I have a 10 yr old Goodman 2.5 ton HP. I noticed the last time it was hot that the AC didn't seem to cool the house very well. Last night the house got cold because the HP wasn't putting out enough heat [the elec strips are disconnected] The condenser runs but it seems like it is quieter than normal [but I've never paid that much attention so can't say for sure]. Both lines coming from the condenser are about the same [cool] temp. Any ideas on what to check or might be the cause? I hate to call a tech to fix it but .....

 

If both lines are about the same, check to see if the compresser is running.

 

How do you tell if the compressor is running? The condenser fan runs, I think the condenser isn't as loud as it used to be but can't say that with any certainty.

 

Remove the access panel, you should be able to hear the compresser. You can lighly touch it, at the bottom, to see if it is warm. Be carefull it could be off on overload which means it could be very HOT!

 

Thanks, Ill check that out tomorrow - it's time for the nationwide race gotta have your priorities
I'll fire up the wood stove for tonight

 

The wood stove It can't be that cold there.

 

I don't tolerate the cold as well as I did when I was younger and it's gotten down to the 40's the last 3 nights with highs in the 60's. My house is insulated well but after several days it got down to 60 degrees inside the house - too cold for me. Lit the fire last night and it was a nice 75 degrees when I got up this morning - currently 39 degrees outside.

 

Ok, I opened it up and let it run for about 20 minutes and everything I touched felt cool [same temp as the air] I assume the compressor is the big thing at the bottom about the size of a 2 gallon bucket. The bottom might have been slightly warmer than the top but it was basically cold, same thing for all the copper tubing I touched.

 

Could you tell if the compressor is running?

 

The fan was running but nothing else that I could tell. The compressor shell wasn't warm and didn't have any vibration... or am I totally clueless and inspecting the outside unit wrong?

 

I think your on the right track. There are many things that can keep the comp from coming on. There some things you can check. Go out to the unit remove the access door. Have someone in the house set the stat to make the unit start. See if the comp tries to start.

 

I don't understand what am I looking for/at? The fan at the top of the outside unit comes on but I don't see any other moving parts.

 

You should be able to hear the comp try to start. If it doesn't then we go to the next step.

 

I heard a click and then the fan started. The fan is loud enough and my hearing poor enough that I couldn't tell if there were any other noises after the fan started turning.

 

I think you would have heard it. Turn off the power to the unit. there is a black cap on the comp with 3 wires going into it. Pop the cap off and see if the wires are burnt. If not make sure the wires are tight.

 

No burnt wires and the connections feel ok although I did remove a bunch of spiderwebs. Not sure but it sounded like the 'click' was louder when it was turned on. Still no heat or cool air No temp difference between the 2 copper lines. I let it run about 10 minutes.

btw - I appreciate your help! I know I may wind up having to hire pro but it's nice to at least have an idea of what's going on first.

 

Hey Mark.... post the model number on the outside unit for me.

You'd know if the compressor was running and after 15 minutes the case would be hot.

 

The compressor definitely doesn't get hot .. model #CPLE30-1

 

There are a few reasons why a compressor may not start:

1. Bad connection
2. Bad run capacitor - you'll hear it hum and try to start repeatedly every few minutes
3. Capacitor good, connections good, but failure to turn over ->A hard start kit may be added to try and get it working
4. Internal electrical damage ->time for a new heatpump unless it's under warranty. It doesn't make sense to change a compressor unless the unit is in really good shape and will last many years to come, or you're selling the house/condo. A modern heatpump with a scroll compressor would do a more efficient job of heating.

 

I don't believe it's a bad connection since I checked them all and removed and reinserted the ones at the compressor. I have a tech coming, his last stop on his way home - probably in the next hour or so.

I'm hoping it's something cheap although I know it's pointing toward a bad compressor. The compressor had a 10 yr warranty but it ran out 2 months ago.

 

odds are that the compressor is good.

 

It could be a broken wire right at the compressor. I've seen that happen before. You could remove the cover on the side of the compressor for a visual inspection. Make sure power is off.

 

The wires and more importantly the compressor are good. It was a capacitor that was bad. The tech didn't show up until about 7:30 PM and had it diagnosed and fixed in short order and only charged me $70

I called this particular company because a young widow at church recommended him saying he was honest and reasonable. The last HVAC tech I hired charged me $85 for an $11 part plus the service charge and that was during normal business hours. I'll have to thank that gal when I see her tonight!