Today we will discuss a very common reason that home air conditioners are broken. That would be an issue with the condenser fan motor located in the outdoor unit of your AC or Heatpump. You can see this device very easily because it is the component that you would see at the top spinning when your unit is on.
The purpose of this motor is to draw air that is cooler than the condensing coil across the surface of the fins thus transferring heat from the system, ie, your home. When this fan shuts down that transfer is greatly reduced and it is very difficult on a hot day for heat to be removed.
As technicians we check the amp draws on these fan motors to make sure the device is working within the manufacturer's specifications. We also check to see if there is any oil residue from the sealed bearings that is coating the housing of the motor. Then we check the fan motor capacitor to see if it is ok and then move on to the next item on our check list. The one thing that is commonly missed is checking the actual temperature of the motor. As long as the unit is shaded this easy to do with thermometer but if it is in the direct sunlight the unit should be shaded first. I have found that most fan motors will be operating at or below about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, much above that, say 120 or higher will give cause for concern and I would recommend replacement because this means the device is beginning to fail.
So what happens to your air conditioning system when this fan is starting to overheat and fail? Well, the common symptom is this: your AC will work fine for most of the day. Then later in the afternoon when the outdoor temperature really begins to heat up the fan will shut off, shutting down your entire outdoor unit. Later in the evening, when temps cool the fan motor will kick on again after it has cooled off and the unit will start running.
If you are experiencing this symptom you should give us a call and we will be happy to come out and verify that this is the case.
We can easily determine where the problem lies and get you back up and running in no time. Most of the time we keep these motors on our vehicles and can repair it on the spot but if we don't have that particular one we can pick it up at a supplier and return with a new motor and get your home cool again.
Hopefully this is helpful. If you have questions you can give me a call at A1 Heating and Air here in Rancho Cordova, servicing the entire Sacramento area. Our Phone number is 916-751-6060 and we have dispatchers available 24 hours a day to take your calls. Or check us out on the web at A1 Heating and Air
Hopefully it won't be a hot summer but if it is give us a call. This is James at A1 Heating and Air, where we "Heat you Up and we Cool You Down".
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Summer Diagnostic for your AC
Summer's in full blast with temperatures reaching into the hundreds. If your AC or Heatpump is down we can help.
What are some of the common things that can go wrong with your air conditioner? Well one of the most common things that happens is that when it gets really hot capacitors overheat and can swell, rendering them useless and shutting down your system. We stock many sizes of capacitors on our trucks and vans. The capacitor is a device that assists your condenser's fan motor and compressor on start up, as well as keeping the current in phase which gives more torque or power. Without a properly functioning one it can damage the motors and shut down your system, with the end result of no cool air in your home. We have the tools to properly diagnose these items and make a replacement quickly and at a very reasonable price.
Another type of capacitor that can go out is commonly referred to as a kick start or start capacitor. Many of the higher end compressors will use this type and if this one goes out it will place a strain on the motor windings and eventually the unit will not come on. Again, we have the tools to properly diagnose and fix this when it happens.
Don't be left out in the heat! Be sure and give us a call. Right now we have a July Special to diagnose your Air Conditioning Problem in your home for only $59. Give us a call at 916-751-6060 and we can help you.
And check us out on the web: A1 Heating and Air
What are some of the common things that can go wrong with your air conditioner? Well one of the most common things that happens is that when it gets really hot capacitors overheat and can swell, rendering them useless and shutting down your system. We stock many sizes of capacitors on our trucks and vans. The capacitor is a device that assists your condenser's fan motor and compressor on start up, as well as keeping the current in phase which gives more torque or power. Without a properly functioning one it can damage the motors and shut down your system, with the end result of no cool air in your home. We have the tools to properly diagnose these items and make a replacement quickly and at a very reasonable price.
Another type of capacitor that can go out is commonly referred to as a kick start or start capacitor. Many of the higher end compressors will use this type and if this one goes out it will place a strain on the motor windings and eventually the unit will not come on. Again, we have the tools to properly diagnose and fix this when it happens.
Don't be left out in the heat! Be sure and give us a call. Right now we have a July Special to diagnose your Air Conditioning Problem in your home for only $59. Give us a call at 916-751-6060 and we can help you.
And check us out on the web: A1 Heating and Air
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