Outdoor condenser unit question?
Just the other day I had to change the batteries in the upstairs T-stat. Done-reset-working properly(?) or at least cooling.
When I returned from work today, warm upstairs – again – so I check outside unit. Condenser running but fan not blowing.
2 Ton unit is original to home (10 +/- yrs) but, unless the compressor took a dump, I’m thinking it might be a fan relay? Please note that I am looking for an educated guess – I’ll call a contractor tomorrow – and what cost I might be looking at. Several years ago the upstairs blower was replaced due to corroded coils. Until today – unit has worked flawlessly since this repair/upgrade.
Live in the greater metro Atlanta area. BTW, I checked the forum history regarding this item and found two that suggest it may be an inexpensive fix, regardless of what the sales guy says. Any thoughts?
Probably not enough information but thanks for any help and/or advice.
Replies
When you say "fan not
When you say "fan not blowing" do you mean the one inside or the one outside?
If inside: The inside fan is controlled by the T-stat. Flip the "fan/auto" switch to "fan" and see if the fan comes on. If so, try just flipping it back and forth a few times -- might be a bad contact. If the fan doesn't come on in "fan", could be the fan relay -- they rarely fail but they do sometimes work themselves out of their socket. Otherwise a bad T-stat or a loose wire somewhere, most likely.
The condensing unit fan.......
........does not appear to psin freely. I have called a contractor who, go figure, cannot get here until Friday afternoon. Initial thought was a bad T-stat but me thinks it could be more? If the Fan motor/contactor is bad, estimated cost to repair here in GA? FWIW, unit was manufactured by International Comfort Systems Inc. in TN.
Not really wanting to buy a new unit right now but......if push comes to shove.
First turn off the power to the unit. Then try to spin the fan ( finger or a stick? ) If it does not spin freely you need a new fan motor. I think that would be a Do It Yourself repair or not too expensive repair by a service company. If your regular guy can't get there for you soon enough find someone else.
What BigBill said, only sometimes you have luck (temporarily) lubricating the fan bearings. They dry out and gum up. With the power off (throw the breaker and leave it off until this is repaired!) remove the fan motor (blades will come with) and see if you can figure out how to dribble oil (lightweight "electric motor oil" is ideal) into the bearings, from whatever angle you can get. Work it around and apply a few more drops of oil for 10 minutes or so and see if the fan shaft gets easier to spin.
Latest Info.......
.........the fan itself does not look like a PITA to change or lube. Never having worked with HVAC, I might be speaking out of turn. Repair costs, according to my contractor are in the neighborhood of $900 +/-. I scheduled an appointment with a replacement specialist with the same company for Tuesday at 0900. My current rough number for condenser only is $3500 +/-. Fan motor is kaput as well as the fan starter. I can get new of each but, how difficult to replace and parts expense?
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Generally the fan is fairly accessible.
How do you know that the motor and starter are shot? (And what are you referring to as the "starter"?)
Sorry for the confusing language. Fan motor shot based on HVAC repair technicians diagnosis. What I am calling the starter may in fact be the fan relay inside the condensing unit. This repair item is not clear. I will look at the quote for the repair work and post again.
Exact wording off service ticket is;
CHECKED U/S SYSTEM FOUND FAULTY CONDENSER MOTOR AND
DUAL RUN CAPACITOR.
Did he discover the bad capacitor after hew replaced the motor?
The dreaded "Damn two bad parts"
AKA the fox that chewed off 3 legs and was still in the trap.