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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Air Conditioner Problems
Q:
I turned my A/C on for the first time this year and found that it didnt
work. Thinking it was just low in a refrigerant charge I took it to a
garage. The mechanic recharged the system and charged me $65, which I
thought was high for the new refrigerant. After all you can buy the stuff
in a do it yourself kit at BJs for $30. Less than 2 days later I
turned my A/C on and guess what? It didnt work! I went back to the
garage and told them that the A/C had quit and wanted to know what kind
of warranty they provide? The mechanic said that there was none. He said
that apparently there is a leak in system and that would require diagnosis
to determine where the leak was and what parts would be needed. To add
to the insult he said that he may have to recharge the system to find
the leak! All for which Ill have to pay for!! Im considering
taking that grease monkey to small claims court!! But for now I want my
A/C working. How does one find a leak and repair it ? It cant be
that hard.
A:
One moment please while
this monkey wipes the grease off his hands. Ahh, thats better. Now
my club paws wont hit too many keys as I pound away. I wont
bore you with the little details like required licensing and equipment
that a shop must have to perform any type of A/C work. If the EPAs
Ice Dogs happen to stop by a shop that is missing a step in the rules,
the tech can be fined enough to buy a real nice boat, one with a real
motor. The shop owner can be fined enough to buy a house. Of course, fines
do not include lawyer fees. Whats ironic about the rules is any
consumer can walk into a BJs, Walmart or whatever and buy a kit
to recharge their A/C system. I thought for a moment Id share some
diagnostic tips with you, but what if you cut yourself following my advice?
Would I too be responsible! Depending on the area you live in $60 for
a snow and go (short for refill the system and send them on their way)
is not a high price. You did not pay for any diagnosis, you paid for a
recharge. If the A/C system stopped working after a couple of days then
theres a leak. The first step in correcting the problem is in diagnosing
and locating the leak. Once the leak is located the failed component can
be replaced. There is a whole array of diagnostic equipment on the market,
some of which starts just under $500. That equipment comes with directions
(you know the white stuff with black squiggles on it). You seem to be
a bright person, Im sure with some practice youll be an A/C
pro in no time at all! Just think of the money youll save!
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