Air Conditioning - Dying in the heat :(
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jperras
06-07-05, 07:02 PM
Firstly I would just like to thank anybody that takes the time to read this post and can respond.
Our furnace broke down, and in purchasing a new furnace we also opted for getting the central air installed as well. This was done about 1 and a half years ago. Everything has worked fine until we turned the air conditioner on this year and now we aren't getting any cold air. As far as I can tell, all the equipment seems to be functioning. I've checked the main fuse panel in the house, as well as the small box located outside next to the air conditioner. Also I do hear a click sound when the unit starts up. The fans are blowing. One thing I have noticed is that the copper pipes connected to the air conditioner are not cold at all. Both of them seem to be the same temperature.
What gives? Can there be a problem already on such a new unit? I called the people who installed it to send out a tech. (Direct Energy in Ontario) but the warranty is only for a year, and unfortunatly we can not afford to pay someone to fix it right now. If it's any help the unit is called comfortmaker 1000+. Also the dehumidifier seems to be working fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm really hoping there is a do-it-yourself type of fix for this, otherwise it looks like we will be without air for the summer.
Thanks,
Jason
Our furnace broke down, and in purchasing a new furnace we also opted for getting the central air installed as well. This was done about 1 and a half years ago. Everything has worked fine until we turned the air conditioner on this year and now we aren't getting any cold air. As far as I can tell, all the equipment seems to be functioning. I've checked the main fuse panel in the house, as well as the small box located outside next to the air conditioner. Also I do hear a click sound when the unit starts up. The fans are blowing. One thing I have noticed is that the copper pipes connected to the air conditioner are not cold at all. Both of them seem to be the same temperature.
What gives? Can there be a problem already on such a new unit? I called the people who installed it to send out a tech. (Direct Energy in Ontario) but the warranty is only for a year, and unfortunatly we can not afford to pay someone to fix it right now. If it's any help the unit is called comfortmaker 1000+. Also the dehumidifier seems to be working fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm really hoping there is a do-it-yourself type of fix for this, otherwise it looks like we will be without air for the summer.
Thanks,
Jason
Grady
06-07-05, 07:21 PM
As I understand your post, the furnace fan comes on as does the fan on the outdoor unit. If this is the case, the compressor is either not coming on or there is no refrigerant for it to compress. Before we go any further, are you comfortable working with electric & equipped to do so?
jperras
06-07-05, 08:01 PM
Hi Grady,
You are correct, both fans are working. The problems you have brought up are basically what I have pinned down myself while trying to figure out what's wrong. I was hoping there might be an easy fix to this problem, but by the looks of it I may have been mistaken. I am comfortable with electric work, although my experience is limited to basic wiring within the home, and installing radios into cars. I would like to give it a try though, and will of course take all precautions necessary when doing so. If a simple voltmeter is needed, I can get one.
Thanks,
Jason
You are correct, both fans are working. The problems you have brought up are basically what I have pinned down myself while trying to figure out what's wrong. I was hoping there might be an easy fix to this problem, but by the looks of it I may have been mistaken. I am comfortable with electric work, although my experience is limited to basic wiring within the home, and installing radios into cars. I would like to give it a try though, and will of course take all precautions necessary when doing so. If a simple voltmeter is needed, I can get one.
Thanks,
Jason
Grady
06-07-05, 08:54 PM
First thing is a visual inspection (with the power off) for any broken or burned wires. Next look at the capacitor(s) for any swelling (usually on the top). Capacitors can be either cylinderical or oval with 1/4" male spade connectors on top. If you find a swelled capacitor, remove it & take it with you when you go to get a new one. A word of caution about capacitors: Before trying to remove one, short the terminals with a well insulated screwdriver. Some capacitors will hold a charge & can bite you if they are not discharged via shorting. Let us know what you find.
jperras
06-07-05, 09:07 PM
Grady,
I will try what you have recommended and will post my results tomorrow when I have some spare time to work on it. Thanks for taking the time to help me with this.
-Jason
I will try what you have recommended and will post my results tomorrow when I have some spare time to work on it. Thanks for taking the time to help me with this.
-Jason
jperras
06-08-05, 01:45 PM
Haven't worked on it yet, but someone in my house (against my wishes) decided to let it run continuosly thinking it will take a while to finally get cooling. Well it's been running for over 30 hours now, non-stop, and it definitaly is cooling somewhat, but not fast enough.
Temp. outside: 86 Deg.
Temp inside: 72 Deg.
Desired Temperature: 68 Deg.
I've checked the larger of the two connecting pipes and although not freezing cold, it has definatly gotten a LITTLE bit cooler. I can't see any ice forming anywhere. Can this be a sign that that the freon needs to be charged? If so, the pipes must be leaking, as this is still a fairly new unit.
Do you think if I were to turn the unit off and hose it down with water to clean it might solve the problem?
Once again, thanks for any advice you can provide.
-Jason
Temp. outside: 86 Deg.
Temp inside: 72 Deg.
Desired Temperature: 68 Deg.
I've checked the larger of the two connecting pipes and although not freezing cold, it has definatly gotten a LITTLE bit cooler. I can't see any ice forming anywhere. Can this be a sign that that the freon needs to be charged? If so, the pipes must be leaking, as this is still a fairly new unit.
Do you think if I were to turn the unit off and hose it down with water to clean it might solve the problem?
Once again, thanks for any advice you can provide.
-Jason
Jay11J
06-08-05, 03:06 PM
First of all, WHY 68 for temp???? Brrr! most people here in Mn has it at 76 to 78 for A/C and 68 for heating...
do you know for a fact the compressor is running at all times??
do you know for a fact the compressor is running at all times??
jperras
06-09-05, 12:11 AM
Hi Jay
Why 68 for temp? Well that was what the damn neighbour had his at and suggested we use. Well I've quickly realized that it just way to cold :confused: , and now have it more in line with what you stated.
It seems to be working ok now, coming on and off at what seems like it should. I did not think it would take over a day though to finally start cooling the house to a noticable effect.
The only thing that has me worried is that last year I remember taking a look at the thick copper pipe coming out of the unit, and it was very cold, and full of condensation. Now, it does not seem nearly as cold as last year, and I don't see any water condensing on it at all. Should I be worried?
Thanks,
Jason
Why 68 for temp? Well that was what the damn neighbour had his at and suggested we use. Well I've quickly realized that it just way to cold :confused: , and now have it more in line with what you stated.
It seems to be working ok now, coming on and off at what seems like it should. I did not think it would take over a day though to finally start cooling the house to a noticable effect.
The only thing that has me worried is that last year I remember taking a look at the thick copper pipe coming out of the unit, and it was very cold, and full of condensation. Now, it does not seem nearly as cold as last year, and I don't see any water condensing on it at all. Should I be worried?
Thanks,
Jason
mattison
06-09-05, 05:24 AM
Sometimes it will take 48 hrs or so to get your house down to desired temp. As to setting your stat just pretend there are no numbers on it and set it to where you feel comfy.
Normally the fat line outside will be cool and sweaty. With a system as new as yours I would suggest spending $75 - $100 bucks and get a summer clean and check done on it.
Normally the fat line outside will be cool and sweaty. With a system as new as yours I would suggest spending $75 - $100 bucks and get a summer clean and check done on it.