Help! - I had a new Trane system installed. About 1 week later, a ...

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posted: September 8th, 2008 - 2:04pm

QUESTION:
I had a new Trane system installed. About 1 week later, a weld failed and a majority of the oil/refrigerant leaked out into the pan. I called the contractor. He came out, pulled what was left in the system into the compressor, re-welded, and then recharged. Is that the correct method to deal with this situation?
I would estimate that there was 1.5 to 2 cups of clear oil sitting in the pan. I am not sure how many pounds were put back into the system. I am concerned that the ratio of oil to refrigerant is not correct. Since the recharge, I believe the system is blowing air that is about 1 to 2 degrees warmer and the outside compressor seems noisier.
I had them come back out to look at it and the tech used the sight glass (no gauges) to determine correct charge. He said it was working fine. I have access to the company's owner - but I don't know what I should be asking for. Should I demand a full evacuation and recharge? Any help is appreciated.

ANSWER: I wouldn't worry too much about the oil but if you feel the unit is not operating properly you may want to do a little testing take the air temperature at your filter then take the temperature of a couple of your supply grilles, the temperature difference between return (filter) and supply should be between 17 and 20 degrees any more and you have air flow problems and any less and you are either charged wrong or you are picking up warm air through a faulty duct system.