Air Conditioning - OK, just one more question??

What does it mean when there is cold air coming out of the top of the outside compressor? Thanks

Hard to tell. Is it actually cold air or just not hot ?? Are you having some type of problem with your a/c unit ?

Yes, actually, I turned it on the other night and it, at least I thought, would start to show some cooling within an hour, at least a degree, but that night after an hour it never cycled off and the temp didnt drop at all. Do you think I should give it more time? I was thinking tonight I would turn it on and check for the hot/cold thing on the pipes outside by the unit.

Check both pipes to the outside unit. The larger diameter should be cold. Report back and we can advise.

OK, I came home tonight, a much less humid night and turned on the AC. It has been running, non stop, for almost three hours. Keep in mind it is the hottest time of the day. The temp has not dropped at all. I went outside and checked the lines. One is somewhat cold, not freeze your hand off cold but cold, the other was a little warm. I then came inside and took a flash light to a vent that is right near the A-coil. It is partially frozen on the flat surface and both ends (with the loopy things) are covered with white looking frost/frozen stuff. Can anybody help? I am going to turn it off again and suffer until I can figure out what to do. Oh, I even washed off the outside condensor. It wasnt real dirty but it looks better now. Please give me you input, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Again, Marsha

Frost is caused by one of only two things. You are either low on refrigerant or have an airflow problem. If filters have been changed regularly & all vents (intake & outlet) are open & not blocked or otherwise restricted, you are probably low on refrigerant. Judging from your previous posts in this thread, I would say there is a good chance you are low on refrigerant. You need to call a certified/qualified tech to check it.

Thanks for the input Grady. I was wondering if cleaning the a-coil would be a good idea before I call a tech? I know it has never been done in the last 8 years Ive owned the house. The a-coil was not replaced when we replaced the outside compressor. It worked for two summers but now this. Do I clean just one side of the a-coil? I can get at one side from the vent that is in the sheet metal enclosure around it. Do I need to kill the power at the fuse box? Or is just turning it off at the thermostat enough? Thanks again, Marsha

Cleaning the coil can't hurt. You need to clean the inlet side of the coil at least. For saftey sake, turn off the power at the breaker.

How do I know what the inlet side is?