Air con expert ?

[callyboy]

Anyone now anything about fixing a home air con unit ? I bought a decent one off ebay 3 or 4 years ago and it has always worked really well. Ice cold air Anyway, this year it seems to have packed up fan is working fine but it seems like the compressor isnt kicking in. When i turn the temp down there is a slight jolt from the compressor and a click, but it doesnt seem to want to run.

Any ideas ?

Pete

[Katgeezer]

Sounds like it tripping a built in overload on the compressor motor Pete. Doesn't sound good I'm afraid but without having it in front of me it's difficult to say.
Obviously with the unit unplugged is there any way you can get to the motor and see if it's free to turn? It might be the compressor itself has locked/seized from standing.

I take it you've tried the 'hit it and stand back' method of maintenance?? Seriously, a slight shock might just free it off.

[callyboy]

Hit it ??? me ???

Never.

Will take the covers off and see whats going on.

Cheers mate

Pete

[johnr]

i assume youve cleaned the filter/filters? is it a pure air cooler or is it a heat pump? i.e. can it heat in winter and cool in summer?

[johnr]

might need re gassing. do you know what fridge gas is in it? some automotive a/c specialists may hold the gas you need in stock.

[callyboy]

It just does cold. Yeah, done the filters and the drain plug thingy. I dont think its gas. Dont ask why, i think its the compressor. Maybe coz its laid up over the winter. Bit like my bikes john eh ? - never use em much

Pete

[johnr]

but the compressors are full of oil, so they never seize up. however, is it stored the right way up or do you lay it down? laying them down can allow the liquified compressed gas to flow into the compressor, and as you know, you cant compress a liquid!! how long since it came out of storage? if its only just come from its layu, leave it to stand for a day or 2 and let the refrigerant settle.

[callyboy]

Its a big heavy bugger so it stands upright. Stays in the house over winter but doesnt get switched on.

Will see what i can see when the panels are off.

Thanks

Pete

[Kryten]

Sounds like a lack of refridge gas.

The units I get called to look at, tend to loose the gas when standing fo a while.

If the compressor runs briefly then stops, it sounds like the discharge high pressure switch tripping the unit as it discarges gas instead of liquid.



'Course, it could also be the Hot Gas Re-Cycle valve.......

[outrage]

Air conditioner? I could swear you live just down the road, not down under.