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0
Mark D
Mark D Alpharetta, GA on Nov 22, 2011
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My electric furnace has been diagnosed with a "leak", supposedly needing a complete furnace replacement!!

I need a furnace mechanic (not parts replacer) to "fix it" if that's possible. Of course, one who is honest and reasonable. Any out there?
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15 Comments
  • Paul M Fairburn, GA
    I found someone who fixed mine but he is from Mcdonough and believe me I had a real hard time finding someone reliable and honest as well. The big companies wanted about the cost of the equipment to fix the leak and the smaller guys didn't even respond when I asked if they would take a look at it. There is something fishy about the HVAC business because most of the people I have dealt with don't seem to be on the up and up unless you are dancing to their tune. If you send me a private ...»
    message I can give you this guys number and he may come all the way up there to diagnose and hopefully resolve your issue.

    on Nov 22, 2011 · Like 1
  • Walter Reeves Decatur, GA
    I use Sosebee Services for all my HVAC needs (404)874-0590 ask for Mitch and tell him HI
    on Nov 22, 2011 · Like 1
  • Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ
    Can you explain a bit more about the leak? Electrical furnaces cannot leak anything other then voltage if the heating element is shorted out. If that is the case then they simply change the heating unit as long as the fan is working.

    Do you have a heat pump? If so can it be a leak in the refrigerant coil? That too can be repaired to some extent assuming they can find it or its age. ...»

    If you have gas furnace, are they talking about a leaky heat exchanger? If so, how old is the furnace and what make and model is it? Its not uncommon to find a recall on furnaces from time to time and it may be covered under a warranty if its not that old.

    on Nov 22, 2011 · Like 2
  • Paul M Fairburn, GA
    If it is a heat pump electrical furnace it can leak refrigerant. That is the only type of leak I am aware of that can occur with an electrical type unit. Now if it using the resistance coils to produce heat there can be leaks in the duct work but that will only affect efficiency and air flow not function. I guess the importance of the issue depends on what type of unit you have there Mark.
    on Nov 22, 2011 · Like 0
  • Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ
    Paul that is exactly why I am asking about this more.

    Either Mark misunderstood what the contractor was saying or did not explain it in the same manner to us. Or someone the person that diagnosed the electrical furnace is not being quite up front with them.

    Tell us more Mark, and we will see what we can do to give you enough information so you make the right decision on getting this resolved.

    on Nov 23, 2011 · Like 0
  • Mark D Alpharetta, GA
    Sorry for leaving out the most important detail. Yes it is apparently leaking out freon, etc. First trip by a ? contractor charged it up and ? if he even looked for a leak. A week larter, returned and stated their was a leak and would need a totall replacement. I believe I have enough contacts to get this fixed. Thanks to everyone for their imput.
    on Nov 24, 2011 · Like 0
  • Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ
    A leak that large if its going flat that fast should be able to spot because of oil leakage. I would get another opinion before you change out something that does not need to be replaced.

    Also the coil can be changed without replacement of the blower cabinet.

    on Nov 24, 2011 · Like 0
  • Mark D Alpharetta, GA
    THANK YOU!
    on Nov 24, 2011 · Like 0
  • Mark D Alpharetta, GA
    Paul

    I do need the name and contact number of the HVAC person in McDonough

    Thanks

    on Nov 30, 2011 · Like 0
  • Mark D Alpharetta, GA
    The leak, per the contractor who did the dx: evaporator coil leak in horizontal position in attic. It is a 1.5 ton unit with 10kw air handler. He stated since <= 10 sere unit, could not be repaired. ??
    on Nov 30, 2011 · Like 0
  • Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ
    The electrical heater and the blower part of the system can be retained. All they need is to add a new coil.

    However, In order for you to get any rebates based on increase in efficiency ratings the blower will be required to be upgraded to a variable or multi-speed fan system. Which does require the entire system replacement. ...»

    But if your only doing the indoor section to fix the leak that they found, and your not changing the refrigerant type R-22, then only the coil requires replacement.

    I would however look into doing everything over. Primary reason is that there are some pretty good rebates available both from the manufactures of the equipment and the state programs. By doing this piece meal means you do not qualify for any of these programs.

    Also remember that your outdoor unit in effect is obsolete. You can no longer find, without large expense one that uses the same R-22 as your current one does. Meaning that if the outdoor unit goes bad after spending all the money on another R-22 indoor evaporator coil, you end up having to spend the money again because it will not work properly with the new condensing unit.

    on Nov 30, 2011 · Like 1
  • Paul M Fairburn, GA
    Ok his name is Leon. You can let him know that I recommended him to you. His number is 404-308-1425
    on Nov 30, 2011 · Like 1
  • Mark D Alpharetta, GA
    Thank you
    on Dec 01, 2011 · Like 0
  • Paul M Fairburn, GA
    You are quite welcome. I hope things work out for you.
    on Dec 01, 2011 · Like 0
  • CR Draves . com Fremont, CA
    Your technician might have been giving you great advice. Another way to look at this is your old unit is outdated and wasting energy. By the time you replace the evaporator unit along with the cost of labor you might be half way to a new unit.

    Get the bid both ways, then decide on how much will be saved over the long haul. The cost of energy is going up everyday, and the cost of fixing old units is also way up. If a unit is really ...»

    old, you might be looking at a compressor next...most compressor's don't like to run without freon very long as it overheats them.

    C.R. Draves

    on Dec 01, 2011 · Like 1

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