THSCC Forums

Noticed the AC was running a lot today, but it kept getting warmer and warmer. Looks like we timed it well, a bit of a cool-off for the next few days (the few days where we aren't going to have AC in the house!).

Thank goodness for ceiling fans!

Scott

Just plan to do a lot of driving in the truck

-Tom

Any AC/electronics experts out there? The diagnosis is a short between the start and run windings on the compressor (the unit is a 14 year old Trane).

Repair guy says that the cost to fix is about the same as the cost to replace. Any other bench racers out there want to venture a guess?

Scott

If you are thinking about replacing the entire unit and plan to stay in your house for awhile you might consider replacing it with a high efficiency unit.

When I moved into my previous house within a year the heat pump died. We replaced it with a 14 SEER unit. Duke Power had a program where they would finance the entire thing over about five years at a really low rate because it was a high efficiency unit. For us this included both the external unit and the internal coil. Both the combination of this high efficiency unit and a programmable thermostat had a HUGE affect on reducing out electric bill during the summer and some during the winter. I didn't keep track of all of the numbers, but it may have paid for itself in electric savings during the summer months.

Not sure if Duke Power services you or if they still offer that program today.

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Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

We replaced both our outside units and 1 inside unit over the past 3 years. I'm waiting for the last inside one to go...

Mine were also 14yr old Trane units. If you can fix it for a couple of hundred then fine. Once the price gets closer to $1,000 ditch it. Anything new will be significantly more efficient than your dead one. My electric bill dropped after replacing them and cooling and heating is way better. They'll probably last longer too since the duty cycle seems to be a lot less.

Graham

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http://www.greywinds.com

Scott,
The short between windings means it is time for a compressor. If your unit has some years on it it is better to replace the whole thing. Ouch.

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George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

That's the layman's confirmation I was looking for.

Ours is a separate AC unit/gas forced air, no heat pumps or joined units, etc. Everything is modular. The service guy suggested replacement of the outside unit at about $1300, vs a similar number for repair. Might as well replace it.

Too bad it doesn't qualify for no sales tax this weekend.

Scott

Our compressor died last summer. We also have the ac compressor/ gas pack setup. The repair guy replaced only the compressor, and for the compressor & labor to install it the price was around $700.