A/C Trouble

[jesterdoc]

I know there was an epic AIr Conditioning Troubleshooting thread a while back, but I can find it. Anyone can point me to it would be greatly appreciated.

Or if you can help, I'll take it. AC is a Rheem, installed in house in 2012. Starts up, but eval coils aren't getting cold. I haven't had time to look at the outside unit, I'm planning on doing that tomorrow. What should I look for outside? Anything in particular that I should or shouldn't see? How do I tell in the compressor and condenser are/are not working properly?

[BubbaHFD]

Need a little more info.......is it not cooling the house? Blowing cold? Simple thing to check first is your return filter. Check to see if it's dirty. If so change it and go from there if that doesn't do anything

[jesterdoc]

It's not cooling. At all. Filter is brand new, coils look fairly clean. I opened the cover on the evap coils and they aren't getting cold at all. That's what leads me to believe it's a problem with the outside unit.

[BubbaHFD]

Ok when your thermostat calls for ac is the condenser running at all?

[jesterdoc]

I don't think so. The fan runs. But I don't hear anything else. How would I tell if the condenser is for sure running?

[critter69]

Fan out side runs but not the compressor ?

[jesterdoc]

Fan out side runs but not the compressor ?

Yes.

[BubbaHFD]

May have a bad capacitor if that's the case. Is it swollen?

[jmoore2006]

If the fan is coming on the contact relay should be pulling. May want to look at your capacitor

[Bill M]

Was this a new system in 2012? I've never heard of a warranty less than 5 years. Have you contacted the copy that installed?

[doghouse]

Not much help but look at the contacts on the outside unit. Ants love to get fried between them.

[jesterdoc]

Can I get a capacitor? and if so, where?

[banzai]

Is your condensate drain line clogged? My condensate drain clogged, which then triggered the safety switch which would not let the compressor turn on. You might want to see if you have one and if it is ok. Cheap and easy is worth a look.

[bowhntrmatt]

Bet it's the capacitor. Insco over on 87 (main I think) might sell you one. They are a rid distributor. If not, I think service supply sells to the public.

[critter69]

Is your condensate drain line clogged? My condensate drain clogged, which then triggered the safety switch which would not let the compressor turn on. You might want to see if you have one and if it is ok. Cheap and easy is worth a look.

If the safety switch tripped then nothing should come on, at least out doors wise.