Central A/C question?

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Is it possible that I need the freon replaced in my home central a/c? House is 10 years old. I had the motor replaced on the outside portion about 4 years ago and I recall the service guy saying that the freon was fine. We kicked the a/c on yesterday, seemed to work fine, today it is blowing cool but not cold air. Completely removed the filter just to make sure that wasn't it. I'm going to let it run for a little while longer just to make sure that wasn't it. Checked all the breakers, went into the attic to make sure everything was turning on. I'm stumped. Thanks.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Oh, and as a side note, anybody in the Temecula area take care of this type of thing?

 

[Guest]

Is it possible that I need the freon replaced in my home central a/c? House is 10 years old. I had the motor replaced on the outside portion about 4 years ago and I recall the service guy saying that the freon was fine. We kicked the a/c on yesterday, seemed to work fine, today it is blowing cool but not cold air. Completely removed the filter just to make sure that wasn't it. I'm going to let it run for a little while longer just to make sure that wasn't it. Checked all the breakers, went into the attic to make sure everything was turning on. I'm stumped. Thanks.

Freon does not go bad.....It may be low due to a leak.....which would need to be fixed....another thing to check is the condensor coil..(outside unit)....If there is somehing restricting airflow such as leaves or dirt build up on the coil...it will affect cooling as well..

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Good to know. There's nothing blocking the condenser, I even sprayed it down good with the hose just to make sure. Looks like a service call is in order. Is it possible that freon leaked? Is that common? Never had a problem until today.

 

[mike37]

most likely low on freon

how is the air flow if its low you may need to clean cold air coil at the FAU

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

most likely low on freon

how is the air flow if its low you may need to clean cold air coil at the FAU

Airflow feels excellent. Just not cold. More cool than anything. Not as warm as the air going in, but nowhere near what you'd call cool.

 

[mike37]

Airflow feels excellent. Just not cold. More cool than anything. Not as warm as the air going in, but nowhere near what you'd call cool.

have the system checked it probably needs a recharge check for leaks

 

[digger]

Start up and run the unit for at least 10 min. Then go outside and feel the largest of the two copper lines at the unit. The big line should be cold, if it is your freon charge should be fine.
If it's not quite a bit cooler that the ambient temp its most likely low, if its frosting over you have a air flow problem.

 

[westair]

Airflow feels excellent. Just not cold. More cool than anything. Not as warm as the air going in, but nowhere near what you'd call cool.

Is the outdoor compressor actually running or just the condenser fan, that would be the first thing to check. The air might seem a little cool just because its moving. If it is a leak it must be a big one to work great one day and then not the next, but that would make it easier to find.

 

[TPC]

Start up and run the unit for at least 10 min. Then go outside and feel the largest of the two copper lines at the unit. The big line should be cold, if it is your freon charge should be fine.
If it's not quite a bit cooler that the ambient temp its most likely low, if its frosting over you have a air flow problem.

There it is.
probably needs a charge, and listen if the compressor is coming on with the fan outside.
If you see the BIG copper line iceing, you definately have a low charge
You can still have an inadequate charge even if it isnt iceing though.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Is the outdoor compressor actually running or just the condenser fan, that would be the first thing to check. The air might seem a little cool just because its moving. If it is a leak it must be a big one to work great one day and then not the next, but that would make it easier to find.

How would I tell if the compressor is working? Can I hear it. My wife said that it was not working good either yesterday. I didn't turn it on yesterday until late afternoon, I don't think it was as warm as it was today. Must have been my imagination about it working fine yesterday.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Start up and run the unit for at least 10 min. Then go outside and feel the largest of the two copper lines at the unit. The big line should be cold, if it is your freon charge should be fine.
If it's not quite a bit cooler that the ambient temp its most likely low, if its frosting over you have a air flow problem.

I'll do this now.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

I don't hear the compressor running. I only hear the fan turn on. Both lines that run into the fan are normal temperature after 10 minutes.

 

[digger]

Check the breaker to the condensing unit. Should be a double 40 or 50 amp breaker in your electrical panel at the meter.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Check the breaker to the condensing unit. Should be a double 40 or 50 amp breaker in your electrical panel at the meter.

I already checked them earlier, no problems.

Here's a question. There's a small panel right at the condensing unit with a pullout style buss bar. If I remove that, the fan won't turn on. If I turn the A/C on with that removed, I hear a hum or buzz like something's trying to kick on. Is that the condensing unit I hear?

 

[Yellowboat]

I already checked them earlier, no problems.

Here's a question. There's a small panel right at the condensing unit with a pullout style buss bar. If I remove that, the fan won't turn on. If I turn the A/C on with that removed, I hear a hum or buzz like something's trying to kick on. Is that the condensing unit I hear?

there should be a pair of stick fuses in that panel as well. One should be for the fan/ blower and the other for the a/c. its worth checking.(don't think thats the prob, but 30 second test with a multi meter is better then a $100 bill for a $2 fuse.)

 

[digger]

If your outdoor fan is running you have 220 v to the unit. The buzz / hum you hear is most likely your compressor contactor, they normally do that.
Most older tract units don't have hi/lo pressure switches so about the only thing to keep your compressor from running would be a burnt off wire from the contactor, a compressor terminal or a open winding in the compressor. Maybe a bad run capacitor?
Then again it could have lost its charge and the compressor is off on its internal heat sensor.
Whats the make and model number of your condensing unit?

 

[rrrr]

I already checked them earlier, no problems.

Here's a question. There's a small panel right at the condensing unit with a pullout style buss bar. If I remove that, the fan won't turn on. If I turn the A/C on with that removed, I hear a hum or buzz like something's trying to kick on. Is that the condensing unit I hear?

The buzzing is the coil of the 24 volt contactor that turns on the compressor and condenser fan. It's powered by a 120/24 volt transformer inside your air handler.

Turn off the out door unit and air handler breakers for 10 minutes and then turn them back on. There is a chance (although remote) that the compressor high head pressure switch has tripped. If your unit has an electronic control board in it, removing power may reset the tripped condition.

Look inside the outdoor unit and examine the piping. If you see oil around a joint or device, it indicates a freon leak. The refrigerant has oil circulating in it to lubricate the compressor.

 

[shippingguy]

Oh, and as a side note, anybody in the Temecula area take care of this type of thing?

Call my buddy Jeremy Reese at 951-973-2227. He is my neighbor and good friend. He runs his own company. Tell him Mike Brambilla sent you.

Mike

 

[whiteworks]

here are my thoughts, you may need to install a hard start kit. I had a brand new trane system that worked perfect, the first time it got warm this year I turned it on and no cold air. It seems that the condensor was not firing up and needed a little more juice to get it to go.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

here are my thoughts, you may need to install a hard start kit. I had a brand new trane system that worked perfect, the first time it got warm this year I turned it on and no cold air. It seems that the condensor was not firing up and needed a little more juice to get it to go.

That sounds like something right up my alley. More juice. Finally, a problem I can throw money at.

Seriously, I just called Mike's buddy Jeremy. I told him I used to sleep with mrs. shippingguy, so hopefully I'll get the hook up on price. Thanks Mike.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Anybody have any guesstimates on my best and worst case scenario for a repair of this type?

 

[Deleted Account]

Anybody have any guesstimates on my best and worst case scenario for a repair of this type?

Will this be before or after the ER Bills once Mr. SG shows up?

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Will this be before or after the ER Bills once Mr. SG shows up?

I'm banking on the fact that he will have limited mobility in his Ultra shirt.

 

[Deleted Account]

I'm banking on the fact that he will have limited mobility in his Ultra shirt.

:beer:thumbsup

 

[whiteworks]

Anybody have any guesstimates on my best and worst case scenario for a repair of this type?

absoulute worst case 10-12K

 

[dezertrider]

Measure the air going into your indoor unit and measure the air coming out.
you should have a 15-20 degree differential. 20 being the best. If you have over 20 degree you probably have an air restriction. Also the out door unit should be blowing air hotter then ambient temp. Your outdoor fan can still run while the compressor does not. The compressor does all the cooling.

If you hear it hummm then click and the humming stops turn it off. For some reason the compressor cant start and if you let it continue with the Humming the compressor will destroy its self

 

[ChumpChange]

Anybody have any guesstimates on my best and worst case scenario for a repair of this type?

Worst case is that it somehow gets to 110 degrees tomorrow and your AC is still not working.

 

[shippingguy]

That sounds like something right up my alley. More juice. Finally, a problem I can throw money at.

Seriously, I just called Mike's buddy Jeremy. I told him I used to sleep with mrs. shippingguy, so hopefully I'll get the hook up on price. Thanks Mike.

If he has not called you back yet he will be shortly. I will let the Mrs. know you said hi!!:beer

 

[where's my keyes ?]

www.rohanandsonsinc.com --- we love temecula ask for deano

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

If he has not called you back yet he will be shortly. I will let the Mrs. know you said hi!!:beer

I called at 8:45 and it's now 3:20. No call back. I actually talked to him, not left a voice mail.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

www.rohanandsonsinc.com --- we love temecula ask for deano

What's the chances somebody could look at it tomorrow?

 

[Deleted Account]

What's the chances somebody could look at it tomorrow?

If that doesn't work just unhook it and we'll shoot it up tomorrow...

 

[mike37]

What's the chances somebody could look at it tomorrow?

just sack up and live with the heat

 

[Pivot]

2 story house right?May as well throw my .02$ in.The refrig oil has migrated back to the compressor since you havent been using it.The compressor wont start,its kinda locked up.call me tommorrow,I have a friend who live right next to you,if he isnt busy im sure he will swing by.My cell is in your message box....steve

 

[Tom Brown]

The refrig oil has migrated back to the compressor since you havent been using it.

I'm sure your HVAC guys would use extreme diligence and bend the required oil traps into the line set at the recommended intervals. Few of our guys up here, however, know which end goes in the plenum and which end goes outside.

How many used cars are sold with the line, "A/C works great! Topped it up last year... blew cool most of the summer... just needs to be topped up to run great for you... but wait until just before you need it."

 

[Pivot]

I'm sure all of your HVAC guys would use extreme diligence and bend the required oil traps into the line set at the recommended intervals.

How many used cars are sold with the line, "A/C works great! Topped it up last year... blew cool most of the summer... just needs to be topped up to run great for you... but wait until just before you need it."

Every 10 vertical feet right?I install the crap and my tract house doesnt have a trap.If the ac sits for a few weeks the compressor sounds like a chainsaw when it starts up.Makes me crazy knowing it needs one but im not gonna cut into the walls to do it

 

[Deleted Account]

SWB knows iPods and you know Hvac RiverRoyal... Hmm.:hmm

 

[Tom Brown]

If it gets to the point where you can't stand it, repairing a hole in drywall is pretty easy.

Here is a video that shows an easy drywall patch technique. It works just as well for large patches. The guy uses way too much mud at the end. There's no need for all that. A light filler (instafill type product) will allow blending of the edges with extremely little sanding.

[video=youtube;-zop6ND1h4o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zop6ND1h4o[/video]

... or you could tell your neighbors you're a Stihl dealer.

 

[Pivot]

drywall on you tube!!

 

[Nord]

Hey SWBSP..........

When you have everything running, does your outside fan blow warm air or cool air out of the top???

I would turn off the breakers to the outside stick fuses and replace both of them. I did this and it saved me a ton of money, but mine was blowing cold air outside!

 

[Pivot]

SWB knows iPods and you know Hvac RiverRoyal... Hmm.:hmm

Im not real good at refrigerant systems in homes though.But if you need A/C in a 20 story building or callaway style warehouses then Im a jeanous

 

[digger]

Oil is suppose to return to the compressor, it doesn't migrate like freon. Migration is where the refrigerant vapor will condense into a liquid in the compressor under certain conditions and you end up with a crankcase full of liquid refrigerant. A crankcase heater will take care of that problem. Anyhow I don't think that would be the problem here. That would most likely cause the breaker trip.

 

[where's my keyes ?]

What's the chances somebody could look at it tomorrow?

real good ... call me in the am - 949-246-6117 or 800-491-1361

 

[where's my keyes ?]

Hey SWBSP..........

When you have everything running, does your outside fan blow warm air or cool air out of the top???

I would turn off the breakers to the outside stick fuses and replace both of them. I did this and it saved me a ton of money, but mine was blowing cold air outside!

bbwwaahhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa hey lone ranger, stick to picking up the horse shit, wearing those really tight jeans, with that huge ass belt buckle and walking around with that stiff ass obnoxious shirt :smackhead

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

real good ... call me in the am - 949-246-6117 or 800-491-1361

He called back about 4 and said he'd call me later to get directions and my address. I'm still waiting. We'll see if he calls early because he said he'd be by "first thing like 8am." I'll be calling you at 8:30 if he hasn't called by then.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Huge thanks to digger. He's Hal, the old school A/C guy from hotboat. He's retired now, but offered to come help me out. He helped me out with a bad fan motor about four years ago at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. He came right out this morning, found a small leak from the fitting at freon filler outside and low freon. Recharged the system and tightened everything up. Even went into the attic to check the unit for leaks. Working like a charm so far. I like to give work to people on these boards, glad I could throw my money at a boater that provides such prompt service.

Of course, today it's 67 inside, so I don't really need the A/C.

 

[2Driver]

Huge thanks to digger. He's Hal, the old school A/C guy from hotboat. He's retired now, but offered to come help me out. He helped me out with a bad fan motor about four years ago at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. He came right out this morning, found a small leak from the fitting at freon filler outside and low freon. Recharged the system and tightened everything up. Even went into the attic to check the unit for leaks. Working like a charm so far. I like to give work to people on these boards, glad I could throw my money at a boater that provides such prompt service.

Of course, today it's 67 inside, so I don't really need the A/C.

Well, I for one learned a bunch about HVAC in this thread. For instance, at the first sign of warm air from your A/C call a reputable serviceman. I think 'll print this off and save it for future troubleshooting.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Well, I for one learned a bunch about HVAC in this thread. For instance, at the first sign of warm air from your A/C call a reputable serviceman. I think 'll print this off and save it for future troubleshooting.

Dude was here and gone in a couple hours. Best money I spent all day. He makes exactly what I make an hour and I worked the entire time he was here.

 

[where's my keyes ?]

hey sponge-bob thanks for considering my company, glad you got it fixed !!! we were ready to go d-no www.rohanandsonsinc.com