My AC broke...any ideas?

[HotHolly]

No one can come out until Tuesday b/c of the holiday. I checked fuses, the emergency shut off outside (which has gotten tripped by our well pump in the past). Correction - Mike checked all that stuff and I made cookies. Im very supportive. I can point real good too.

It sounds like its working. The blower is blowing. But its not cold. The inside and outside units sound normal. Mike checked to make sure the inside coils didnt freeze. Thats happened before. They arent even cold.

Any ideas?

[my3texasboys]

Sounds like you might be out of Freon.

[rockin-photos]

It may just be a faulty thermostat. That would be nice.

[SCone]

Does the compressor lines going into the house get cold? Watch out, one should be cold and the other hot, so be careful. If you're not getting any cold, it's either the freon or the capacitor that turns the compressor on and off. You may be able to take the capacitor into Lowes or Home Depot and get another matching item. You can also purchase a re-charge kit to add freon if needed.

If it's the capacitor, the compressor will not kick-in at all. If it's freon, the compressor will kick-in, but no cold. You should have noticed the AC getting weaker & weaker over the past few weeks.

It easy to check the lines, but don't try changing the capacitor unless you feel comfortable doing so.

Use EXTREME CAUTION when dealing with a capacitor, it holds power even though it's disconnected from electricity and if it shorts out, it will DISCHARGE it's power into YOU (this will cause you to have a very bad day & could effect the rest of your life by ENDING IT)

[HotHolly]

Thanks guys! The a/c was fine right up until it died... no gradual decline. And the thermostat is definitely not the problem (mechanical, so no electrical problem, and it does turn on the blower when the temp gets to high.)

The compressor's not kicking on at all. So, start with the capacitor? Any chance it's low on freon and a low pressure switch is keeping it from engaging?

And now, silly question... When I send Mike out there to risk his life pulling the capacitor, what do I tell him to look for? You know - what's a capacitor look like? I assume it's outside of the compressor body?

[KdLaneJr]

The start capacitor is a large silver can. Some are round, some are oblong. Most are about 3-4 inches tall and 1-2 inches in diameter. Usually you have to remove an access panel to be able to see it. From what you've said; it doesn't sound like a freon leak. If it's not the start capacitor, it's possible your compressor has failed. The capacitor will have a farad designation on it. The design(shape) and the farads are what you need to know to look for a replacement.

[HotHolly]

Thanks! I'll see if Mike can find it and switch it out before the repair guy comes out on Tuesday. If he survives I'll be sure to bake some more cookies. :o)

[chihuahuaphil]

Three times mine has tripped an internal thermal cutoff during a power brownout. The Trane tech told me to shut off the breaker for 30 min or so, then turn it back on. Turning off the thermostat isn't enough. It's worked every time.

I've also had a couple of times when my electronic thermostat went wacky due to low battery even though the low batt signal wasn't on.

As an electronic tech, I can't say I recommend messing with 240V motor caps. Might give Mike a new hairdo.

[KdLaneJr]

It's a 220volt system. Electrical safety is a must.

[kenw]

if the compressor isn't kicking in at all, my money (actually yours...) is on it:

1) being low on freon. A low pressure switch prevents the compressor from coming on when the amount of freon is too low, this prevents damage to the compressor. a not too common failure.

2) being a bad compressor. This was our results a few months ago. $6000 later, we're fine. The original one had gone 24 years, so we got our money out of it. Of course, I can think of a lot of things I would rather spend that kinda $$ on.....

good luck

[Murph]

Just spent in excess of $10k replacing both my units. If it is the compressor, its gonna be expensive. Good luck.

[Rson]

yeah, check the freon levels. you can rent the gauges and buy the freon.

[Atfulldraw]

where are you located?

have gauges, will travel.

edit: I'm guessing Abilene -- I just messaged a buddy of mine who lives out there -- will get back to you if he comes through.

[onewingedangel73106]

another suggestion if its not the freon and is also cheaper than some of the many options, earlier this year when mine went out it was the exspansion valve stuck open and the accumulator was gone as well.

[Truckman]

Mine had the same symptoms last year...Turned out I had been invaded by ants (they love electricity) in the outdoor unit...A small part had been destroyed by them...Some insecticide and part replacement and it was working again...Ben