A/C Issue

[ws6guy]

Turned the A/C for the 1st time last night since the house was up to 80 degrees. A/C worked normal for a couple hours or so. Then I noticed that it was starting to feel warmer but the blower was still going so I opened the door and sure enough the outside unit isn't running. Since it was time for bed I just turned the A/C off for the night. So this afternoon I decided to take a look at it. If I turn the A/C on the outside unit makes a humming noise for a few seconds then stops. I have virtually no knowledge of A/C units but do know that capacitors often go out. So I killed the power and tool a look at the capacitor and sure enough the top is bulged.

I don't know how old the unit is but I'm guessing easily 10+ years. While replacing the cap is there anything else I should be looking out for? Also is there any place around Indy that is open on Saturdays where I could buy the capacitor?

 

[nra4ever]

Reliable parts. Use to be bells. They are open tomorrow and you will pay for that convenience. Cheaper on line. At 10 years I wouldn't put much money into it. Better to buy a new more efficient unit but I would not pass up a cheap fix

 

[bocefus78]

Probably the capacitor. Pretty easy fix if you don't mind 50amp ac current.

Part itself isn't very expensive.

 

[Cameramonkey]

I'm with Bocefus. Sounds like a blown starter capacitor. Caps are relatively cheap. (under $50?) If in doubt, go bigger. (if they dont stock your exact size)

 

[BGDave]

Open M-F, but if you can wait, they are GTG. https://shortyshvac.com/index.php?main_page=about_us

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Best of luck on a cheap fix! I just got dinged with having to replace our 17+ year old unit. Unfortunately the new units use Puron, which operates at about twice the pressure of the old R22 refrigerant, so they had to run a new line set as well. Going to be awhile before I buy anymore guns. I guess on the bright side we went from a 10 SEER unit to a 16 SEER unit, so it should save me a few bucks on the electric bill, but that's little consolation at this point.

 

[BigBoxaJunk]

Best of luck on a cheap fix! I just got dinged with having to replace our 17+ year old unit. Unfortunately the new units use Puron, which operates at about twice the pressure of the old R22 refrigerant, so they had to run a new line set as well. Going to be awhile before I buy anymore guns. I guess on the bright side we went from a 10 SEER unit to a 16 SEER unit, so it should save me a few bucks on the electric bill, but that's little consolation at this point.

You also get the warm satisfaction from saving the earth with your new refrigerant.

 

[thunderchicken]

I don't know much about HVAC, only what I have picked up from my brother. But last fall my outside A/C unit wouldn't run. The fan motor inside the unit had quit working and allowed the compressor to overheat...at which point it locked up. Fortunately it was fall and I didn't have to deal with it for a while. Just had the furnace, coil and condenser (outside unit) replaced a couple weeks ago. Good luck hopefully it's a simple fix

 

[churchmouse]

Doubt you are going to find one today.
PM me the specs on the cap as in mfd and volts. Also is it a 3 post piece as in it runs the fan and compressor. It will hav an Fan, C, Comp. markings by the posts.If I have a spare on my truck its yours.
I will be pretty busy today but I will tray and check my PM's.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

You also get the warm satisfaction from saving the earth with your new refrigerant.

Yeah... Until some genius tells us that Puron is now killing the snail darters and spotted owls.

 

[tmschuller]

I'm sure cm will have what you need but are the grainger stores open on Saturday?? If so buy 2 there cheap. Hope that is the fix keep us posted

 

[ws6guy]

Thanks CM for the offer! Actually looking at the forecast there isn't much of a rush. I'll just order one online. If it turns out to be more than just the capacitor I'm might enlist your help if you are willing The unit definitely has some age on it, the cap is a 3 post but there was enough surface rust on the top I couldn't make out the markings without wiping some of it off. Hoping this is the only issue as I was planning in buying a ZTR mower soon LOL

 

[churchmouse]

Thanks CM for the offer! Actually looking at the forecast there isn't much of a rush. I'll just order one online. If it turns out to be more than just the capacitor I'm might enlist your help if you are willing The unit definitely has some age on it, the cap is a 3 post but there was enough surface rust on the top I couldn't make out the markings without wiping some of it off. Hoping this is the only issue as I was planning in buying a ZTR mower soon LOL

With an older unit this could just be a warning of things to come. The older caps are pretty tough compared to the crap they are putting ourt these days.
With all the power surges/brown outs from the winds lately you might be OK.

If not you know where to find me.....

 

[russc2542]

So how'd it turn out? Just the cap or bad news?

Best of luck on a cheap fix! I just got dinged with having to replace our 17+ year old unit. Unfortunately the new units use Puron, which operates at about twice the pressure of the old R22 refrigerant, so they had to run a new line set as well. Going to be awhile before I buy anymore guns. I guess on the bright side we went from a 10 SEER unit to a 16 SEER unit, so it should save me a few bucks on the electric bill, but that's little consolation at this point.

I don't know if our old unit (AC + resistance heat) even had a SEER rating but the 16 Seer HP we put in cut the electric bill in half or better year round.