Central Air Problem

[autowasherfreak]

Our central doesn't seem to be working. The unit outside runs, but there is no different in air temp between fan only and cool. I have changed the air filter, but that doesn't seem to help any. I'm thinking it might be out of coolant. Is there anything else I could check?

 

[mark_wpduet]

It does sound like you're out of coolant. If you are out of coolant, their is likely a leak because coolant should stay in the system. It could also be frozen up. Mine was frozen up yet the outside unit still would run but there would barely be in air at all coming out of the vents. Mine actually froze up in the attic part where the air handler is as opposed to the outside unit.

 

[volvoguy87]

Refrigerant.

Go and have a peek at the inside coils. If they're frozen-over, you'll likely need to add refrigerant. Also check the spot where the refrigerant lines come into the coils as they will also freeze over.

Since it's a new-to-you home, just have the HVAC system checked as a precaution,
dave

 

[mysteryclock]

Ours did this about a month ago. THANK GOODNESS it was just a faulty thermostat inside the house that was not turning the compressor on (just the fan.) Once a new one was popped in, everything was fine.

 

[autowasherfreak]

I checked it it's not frozen but almost all the fins on the inside are caked with dirt and leaves. I don't think it has been cleaned for quite some time.

 

[autowasherfreak]

It turns out that the AC had a bad compressor, and it's going to be replaced on Wednesday at no charge to use. It's been nice and cool these past couple of nights and the humidity has gone down some, until it rains again.

 

[whirlcool]

Earlier this year I took the covers off of our a/c unit outside. The inside had at least a foot of old leaves, pine needles (we don't even own any pine trees, but our neighbors do).

It was a nasty mess. Then after all the junk was removed, I mixed a solution of hot water and Dawn and poured it over the coils, let it sit 1/2 hour and then rinsed with a strong garden hose.

You wouldn't believe the dirt that came out between the fins!
Grass clippings, dog hair, all sort of crap. When I was done and everything dried, those coils looked sparkling new. They were even shiny. The house now cools down much faster and runs at least 3 hours less per day.
I hope that translates into a lower bill.

 

[autowasherfreak]

How many of you cover your central AC unit during the winter months?

 

[countryguy]

I cover mind to keep the snow out.

Gary

 

[autowasherfreak]

We are getting a new unit! It's partially installed, don't know what brand it is. The guy installing it told Eric that the reason the compressor keeps going out is because of dogs peeing on it this will be the 3rd unit that has been installed because of dogs peeing on it. When we take our dogs out I won't allow them to pee on it. Once it's installed I will take some pictures.

 

[danmantn]

Wow, what brand was it that replaced the whole thing? That is rare...usually they replace part-to-part. LUCKY YOU!

 

[autowasherfreak]

I don't know what the old unit was, but the new unit is a brand that I'm not to familiar with--Copeland Scroll. The batteries for my digital camera are charging, I will get some pictures of it tomorrow after work.

 

[supersuds]

Copeland is one of the oldest and best compressor manufacturers around.

 

[autowasherfreak]

Thanks Supersuds, that a good thing to know

 

[toggleswitch]

When I had a house I'd cover the top of the condenser (outside unit) only with plywood and a brick to keep debris out. Apparently wrapping the whole thing up traps moisture and that is not the best thing to do.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I was told to cover the outside unit in the winter to keep out dirt and leaves as well as if the unit is under the drip line of the house water can get in the condensor and freeze cracking the condensor and causing an expensive repair.

I also heard what Toggles said, that the wrap traps moisture. We had a neighbor that built a wooden box that he put over his outside unit in the winter.

 

[cycla-fabric]

AC Kool Kap

Check this out, we have this on our unit and it works well, and keeps the unit clean. It opens when the unit is on, and closes when the unit shuts down.

http://www.expresshvac.com/system_accessories/condenser_covers/HVAC_condensercovers.asp

 

[autowasherfreak]

New Unit Works To Good

We turn the air on last night, the thermostat set at 70 and it's still a little on the chilly side especially on the first floor. It's warmer upstairs more so in my room, not a lot of cool air coming out of my register like the other bedrooms. Tried to see if the register was shut off in the basement, it's not so I just use my oscillating fan.

 

[supersuds]

70 seems like a pretty low setting. I wonder if there's an internal damper that can be opened up a little to get more air upstairs? If not, you might try reducing the openings on some of the downstairs dampers to keep it warmer down there; it might also force a little more air out upstairs.

 

[autowasherfreak]

We had it set at 65 and it almost froze us out, we sitting under blankets while watching TV in the living room. I checked for for the internal damper in the duct, but they all seem to be open. One of the vents in the basement is shut but has a lot of air coming out on the sides of the vent, going to put some duct tape around the sides.

 

[volvoguy87]

Duct tape.

Don't use Duct Tape on ducts, it will fail! Instead, use foil tape available in the ductwork section of your hardware store.

Dave

 

[autowasherfreak]

Thanks I will use that instead.

 

[mark_wpduet]

IT was brought to my attention by an HVAC tech that you should not close any vents throughout the house; leave them all open. He said it can shorten the life of the unit.

 

[autowasherfreak]

That's interesting, I wonder why it does that.

 

[supersuds]

Don't run your HVAC at all and it will last even longer.

Closing a lot of vents would increase back pressure in the ducts and make the blower motor work harder. However, they're very durable.

I wouldn't hesitate to make some duct adjustments if I were uncomfortable. After all, I have to live there. And in my case I've been doing it for over 14 years with no problems. That's my experience for what's its worth. Maybe you need to get a pro in to check your particular situation, however.

 

[tolivac]

HVAC systems can die from lack of use-the seals in the refrigerant plumbing can dry from lack of use causing refrigerant leakage.At an older radio station I used to service-one of the transmitter site AC units hadn't been used in years-they insisted I try it-the refrigerant had leaked out.

 

[autowasherfreak]

I would sure be nice if the ducts in the basement were labeled as to what duct goes where. The registers in the other two bedrooms upstairs have quite a bit of air coming out of them. The register in my room and the registers in the two bathrooms are open with very little air flow coming from them. They must be shut off in the basement, however finding the ducts for these hasn't been easy. I finally gave up yesterday to much running up and down the stairs.

 

[circlew]

Jim, set a radio or cd player over the register in your room, and turn it up fairly loud. You should be able to hear it in the duct in the basement that leads to your room.

 

[autowasherfreak]

Thanks Tom, that's a great idea, will try it after I get home from work tomorrow morning.

 

[mayguy]

If you can find the damper, you are ok shutting some down some, and see if the upstairs are open.

Where's the photo of your new unit?

I made a top for mine.. I used to be a service tech, and you DO NOT want to wrap the unit up.. That is a home for mice to eat the wires.