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Air Conditioners: Can you use a 'used' outside unit?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by jimpo1, Jun 14, 2005.

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  1. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jim E
    #1 jimpo1, Jun 14, 2005
    I've just been offered a couple of used A/C condensing units for a next to nothing price. They're both 3 ton Trane units, 2001 models, that have been in storage for 2 years. I actually need a new A/C unit at a property I own, but I have no idea if you can just go 'plug in' another condenser, or if I have to replace the stuff inside the house too. Does anyone here know about such things?
     
  2. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

    Nov 1, 2003
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    philip
    #2 fanatic1, Jun 14, 2005
    I know a little bit about this. The outside unit is kind of a "plug & play" unit. You need to know what size the COILS are on the inside unit.....meaning the cooling coils that are inside the furnace. The coils are normally the same "tonage" as the outside unit, but sometimes they will vary slightly. You can't use a 3 ton outside unit, with 1 ton coils......the coils will freeze over and no air will blow.........also with the outside unit, they of course need refrigerant and all that stuff in the tanks, so if these are in storage, they may need filling or recharging, which can be expensive, but still not nearly as buying a whole new unit from scratch.
     
  3. davem

    davem F1 World Champ
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    #3 davem, Jun 14, 2005
    Unless they are free and are exactly what you need....pass.
    Even then they could have corrosion, dirt inside etc......
    Google them they are about $600 new.
     
  4. turbo6

    turbo6 Formula Junior

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    #4 turbo6, Jun 14, 2005
    I'm not an HVAC tech or anything, but a good friend of mine is.

    As far as I know you just have to make sure the airhandler is same size as the condenser. So a 3 ton condenser has to be mated to a 3 ton air handler. If you use to small of a air handler the condenser coil will freeze as the coolant being returned to the condenser from the air handler will be too cold since the air handler can't dissipate enough heat if that makes sense.

    I believe that 1 ton can cool 500-600sqft so a 3 ton should be good for 1500-1800sqft

    I know there are some HVAC forums out there, and I would recommend asking the question there and see what people have to say.
     
  5. Steve R

    Steve R F1 Rookie
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    #5 Steve R, Jun 15, 2005
    Insulation contractor here.....what seems to be the problem sir??? ;)

    Trane is exceptionally high quality and one of the very best brands. It is accurate & true that the tonage should be matched to the unit, however there is some give & take: a 3-ton condensor need not be matched exactly to a 3-ton furnace, you can get away with some mis-match....best you talk with a local A/C contractor.

    Your local A/C guy will evacuate, clean, charge & set-up the new units. Clever is what clever does! ;)

    Good luck, and remember to make sure you have good insulation!!!
     

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