how to calculate natural gas pipe size?
Almost any leak can be repaired. The real question is how difficult will it be to repair it? If the leak is in an accessible place it can be fairly easy. There are several steps to the repair though. First the leak must be located. Second, if there is any remaining refrigerant in the system it must be recovered. The leak can then be fixed. Next, the system must be tested to make sure it is leak free and gas tight. A deep vacuum must then be drawn using a vacuum pump. Once a deep vacuum has been drawn, the correct amount of refrigerant must be charged into the system. Finally, the system must be operated to observe the refrigeration cycle. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 or 5 hours. Most service companies will charge you a fixed rate for locating and repairing a leak. The charge should include installing a new liquid line filter drier (always recommended whenever the system is opened), and there should be another charge for the refrigerant itself. You will be charged for the refrigerant by the pound. The cost for finding and fixing your leak could run from $250.00 to $750.00 or more, depending on where it is located, how long it takes to fix and how much refrigerant the system requires. I have no idea how your home warranty coverage can come into this. I suppose it's possible they can say yes, just as it's possible they may say no. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Definitely call your local fire department or state fire marshal office and let them know.
Read the fine print most warranty co. only cover equipment less than 10 years old at the time of coverage purchase.
Being low on freon is bad for a unit. If you run it in heat you will have heat but the majority of the heat will be from the electric backup heaters in the air handler. This is outrageously expensive as they typically use roughly 3 times the power of the heat pump when they are on. Not to mention being low of freon could potentially damage the compressor as the freon is what cools the compressor motor.
Before you try to defraud the home warranty company out of hundreds or thousands of dollars, call the company back that sent the idiots and demand to speak to the owner or a manager. Why it would take someone hour(s?) to determine the unit needed refrigerant and to charge $570 is rediculous espicially since it quit on you the next day. If the second guy could hear the leak, why didn't the first person? And of course, they always want to sell you a new unit.
