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07-24-2011, 09:03 PM | #91 |
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The issue with that is that I don't really want my basement being cooled to 60 degrees either, so I'd really prefer not to open those vents up. There aren't any returns down there (or on the 2nd floor for that matter), which would seem like it's part of the problem.
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07-24-2011, 09:08 PM | #92 | |
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07-24-2011, 09:41 PM | #93 | |
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If your basement isn't finished it shouldn't be that hard or expensive to add a return down there. And depending on the layout of the main floor you could probably add a return to the main floor as well as long as the basement isn't finished. You would just have to lose a little space in a closet that backs up to a hallway, living room, or den. Returns are not suppose to be put in kitchens or garages. Also your house sounds like it should of been zoned or had two seperate systems. And there is also small systems called ductless mini-splits that can be easily installed on an exterior wall if one is available. And like Bugeater said if you leave your fan in the on position it will circulate the air in your house constantly helping the consistent temp throughout the entire house.
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07-24-2011, 09:50 PM | #94 | |
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What do you have the thermostat set at? How is the insulation in the attic and walls? How old is the house? Do you have kids that are constantly going in and out? What kind of airflow are you getting out of the registers? Thinking you may have a lot of duct leakage. If your registers/vents are in the floor check your crawl space and see if it is nice and cool in there. Is the system cycling on and off or just running all the time?
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07-31-2011, 09:27 AM | #95 |
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Resident CP A/C Gurus, I come in a time of desperate need!
Yesterday, I get a call from the fiance while at work. She says it's making a loud "screeching noise", and we were either going to have to turn it off overnight (as it was so loud), or place a service call. So, when I get home, I get to tinkering. It's making the really loud screeching noise alright, sounds like the fan's causing it, but not like something's stuck in there per se. Anyway, I get to opening the box that has the fuses in it (and the place where the noise is coming from). When you open the front "gate"/lid to this, the machine turns off, as there is a button that is depressed by having it on there. I take a look inside... no idea. Looks fine to me. However, NOW all the unit does is "hum" like it's attempting to start the blower. This occurred at midnight last night. We went to our upstairs room (wall AC unit FTW!), and then I came down today and it started right up when I pushed the button manually. Unfortunately, stupid me forgot to turn off the "Auto" function on our thermostat, so when it turned off at the right temperature today, it now only hums again, no blower. The reason I give so much background is because it pretty clearly looks like an issue with the motor getting the fan to work. Any thoughts here? Did the overnight allow the unit to "cool off" (no pun intended)? Or did I just get lucky? I'd really like to avoid an expensive house call if I can afford it, but also don't want to get too deep into the electrical system of something so important. Massive rep to any helpers!
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07-31-2011, 10:24 AM | #96 |
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sweaty bump
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07-31-2011, 10:40 AM | #97 |
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Yeah, your furnace has a safety switch that shuts it down when you remove the bottom cover. You can override it by running some tape over it.
It may be a bad start capacitor that's keeping the blower motor from starting, if you feel gutsy enough you may be able to get it going with your hand, I've done that with condenser fans before. But make sure you leave the t-stat on FAN ON so it will just keep going until you can get it repaired. And do this AT YOUR OWN RISK! Screeching is probably from a bad bushing in the blower motor, you may be able to buy it some time with some lubricant. But you're most likely looking at a new blower motor and cap. |
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07-31-2011, 10:43 AM | #98 |
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Awesome, thanks for the advice. To get that fan going myself, could I stick something in there and get it spinning?
And, my ultra-n00b, but "be safe" question.. any risk of electrical problems doing this? I imagine I just tape the button down, it starts humming, then I stick something in there and prompt/nudge the fan?
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07-31-2011, 10:43 AM | #99 |
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Or it's possible that the blower motor completely seized up, then you're screwed unless you can find a place that sells replacements that is open on Sunday or a service company that has the one you need on hand.
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07-31-2011, 10:47 AM | #100 | |
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And I'd just use my hand, give it a good spin and get it the hell out of there. |
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07-31-2011, 10:50 AM | #101 |
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Bug, you are a God among men. I went down there, removed the filter piece (giving me access to the fan), and put the front "gate" on the opening that has the fuse box and fan in it. This depressed the button, and I saw the fan start to attempt to spin... reached in, gave about a half spin (handy-dandy knob sticking out of the middle), and all is cool. You just got me sex tonight, methinks. And for that, I say: my rep... take it.
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07-31-2011, 10:51 AM | #102 |
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Awesome. That cap is definitely bad then. What about the screeching noise, is that still present?
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07-31-2011, 10:57 AM | #103 | |
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07-31-2011, 10:59 AM | #104 |
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No, it's intermittent to be sure. When it does happen (probably about 25% of the time... has yet to do it today though) it's SUPER loud... imagine like what a fanbelt on a car sounds like when it screeches. Can hear it throughout the house. Not sure what it's all about.. light doesn't appear to show anything in there impeding the fan (which could also explain the difficulty starting).
What do you think a replacement start capacitor would run us? Is it something a novice could do? I'm always looking to learn more about home improvement, as a young homeowner.
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07-31-2011, 10:59 AM | #105 |
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I'll take it where I can get it.
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