Had company over today and when it got warm, I clicked on the central air and the fan came on but it was not getting cold. Gee, it was working fine yesterday?

 

I checked outside and the compressor and fan were not on. I checked the relay and it was engaging properly. Power into the unit and out from the relay were there, but no fan and no compressor. I think the odds of the fan and compressor crapping out simultaneously is pretty slim and I am leaning towards a bad starting capacitor but thought I would ask before buying one as I have no way to check the old one? I think they are pretty pricey?

John,

 

I checked Grainger - looks like the cap is pretty cheap actually. But is the cap shared between the fan AND the compressor???? Usually you need a cap on a large motor not some little fan motor.

 

Check the wiring diag inside the condensing unit and see why both would be connected. Maybe there is a safety (high head pressure?) that's stopping both from running?

I didn't check Graingers, but I will and yes, the capacitor is shared by the fan and compressor. Since it seems like the only "shared" component, I am leaning toward it as the culprit. A quick search of the Internet shows that this is often a suspect part.

a common problem John....for the 15-20 bucks it would cost i would give it a shot

Thanks! I found a supplier on-line but it was like $80.00. I just looked at Graingers and it is closer to $20.00. I guess I will be going up there Tuesday morning, thanks guys!

john i am a hvac service tech/sales man now but you have a bad capacitor.....it helps the motor start and stay running...they way to tell is try to run it and feel the motor it will get burning hott......dont let it run too long though cause u could burn out compressor or c.f.m. also check to make sure the wires are on contactor from cap and not burnt up also very common problem

 

have fun i know you can do it..

John,

 

Depending on where you are in Jersey, an HVAC supply house may have what you need for less than Grainger. Try Johnstone Supply, Universal Supply, L&H may even have...

I think L&H has been bought out by Ferguson's and they are just 5 minutes from me. I will call there forst thing Tuesday morning, Thanks!

I think L&H has been bought out by Ferguson's and they are just 5 minutes from me. I will call there forst thing Tuesday morning, Thanks!

 

I knew they had a new name.

THANKS Everyone! We are back in business, cost around $18.00 to get it working. Ferguson had just what I needed!

 

That guy's voice reminds me of someone...like Nicolas Cage or maybe Saul Rubinek.