Condensor doesn't work - I think - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums

Original message

mattech

98.221.57.180

"Compressor doesn't work" , posted Mon 2 Jun 20:28:

Hello,

I have a Lennox 10HPB heat pump and a Kenmore air handler, both of which are less than 10 years old. Up until 2 days ago my AC was working fine. Now when I turn it on, the fan goes on and the compressor (or is it the condensor) starts to go on but then shuts off. Every few minutes it sounds like the compressor is trying to turn on but won't go all the way.

Any thoughts?

[this message was edited by mattech on Mon 2 Jun 21:28]

Replies:

Houston204

98.196.66.53

"Re(1):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Mon 2 Jun 23:02

Does the run capacitor appear swollen on top? It shouldn't.
Be careful, they will hold a painful charge for a minute or 2 after removing power.

"Tip of the Day" Remember to remove power first.

mattech

98.221.57.180

"Re(2):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 16:18

Ok, an HVAC guy just came. He said I need a new capacitor, the contacts need to be replaced and the filter dryer liquid line needs to be replaced. Seems like a lot for a unit that is 5 years old. Altogether $1000.

Was I just hookwinked?

theduke03

24.250.18.179

"Re(3):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 19:02

I think you may have been hoodwinked. Answer me this. Was the unit running when he determined that you need a new filter drier? Is it able to run now? Did he replace it yet or not? Most of that $1000 is the filter drier replacement.
If system will run let me know and I will tell you how to determine if it needs replacement. You will just need a thermometer and 20 minutes.

"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."

mattech

98.221.57.180

"Re(4):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 21:41

The fan was working but the compressor would not turn on.

theduke03

24.250.18.179

"Re(5):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 21:45

That hardly answers the questions. Try to answer each of the questions previously posted as I need to know to better help you. Are the repairs done or pending?

"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."

mattech

98.221.57.180

"Re(6):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 21:54

The repairs are done and the system is functioning now. I wanted to get a second opinion but unfortunately it is difficult for me to take off work to wait for someone and the weather is getting hot here so I went ahead and had them done. So maybe it is better if I don't know the answer of whether I have been duped :-)

theduke03

24.250.18.179

"Re(7):Compressor doesn't work" , posted Wed 4 Jun 22:51

Well I will tell you. If they determined that you needed the filter drier before they had compressor running then you've been jipped. If they had it running first then I won't speculate however I can say normally we only would replace that if we opened the refrigeration part of system. That would not have been necessary to replace the other 2 parts.

"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."