Need AC advise please!

[leighcat]

My AC unit was working when I moved in a few months ago. The house had been vacant awhile before that, not sure how long. Now even when it is set at 78, it seems to stay at 85. It has one of those mercury thermostats. I will be changing that to a simple digital one. Could it be the thermostat or does it maybe need to be re-charged with coolant? If I turn it down more it does seem to cool off more. I know it is around 85 in here because it does feel very warm. The air blowing from it doesn't feel very cold. I want to get it serviced but I don't want the company to be dishonest and try to get me to get a new unit if I don't need one.

[Russ]

change thermostats and turn it down to 60* and that will tell you what to do, but it does sound like it needs re-charging.

[leighcat]

Thanks Russ.

[Contrary Housewife]

It sounds like the old AC is getting ready to die. Do you know how old it is? Ours acted like that for years, never could get it cool in here in summer and it was always humid.

It may be more economical to replace it than have it serviced.

A word of advice: check around for rebate programs for your state before you replace it. I don't know about Florida, but here if you can get it certified as old and running badly while it still works you can get a huge rebate on a new unit.

[leighcat]

I can't replace it right now. It will have to wait.

[leighcat]

Well, it got so hot yesterday in here that I called an AC repair place. The guy was really nice. He charged it for me as it was a little lower than it should be. I also need to clean off the coil with a hose some time when it is a little cooler. It cost me $110. which is definitely cheaper than a new unit, coil, etc. He also checked the handler and said everything looks fine. I could use more insullation in the attic. My mom and I installed a digital thermostat together today(bonding moment lol), and it works very well. So far, so good!