Central Air Unit Not Cooling House

[BrendanMowgli]

I have 2 units- one upstairs and one downstairs-

The upstairs is blowing- I feel the air blowing- the thingamabob outside (can't think of the name) is operating, but no cold air. I did notice that there's no water being pumped out.

I hear its the compressor, but hopefully it's something else. Is there a few other checks I can do before I call the rapis- I mean the HVAC guy?

Thanks!

[golfermd]

A few things to check. First, check your air handlers to see if there is any ice on them. If so check or clean your air filters.

And have a service rep come and check your units. The coolant is likely low. If they are brand new there is probably a small coolant leak somewhere.

[doubled]

Wrap your hand around the thicker of the copper lines(usually insulated with black arma-flex wrap) where it connects to either the outdoor or indoor unit. It should feel as cold as a beer that comes right out of the fridge. Does it sound as if the compressor is running? If so then it just might be low on refrigerant. How old is the equipment?

[doubled]

Also if it appears that the compressor is running and the air being blown out by the condenser(outdoor unit) fan is hot, but the copper line isn't good and cold, turn the system off. What happens is if the system is low the compressor will over heat causing it to go into thermal overload and not allowing it to come on.

[SMOKE20]

Definitly have someone come look at it. I have mine serviced once a year before summer and it has saved me some good money over time.

[Stinkdyr]

Having mine looked at today, as a matter of coincidence!
Our system is less than 5 yrs old, and does not cool very well, or takes an hour to begin cooling well. Over the phone, the hvac guy guessed we might have a freon leak. Will report back here after he inspects and let you know what our problem/fix is.

[DSturg369]

If the vent is putting out air but it's just not cold, the problem is.....

Clogged evaporation drain line creating condensation build-up in the unit or evaporation loss
or
Low/No Freon
or
Damaged/clogged ducts creating cool air loss
or
Compressor/evaporator/chilling coil damaged


I just went through this last year with a Trane Unit Tech. It isn't cheap to get a professional yearly service and cleaning but as was mentioned, it can save some serious cash if you'll do it instead of waiting until the unit or system is damaged.

[Cigary]

First things first,,,I had this happen to me last week. My downstairs unit wouldn't run at all,,,,I did the breakers and they weren't tripped. I checked the thermostat and it appeared to function as I scrolled thru the data on there,,programming,,,etc. Come to find out if the batteries run down you won't get your air turned on no matter what you do,,,,check your thermostat and put in fresh batteries. As soon as I did that,,,,voila',,,,cool air. Save yourself the money and do the easy checks first.

[Stinkdyr]

How much does your annual service cost?

Originally Posted by DSturg369

If the vent is putting out air but it's just not cold, the problem is.....

Clogged evaporation drain line creating condensation build-up in the unit or evaporation loss
or
Low/No Freon
or
Damaged/clogged ducts creating cool air loss
or
Compressor/evaporator/chilling coil damaged


I just went through this last year with a Trane Unit Tech. It isn't cheap to get a professional yearly service and cleaning but as was mentioned, it can save some serious cash if you'll do it instead of waiting until the unit or system is damaged.

[slyder]

If there is a leak make sure they fix it. Anything over a quarter ounce a year has to be repaired by law. (I hold a RSES license). Make sure they do it RIGHT! Ive seen way to many techs just solder a fitting and turn the unit on and add some refrigerant. This is wrong. The whole system should be recovered, purged with nitrogen and then evacuated with a vacuum pump and then finally charged. That leak was letting air/moisture into the system and it will destroy the compressor. It may cost more to do it right but in the long run it will pay off. Compressors are not cheap to replace unless your friends with somebody like me. In most cases its cheaper to replace the whole condensing unit. But when you do that you usually have to swap out the evaporator coil and possibly the lineset. Keep in mind that R-22 is being fazed out and R-410a is taking over. R-22 is going to start getting more expensive and IMO the so called "drop in" refrigerants are not nearly as good.

[DSturg369]

Of the companies that we called, we got a yearly service/inspection/cleaning for $123. One place wanted a 5 year contract to do it at $255 per year!! I said "Ummmmm, No."

Most places that install a/c systems/units will offer a yearly thing, just check the prices and be sure the company is a reputable one.

[2Curious]

General Cigar Discussion...?

[GlockG23]

Originally Posted by 2Curious

General Cigar Discussion...?

ok I am game,,
Do you like your cigars wrapped clockwise or counterclockwise
and do you prefer a triple cap over a double

lol
there now it fits here

[rizzle]

Your first post on a cigar forum is about air conditioning? Hmm.

[2Curious]

Originally Posted by GlockG23

ok I am game,,
Do you like your cigars wrapped clockwise or counterclockwise
and do you prefer a triple cap over a double

lol
there now it fits here

I knew we could count on you to fix it, and provide confirmation of my smart***ness, simultaneously.