Air Conditioning - A/C Help needed

Today our A/c started acting strange. First I smelled something that smelled like plastic...I know, very vague. Then I noticed the A/C didnt sound as powerful as it usually does. I increased the set temp to make it turn off, waited and then lowered the set temp. It didnt come on, but made a click. I turned it off, and then tried again... a click and then it tried to start but didnt. We checked the breakers, and reset them. It then came on, but again didnt sound very powerful. It was blowing cold air, and the outside unit was running. Tonight it continued this pattern, with shorter cycles. It would cycle off before reaching the set temp on the thermostat. I decided to turn it off for the night, did some looking and it has condensation on the outside of the air handler. Plus that closet where it is located is freezing cold. Is there something I can do, or do I need to call for service?

Brandi

Today our A/c started acting strange. First I smelled something that smelled like plastic...I know, very vague. Then I noticed the A/C didnt sound as powerful as it usually does. I increased the set temp to make it turn off, waited and then lowered the set temp. It didnt come on, but made a click. I turned it off, and then tried again... a click and then it tried to start but didnt. We checked the breakers, and reset them. It then came on, but again didnt sound very powerful. It was blowing cold air, and the outside unit was running. Tonight it continued this pattern, with shorter cycles. It would cycle off before reaching the set temp on the thermostat. I decided to turn it off for the night, did some looking and it has condensation on the outside of the air handler. Plus that closet where it is located is freezing cold. Is there something I can do, or do I need to call for service?

Brandi


most likely the coil inside the air handler is frozen, if so turn the ac off and leave the fan in the ON position to help thaw out the ice(be sure that your drain line is clear and lay some towels around the air handler as the thawing will bring more water than the drain can typically handle). then be sure that all your vents are open, any dampers that might be on the supply ducting above the air handler are open, and that the air filter is new or clean, and that all your intake grilles are not blocked. afterwards when the ice thaws run the ac again for a while and check to see if the coil is icing over again. if so then you will need to call for service because a refrigerant problem is more than likely the issue and you must be qualified to diagnose this.

Could be a couple things. It sounds like your system has froze-up. This is usually caused by low freon or low air flow (sometimes both). Since the blower did not start (you mentioned click), it's also possible you have a bad blower motor, bad capacitor, or even a bad relay. Filters and freon charge as mentioned in previous post still remain a strong possibility.

You need a tech to look at it. In the mean time, shut it down to save the compressor.

what jim-connor had said are actually right

Ok, I tried what was suggested...I turned the fan on but the A/c off. It comes on with a dull and weak hum, and no air is blowing from the vents. The same for when I turn on the heater. When I turn on the A/C, cold air blows as it always has. Any thoughts? I have some time for more troubleshooting since it is cool outside.

Brandi

I dont get how the fan can come on with the AC and not come on when you turn it on at the tstat. That would be the same fan relay

. First I smelled something that smelled like plastic.

Was this inside or on the outside of the home

The plastic smell was inside. I took off the front cover of the inside unit, but it looks like just the heater there. It just seems like the inside fan is not working. My unit is in a closet between 2 rooms, with an intake vent/grate on each side of the wall. One side is drawing air in pretty good when the A/C is on, but the other is not. I am judging this by the air pulling the filter snuggly to the rim of the opening. I may be able to crawl in there and look with a flashlight to see if there is something up there????? If the inside fan is not working, would that account for the heater not coming on when I try that?

Brandi

the compressor and fan mortor work or not when you turn on the heater ?if not ,it maybe Indoor tube temp sensor abnormal.