Intermittent probem with AC?

Question

Our AC unit outside is 12 years old and inside is 4 years old. Two days ago, it has stopped cooling (its blowing air at room temperature) and our maintenance contract person came and filled the freon gas and it worked fine. However, within two hours after he left, it stopped blowing cool air. So, I called those guys again and today he came and checked the gas pressure.

It was good and he simply argued that the unit is old and could not keep up with the heat. I said if it takes longer to cool, then I understand but its simply not cooling down a bit. They have repairs covered in the plan but he wont even investigate any further.

Interestingly, when we came back in my house, it was cooling again. Then he agreed that there must be some loose connection or some intermittent problem. Believe it or not, with 30 mins of him leaving, its blowing air but not cooling at all. I dont have a choice but wait for Monday morning.

I dont believe that compressor needs to be replaced (I have to pay for that) as they have not investigated anything other than checking gas pressure.

Has anyone experienced such a problem? Any tips on what else I should ask them to check etc will be helpful.

thanks

Answer 1

It could be a couple things.

First, the guy may not be looking for the right problem. If the pressures are good, that's a good start.

The compressor could be overheating if the charge looks good but is incorrect.

It could be a tight compressor because it is an old unit.

The unit could be short cycling, trying to start and sometimes it just can't. Eventually, it will start when it cools down.

The run capacitor could be bad, causing compressor overheating.

It could be a loose low or high voltage connection. The guy should check all of this.



Unfortunately you are at the mercy of the tech. Experience means a lot in this trade.

It does sound like the compressor is intermittently shutting off by what you are describing.

Answer 2

sorry but those contracts dont cover what you need inside coils evap coils are dirty and more than likely outside coils are dirty too you can backflush the outside yourself & you can look at inside with a flashlight and mirror but like i said its a maintenance issue so you will have to pay for that yourself

Answer 3

If the compressor unit is outside - then its entirely possible that this unit is broken or needs replacement.