My central air unit is pumping out a weak flow of semi-cool air, thought it has been running all night. I turned it off the other day, because I thought it was going to need to go to the hospital. It usually comes back to normal after about five or six hours when I shut it all, and turn it back on again. At this time, it’s not working right. What might be wrong? Can I fix it?
Spock (rhp)
this problem is beyond your demonstrated abilities. The most likely cause is low refrigerant, which means you have a leak. Yes, there are pressure gauges -- but you don't own them. Yes, there is a leak detector device. No, you don't own one and using it is beyond your current abilities. You need to hire someone to check. The relatively cheap way is to find a retired guy who still has his tools even though he can't or won't sell you replacement parts. [Refrigerant can be bought on the Internet without a valid a/c license.] the expensive way is to fall into the clutches of some salesman pretending to be a repairman working for a big a/c service company. Yes, he repairs systems, too -- but he promotes new systems because he gets a fat commission for every system he sells. [Some outfits even go so far as to fire "repair" people who don't sell a specified percentage of random customers a new system.] If you end up having to get replacement parts ... get at least three bids and always ask them what is the minimum amount of work that can be done to make the system function again. Hint: external units can be replaced without replacing the whole system. Another hint: the internal guts of the inside unit can also be replaced Further hint: it is unlikely that a new, high SEER [efficiency] a/c system will pay for itself in lower electricity bills. you get lower electricity bills by increasing insulation beyond the 4 inches the builder of your house installed, not by replacing the a/c unit. -- grampa [from experience as homeowner in both Florida and Arizona]
?
it possible that the flax piscatorial .is gone
Anonymous
It may need a recharge.
It may have a blockage.
It may need a new filter.
It may have a leak.
Don't guess, see a specialist and have it tested.
Grandpa Jack
Whether you can fix it yourself depends on what's wrong. If the fan on the outdoor unit isn't turning or is turning too slowly, you may be able replace the capacitor yourself assuming you know what to change and how to do it. If the coils are freezing up there are things you could check yourself (source below) before calling for service. If it's a refrigerant issue then hire an expert and don't DIY. Good luck.
Anonymous
WRONG FORUM. The home repairs forum is over in the HOME & GARDEN category. This is Cars & Transportation.