My A/C Died...How Much?

[threewood]

Came home from work and saw the master bed side of the house was 77 degrees, thermostat set on 74. Cycled it off, on. Blower fan kicked on and stopped after 20 seconds. Could not hear the condenser fan running.

40a 220 breaker was tripped. Reset the breaker and it tripped in a second.

Went outside and cleaned the condenser, looked at all connections, tested the condenser fan. Black/Purple = 21.8 ohms, Black/orange = 25.0 ohms, purple/orange = 46.5 ohms

Tested the start capacitor (Surephon CBB65A 45+10 mfd +/- 5%) Com to Herm = 41.2 mfd, Com to fan = 9.69 mfd.

Both seem fine. So I unplugged the compressor and reset the breaker. Did not trip. Condenser fan kicked on, interior blower fan ran as well. Big draw on the compressor to trip breaker makes me think it is shot.

Armstrong Air 4SHP15LE142P-1
Circuit board had both red/green slow flashing = normal operation/power to control. 5 years old.

Anything else it could be?
Can the compressor be replaced or do the entire outside units get replaced? Rough price for replacement? HVAC tech will be called tomorrow so I am trying to prep myself for damage lol.

 

[ratflinger]

Best start your deep waist bends by stretching and limbering up - at the least they will replace the whole outdoor unit

I looked that unit up, if registered properly it could have a 10 year warranty, or was it only the circuit board that was 5yo?

In the future you might consider cleaning that unit every now and then

 

[threewood]

We are the second owners so I don't know if warranty paperwork was filed. I could probably call the company with the serial number.

 

[karoc]

Not bad units 3.5 ton, compressor normally carry 5 yr warranty which is only compressor. Labor, Freon, fittings is extra.

 

[threewood]

I'm going to run out and check the compressor just because. Tech was called and will be out later this
afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Edit: Tech just left. Got here before I could test the compressor but he was able to confirm a bad compressor. They are able to replace just the compressor. I just hope they can find one.

 

[threewood]

Not bad units 3.5 ton, compressor normally carry 5 yr warranty which is only compressor. Labor, Freon, fittings is extra.

According to serial number, unit was made April 2018. Hows that for timing!

 

[mike93lx]

According to serial number, unit was made April 2018. Hows that for timing!

Made in April but when was it put in service? You might be within 5 years

 

[threewood]

Made in April but when was it out in service? You might be within 5 years

I'd have to see exactly when the house was built so it would be a rough estimate when it was installed.

 

[FlaGman]

Last year when I needed heat pump replaced I couldn’t even get someone out to give me a quote for two weeks, ended up costing 11K. I hope it’s better for you.

 

[fitter30]

Delete

 

[mike93lx]

Heres a diagram can run two 14 gauge wires to power the contactor from one building to the otherView attachment 1903666

Wrong thread

 

[threewood]

So the HVAC company is contacting the manufacturer to see about a warranty. It's still a possibility depending on when it was installed and what, if anything, carries over to the second owner. They are going to get me a price for the compressor, 184ozs 410A refrigerant and labor.

She said they could not replace the condenser unit with a new one unless doing a full system. Due to the EPA and federal law and NM law. Any validity to this? Seems like a scam but this is a blue state.

 

[danski0224]

Anywhere from $5.00 to $15k would be my guess.

No way to know until a local contractor gives you a price.

 

[mike93lx]

Anywhere from $5.00 to $15k would be my guess.

No way to know until a local contractor gives you a price.

I mean, it's going to be at least a bucky fifty, so I'll vote $150-10k.

 

[danski0224]

I mean, it's going to be at least a bucky fifty, so I'll vote $150-10k.

That $150 is a ripoff.

Everyone knows the check up is $29.95...

 

[isb cornbinder]

The contractor/owner who is building a monster house next door, tried to steal electricity from the 220vold circuits in our heat pump. He did some damage to the circuit board and I am out of pocket $1800 for parts and installation. I do not have a video of the theft, so I have no proof. I never thought this guy would step p and admit responsibility. Someone from his build has been plugging into our outside circuits. The overloading of the circuits multiple times has damaged some breakers. We have turned all of the outside power off, including my garage. He is now running a gen-set.

 

[danski0224]

The contractor/owner who is building a monster house next door, tried to steal electricity from the 220vold circuits in our heat pump. He did some damage to the circuit board and I am out of pocket $1800 for parts and installation. I do not have a video of the theft, so I have no proof. I never thought this guy would step p and admit responsibility. Someone from his build has been plugging into our outside circuits. The overloading of the circuits multiple times has damaged some breakers. We have turned all of the outside power off, including my garage. He is now running a gen-set.

It would be strange if one of those exterior outlets was wired with 240 instead of 120... whoopsie

You better turn off your outside hose spigots from inside...

 

[danski0224]

So the HVAC company is contacting the manufacturer to see about a warranty. It's still a possibility depending on when it was installed and what, if anything, carries over to the second owner. They are going to get me a price for the compressor, 184ozs 410A refrigerant and labor.

She said they could not replace the condenser unit with a new one unless doing a full system. Due to the EPA and federal law and NM law. Any validity to this? Seems like a scam but this is a blue state.

There are new SEER regulations, so there could be truth to this.

You might be able to do some research on the EPA website.

Might be able to source a "new old stock" piece of equipment.

The compressor replacement is a big job. It's typically priced to justify a system replacement.

I would read the manufacturer warranty language, especially since it is so close.

If the equipment wasn't registered, if there's no receipt(s) or if it's a new home- when occupied, then the warranty clock starts at time of manufacture.

 

[isb cornbinder]

It would be strange if one of those exterior outlets was wired with 240 instead of 120... whoopsie

It would be strange if one of those exterior outlets was wired with 240 instead of 120... whoopsie

You better turn off your outside hose spigots from inside...

Done.

 

[threewood]

Quote for new compressor, installed, 184oz of refrigerant including tax was $3400. Includes 1 year warranty..

She is getting a quote for a condenser unit complete which will come with a 5 year warranty. She needs to pair the air handler to it. Hope to hear back tomorrow.

No one was within a hundred dollars so no prize will be awarded.

 

[threewood]

There are new SEER regulations, so there could be truth to this.

You might be able to do some research on the EPA website.

Might be able to source a "new old stock" piece of equipment.

The compressor replacement is a big job. It's typically priced to justify a system replacement.

I would read the manufacturer warranty language, especially since it is so close.

If the equipment wasn't registered, if there's no receipt(s) or if it's a new home- when occupied, then the warranty clock starts at time of manufacture.

The lady is going to match our air handler to a new condenser to meet whatever guidelines they have to follow.

 

[RoninB4]

It would be strange if one of those exterior outlets was wired with 240 instead of 120... whoopsie

-You sir, have an evil mind...........I like the way you think.

 

[FredWanaker]

we had a scroll compressor that failed in 2020. Cost $2200 to replace. I provided the refrigerant. No reason to replace the whole system if all you need is the compressor - EXCEPTING that if it only lasted 5 years that might be a reason to consider it. Ours lasted 18 - 20 years. Most places tried to sell me a whole new system cause that is where they make their money. However, we made sure everyone in this area knew how happy we were with the business that did it, and they probably made $75K - $100K off the referrals and still going strong.

 

[Fly YX]

I will check the capacitor again. I have had them check good but some of the oil leaked out. Also, maybe try hard start kit. Did you ever ohm out the compressor? If it is tripping within a second it’s probably is bad but I will confirm anyway.

 

[threewood]

I will check the capacitor again. I have had them check good but some of the oil leaked out. Also, maybe try hard start kit. Did you ever ohm out the compressor? If it is tripping within a second it’s probably is bad but I will confirm anyway.

So I have spare capacitors for it and received a hard start kit I ordered. I didn't ohm out the compressor myself. It was tripping in a second with the compressor wiring attached. With the compressor wiring plug removed the breaker does not trip. I can go out and verify tomorrow.