Author Topic: Air Conditioner (Read 4521 times)

steve dave · « **on:** May 24, 2012, 02:47:48 PM »

My AC was put in when the house was built in 2005. Currently it quits blowing sometimes. Like, the blower in the basement is still raising hell like it's blowing but the air isn't coming out anymore. If you shut it off for a long time and turn it back on it blows fine and cold and works for a couple days before doing it again. All I've ever done to it is replace the filter every 3 months. From utilizing the google I've discovered it could be freezing up the core in the inside of my house. I don't know where this is or care to find out. My question to those more handy than myself is...how much will this cost me to have fixed? Guy is scheduled to come friday afternoon.

slobber · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:50:35 PM »

Quote from: steve dave on May 24, 2012, 02:47:48 PM

My AC was put in when the house was built in 2005. Currently it quits blowing sometimes. Like, the blower in the basement is still raising hell like it's blowing but the air isn't coming out anymore. If you shut it off for a long time and turn it back on it blows fine and cold and works for a couple days before doing it again. All I've ever done to it is replace the filter every 3 months. From utilizing the google I've discovered it could be freezing up the core in the inside of my house. I don't know where this is or care to find out. My question to those more handy than myself is...how much will this cost me to have fixed? Guy is scheduled to come friday afternoon.

This happened to me a few years ago, so I am going off memory. If the coil needs to be replaced, it could be over $500 for parts and labor. It may just need to be cleaned out, which you will probably get charged about $150 for that.

Bloodfart · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:52:56 PM »

It will cost the labor to track down the leak. They will also charge for the refrigerant that is put into the system. Biggest cost will be labor unless they have to replace a major component.

Edit: Your evaporator is freezing up because it low on refrigerant. You are low on refrigerant because there is a leak. Hopefully it is just a faulty connection.

_33 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:53:14 PM »

I would guess about $800.

steve dave · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:53:54 PM »

bonus question: called a guy who owns his own HVAC company and happens to live about 5 houses down from me. have talked to him roughly 5 times. chances he gives me the neighborly freebie other than parts? I'm going to turn the charm up to 11 and ask about the family (has at least one son and a wife that I know of for sure).

Emo EMAW · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:57:36 PM »

My neighbor recommended his "good guy from church." Wasn't even insured/bonded and he cost more than the local legit business. So basically if your wife is hot I'd march her out there instead of trying your 11.

steve dave · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2012, 02:59:20 PM »

Quote from: Emo EMAW on May 24, 2012, 02:57:36 PM

My neighbor recommended his "good guy from church." Wasn't even insured/bonded and he cost more than the local legit business. So basically if your wife is hot I'd march her out there instead of trying your 11.

My wife won't be home from work yet. I'm pretty charming. I'll report back.

slobber · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:03:16 PM »

Quote from: steve dave on May 24, 2012, 02:53:54 PM

bonus question: called a guy who owns his own HVAC company and happens to live about 5 houses down from me. have talked to him roughly 5 times. chances he gives me the neighborly freebie other than parts? I'm going to turn the charm up to 11 and ask about the family (has at least one son and a wife that I know of for sure).

Offer him a free premium membership to this place.
Also, be careful not to talk about his wife too much. It is possible he hates her and he is only staying with her for the sake of the kid (s?).

CNS · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:04:05 PM »

SD, no matter what he quotes you, tell him the guy who came out earlier was 30% less.

pissclams · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:16:47 PM »

steve dave · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:18:50 PM »

Quote from: pissclams on May 24, 2012, 03:16:47 PM

move

have considered. we'll see what the quote is from neighbor.

Emo EMAW · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:36:37 PM »

Quote from: steve dave on May 24, 2012, 02:59:20 PM

Quote from: Emo EMAW on May 24, 2012, 02:57:36 PM
My neighbor recommended his "good guy from church." Wasn't even insured/bonded and he cost more than the local legit business. So basically if your wife is hot I'd march her out there instead of trying your 11.

My wife won't be home from work yet. I'm pretty charming. I'll report back.

'grats on the hot wife.

yoga-like_abana · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:41:20 PM »

you know michigancat is reading this thread and lulzing his golden gate bridge off

ChiComCat · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:02:40 PM »

Keep mentioning how you really appreciate it so he begins to expect that you think its a favor

slobber · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:07:16 PM »

Quote from: ChiCat on May 24, 2012, 04:02:40 PM

Keep mentioning how you really appreciate it so he begins to expect that you think its a favor

This is great. Say something like, "I know you have a lot of paying customers, so I really appreciate you being able to come and help me on such short notice."

steve dave · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:30:08 PM »

ok, this is some good stuff. if he tells me a figure I owe him do I start laughing and slap him on the back and ask if he wants to go have a beer on the patio?

ChiComCat · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:37:35 PM »

I would offer a beer earlier to make this as unprofessional as possible. If he says an amount, say "seriously though, if you ever need help with [insert whatever the eff you do here], you know who to call"

CNS · « **Reply #17 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:40:49 PM »

Quote from: ChiCat on May 24, 2012, 04:37:35 PM

I would offer a beer earlier to make this as unprofessional as possible. If he says an amount, say "seriously though, if you ever need help with [insert whatever the eff you do here], you know who to call"

Yeah, this is the way to go. Keeping him around afterward just gives him more oppy to find a way to actually charge you something.

Rams · « **Reply #18 on:** May 24, 2012, 07:38:40 PM »

I have no helpful advice whatsoever but I can't wait for an update.

GoodForAnother · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2012, 08:24:15 PM »

offer him a sixer in payment. I got my jeep fixed in high school using this system.

O-town Kat · « **Reply #20 on:** May 24, 2012, 08:46:27 PM »

Wife has directs at a commercial Trane office up there, if your house was a high school or something they would prob want in on your RFP.

wetwillie · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2012, 09:38:20 PM »

I happen to know a fantastic hvac guy in Omaha, weird.

JavaCat · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2012, 03:52:55 PM »

You'll most likely get mumped over. Probably just the capacitor needs replaced which they'll charge $200+ for when you could do it for $15-30.

steve dave · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2012, 03:54:31 PM »

guy should be here soon. I'm getting my smooth face on (lol, it's always on #soswag)

felix rex · « **Reply #24 on:** May 25, 2012, 04:12:28 PM »

Quote from: ChiCat on May 24, 2012, 04:37:35 PM

I would offer a beer earlier to make this as unprofessional as possible. If he says an amount, say "seriously though, if you ever need help with [insert whatever the eff you do here], you know who to call"

This could get you a discount now, but could cost you down the road in terms of having to do something for this guy. If he's annoying, just pay the full bill. Basically, you're paying him to go away. Also, if he's bad at his job, you could be facing awkwardness down the road. I never do business with neighbors. I like maintaining that wall.