• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

It was 110° today and our air conditioner just broke

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
What's wrong with the A/C? Compressor, contactor, coils.....?? What is it not doing?
 
You can come "chill" at my place.

Of course, by the time you get here you could have repaired the damn thing yourself.
 
Quite a few HVAC techs (check the phone book) will work on Sundays, but expect to pay $150+/hour. Your best bet would be to get a hotel room tonight and call one in the morning (or better yet, call tonight and get the appointment).
 
Originally posted by: John
What's wrong with the A/C? Compressor, contactor, coils.....?? What is it not doing?
Click to expand...

The outdoor unit with the big fan is just not doing anything.

What a miserable night, there's no breeze so opening windows didn't help. Sunrise is coolest part of the day which is right now so it's going to start warming up.

Yeah, I'll be amking a few calls in a bit.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: John
What's wrong with the A/C? Compressor, contactor, coils.....?? What is it not doing?
Click to expand...

The outdoor unit with the big fan is just not doing anything.

What a miserable night, there's no breeze so opening windows didn't help. Sunrise is coolest part of the day which is right now so it's going to start warming up.

Yeah, I'll be amking a few calls in a bit.
Click to expand...

If it won't reset then it sounds like a bad contactor which is not uncommon. Part is about $20 and labor will set you back 2-10 times that much. 😛
 

Make sure you have power to the AC indoor/out door unit (power breaker) press reset button and wait 5 minutes. Check the low voltage line (12V or 24V) on both ends if your unit have it. Also check the sending & receiving circuit boards & fuse if it is not working after the previous checks. Replace fuse if it is the culprit and find the wirings that has shorted it out, test the circuit board and replace if the unit is less than 8 years old, replace the AC unit if it is 10 years or older because the copper piping is wearing thin and will develop leaks soon.

PS. Where can I send you the bill 😉

 
Originally posted by: John
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: John
What's wrong with the A/C? Compressor, contactor, coils.....?? What is it not doing?
Click to expand...

The outdoor unit with the big fan is just not doing anything.

What a miserable night, there's no breeze so opening windows didn't help. Sunrise is coolest part of the day which is right now so it's going to start warming up.

Yeah, I'll be amking a few calls in a bit.
Click to expand...

If it won't reset then it sounds like a bad contactor which is not uncommon. Part is about $20 and labor will set you back 2-10 times that much. 😛
Click to expand...
Normally a bad contactor/relay forces the compressor to run non stop & eventually will burn it out (dirty filters will also forces the pump to run & burn it out). Thermostat/wiring/circuit board is the culprit if the blower fan runs but the outside unit is not running.

 
I'm having a much worse time....I'm at my parent's house for a week, and my dad is too cheap to turn on the A/C, it's 111 fvcking degrees -.-
 
Originally posted by: JinLien
Normally a bad contactor/relay forces the compressor to run non stop & eventually will burn it out (dirty filters will also forces the pump to run & burn it out). Thermostat/wiring/circuit board is the culprit if the blower fan runs but the outside unit is not running.
Click to expand...

Obviously you have much more HVAC experience than I do. My RUUD unit is 5 years old and in those 5 years I have blown approx. 4 contactors. The unit outside will only make a nasty arcing noise when the contactor blows; the fan and the compressor do not power on at all. This last time the A/C tech used a nice Hammerton Cutler "sealed" contactor so that bugs and the elements stay out. He gave me the box in case I choose to replace it myself next time. I have not had a problem since..knock on wood.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
It's in the mid 80's outside right now at almost midnight. HOW.........THE HELL........am I going to get a new air conditioner........IN JULY......ON SUNDAY!?
Click to expand...

Home Depot
Walmart
Kmart
Sears
True Value,
Ace Hardware
etc.
 
I'm in 90's degrees Seattle suffering in my room with only a fan to blow warm air onto me. Well at least i'm not the only one suffering. Misery loves company 🙂
 
1) buy a decent DMM. a good one will last you forever if you don't abuse it.
2) check for power at compressor and work back from there.
 
Went to Monterey early in the morning (California) after hearing about the weather being the hottest today for this year in the area of Santa Clara/San Jose. Perfect weather along the coast, didn't go over 80, and the beaches were crowded. Just came home an hour ago to beat traffic (and boy was there a lot of it in the opposite direction) to 104 degree weather, close to 40% humidity, and a blackout at home and in many parts of the city...bleh. Should've stayed in Monterey til late night, oh well.
 
Update: Earliest repair service available is Tuesday...........OF NEXT WEEK. I spent my spare time today arranging estimates for a new compressor because, ideally, I'll just replace this old one with something brand new and high efficiency rather than dropped $250 or more on repair costs. With rebates and energy savings, I might be able to recoup the cost in a few years.

Oddly, it looks like it will actually be QUICKER to get the new compressor than repair the old one, but we'll see tomorrow.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Update: Earliest repair service available is Tuesday...........OF NEXT WEEK. I spent my spare time today arranging estimates for a new compressor because, ideally, I'll just replace this old one with something brand new and high efficiency rather than dropped $250 or more on repair costs. With rebates and energy savings, I might be able to recoup the cost in a few years.

Oddly, it looks like it will actually be QUICKER to get the new compressor than repair the old one, but we'll see tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Um, if there is something wrong with the compressor, it is probably not worth the cost to repair. Also, unless something has changed techs never repair compressors, that is something only the manufacturer can do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top