Cap wrote:Isn't it possible to match the existing unit with a replacement matching the tonnage? It's likely a 3ton. Is the condenser leaking? Or is it running high head psi? Fan motor? Fan blade good? Non-condensibles? I'd check refrigerant level and head psi before jumping too far.
Back in 2003, I removed two York's condensers, installed two cheap Ducane's purchased from RE Michaels, and the units have been working great since. A 3 ton & a 2.5 ton condensing units. But R22 has just jumped in price. It's up to $390 for a 30# can. Jay's older air handler likely a cap tube. Disconnect the fan motor while watching the the suction pressure. Does it rise? Or easier yet, pull the cover off of the evaporator and inspect!
A lot of things have changed in the HVAC industry, especially in the last few years. Refrigerants, licensing, equipment warranties, etc. You can no longer buy SEER 10 condensing units which is likely what Jay's unit is. If you buy a higher SEER unit it will be un-matched to the indoor unit and the manufacture will not honor the warranty. Yes, a skilled HVAC can make it work, but how well and at what labor cost? It's always a difficult trade off between complete replacement with a higher SEER unit and living with a repaired lower performance more expensive to operate unit. My RE Michael distributor will not sell you a mismatched system. If you want one you have to buy the air handler on one day and the condensing unit on another. Since I will not be the HVAC tech, I'm too far away, all I can do is give advise on the various trade offs. What will help any component tech is the manufacture's technical performance specs. That I might be able to get. What's surprised me is Dunham Bush is a 100+ year old company (founded 1894) headquartered in Kajang, Malaysia. It's products are used world wide and it's USA residential market is about as important to them as a flea on the ass of an elephant.