Any HVAC recommendations?

[nathanm]

My A/C is on the fritz and the folks I had out here are claiming they need to do a some work to meet current code in order to replace the compressor. I have a strong disagreement about the most expensive part of that work, so I'd like to get a second opinion regarding what needs to be done to make it compliant.

As an aside, I think it's ridiculous that you not only have to pull a permit to repair a mechanical system but also have to meet current code rather than whatever code was in effect at the time it was installed.

Actually, after this jackass trying to tell me that he can measure 3 inches from a photograph better than I can with a tape measure, I'm not much interested in using them for the repair.

[sauerkraut]

My A/C is on the fritz and the folks I had out here are claiming they need to do a some work to meet current code in order to replace the compressor. I have a strong disagreement about the most expensive part of that work, so I'd like to get a second opinion regarding what needs to be done to make it compliant.

As an aside, I think it's ridiculous that you not only have to pull a permit to repair a mechanical system but also have to meet current code rather than whatever code was in effect at the time it was installed.

Actually, after this jackass trying to tell me that he can measure 3 inches from a photograph better than I can with a tape measure, I'm not much interested in using them for the repair.

Yeah,  I would not trust 'em, I'd look for someone else- I don't use A/C much anyhoo, I like the old fashioned way of open windows and fans. I don't even have A/C in my pick-up truck. I know A/C work is expensive and the EPA and government agencys are all over that industry driving up the costs with silly regulations. My A/C unit was installed in 1994 so that must be outdated too. Let us know how it turns out.

[Conan71]

My A/C is on the fritz and the folks I had out here are claiming they need to do a some work to meet current code in order to replace the compressor. I have a strong disagreement about the most expensive part of that work, so I'd like to get a second opinion regarding what needs to be done to make it compliant.

As an aside, I think it's ridiculous that you not only have to pull a permit to repair a mechanical system but also have to meet current code rather than whatever code was in effect at the time it was installed.

Actually, after this jackass trying to tell me that he can measure 3 inches from a photograph better than I can with a tape measure, I'm not much interested in using them for the repair.

And you wonder why I am a small government conservative?  There might be hope for you yet. 

In my line of work, we deal with many different regs from the construction of units we manufacture as well as building codes and pressure vessel codes where units are ultimately installed.  The mountain of paperwork and retention requirements can be staggering.  There are good reasons for some of them, others are to simply keep some mid-level bureaucrat and some administrators in a job.

The government is terrific at creating inefficiencies and impediments to progress.

[nathanm]

And you wonder why I am a small government conservative?  There might be hope for you yet. 

In my line of work, we deal with many different regs from the construction of units we manufacture as well as building codes and pressure vessel codes where units are ultimately installed.  The mountain of paperwork and retention requirements can be staggering.  There are good reasons for some of them, others are to simply keep some mid-level bureaucrat and some administrators in a job.

The government is terrific at creating inefficiencies and impediments to progress.

Eh, the provisions in the new code don't bother me, same as I don't mind the new requirements for GFCI/AFCI protection in bedrooms in new construction.

What does bother me is that cities adopt model codes even when those organizations can't even be arsed to provide a nice downloadable copy of said code. It's not as if they couldn't, say, charge for paper copies or limit the licensing of the downloadable copies to personal use. Instead, I'm left to search the intarwebs for people mentioning the mechanical code and divine what it says from that or pay $70 for a copy. (or actually get off my donkey and go to the library)

[Conan71]

Eh, the provisions in the new code don't bother me, same as I don't mind the new requirements for GFCI/AFCI protection in bedrooms in new construction.

What does bother me is that cities adopt model codes even when those organizations can't even be arsed to provide a nice downloadable copy of said code. It's not as if they couldn't, say, charge for paper copies or limit the licensing of the downloadable copies to personal use. Instead, I'm left to search the intarwebs for people mentioning the mechanical code and divine what it says from that or pay $70 for a copy. (or actually get off my donkey and go to the library)

I just happen to have a copy of the current IMC handy... 

[sgrizzle]

My A/C is on the fritz and the folks I had out here are claiming they need to do a some work to meet current code in order to replace the compressor. I have a strong disagreement about the most expensive part of that work, so I'd like to get a second opinion regarding what needs to be done to make it compliant.

As an aside, I think it's ridiculous that you not only have to pull a permit to repair a mechanical system but also have to meet current code rather than whatever code was in effect at the time it was installed.

Actually, after this jackass trying to tell me that he can measure 3 inches from a photograph better than I can with a tape measure, I'm not much interested in using them for the repair.

As far as I know you don't have to meet current codes on repairs, just upgrades.

[Red Arrow]

The power of computers, my friend.

Well, maybe not.  I'm having a difficult time finding some info today myself.

[Red Arrow]

As far as I know you don't have to meet current codes on repairs, just upgrades.

When does a "repair" actually become an upgrade?

Nathan,

Are they wanting to just replace the compressor in your existing outside unit or are they wanting to replace the whole outside unit?  With a more modern/efficient compressor/unit?

What do they want to do for the code?  Rewire the whole thing?

[nathanm]

When does a "repair" actually become an upgrade?

Nathan,

Are they wanting to just replace the compressor in your existing outside unit or are they wanting to replace the whole outside unit?  With a more modern/efficient compressor/unit?

What do they want to do for the code?  Rewire the whole thing?

They want to replace the compressor. They say that because they have to pull a permit, they have to make it comply with current code. Given that it was installed in 1997, it doesn't, although there's nothing wrong with the current installation. It's a package unit, the compressor, condenser, evaporator and everything else is all in the one box.

To make it code compliant, it has to sit on a pad that's three inches above grade ($1000 to raise it), which involves replacing some gas line and installing a new valve ($250). They also have to add a float switch ($100). Add that to the cost of the compressor and freon and the disposal cost of the old compressor and they want about two grand.

Needless to say, I'll buy a new one before I spend $2,000 on a 13 year old AC.

Their employee who handles code compliance is also an donkey, so I'm not really interested in giving them the business no matter who is right.

[Red Arrow]

Invest in a shovel, find some local kids (or illegal immigrants if you are so inclined) and lower the grade in the immediate area 3 inches.

[nathanm]

Invest in a shovel, find some local kids (or illegal immigrants if you are so inclined) and lower the grade in the immediate area 3 inches.

I was planning on doing that myself if need be. The fellow I was speaking with didn't seem too impressed by that idea. His attitude seemed to pretty much be take it or leave it. I was pretty shocked, as the other folks there are reasonably pleasant.

Given that he was evaluating the situation from his office using photos the tech took when he was out last week while I was standing out there with a tape measure telling him it is three inches above grade, I found the whole situation pretty amusing. Proving the pictures were crappy, he referred to rust on the unit as being a reason to elevate it further. That rust was dirt that had splashed up on it last time it rained.

So yeah, I'd really appreciate a recommendation if anybody's got one, as long as the name isn't a four letter word starting with 'H'. 

[heironymouspasparagus]

You been handed a big ol' pile of stinky.

Couple of places to call to talk to (sanity check);
All Temp (15th around Memorial)
Airco Service

I haven't been able to find a dealer here for my favorite product, so gotta go with what's available.  Both of these should be able to give you good info.

[chas22]

You don't need to get a permit or update the unit just to replace the compressor.  This is a repair.  Call around and find some honest people in the trade.  Not all A/C people are dishonest.  Try Air Comfort, B & B Sheetmetal.