HVAC - Problems
A RED LIGHT ON THE HVAC WALL PANEL OR OTHER SIGNS OF PROBLEMS
Hudson Park resident/owners share their experiences with in-unit HVAC system failures; and the subsequent purchases of a replacement coil
Resident 1.
Recently a red light showed on my in-unit HVAC system and there had been problems with cooling as well as heating.
An HVAC contractor was called in to investigate and he subsequently called the manufacturer to collaborate.
The manufacturer advised that the TX Valve needed to be replaced. The HVAC contractor asked if the problem could be the coil and it was advised as “very unlikely”.
The TX valve was a special order and cost $400; the delivery time was 2 weeks and the work was completed: however, about 5 weeks after that, the red light came on again.
At that point, our neighbour called another HVAC company to collaborate..
It turned out that the problem was indeed a failed coil and not the valve. (The contractor took the HVAC unit to their shop to do a 48 hour test in a pressurized machine and detected a microscopic but significant leak of refrigerant fluid.)
Note that the cost to change a coil is between $1800 to $2600 (including labour). Also, there could be a lengthy wait time for the part. (2018 prices)
Resident 2.
THIS LABEL IS ONE OF TWO SIMILAR LABELS - not to be confused with a similar label elsewhere
I recently replaced the coil in my HVAC system, I am one of the first to move into 245 Kent in January 2009.
When the red light (on the wall control box) does not go away after many times of restarting the system: you may need a new coil.
You will need to know your HVAC serial # and the Model TRM # to request an estimate (from a licenced HVAC company/contactor.)
These numbers are on one of the several white stickers which are behind the system’s wall-panel cover, and they may be hard to reach/read because they may be tucked behind one of the permanent panels low down on the machine. (See label image)
Consider obtaining 3 estimates: The price for a new coil (old one removed and new one installed) varies from $2500 to $2900 + hst. (2019 prices)
The labour involved in this quote was around 6 hours. The wait time for a replacement varies from 10 days to 6 weeks, depending on the contractor (and the coil manufacturer).
A RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE IN SUMMARY:
Make sure you contact a “Commercial HVAC” company for repairs/estimate (can be googled) not a residential firm
Locate your TRM # & serial number from your HVAC unit as the HVAC company will need this information for the estimate. If you cannot see it (part of the info is hidden behind a panel) of your unit you can contact CMG they have this info for all units of Hudson Park
HVAC companies repairs, pricing & timing to replace coil varies greatly so it is recommended you contact more than one HVAC company to get estimates in order to make an informed decision.
Resident 3.
Our HVAC maintenance technician found a fault with the HVAC system coil in our unit, and the on-site test showed the refrigerant was low. We knew there was a problem because the red light had come on (the wall controls). (Spring (2019)
As we understand it, a full diagnostic procedure has to be done: The coil is taken out and tested for leakage – either in our building garage or in the company’s HQ (depends on the contractor that the resident chooses).
Sometimes the coil can be fixed, and the machine continues to work fine – but maybe not for years. Sometimes repairing the coil can become a lengthy process with high labour costs; and then still a new coil is required. Apparently, fixing leaking coils is a tricky business – take a look at the intricate working of our old coil and this becomes obvious: our photo is below:
So, then we had to decide between:
1. Sourcing a new coil from the original manufacturer (Service Master) through the HVAC company
2. Sourcing a new coil from a North American supplier through the HVAC company
Showing the intricacies of an HVAC coil