Any HVAC guys in/near the Springs?

[theGinsue]

Looks like the fan on my furnace is dead and while my A/C compressor keeps kicking on, it's not blowing the air through the house. I need some help.

[ray1970]

Not sure if any of this helps but...

Make sure the filter isn’t dirty. When my filter gets dirty it causes my evaporator core to ice up. While my fan is running, you’d never know it because the big block of ice restricts the air flow.

If that advice doesn’t do you any good then maybe somebody who knows what they’re talking about will come along shortly.

[Shooter45]

As ray stated, check your filter first and make sure it's not filthy or time to put in a new one. Then check the AC unit outside and verify it's not iced over. If it is, turn the AC off and let it thaw out for about 4 or 5 hours. Either of those problems can cause it not to blow and hopefully that's what it is because it's nearly free to fix yourself.

[theGinsue]

The filter was pretty clean, but I'm guessing the evaporative core is frozen (even though it doesn't feel freezing cold when touching it). Went ahead and replaced the filter.

I really looked it over and here's what I found so far:
The fan IS running but no air flow.
Turned the furnace (heat) on and still no air flow.
The circuit board is slow blinking green which the sticker says means it's OK.
The A/C Evaporative Core sits between (just above) the blower fan and (just below) the distribution vents (circulated air flow).

Turned the whole thing off. If it's just the evap core being frozen, this should self-resolve in a few hours.

Thanks Ray & Shooter. It looks like we're thinking along the same lines which makes me think we're headed in the right direction. (I owe all I know about HVAC to Wulf and other board members who showed me 80% furnace sequence of operations - thanks gents as it still applies to a degree with the A/C!)

[ray1970]

There’s no doubt when my evaporator core is iced up. I can look at it and it will be literally covered in solid ice. Usually just turning the fan on by itself for a couple of hours will thaw it out and I’m back in business.

Mine has only ever done it when the filter is restricting the return air.

If your filter wasn’t terribly dirty you might look at the air return registers and make sure something isn’t blocking them.

[Wulf202]

Yeah. Freeze ups are indicative of flow issues. Either lack of air flow or a freon flow. Clean both inside and outside coils with a spray they sell for it. The outside coil spray it down with a garden hose from the inside out then wash it down again. Check for cotton wood seeds on the outside of the coil. If you have them get a metal dog hair brush and scrub the coils with it then spray it with foaming coil cleaner.

[Wulf202]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JJHBHM0/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Except they're about $2 at walmart. Actually just Clean both coils with this and the spray.

[Wulf202]

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Safe-Foam-Coil-Cleaner/dp/B007I7KZN0/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1528848415&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=coil+cleaner&dpPl=1&dpID=41J%2BG%2Bct6oL&ref=plSrch

If you want me to walk you thru it just call or text me.

[theGinsue]

FOUND THE PROBLEM!

At first, I was just looking out the kitchen window to verify the compressor was running - but that doesn't give a full picture. Went out and looked at it and it's iced up really good. I could already hear the ice dripping, so hopefully by bedtime I can turn it back on and get some cooling action.

I'd just checked it out on Sunday to ensure the cooling fins weren't clogged with cut grass or anything else to reduce it's function.

Thanks everyone.

ETA: Thanks Wulf. You made 3 posts while I was making me one. I'll pick up the coil spray tonight as well as a dog hair brush and hit it good. I haven't checked out the link in your last post yet and will probably do whatever it says - because if you recommend it, I'm doing it (yeah, I've got a little HVAC worship going for you bro).

[theGinsue]

So I've got the compressor unit/coils are cleaned and I used the coil fin tool to straighten out as many of the bent fins as possible.

Had another freeze up last night. Left the unit off until about 20 minutes ago. When I turned it on I could hear the fan motor fairly loudly. When I went into the furnace unit to check things out I could tell the sound was definitely from the motor that turns the main blower fan in the furnace/ac. I had a limited view of the blower fan and saw it slowly start to turn. It turned about 1/10th of a turn then stopped. Then started again, same thing. Either just the motor is an issue, or there's a problem with the bearings in the blower as well.

Clearly the a/c freezing up is because the blower isn't pushing the air as it should. I called Parky's, a local HVAC business who did follow up work on the Sears installation of the a/c (installed in 2005, failed inspection and Sears brought Parkey's in to fix it in 2006).

Going to have to pay them for "after hours" service, but it's too damned hot to not have the a/c.

[Irving]

Going to be a bit cooler tomorrow. You can do it!

[ray1970]

You probably grew up without air conditioning and didn’t think twice about it.

Maybe try and get someone out Monday and not have to pay the higher labor rate?

[theGinsue]

I remember many years growing up without a/c. I was younger and more resilient. And I definitely "thought about it" when we didn't have a/c in the 100+ degree and 90+ percent humidity of MO summers. Now I'm older and realize comfort is important. If I can afford to get it fixed sooner rather an later then that's what I'm going to do.

Besides, my son, daughter, SIL and grandkids come over on Sundays. Not going to subject them to the heat in this house (esp. the 6 mo old).

Plus, I like to sleep comfortably, not swimming in my own sweat. It's better if the tech can get it fixed tonight. I told the Parky's phone rep what I observed and what I knew. She blew me off. They know the make/model of my units (both a/c and furnace). I'll be displeased if the tech doesn't show up with the necessary parts.

ETA: waiting until Monday/Tuesday during normal business hours would mean I'm not at work earning my salary. The money I'd save by not paying after hours rates would be more than lost in the hours I'm not at work.

[theGinsue]

Talked to the tech last night over the phone. Parts place was closed for the night and it would have cost an added $200 to open it up for the part(s) I needed. He agreed with my diagnosis that it sounded like it was either the motor itself, or its capacitor.

Restless sleep last night due to the heat in the house, but I made it.

Tech called @ ~0830. He picked up 2 sizes of motor & was on his way. He got here, heard what I already did and saw (actually listened to me) and did his own troubleshooting. Definitely assoc. with the motor. He pulled the capacitor & it was bad (6.4 versus 7. Something)... But the motor was toast too. Since the motor is inside the fan assembly he had to pull that. He took the assembly outside cleaned off the 22.rs of caked on dust/grime and put a new motor in. (While the assembly was out and he was scraping the fan blades I took the opportunity to get inside the cavity and shop vac everything I could reach.)

He's now downstairs installing the assembly and putting things back together. Looks promising. He also checked my heat exchanger for cracks and found it's in great shape but told me my ignitor will likely be dying in a year or so (This is something I feel comfortable replacing on my own...just have to buy the correct one).

Should have a/c before the heat of the day kicks in. Hallelujah! This entire thing is going to cost me a pretty penny, but when your spouse is considering getting a hotel room for the night to have a comfortable nights sleep, you know how important it is to get things fixed.

[CS1983]

Growing up, my wife's family didn't (and still doesn't) have A/C. They rely on window fans. Fire season SUCKS for them since heavy smoke = no open windows. Glad you are back to A/C soon!

[theGinsue]

As of about an hour ago,

A/C at last, A/C at last..Thank the Lord A/C at last.

Temp in the house is already down 4 degrees.

[Vic Tory]

We had similar problems at the same time. My regular heating & cooling guy had some medical issues, so two days (and almost $800) ago we got functioning A/C again.

Now we don't need it. 62º at 7,400 ft, 20:33.