AC Concerns
by
Lori J
+8
While working in my side yard, I noticed the AC unit seems to be speeding up and slowing down. It sounds like a roar and a sigh. My son recently cleaned the unit. Any thoughts from the experts? Should I be concerned?
10 answers
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Is the fan belt driven? it could be slipping.
KMS Woodworks
on May 27, 2013
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I have no idea, but somehow that makes sense.
Lori J
on May 27, 2013
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your system might be a two stage system.if it isvery, very old it might be belt slipping.does any other thing in your house slow down and then speed up? it could be fading power from your electic supplier. I very highly recommend you have it checked out by a professional.. you do not want to have to replace your system due to a brown out.,.
Miles Enterprises Inc.
on May 27, 2013
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iwould bet my bottom dollar that the capacitor for the fan motor is defunct, get professional help unless you have an analog continuity tester.
Miles Enterprises Inc.
on May 27, 2013
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How old is your system? Some units are multi speed and will run faster and slower. There is no belt in outside condensers that would slip so that is not it. Also if its windy outside the wind blowing against the fan can make it sound as though its changing speeds as well. I would not be really worried, but it would not hurt to have the system checked out locally to be sure you are not having any issues with a failing fan. Miles may be onto the capacitor issue. Not expensive part around $15 dollars plus labor if it goes bad.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on May 27, 2013
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I don't know how old it is...certainly not a young system, but probably dates back at least 15 years or more. The furnace is really old, but the ac was added later.
Lori J
on May 27, 2013
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Then it is most likely the fan motor on its way out. I suggest that you get a professional in to check it out. Unless the system was making that noise when it was windy out. If that is the case listen to it when its not and see if its still happening. On another note, the system you currently have as you would guess is past its prime and should be upgraded. If you do not currently have the funds to replace it then get it serviced. While they make replacement units for the refrigerant that the system currently uses, it, the refrigerant is no longer being made. So they are using recycled freon which has gone way up in price as it is getting harder to obtain. If the system should fail completely the cost of repair would outweigh the cost of a new system. So its really important now to keep what you currently have working in top shape. Make sure you change the filters on a regular basis and keep the outdoor unit clean. Hose it down from time to time. Water will not hurt it. Just do not spray it into the area where the wires enter in on the side. But the fins and top is fine. No different then being in the rain.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on May 28, 2013
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Thank you, everyone. I am going to make a point to listen on a day when the wind is not blowing. It has been very windy. At least I know the unit is clean. My son followed step by step directions found online to clean the outside unit. Guess I had better make a call to a local AC repair.
Lori J
on May 28, 2013
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if it winded it will make that sound or the fan is on it way out some compressor is what we call flowing back this is from your indoor coil needs cleaning
A1tec service
on May 28, 2013
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Have unit serviced by licensed and BBB registered contractor selling the same make of equipment before you do anything to system.
J & J Refrigeration
on May 29, 2013
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