I am wondering if any one can help me? Our a/c system dose not cool like it should.I work on automobile a/c systems so I know a little about how a/c systems work.
I am pretty sure the two systems are basically the same.Right or wrong?
We just moved into the house about eight months ago and I just noticed that
The people that lived here before us had installed the wrong size filter so I am pretty sure the evaporator needs cleaning.Is the evaporator set up so it can be cleaned without pulling every thing apart,What I am asking is am I going to have to pull the freon out and pull the evaporator out and clean it and reinstall it and then recharge it.I do not have a vacum pump so I am trying to avoid removing the freon.
Also the freon charge is low.I have R-12 gauges bud I am wondering about were to get the freon.I am sure grainger has it but do they have it in little amounts instead of having to get a 30lb bottle.
One more question the condenser fins on the unit outside has some areas where the fins have gotten smashed in and there not going to be able to be
Straghtend there to smashed.I know that's not to good but will it be that big of a problem.?
Thanks for any help. Doug

If you work on automotive systems, you may know more than the others here and I. As far as I know, the systems are very much alike, except autos use R 12, now more R 134a, and home systems, R 19. If by evaporator you mean the ''A'' coil, you can clean the outside of it easily. It is in the last part of the furnace just before the conditioned air duct. It looks like 2 auto radiators leaning against each other.

I have no idea about the Freon. If you have a plumbing or HVAC supply house locally, you might check with them.

The more of the fins that are bent, the less efficiency the unit will work. I have seen little plastic comb like things to straighten them. The home units are larger, so losing a little area to bent fins may not be as bad and an automotive unit.

[QUOTE=Doug Crf]I am wondering if any one can help me? Our a/c system dose not cool like it should.I work on automobile a/c systems so I know a little about how a/c systems work.
I am pretty sure the two systems are basically the same.Right or wrong?
We just moved into the house about eight months ago and I just noticed that
The people that lived here before us had installed the wrong size filter so I am pretty sure the evaporator needs cleaning.Is the evaporator set up so it can be cleaned without pulling every thing apart,What I am asking is am I going to have to pull the freon out and pull the evaporator out and clean it and reinstall it and then recharge it.I do not have a vacum pump so I am trying to avoid removing the freon.
Also the freon charge is low.I have R-12 gauges bud I am wondering about were to get the freon.I am sure grainger has it but do they have it in little amounts instead of having to get a 30lb bottle.
One more question the condenser fins on the unit outside has some areas where the fins have gotten smashed in and there not going to be able to be
Straghtend there to smashed.I know that's not to good but will it be that big of a problem.?
Thanks for any help. Doug[/QU
The unit may work fine with the fin bend... if the it trip out on hi pressure if fully charge... you may have to remove some freon ( or replace the whole condenser unit)... check the name plate again... is it R12 or R22... workinng with/ buying R12/R22 require license... report violator to EPA you may get up to $5000 reward( granger pay epa $10000)

As long as there isn't too much of the fins are bent over it shouldn't be a problem and if you think your unit is short of gas the smashed fins might be a problem what ever smashed the fins may have but a hole in the pipe and as for the coil you should be able to get at the bottom side of the coil if you pull the very bottom panal off the indoor unit and just use a wire brush to clean it just make sure you brush parallel with the fins cleaning this coil will stop it from icing up. With the evaporator coil iced up it will make the system act as though it is short of gas as well

Your system probably uses R-22 freon & it requires a license for this unless you want to risk a heft fine. IF you use a wire brush on the fins you are risking damage. You can go to an HVAC supply house, Johnstone, RE Michel, and get a spray can of coil cleaner. This is environmentally friendly and does a good job of cleaning the evaparator coil. Make sure your condensate drain line is open and draining good prior to doing this. You would probably be money ahead to call an HVAC firm & have them check the system for you. They normally charge $59--$99 to check and clean it. IF you are low on freon you may possibly damage the compressor. Unless you know how to charge an HVAC system DON'T DO IT---you can cause more problems which could be very expensive---kind of like me working on my car and then having to take it to the mechanic to correct what I messed up---would have cost me less to take it there in the first place

A/C units in automobiles are notorious for dried out seals and discharging.

This is caused by not using the A/C for long periods. I would save yourself time and money and get the system re-charged. If it is old, then get a rebuild kit and replace the seals before getting it recharged.