ATOT AC/HVAC experts chime in

[Slew Foot]

So the central AC unit in my house is about 20 years old and seemingly still works fine, it blows cold air when you turn it on. But I noticed some water leaking from the unit so I checked it out and the drip pan was rusted through. Im obviously not an expert, so I called someone out to take a look and they said that the unit had a three ton coil for a five ton furnace and that the coil, furnace, condensing unit, and pan should all be replaced.

Since the unit appears to be otherwise working fine, this seemed excessive to me. Would simply replacing the drip pan be enough or is the leakage a sign of a more complicated problem? will try and get some pics up later


edit: pics added

 

[Greenman]

The leakage is condensation from warm moist air hitting cold metal, completely normal. The rest sounds like a mega up sell to me.

 

[Shawn]

The leakage is condensation from warm moist air hitting cold metal, completely normal. The rest sounds like a mega up sell to me.

I agree. If it's not broke don't fit it.

 

[Mayne]

blow out the blockage in the drain. You are welcome

 

[Slew Foot]

yeah thats what i figured. change out the drip pan, and make sure the drain isnt clogged. Thanks, ill leave a little nasty gram on yelp after the fact.

 

[bradley]

Looks like you don't have proper drainage, and haven't for a long while due to blockage. Your pan is absolutely funky looking. Blow out the drain and traps, and clean the pan and coil while you're at it. Otherwise all that crap might be recirculating into/through your system.

 

[mmntech]

The drain line needs to be repaired for sure, since it's leaking quite a bit. The drip pan too if it's rusted. As long as the coils aren't corroded and the water's not getting into the electrical, you're probably fine fine.

Glad my AC isn't in the attic because water on wood is never a good thing.

 

[phucheneh]

Glad my AC isn't in the attic because placing the cold side of the A/C unit in a ludicrously hot area is pants-on-head retarded

FTFY.

Seriously, I don't understand how this methodology gets executed on a regular basis. It's like deciding that the best place for your car's evaporator is bolted to the engine's exhaust manifold.

Attics are hot. Hot air rises. No one lives in attic.

Therefore, keep attic closed off from rest of house, vent hot air to outside, and don't put the damn A/C unit in there.

OP, it looks like you just need a new drip pan and to clean the drain tube, as already mentioned. This is work you can do yourself. It will cost you less than a typical yearly 'A/C tune-up' that places like to sell (basically, check pressures, blow out condenser, and charge you like $300).

 

[Kwatt]

60,000 BTU Furnace

36,000 BTU AC

As long as you have a 30,000 or 36,000 BTU Compressor/Condenser unit. Your good. As long as your evaporator is the same. Or no more than 1/2 ton larger its OK. Just don't want the evaporator to be any smaller.

.

 

[Kwatt]

FTFY.

Seriously, I don't understand how this methodology gets executed on a regular basis. It's like deciding that the best place for your car's evaporator is bolted to the engine's exhaust manifold.

Attics are hot. Hot air rises. No one lives in attic.

Therefore, keep attic closed off from rest of house, vent hot air to outside, and don't put the damn A/C unit in there.

OP, it looks like you just need a new drip pan and to clean the drain tube, as already mentioned. This is work you can do yourself. It will cost you less than a typical yearly 'A/C tune-up' that places like to sell (basically, check pressures, blow out condenser, and charge you like $300).

It is about floor space and looks.

The same reason the compressor is below the space being cooled in a freezer and fridge. It should be on top. The first ones were because that was best, but people complained.🙂

.

 

[Mayne]

I can almost guarantee that coil is plugged as fuck ..if you can cut a way into it and take some sort of brush and clean the fins you'll be golden. Don't bend the fins okay. go with the grain if you know what i mean.

 

[bradley]

Newer homes are now built with the air handler and ducts in conditioned spaces. Older more inefficient homes were built with all the ductwork and airhandler in an unconditioned attic back when energy costs were low and HVAC equipment was oversized to accommodate for loses.

Just make sure your ducts are tightly sealed/insulated and your attic has enough insulation, including a properly installed radiant barrier, and your loses will be minimal. This scenario gives older homes a way higher ROI vs. retrofitting all the ductwork and air handler into conditioned living spaces.

I can almost guarantee that coil is plugged as fuck ..if you can cut a way into it and take some sort of brush and clean the fins you'll be golden. Don't bend the fins okay. go with the grain if you know what i mean.

Seriously, that's the solution right there. Also, based on the insulation discoloration, it appears he might also have slight duct leakage.