrier 25HHA (paired with a FirstAir Air Handler) was such garbage and the heat strip always needed to be turned on. Definitely it was the "contractor special" and every time the outdoor condenser started and shut off it was LOUD. I just wanted to get rid of a noisy side discharge and went with a different model. During those "cold" spells, it worked without the heat strip turning on and during those random heat waves it cooled better than the old outdoor condenser and is UBER quiet. Most contractors didn't want to address the issue but wanted to replace the WHOLE system.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Sounds like your system was grossly overcharged with refrigerant!

[@veritas3179]

Can you recommend an HONEST contractor in San Jose CA?

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

Greg, you need a new system. 👍👍😂

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

I agree!

[@izhr818]

Sir, I am currently in The process of trying to figure out if I need to change my system and HVAC or not. We run our AC 4hours (6pm-10pm) ever other day (15 days a months) and our last bill was 800 dollars. Something is very wrong with our old system. 1. We got quoted by a technician to change the condenser and ducts for 13,000.00 USD. PLEASE HELP OR SOME TYPE OF ADVICE.

[@bobboscarato1313]

For that money you should get entire system replaced including extended warranties!

[@trevorlincoln8205]

We have had ours for 8 years and the technician that came out and added some gas and said we needed to replace both of our units a 4 ton and a 2 ton because the inside coil was leaking. We have our AC serviced every year before summer hits. 8 years old, bought our house new and the cost to replace is unreal. Should I be looking elsewhere?

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Yes I would get a second opinion. If you have a leak in the coil, the coil can be replaced. With the shortages this year in equipment it's possible to add refrigerant til the end of the summer when equipment supplies get back up to par?but at 8 years old, ita not time to change the system. At 8 years old the parts may even still be under warranty? Have another (not big) company come out and give you a second opinion. You're the customer the system can be repaired as lo g as replacement parts (universal or OEM) are available, or you can change the system.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Yes!!!!

[@bobboscarato1313]

@@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696 Don't forget to allow for rampant inflation!

[@MedleyHeatingACPlumbing]

Sureeellyyy the flex duct on the flue pipe was a joke!!!! I have one disagreement sir. If the compressor goes out and the unit is not under warranty, I would encourage a condenser over a compressor. Mainly due to the better warranty, close price point, and higher reliability. Excellent points sir !

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

That's definitely a good option. Some of customers have been buying the 407c units. A great option indeed.

[@thorvilkwilliams9596]

The biggest reason to change those 20yrs old aircons is green house effect.

[@multanemo]

Yah, my builder grade Goodman was undersized

[@mikejennings1805]

My 4 ton York is 45 yrs old.

[@WhittyPics]

I hope it lasts longer than my last 2 refrigerators lasted. I am on my 3rd Frig in 8n years

[@bobboscarato1313]

Call the electric co. and have voltage checked out; you may be at 253 V. instead of 230/120v.

[@davem475]

I NEVER installed central AC unit but that did NOT stop me...I bought a NEW HOME with a GE unit that was 1/2 TON UNDERSIZED and on HOT DAYS it ran tooooooo long (yes I know the are supposed to run BUT it was NOT cooling the place on HOT days). I never thought to OPEN the A coil and LOOK inside because IF ID DID I would have found that it was plugged sloid with laundry LINT...So I PREMATURLY replaced the AC with a 2 ton unit. BUT THEN I accidentally OVER CHAGED the damn thing and locked up the NEW compressor (my bad)...SO had to buy a NEW compressor but EVEN WITH THAT F up...I came out 850 (that's 1980 dollars !!) dollars AHEAD. I bought the gauges...read books...bought R22..and the ONLY thing I have replaced since then was a FAN motor and a s/r cap. THAT was 1980 and she still purrs today !! MY mother-in-law needs a new unit at her home because the visiting sister started and ran the unit WITH THE damn cover on it and it locket up the compressor and the hard start kit would NOT bump it so I bought a NEW Lennox and it was 950 BUT the installer wanted 1800 to put it in...can ya guess WHO will be putting THAT one in ? I am in the wrong business...I could make a fortune SCREWING ppl if I I didn't have a conscious !!

[@DSC800]

Crazy, huh. You saved a ton just gaining a little education and DIY, and that was way before youtube tutorials. I have a new Goodman on order that I will install myself except for brazing the lines, pulling vacuum and adding 410a. I'm not confident enough to do this. If it was plumbing, yes, but not on expensive AC equip. The HVAC tech will charge around $600 and with the cost of the equipment I'll be under $4k total.

[@davem1430]

@@DSC800 Well you need to use SILVER SOLDER with ac line AND ALWAYS use a HI PRESSURE line dryer to trap and crap that is in the lines...Vacume pumps are not that much BUT you will probably never use it again lol...600 is a lot for a few hours work but if you are not confident then ya have to do it. MAKE sure you learn MAINTAINENCE on your own and you will keep that unt running fo a LONG time

[@DSC800]

@@davem1430 Yah, I think I could do it but would need to buy the pump, 410a, etc and could still screw up at great cost. It needs a TXV installed for example and would need nitrogen while brazing, etc. Plus, warranty requires an HVAC tech signoff. The unit I just junked was vintage 1986 and I never had any outside maintenance done. I know neighbors that spend over $200 a year and just get one quick visit. On mine the evaporator finally gave out and nothing to do with maintenance. Unfortunately the r22 leaked out though. My neighbor just had theirs replaced with a Trane for $14k! They were sold on new ducting with UV lights, etc. These houses are not that old and the ducting was fine. Felt bad for them but just complemented their system and their electric bill did go down quite a bit. I think their savings went to the maintenance contract though, the hvac companies sure like to scare the consumers into buying them.

[@bobboscarato1313]

You need to go to school and learn the trade; HVAC requires experts to work on it! Else, you'll spend lots of money!

[@georgekolos5255]

Truth well daid but arguments still exist about the reasons why they are trying to ban every refrigerant out there including 410a that still comes with all new such home AC systems here. Politics and greed is still the main driving force for many things

[@bobboscarato1313]

Joe Biden is part of the problem and he doesn't have a clue!

[@acrepairnearme]

Look at my eyes! Yes, like that, 👀 You need the new a/c! 😆

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Lol!

[@ScantPear]

R 22 is the one with chlorine… the r140a is not harmful to the environment but it is still better to drain it into a can…

[@runningbull6178]

i live out on an island and we get about 14/15 years out of a good ducted splits or package units and about 4/6 years out of a mini split the salt air is extremely corrosive the market is deregulated here due to immigrant H2 workers doing hvac work for slave wages fuss with an old high head corroded unit you will end up on food stamps pretty quick

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

damn, that sound rough. I hope you find better opportunity in the future!

[@semut7226]

helloo, my AC (HAIER) only last 2 years with 3 months services every year. the last service they did to my system, my AC won't blow an air every 2 minutes and back blowing. the person who srrvice it was saying because I should set the speed to the lowest. on february 2020 my system failed to work, they say it is because the product is weak, and we need to change the insude 'IDK' for a new one that cost me almost like new. I do not tske their offer but as they know my parents they even added, most ac these days they services only last 1 or two years.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Haier is made in China! Don't expect quality!

[@whiteknuckle9115]

15

[@counciousstream]

Thanks for the vid. I had a problem two years ago and a tech from a marketing company disguised as an HVAC service company came out. I was out of town at the time and the house was 90 degrees, my wife was understandably frazzled. The guy looked at it and told her that it would cost $1800 to repair but should be replaced. I threw the bs flag and she sent him on his way. When I arrived home I diagnosed the problem myself (I'm an engineer who can turn a wrench) and called another small company to come out. The repair including service call was $400. The local HVAC companies on the East Coast are being bought out by venture capital outfits now. The little guy that you could trust is retired with his $50 million buy out. Now it seems the homeowner is paying for the service, the note that was floated on the business and the 20+% return that the VC guys want.

[@YTZack408]

Any recommendation for a reputable installer in San Jose, CA?

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

I wish I could give you one Zack. Sorry.

[@YTZack408]

@@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696 no worries. I’m trying to decide between one stage and two stage a/c condenser and it’s hard to get a good recommendation from someone trying to upsell you.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

@@YTZack408 two stories or one story. Two thermostats or one?

[@YTZack408]

@@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696 1 story, 1 thermostat.

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

@@YTZack408 Don't know if this will help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOrqmCOj7OZftk

[@backwoodsbully9841]

My AC unit was put in 1999 and I have never had A problem with it. I've never even cleaned it.

[@bobboscarato1313]

23 years is a long time without any maintenance; better watch out!

[@annavennettilli]

mine are 30 years and still going.

[@neutrodyne]

I have 33 years on our system and it is still going. I regularly clean the condenser coils out. I remove and oil the condenser fan motor every couple of years. A lot of it is all about maintaining it correctly.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Fan motors heave been self-lubed for 50 years!

[@neutrodyne]

@@bobboscarato1313 So they claim. Those Self-Luded motors as you call them have only got a small amount of oil in the bearing and over time that oil drys out and causes motor failure. If you take one apart and look at the bearings in them you will find that most of them have a bronze bushing with a felt wick around the bushing. The wick is saturated with oil at the factory and they call them maintenance-free motors. They are not made to last forever and if they last 10 years they are happy however if you oil them you can extend the life of the motor almost indefinitely.

[@bobboscarato1313]

@@neutrodyne Ridiculous!

[@kellyhamilton4757]

15-30 yrs from my experience

[@danielhanlon8431]

How long is the HVAC BLOWER, the fan under the house supposed to last, how about a Carrier lasted 3 years.

[@9to5techs]

What's state and city are u in. Are u in texas. I need to hire you

[@DK-qj7cr]

9to5tech :the screen reads Sacramento, CA 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️

[@alan2107]

No more in the field videos

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

Hard to make them when I'm not In the field as much. Kind of a bummer though as I really liked making them.

[@MultiYardy]

I was told today that R22 which my system used is fazing out and we need to replace our 14 years system

[@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5mUlmOpoN9radE. This video will answer those lies you were told. don't fall for it. when you're ready to change your system out that is when you do it. 😊

[@barcar4me]

Still available might be recycled and expensive but considering a complete replacement?