Our copeland compressor just seized up (again) on our Edwards glycol chiller. We just had to replace it 4.5 years ago and converted the refrigerant to 407A. At the time, we kept the old refrigerant (R-22) for use in our other chillers. The cost to replace was around $5k, so it is kind of painful.
On our recent quote to replace the compressor, we were quoted $477.90 to replace the 407A refrigerant. We are being charged $70 to recover the used refrigerant. When I asked why we can't re-use that refrigerant, they indicated that it would be too acidic and would probably eat up the new compressor in a year. To that I replied, if it is acidic and would eat up the new compressor up, why isn't there a procedure to change it every couple of years to prevent damage on the existing compressor?
His response was that they don't do that, and that no one would go along with it if they recommended it be changed.
This just doesn't make any sense to me. If the refrigerant is good, it should be re-used. If it is bad, it should be changed periodically. I assume that they are recovering it and selling it back to be reconditioned?
Any experts willing to chime in? Refrigeration is not my strong suit...
On our recent quote to replace the compressor, we were quoted $477.90 to replace the 407A refrigerant. We are being charged $70 to recover the used refrigerant. When I asked why we can't re-use that refrigerant, they indicated that it would be too acidic and would probably eat up the new compressor in a year. To that I replied, if it is acidic and would eat up the new compressor up, why isn't there a procedure to change it every couple of years to prevent damage on the existing compressor?
His response was that they don't do that, and that no one would go along with it if they recommended it be changed.
This just doesn't make any sense to me. If the refrigerant is good, it should be re-used. If it is bad, it should be changed periodically. I assume that they are recovering it and selling it back to be reconditioned?
Any experts willing to chime in? Refrigeration is not my strong suit...
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