Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Blows fine...But no heat!?

Good evening all!
I have a carrier heating system (central air) located under the house. (actually, I have a system in the attic too, but it is working fine) The fan kicks on when it is supposed to (in other words, the thermastat is working correctly), and the air that comes out of the vents is warm when it first starts. But after a short while, the air coming from the vents is cool. Any thoughts from the experts? Thanks!

Semper Fi,
Bob

What your fuel source? Gas? Oil? or is it Heat pump?

Two system? You have a two story home?

Jay,
We have a 2 story home. Their is a system upstairs and down. The only one showing any problems is the one that heats the downstairs that is located under the house - and it is electric.
Thanks!
Bob

No heat pump? (Outdoor unit runs in the winter).

Check to make sure all of your breaker/fuse are on for the electric strip heat.

You may have to crawl down in there and get to the unit and check the furance air handler to make sure all of your heat strips are working.

If you have a meter check to make sure the strips are getting power (220volts) and if have a amp meter, check the amprage.

If this is a heat pump you could be low on freon If its warm to start and cools down. All electric filter clean?? Can strips be going off on limit?;) ED

Sorry for the lack of information...But you are right, it is a heat pump. How do you check the freon level? If the A/C works - does that rule it out as a problem? It is supposed to be 73 today - so its a good day to try that.

Thanks,
Bob

You have to get a hvac tech to check out the freon. I think I would have it looked at by a tech;) ED

Results after Tech....Need Advice!
Thanks for your help all...Here was the news from the Tech...

He found the compressor with a locked rotor. Since my model is an '88, he recommends replaceing the whole unit for about $1000...Does that sound right? My wife paid $65 for the call, but if we buy the unit from them, the $65 goes towards the unit. Would anyone here recommend just replacing the compressor? How hard is that? His advice, due to the age of our Carrier, was to replace it.

Thanks!!!
Bob

At 16 years old I would highly reccomend replacing the entire unit. New outdoor unit and indoor coil as a matched set. Don't buy just a compressor or just an outdoor unit.

Also get a 2nd opinion since you do say you get some heat at 1st. Are you sure the compressor isn't running and it's just low on refrigerant?

Either way 16 years old isn't worth sinking to much money into.

Ok 16 years on a heat pump. Thats like 32 years on an A/C unit.I for one would go for a new unit here. Also dont forget to get the inside coil new at the same time and check the line set for size. With the new SEER and COP for the A/C and heatpumps you do want a match set here. Try and get 3 bid for the job if you can. Id stay with freon 22 for it. That is good to 2030.
Yes compressor can be replaced not hard to do but no payback.Whole new unit cost more $$ but there is a payback with the higher SEER.;) ED

Thanks!! I just got a quote of $1040 for a 10 Seer Payne (my old carrier was around a 9). Am I in the ball park here?

Semper Fi,
Bob

semper fi, bob
jump on it, i would get $1350 MINIMUM for that unit in atlanta seen them go for over $2000.

Bob,

They are replacing the indoor coil as well, and maybe the line sets?

if your gonna be there for 10 years, get at least a 14 seer, contact the utility debt and see what the rebate offer is, this will offset the extra cost in most cases....

I agree with HVAC on upgrading the SEER rating of your unit.. You'll save more on your electric bill.