Air Conditioning Problem

[CaliforniaChief]

Hey all.

So I noticed after dinner that the fan is running but the compressor wasn't...just blowing warm air.

I turned the system off, and back on. No change.

I checked the main fuse box, turned them off and back on. No change.

Then I went to the AC Fuse box, pulled it out, re-secured the fuses in their slots and put it back in...and bingo, it worked.

Then I noticed about 20 minutes later that it's off again and the fan is still blowing, back at square one.

Ideas?

[Grim]

Originally Posted by kepp

So our AC stopped working yesterday. The fan on the unit outside isn't spinning. I took the cover off and the two LED lights are blinking slowly in unison and that doesn't change when the thermostat tries to turn the system on. When the system clicks on air is blowing from the vents (because of the fan on the inside unit, I assume), but there is a pretty loud buzzing sound coming from the fan motor (best as I can tell at least). I'm attaching a pic of the motor description. How much should this cost? It seems like I should be able to swap this out myself if I can find a replacement, no?

these guys have it for $170.
https://acpartsdistributors.com/inde...ducts_id=34571

Give Grainger a call. They might have it in stock.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I just pulled the fuses and re-inserted them, and the unit ran again. So that could still mean the capacitor is out? I'd better call Doc Brown.

I don't think so...the run cap gives the unit enough juice to start the condensor. If it's fried, pulling fuses shouldn't help. But they are easy enough to replace you might as well do it. Get an oversized one.

[kepp]

Originally Posted by Grim

these guys have it for $170.
https://acpartsdistributors.com/inde...ducts_id=34571

Give Grainger a call. They might have it in stock.

Thanks. Yeah, Grainger has similar motors in stock. I'm going to check the capacitor first.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by kepp

So our AC stopped working yesterday. The fan on the unit outside isn't spinning. I took the cover off and the two LED lights are blinking slowly in unison and that doesn't change when the thermostat tries to turn the system on. When the system clicks on air is blowing from the vents (because of the fan on the inside unit, I assume), but there is a pretty loud buzzing sound coming from the fan motor (best as I can tell at least). I'm attaching a pic of the motor description. How much should this cost? It seems like I should be able to swap this out myself if I can find a replacement, no?

THIS is a bad cap.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by kepp

I'm not sure. How can I tell?

And the motor isn't seized up or anything. I can turn the blades fine. Not sure if that matters.

You'd be able to hear it. I'd start with the cap, it's cheaper and easier to replace and very likely the problem

[Bugeater]

With the system turned on, try to stick a screwdriver through the top and give the fan a boost, if it starts up, it's a bad cap.

[kepp]

I took the CAP out...is there any way to visibly tell if it's bad? Probably not. I don't have a multi-meter. I suppose I can run it by Grainger and they can test it and sell me another one.

Can I buy a more "heavy duty" capacitor? Something that won't crap out every other year. Mine is a "Beacon" brand, 45 + 5 MFD +10/-5% 440VAC 50/60HZ CD45/5X440R

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by Baconeater

Buzzing is probably from the contactor being energized. My money is on a bad capacitor, they get to popping this time of year.

This right here is the easiest and cheapest place to start. Check the capacitor to see if it looks disfigured. A lot of times, but not always the capacitor will end up deformed. The top or bottom may be swollen. A new capacitor from a local supply house should be less than $10 and maybe even $5 depending on size and such.
If it is just the outdoor condensing fan that has went out you should still get cold air for a few minutes, time for the refrigerant to complete a cycle or two before the air goes warm again.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by Baconeater

Buzzing is probably from the contactor being energized. My money is on a bad capacitor, they get to popping this time of year.

This. Its an easy fix.

Turn system off until repairs are made so no other damage occurs.

[kepp]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

This right here is the easiest and cheapest place to start. Check the capacitor to see if it looks disfigured. A lot of times, but not always the capacitor will end up deformed. The top or bottom may be swollen. A new capacitor from a local supply house should be less than $10 and maybe even $5 depending on size and such.
If it is just the outdoor condensing fan that has went out you should still get cold air for a few minutes, time for the refrigerant to complete a cycle or two before the air goes warm again.

The capacitor looks shiny new...no swelling or other noticeable deformities. I'll go get one anyway.

[The Franchise]

Is it ok to spray down the AC unit that's outside? The AC tech said that I should spray it down to get all of the years of dirt off of it.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Is it ok to spray down the AC unit that's outside? The AC tech said that I should spray it down to get all of the years of dirt off of it.

Yes it's recommended, shut the system down at the thermostat and the breaker before you do it though.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Baconeater

Yes it's recommended, shut the system down at the thermostat and the breaker before you do it though.

Cool....thanks.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by kepp

I took the CAP out...is there any way to visibly tell if it's bad? Probably not. I don't have a multi-meter. I suppose I can run it by Grainger and they can test it and sell me another one.

Can I buy a more "heavy duty" capacitor? Something that won't crap out every other year. Mine is a "Beacon" brand, 45 + 5 MFD +10/-5% 440VAC 50/60HZ CD45/5X440R

The blades being able to spin is only an indicator that the motor is not locked up, it really doesn't mean much.
Make sure the supply house gives you a 440 VAC back not a 370 VAC!!!! If you ever have a 370VAC and are replacing the cap then replace it with a 440VAC cap, they work the same but the 440 lasts longer.
Try not to get a MARS brand cap they are the cheapest junkiest stuff out there.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Is it ok to spray down the AC unit that's outside? The AC tech said that I should spray it down to get all of the years of dirt off of it.

Originally Posted by Baconeater

Yes it's recommended, shut the system down at the thermostat and the breaker before you do it though.

Absolutely. You should clean your outdoor unit annually or more, depending on if the grass clippings get cut or blown to the unit and such.
When cleaning the outdoor pay attention to the aluminum fins. Do not go across the direction that the fins run, with any pressure or it could bend the fins causing you to lose efficiency immediately and life on the unit if enough get folded or bent over causing a restriction. They make combs to straighten the fins if this occurs.