Undue Contactor Wear

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haydenks

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Joined Feb 1, 2003

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10 Posts

Discussion starter · #1 · Nov 17, 2005

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I replaced my heat pump system six years ago with a Ruud 13 Seer condenser/air handler. Although I've never had a problem with its operation, I was concerned that it's never been checked or cleaned since its install. I called a reputable HVAC company for a "tune-up" and everything checked out fine except the technician made the comment that my "contactor had some wear" and probably would need to be replaced "soon" since the average life was around "six or seven years."

I know the contactor is involved with the start-up function of the system & will normally incur some wear over time. How concerned should I be that it could fail within this time frame? The technician implied that the part cost a couple of hundred dollars and, if it failed, could lead to other problems.

Any comments/observations by anyone out there?

Thanks!

 

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smokin68

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Joined Jun 8, 2003

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8,340 Posts

#2 · Nov 17, 2005

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While I can't discuss price with you , I would recommend that the contactor be changed out on a six year old system when it's showing signs of wear. This is a wear-part. I would change it to reduce the chance of a call back.However,that being said, I would call a different company to install the contactor based on what he told you. I personally feel you be getting fleeced....is this "reputable" company a large commercial outfit or a small shop?

 

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redhawk

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Joined Jan 12, 2005

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77 Posts

#3 · Nov 17, 2005

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haydenks said:

The technician implied that the part cost a couple of hundred dollars.

Click to expand...

Hummmmm. Must be made of precious metal.

 

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beenthere

· God Speed, Jim. We'll miss you - 2-26-23

Joined Jan 25, 2004

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78,170 Posts

#4 · Nov 17, 2005

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Strongly recomend you follow smokin68's suggestion, of a different contractor for replacing the contactor.

And I'll add for all future service also.

Unless he said it could cause several hundreds of dollars of damage if you don't change it, and it fails.

 

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docholiday

· Professional Member

Joined Apr 27, 2004

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6,068 Posts

#5 · Nov 17, 2005

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To the OP...

Contactors control considerable current and when a contactor opens or closes there is generally an arc which pits and burns the contacts themselves. As these pits and burns build up, the effective contact surface becomes smaller. It is indeed a wear item.

The contactor is a single pole contactor and the tech should have had one on his truck, frankly that is the disappointing part. His labor would have been minimal since he was there. If, your call was a troubleshooting call, then you generally see a diagnostic charge and a repair charge. Every shop bills differently. Some charge flat rate, similar to a car dealer repair shop and some bill for time and material. Both have their advantages for instance, in a flat rate repair, the repair is the same even if he has to drive 30 miles to get the part.