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.