No Cold Air

[superdutymike27]

Alright, not garage related.

After being in Minneapolis for two week I just returned home to Milwaukee where the temps have been around 100 degree's. I went to turn on the central air and the unit is blowing air, but not cold. I also had to go outside to spin the fan on the unit to get it going. After giving the fan a jump start so to speak, the fan spins alright. I'm no HVAC expert but something is wrong. Does this sound like something I could fix? Any idea's?

Mike

 

[zsuperbee]

check the capacitor & oil the bushings

 

[superdutymike27]

check the capacitor & oil the bushings

Where would that be located? Do I remove protective screen on top to access? I downloaded the Bryant manual but the manual is very vague.

 

[superdutymike27]

Found it!!!!

 

[pop pop]

Sounds like you need to use the phone and call for help.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

If the condensor fan blades were hard to turn, you might be looking at a new condensor fan motor. Oiling might help temporarily, but not last long.

 

[superdutymike27]

If the condensor fan blades were hard to turn, you might be looking at a new condensor fan motor. Oiling might help temporarily, but not last long.

Blades are easy to turn.

Capacitor has a big bulge on the top where the wires are connected so I am figuring the existing one is shot. Looks like an easy fix. Getting the part in the next day might be the challange?

 

[JimL]

Blades are easy to turn.

Capacitor has a big bulge on the top where the wires are connected so I am figuring the existing one is shot. Looks like an easy fix. Getting the part in the next day might be the challange?

Call you an HVAC guy, most will be glad to sell you a cap.
I know I was tonight just so I didn't have to go out in the heat again.

Look up the rating on the side of the cap.

example- 35uf+5uf at 370 or 440 volts. If yours is a 370 volt and you can find a 440 volt, thats fine you can use it. Just can't go down in voltage.

 

[superdutymike27]

Job done! Thanks guy's.

I picked up a capacitor this morning at Grainger for under $20.00 and had it installed in 10 minutes. Just like my bio says, " I'll try to make it before I buy it" but in this case "I'll try and fix it before I call someone to fix it". Probably saved a little money doing so.

 

[JimL]

Good idea to wash the outdoor coil. Use garden hose and a nozzle. Running hot can kill caps.

 

[BigE]

Also, wash the coil in the opposite direction of airflow. This (washing) is typically from the inside out. Some heat exchangers have the fins angled to create a venturi effect. If you wash in the direction of the airflow, you just pack the debris into the fins and it can be impossible to remove.

 

[superdutymike27]

I will take all advise and wash the fins after I drink my beer.