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Home Central Air

jmbour66

Member
Hello all,

My family and I just got back from a 2 week Vacation and found that our 8 year old Central Air Conditioning unit was not working properly (i.e. not cooling). My question: how hard is it to charge the system, or am should I just call in an HVAC service?
 
Simple to do if you have the tools, testers, and knowledge.....but I agree, call a specialist....plus a warranty is nice.
 
I've diagnosed and fixed mine 3 times in 6yrs. If the compressor is running (humming and sweating), the fan that exhausts the hot air up out of the outside unit is running and the big air handler motor/squirrel cage is spinning pushing air into the house those are the only 3 components I've been able to fix. If all of that is operating call a tech out and have it serviced.

When the compressor wasn't running it was the capacitor and relay had gone out, the electric fan motor was easy enough to test and figure out, the squirrel cage bushings were shot allowing it to bounce around. I don't have any formal HVAC training but fixed it each time for $30-$100 luckily, would have cost 3X + for service. I did call service out 2x for things beyond me - eletrical issue with the attic unit and freon leak.
Good luck, always happens to me on a Sat./Sun. or holiday where the service charge is 2x...
Jon
 
Thanks everybody. I did end up calling and it turned out to be the capacitor......200.00 with service call, or as i like to think of it: 1 new front seat for the stang!

at least it is done and running great!
 
Glad it's working, there are 2 capacitors on the units and it's pretty common for them to go out. Hate to tell you what they cost...which is why I usually try them first.
Jon
 
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