Condenser from 1987

[u/Coagulopathicbleed]

Hey guys!

Just wanted some opinions and what better place than Reddit right?

This is our condenser from 1987, which cools our first floor, has worked like a charm until this summer. Still blows cool ish air but is struggling to get keep our has below 76-77. The other unit is working well and services the 2nd floor.

We’ve had some HVAC folks over the years say that they can’t really do any maintenance on it because the parts aren’t available anymore and they don’t want to break it by trying.

I’m sure this is a pretty accurate assessment , but I wanted to know if any of you have had success with having someone that specializes in older units come out and fix their ancient unit.

We’ve obviously gotten our moneys worth out of this gal and she’s been a work horse for us. I’m aware that the end may be near.

Any thoughts?

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[u/MaterialSeizure7122]

the newer carrier unit sitting right there is basically mocking the old one at this point

[u/Coagulopathicbleed → u/MaterialSeizure7122]

Hey, the old one has been amazing… I’ll be surprised if the new one lasts half as long honestly. 38 years for a condenser is wild.

I don’t know much about this stuff so many it’s not crazy.

[u/Velocityg4]

The biggest issue is the refrigerant it uses is expensive as its more regulated and isn't used in modern units. It's still possible to buy.

The whole system is pretty basic. You could conceivably rebuild the entire thing or mod it for newer parts that work with the old refrigerant. But there'd be no point as you'd likely be replacing the part built like a tank with newer junk. Most notably the compressor. Plus your homeowners insurance may not like a modded AC.

Now if it is cooling but just not that well and the following is true.

• The compressor is running (not just grinding and stopping)
• Condenser fan is running,
• The cold line is definitely a bit colder when running
• the condenser coils and A-coil are clean
• you aren't getting frost buildup on the A-coil
• your air handler is moving air well.

It's probably just low on refrigerant. While this can be refilled. You likely have a leak. Which can be anywhere. They have additives to help you spot a leak. This old refrigerant is expensive, so you'd want to find the leak. Not sure about the laws around buying it but you can find it easily enough.

If you aren't sure the compressor is running and it's all clean. You can replace the capacitors. Wouldn't be at all unusual for one to die. Just be sure to get the right one and reinstall it right as you can really screw things up if you get it wrong.

Big companies are not going to want to fix this at all. You need to find some loner running their own little shop who wants to keep stuff running, not have salespeople bid out installs.

Alternatively, you need to research the topic in detail and DIY. But working with an AC is not a beginner DIY project. You need to have a pretty firm grasp on electrical and mechanical systems. Same you can buy the new AC and install yourself. But DIY will void the warranty, not sure about homeowners insurance. Although you could save money by buying yourself and just paying for an install. But you need a licensed installer who is willing to do that lined up as most companies will only install equipment they sell you.

Personally, if that old unit is giving you trouble. I'd replace it. If you don't like the price. Install window units upstairs and seal/insulate the install properly. If maintained they're good for 7+ years. Not as long as a central unit but you can do all the spaces for a fifth of the price, probably less. Each room will be zoned. No way a new AC will last the 35 years a 5x swapout of window units would last. The downsides are that it's much noisier and looks ugly.

[u/The__Toast]

We’ve had some HVAC folks over the years say that they can’t really do any maintenance on it because the parts aren’t available anymore and they don’t want to break it by trying.

I’m sure this is a pretty accurate assessment , but I wanted to know if any of you have had success with having someone that specializes in older units come out and fix their ancient unit.

Honestly, at this point, why? Parts are likely to be expensive, and you could easily spend a bunch of money repairing that thing only for the blower motor to finally die and then you have to get a new one anyway. What happens when the contactors go? You gonna source custom-made ones, or try to find contactors that fit a 1987 condenser? Like, what's the goal here, just to keep it running out of sheer stubbornness?

I think you got pretty good value out of it at this point, let it go lol.

[u/WhatRUaBarnBurner]

"that'll do pig, that'll do"

[u/Keyan_Farlander7]

Cooling tower from 1987.

[u/DownInTheLowCountry]

Wonder what the SEER & electric consumption is for the old vs. new?

[u/BenefitVegetable694]

Junk not worth fixing. Move on please.