Can the roof AC be recharged ?

msmith1199 wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
Yes, they can. BUT, to NEED Freon, there has to be a leak in the metal sealed system. There are no rubber or any type seals that can leak like a home or Auto type system. So, if you need Freon, then you must FIND the leak, fix the leak, then install Schrader valves and evacuate and charge. THAT process takes more time and money than just replacing the upper unit. RV units have had this design for over 50 years. Doug

Thank you, I was going to ask that very question. So if it's low on Freon then there has to be a leak. Is it possible for the Freon just to go bad over time and need to be replaced?

No. Doug

dougrainer wrote:
Yes, they can. BUT, to NEED Freon, there has to be a leak in the metal sealed system. There are no rubber or any type seals that can leak like a home or Auto type system. So, if you need Freon, then you must FIND the leak, fix the leak, then install Schrader valves and evacuate and charge. THAT process takes more time and money than just replacing the upper unit. RV units have had this design for over 50 years. Doug

Thank you, I was going to ask that very question. So if it's low on Freon then there has to be a leak. Is it possible for the Freon just to go bad over time and need to be replaced?

On a previous MH I had a unit that got weak on cooling. Put a clamp-on fill valve on it and once a year put a small amount of R22 in it. As others have said, if you have to hire it done or you have a big leak, buy a new unit.

Yes, they can. BUT, to NEED Freon, there has to be a leak in the metal sealed system. There are no rubber or any type seals that can leak like a home or Auto type system. So, if you need Freon, then you must FIND the leak, fix the leak, then install Schrader valves and evacuate and charge. THAT process takes more time and money than just replacing the upper unit. RV units have had this design for over 50 years. Doug

I had our old A/C unit recharged by my neighbor who owns a commercial HVAC shop. He found a cracked line on mine, brazed it, installed a Schrader valve, vacuumed and recharged it. worked great! I agree though, having it done by a shop may not be worth it.

It was explained to me with the low cost of replacement and the high cost of labor and refrigerant they are designed as non rechargeable. You can cut and have a valve added and if ... A big if ......you can find the leak... Not always possible , you can recharge it . Having it done commercially is not worth it. These are now disposable commodities like it or not.

If you get to the Boise area, Western Heating & Air has a tech that is excellent on RV systems. Their price is reasonable and they guarantee their work.

seems a shame that all the ducting is going to waste should the OP choose to obtain a free standing or window AC.

A cheap free standing unit is $200-$300. Not all of em perform like the more expensive units. Could be that the roof unit has more life in it and worth the investment. IMHO.

That right, by the time they are done, you could buy a new AC for a couple of Dollars more.

I fixed a leak in my friend's A/C and it took me about 4 hours. At $150 per hour that a typical shop charges, it can get expensive. Add a couple of pounds of R-22, and $35 in materials, you can get up to the cost of a new unit pretty quickly.

You might try locating a local small appliance repair shop, and ask if they can repair your rooftop A/C. They might not charge as much. If they just solder on the fitting and then refill it, the charge might last anywhere from 3 days to a couple of years. You also need to locate the leak and repair it.

Fred.