The fact you lost refrigerant is a day indicates you have a big leak. It is so big you can hear it hiss. What part of the diagnosis are you doubting?

I see a lot of rust. How old is the air handler and heat pump? It may not be worth repairing.

This system was installed in 2003. I did notice a lot of rust so i am not sure if it's normal or it indicates any other issue? I have an exact same system in other part of the house and it also has rust on the coils.

Thanks

This system was installed in 2003. I did notice a lot of rust so i am not sure if it's normal or it indicates any other issue? I have an exact same system in other part of the house and it also has rust on the coils.

Thanks

Is that a Carrier coil (model beginning with CK5B or ending in ACA)? Around that time period and beyond, there were widespread issues with the copper-aluminum coils leaking due to formicary corrosion (pinhole leaks). Usually there are multiple leaks and it is not worthwhile to attempt a repair. It was not specifically a Carrier problem (although their coils were somewhat notoriously prone to the issue), as other manufacturers struggled with it as well.

I am curious as to what you are doubting -- the fact that there is a leak (which there would be if it was very low) or the leak location (see above).

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Mon, Jul 22, 13 at 17:57