Air Conditioning - How can I diagnose an AC problem
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : How can I diagnose an AC problem
julioprimo
07-11-08, 08:45 AM
Our AC unit has failed. The blower (inside) does its job, but I believe the problem is with the condensing unit (outside). If I turn the AC on I hear what seems to be a relay (contactor?) turning on. I hear nothing else. The compressor does not turn on, nor does the fan. After about 10-15 seconds I hear the relay trip again. This time I also hear the circuit breaker around the corner of the house also trip. At this point if I try to reset the breaker it trips immediately. I can repeat this same process if I leave the breaker off, turn of the AC, turn the breaker back on, and turn the AC on.
I opened up the condensing unit thinking it might be some critter that did damage to the system. I cleaned out all the bugs, webs, etc. but still got the same results. I am hoping it is something outside of the compressor unit - like the contactor-relay or capacitor. I do not see a fuse anywhere (could that be inside the house?).
The model number of the Goodman unit is CK60-1C. I am not sure how old this unit is - I am guessing about 8 yrs old by the look of the house (we just bought it a few months ago).
I opened up the condensing unit thinking it might be some critter that did damage to the system. I cleaned out all the bugs, webs, etc. but still got the same results. I am hoping it is something outside of the compressor unit - like the contactor-relay or capacitor. I do not see a fuse anywhere (could that be inside the house?).
The model number of the Goodman unit is CK60-1C. I am not sure how old this unit is - I am guessing about 8 yrs old by the look of the house (we just bought it a few months ago).
jim-connor
07-11-08, 08:49 AM
Sounds like you need a technician to look at it.
julioprimo
07-11-08, 10:04 AM
Sounds like you need a technician to look at it.(from this thread)
Kind of defeats the "do it yourself" theme, however. (from a different thread)
Sounds good; I have no qualms about calling a technician, but I think I would also like to know *why* I should be calling a technician instead of blindly doing so. If it is a compressor I understand the need for calling a tech, but I would like to know how this is deduced. If it is a contactor or capacitor - I would also like to know how it is determined that this is the problem area.
Kind of defeats the "do it yourself" theme, however. (from a different thread)
Sounds good; I have no qualms about calling a technician, but I think I would also like to know *why* I should be calling a technician instead of blindly doing so. If it is a compressor I understand the need for calling a tech, but I would like to know how this is deduced. If it is a contactor or capacitor - I would also like to know how it is determined that this is the problem area.
JPicasso
07-11-08, 10:48 AM
I'm just an average Joe, but since you are blowing a fuse, it is probably a problem with the compressor.
However, replacing the capacitor would only set you back $30, so I'd do that first.
since you hear the contactor operating, it's probably not bad, but you could check the continuity of the supply voltage with an OHM meter *WITH THE FUSE OUT* (or circuit breaker off). You don't want to eat 220Volts. check one line open, then check with the relay pushed in.
Careful around both parts, high voltage.
Another suggestion, since you just bought the house, might be a good idea to get acquainted with the AC guy anyways, and get your system a look-over.
However, replacing the capacitor would only set you back $30, so I'd do that first.
since you hear the contactor operating, it's probably not bad, but you could check the continuity of the supply voltage with an OHM meter *WITH THE FUSE OUT* (or circuit breaker off). You don't want to eat 220Volts. check one line open, then check with the relay pushed in.
Careful around both parts, high voltage.
Another suggestion, since you just bought the house, might be a good idea to get acquainted with the AC guy anyways, and get your system a look-over.