The tenant called again, and it's the A/C! It's summer, and with the typical humidity of the East Coast state, the heat index can get to the "uncomfortable" level; so it's no surprise for Michael to call. The heat exchanger runs continuously but cannot cool down the three level townhouse. Jeffrey, the Korean heating/cooling service man, came with a Mexican helper to charge up the R-22 refrigerant liquid. It was low, and have the little leak at the outside unit. It was at 40 and he charged it up to 64 level mark; which he said that's normal level. The negotiated price is $150, but when his Mexican helper putting the tools away, and with a cigarette in hand as if he just finished a laborious work, he asked for $250. I stared at him and said "No! It's only $150". I then handed him the already filled out check. He shrugged and smiled. "Good try, Jeffrey!", I thought.

The Trane XB10 2TWB0030a unit is rated at 3000BTU, 10 SEER efficiency. The townhouse is 1500sq. ft, which by the recommendation, we should have a system minimum at 3750 BTU, and it can use a 3800 to 4000 BTU to compensate for the poor insulation townhouse. Now, we understand why the system could not cool down the townhouse, since it's too small for the place.
When we replace this unit, we should put in a 3.5 tons unit, and a bit more efficient than a 10 SEER. 15 SEER would be better.