Fujitsu A/C repair - Freon leak

Hi Our Fujitsu central a/c unit may have a Freon leak. Can someone recommend a HVAC person for repairs? What is the repair process and cost?

I saw “littlepea” post the same question on May 21 2019 not sure who they ended up using or if the issues was resolved.

allyslope

in General Discussion 4 years and 11 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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As for actual nitro test, this is what it looks like https://youtu.be/hY1bEQTjBuU. The result will tell you if there’s a leakage and which section of your a/c system is causing it, including whether it’s piping/wall side or machine side. I was pretty impressed when they did it for us.

Btw, place #1 doesn’t sound right…

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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With Brooklyn Best, they usually come for a first diagnostic visit (~$100) before recommending a nitrogen test or something else. Maybe your condenser has an obvious hole (like ours) and you don’t even need a nitro test. I’d start with a diagnostic, that way they can also give you more accurate estimates even if you want to shop elsewhere after.

lkrshacmzcy | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Without knowing your situation I would not be able to tell what is best for you, but it sounds like Place #2 is going about it the right way.
This may not be a popular opinion on here, but I would point out that HVAC in NYC is not well regulated like it is in the suburbs. There is no licensing, inspection system or body that really looks after the trade. Make sure to vet any company you are looking to use.

allyslope | 4 years and 11 months ago

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@Chris what are the steps in which the companies should be going to detect the leak and fix it? Can they run a camera into the piping to find the Freon leak? Roughly want are reasonable prices. Spoke to 2 places on the phone. They both have different approaches.

Place #1 seems to just want to install Freon. Said I would have to keep getting Freon install once the system is not cooling. Also Freon is required to run the heating? Since all the piping is inside the walls/ceiling there is really no way to find it without opening all walls. They suggested I get all new piping but outside of the walls/ceilings.

Place#2 suggested Nitrogen Leak Detections @ $1,800 to start which I can’t afford right now

lkrshacmzcy | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Nitrogen Leak Detections can be costly due to the ambiguity involved, but most companies do work with you once the problem area is found; much like mentioned above.

MAC | 4 years and 11 months ago

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My split a/c’s were not functioning properly. Problem was a leak. Working property now. Thanks to: Dean – 516-984-6457.

allyslope | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Any other recommendation from the folks on the forum.

@littlepea thank you! They told me the Nitrogren Test alone is $1,800. Sadly I can’t afford them.

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Discontinued

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Lastly, if you end up replacing your Freon, see if you can replace the entire tank with a new compatible version that is still manufactured. It’ll be much cheaper than a discounted one.

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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The Nitrogen Test was $475. BUT, because they found that it wasn’t a leakage, BB ended up not charging us for it. We ended up paying $4000 for a new condenser, additional Freon, and labor. Most of that was the cost of the machine and Freon because some old models are so expensive now due to lack of supply.

By the way, our neighbor had a similar issue and they only had to top up their Freon. So every case is different.

Like I said, be up front about cost with BB. I called them so many times last year to fix our a/c and they were super patient and detailed. It was expensive, but their pricing was in line with everyone else and I never felt pressured/rushed working with them.

allyslope | 4 years and 11 months ago

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@littlepea Do you remember how much the leakage test was? Is that the only test or others test where required after the leakage test? Overall ball park how much did it cost to fix the issue?

allyslope | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Thank you!

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Oh and for timing… they were really quick (usually available next day). However, if you need to get special parts, then that could vary depending on supply/shipping.

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Here you go (see Yelp link below). They first came for a diagnostic test, think that was around $100, which counted as credit towards the final cost. Then we agreed to a leakage test and found the root cause was actually the condenser, which we had to replace completely. The replacement was quite expensive due to the model our building required. Having said that, we like them because they were super patient talking through all the steps and choices we had. I also shopped around and found their pricing was reasonable. If you’re concerned about costs, definitely be explicit about it with them. They’re very good explaining every item/tasks. Good luck!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyns-best-ac-brooklyn-2?uid=HOxvm6wC_aKt_GH7hyJNZw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

allyslope | 4 years and 11 months ago

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@littlepea thanks for the reply. I was feeling hopeless. Can you give me the phone for Brooklyn Best looks like there are a few when I google. Can you share the process they took, price and time it took to fix the issue. Did you have a Freon leak also?

Guest User | 4 years and 11 months ago

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Hello! We hired Brooklyn Best for repair. They’re great!