AC question

[DTro]

I have a Rheem Classic 10 Seer Central AC unit that I believe to be about 5 yrs old (that's how old the house is). Anyways, last year I noticed that it wasn't cooling as well as before, and the same thing this year. Right now it is approx 90 degrees outside and I can't get it any cooler than 81 inside (set at 72). The unit/fan is running outside and I feel that the air coming out of the vents is "cool" but not cold.

The house is a split level that is approx 2500 sq ft.

1. Is this unit big enough for the house?

2. Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot this, before I call in the "pros"? (any recommendations on a pro)

I'm a pretty handy guy, and know a little bit of just about everything, but totally in the dark with this AC deal so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Ryan_V]

If you read my post right before yours, I had my AC go out totally. If everything is running, your coolant is probably just low and needs a recharge. I thought that was the case with mine, everything was running, but no cold air. take the top off of your unit and look at the compressor. if that seems to be running properly, you're in luck and more than likely just need a recharge. if the compressor is out (like mine) start shopping for a new unit!!! my fan kicked on in the house and on the ac unit, but the compressor was stuck, so the unit is bad. Like I said in my post, I'm considering going with a heat pump instead of a new ac unit. I've been quoted over $2000 for a new unit installed. I think I can get a heat pump for slightly more than that. good luck!!!

[DTro]

thanks Ryan, how do I tell if the compressor is running? Is it like an auto compressor, is there a click or can you physically see or hear something running?

You might want to check your Elec supplier, I know most offer rebates and incentives for heat pumps.

[Ryan_V]

All I can tell you is that mine just "hummed" and didn't run. I don't know what it would sound like, but when I was in the house and it was running, there would be a heavy draw on power every few seconds, which was the compressor trying to kick on.

[Umma Gumma]

It sounds like you're low on refrigerant, which is a symptom of a bigger problem, which would be a leak. The leak could be coming from a number of places (compressor, line set, A-coil). A 5 year old unit isn't very old. Perhaps you still have a warranty on your compressor, if that's where the leak is. Other symptoms of low refrigerant include ice on your A-coil, and ice outside on your condensing unit where the bigger pipe going to your A-coil (which is directly above your furnace) exits the condensing unit. You should also check and change your furnace filter, if this hasn't been done on a regular basis.

Unfortunately this won't be something you can fix yourself. You have to be licensed to purchase the refrigerant for your system (most likely R-22), and you'd want to be absolutely sure that you put the right amount in. The bigger problem is the leak, however. Your system is putting out some cool air now, but as you continue to use it and depending on the size of the leak, eventually your compressor will stop kicking in (if it doesn't burn out first) and you'll get nothing.

Have a pro come out and take a look. It could be a quick fix on your system and save you some $$ in incorrectly messing with it yourself. Heat pumps are nice to look at if your furnace is older or showing problems, but I don't think you can justify the cost if your furnace is working effeciently.

[DTro]

Thanks Umma

I haven't checked for condensation/Ice, but I did notice that the line that comes into the furnace (1 copper line and 1 foam wrapped pipe), the copper line is very hot, is that normal?

I'll be calling someone today.

[Big Bobber]

If you live in an area with cotton wood trees your outside unit may be in need of a good cleaning.

[Ryan_V]

DTRO... Hope you got by cheaper than I did!!!I have a plumber coming thursday, electrician friday and will have a new 13 seer unit and coil. all told probably about 2200 bucks.

[castmaster]

do any of you guys know what the options are for instailling central air in a house with hot water heat and no duct work?

i was told there is some type of unit where the condenser is outside, like a normal unit, then a coil or whatever is placed in the attic. i think the bring some duct work or something down into the closets?

just wondering if any of you8 have any experiences with that type of thing and maybe a ballpark on what it would cost to install in a 2000 sq ft 4 BR home? (hopefully its less than a ballpark!! )

[jbb]

If you haven't washed the coil on your condensing unit (the unit outside) I would try that first. Put a nozzle on your garden hose and throughly blast it clean.... that's the coil where the heat is rejected. As far as the lines from the indoor to outdoor unit go ...the small line (liquid) should be quite hot & the larger line (suction) should be cold.

[Al Motz]

you might also want to check your furnace filter.it's a good idea to change it at the start of the cooling season.Ice and frost on the lines is a dead giveaway.If you have a leak you should find oil around the leak.

[DTro]

thanks for all the suggestions, I did call a guy and he thought he could take a look at it tomorrow.

I just finished cleaning out the coils. There was a lot a stuff in there. I'm hoping that was the problem. I couldn't find any icing up or oil leaks anywhere. I'll see how it works tommorrow, I might still have the guy look at it anyways.

Also I change my furnace filter religously

[DTro]

well how bout that. Last night I took off the housing and ran a garden hose with a nozzle from the inside out. Lots of grass. Got it all cleaned out, and now it's a comfy 73.

Thanks everyone!

[Ryan_V]

Good for you!! my house is an uncomfy 87 right now, and tomorrow I have the plumber coming to put in my new unit, for a VERY uncomfy 1800, actually a good price compared to some quotes I received!!! Just going to be glad to get the house cool again!!

[federline]

dtro,

Excellent call, man! I learned this the hard way, too. My AC is right next to the clothes dryer vent outlet... who's stupid idea was that??? You just saved yourself a MINT buddy!