Author Topic: Replace AC?  (Read 2159 times)

Cpa Cat

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1692
Replace AC?
« on: July 27, 2014, 03:30:09 PM »
Our AC is making horrible screeching noises. Like... wake up the neighbors, make dogs howl noises. It's intermittent though. We've had AC people out twice and both times, the noise has miraculously stopped 5 minutes before their arrival. The noises also stop (briefly) if we beat on the top of it or if we give it a rest and turn off the AC for awhile.

The most recent guy took various bits apart and said that the noise was probably the motor, but that the compressor was "running rough." He said that we could replace the motor, but it could be a waste because the compressor may also need replacing. He basically said we needed a new AC unit. His description of what was wrong with the compressor is that it made a rumbling noises prior to starting up, which it should not do. Also, it tripped the breaker while he was messing with it (although this has not happened any other time).

The current AC is about 12 years old. It's nothing fancy - the builder of this house was a fan of buying the cheapest possible items.

Our big concern, obviously, is that we don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a new AC unit if we don't have to. It actually cools our home quite effectively. The fan runs smoothly even while making horrible noises.

Anyone have any advice? I attached a video I took, in case you want to make your dogs howl.

[attachment deleted by admin]

zolotiyeruki

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5603
  • Location: State: Denial
Re: Replace AC?
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2014, 08:13:30 PM »
There are usually two motors in the outdoors part of your A/C--one inside the compressor and one to run the fan.  See if you can identify which one is making the noise.  If it's the fan motor, it shouldn't be too big of a deal to replace.  If it's the compressor, it's more likely your A/C guy will tell you to replace the whole outdoor unit (they're sold as a complete unit).  The rest of your system should be fine.

Numbers Man

  • Guest
Re: Replace AC?
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2014, 10:41:01 AM »
I'm not a HVAC expert but it could be that your fan is out of balance. It almost sounds like your condenser is getting reading to quit. There may be a part inside the condenser that is starting to short out.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!