My elderly neighbor's central AC isnt working
#1
07-15-15, 07:01 AM
My elderly neighbor's central AC isnt working
I went over to see if I could find something obviously wrong with it and I determined that everything is working except the compressor. I checked all the breakers and checked all the settings and everythings in order only the compressor is not kicking on. Is there anything I can do?
#2
07-15-15, 07:17 AM
Member
You said that the compressor isn't turning on. Is the condenser fan (fan at top of outside unit) turning on when the thermostat calls for cooling?
Unless you see something visually wrong, to go any further will require a multimeter (voltmeter/ohmmeter). Do you have one? If you don't, and you have a Harbor Freight store nearby, you can pick one up for under $10.
Unless you see something visually wrong, to go any further will require a multimeter (voltmeter/ohmmeter). Do you have one? If you don't, and you have a Harbor Freight store nearby, you can pick one up for under $10.
#3
07-15-15, 07:29 AM
No, the fan isn't turning when it calls for cooling. I thought I heard an electrical noise once and my neighbor heard several clicks once, both when the compressor should have kicked on. I dont have a multimeter. I called a friend who owns an AC repair business. I guess we'll wait and see if he can help her. Thanks.
#4
07-15-15, 07:49 AM
My AC repair friend called and said it was probably the capacitor. I changed mine a few years ago myself. I think I'm going to pick up a capacitor and change it out and chance it being that.
#5
07-15-15, 08:02 AM
Group Moderator
#6
07-15-15, 08:26 AM
Member
I agree, the contactor is the most likely suspect, especially since you said that you're hearing a clicking.
#9
07-15-15, 01:02 PM
Well, it wasn't the contactor. It's doing the same thing with a new one. How do I jump the Th.stat? Here's how I think. Make a jumper wire and jump the red and yellow for the outside compressor?
#10
07-15-15, 01:06 PM
You could just pull the R and Y and twist them together. Don't let it run to long unless you add the G wire.
#12
07-15-15, 02:21 PM
Yes that's probably what your hearing. Check to see to if you have fused disconnect out side.
#14
07-16-15, 10:26 AM
I'm not sure exactly what cause my neighbors problem but
her AC is working fine now. I guess it was the capacitor after all. I replaced the contactor first, and when that didn't fix the problem, I replaced the capacitor, and that did not fix it either. It turns out I put one of the wires on the wrong post on the capacitor though even though I thought I was being so careful. Oh well, the main thing is she has cold air again. In the end, it cost her a lot less than it would if she had to get a company over to do the work and she's on a fixed income. She's very happy now.
