Another HVAC question.

[dakk1]

My parents have a York split system, the age of which I am uncertain since they bought their house a few months ago. AC has been working fine until today. Outside condenser and compressor seem to be running fine, but the inside blower comes on for a few seconds then shuts off. After a while it will come on again then shut off. Outside continues to run. What does this sound like to you guys? Pro is coming on Monday. So, I'd like to "act" like I got a clue.

Dave

 

[ob]

Re: Another HVAC question.

Sounds to be tripping off on a thermal overload.The motor probably has a grounded or shorted winding or the fan motor bearings are failing and causing rotational friction which would also cause the motor to draw red line amps.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question.

Thanks ob. None of that sounds too good. Like maybe I need a new blower / fan. Anyone have a ballpark idea of what that might cost?

Dave

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question / Update

Re: Another HVAC question / Update

OB was right blower motor is bad. Unfortunately, Tech says the furnace heat exchanger is bad too. He disabled it and says we need new system 4 ton Trane XB13. $4500 using existing natural gas or $5200 heat pump.:^ "Ouch!" says I, "Give me some more options." He thought for a minute and says, "Cash or check."

Dave

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Another HVAC question / Update

Re: Another HVAC question / Update

..."Ouch!" says I, "Give me some more options." He thought for a minute and says, "Cash or check."

Dave

Ouch is right! But ya gotta admit, that was a pretty sharp response, lol.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question.

I'll update this in case anyones paying attention. I have since had the motor , fan assembly and run capacitor in the blower replaced for $167. That got the AC back up and will give me time to figure out what to do about the furnace. After pinning the tech down some, he did say I could replace the furnace only for $2500 including labor. Wellll, I think I can beat that. We will see.

Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Another HVAC question.

Personally, I shy away from the Trane equipment. That's just my opinion drawn from personal experience...I think you can beat that price, too....

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Another HVAC question.

I gotta agree with Rick about Trane units. I have one store with them. Not real happy to work on them and especially the frequencey of their failures.

My experience with HVAC units is that the simpler they are, the less trouble you will have. Name brand units require OEM parts where as other brands like Goodman, Comfort Air, and Conquest use generic parts that are easier to find in stock (plus cheaper).

Dakk, I'm curious, how did he determine that the heat exchanger was bad? There are some techs out there that get a commission on new units,,,,,,,,,,,so second opinions might payoff. Wouldn't hurt to unless he showed you the actual damage in the heat exchanger.

 

[ob]

Re: Another HVAC question.

If your heat exchanger is ruptured or fractured(depending on the severity) you will see a flutter or suttle movement of the burner flame after the limit switch kicks in the fan motor in heat mode.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question.

Thanks guys. SSMayfloat, I was unable to attend the service call due to a last minute conflict so, unfortunately, I don't know how he determined the heat exchanger is bad.

OB, good to know. The tech cut all of my thermostat wires leading to the " control unit " (It's a White Rodgers and I don't know what it's really called). So, I just got the AC going again late Thursday. As soon as I get time I'll look into the furnace issue.

By the way, are heat exchangers ever replaced or is it one of those deals where you might as well do the whole furnace?

Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Another HVAC question.

I have done them quite a few times. But that has been for defects, rather than cracks from age. Not cost effective even if you could get the part at all....I can install a new furnace in the time it takes to replace an exchanger....

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question.

Thanks Rick. That's sort of what I figured since no one I've talked to about this has mentioned replacing the heat exchanger. The tech told me it was about 10 years old, it is a York Diamond 80. I'm trying to educate myself about HVAC in a hurry so I can make a half way intelligent decision for my elderly parents. At least I have some time since we have about 4 more months of hot weather. Maybe by then the techs around here won't be so busy, right now I can hardly get them to return my phone calls.d

Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Another HVAC question.

I am very suprised that your York has a crack in the exchanger. Have installed many of them over the years(We are a York dealer, among others) and I have never seen one that new with a cracked heat exchanger. The Diamond 80 was a good unit....Have it double checked before you replace it....

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Another HVAC question.

was the pro an independent or from a shop.

I had a "shop" guy come look at mine 5k for a new unit, had a an independent guy who just fixes them.

$500 for a new board and labor.

The independent guy was swamped with work becuase he was 1 honest and 2 did good work.


Look around

Tomatolord

 

[dakk1]

Re: Another HVAC question.

tomatolord, the pro was from a shop. Good point about the independent. I'm new to this town so I gotta' find somebody. Rick I can't get the nearest York dealer to call me back. They be real busy.d
Now the #@%* fan doesn't cycle on and off with the compressor, which is functioning normally. I have to bypass the control and wire 120v straight to the fan. Of course then the fan runs all the time unless I turn it off at the breaker. Maybe there's a bad relay on this control.
Anyways, I'm asking around trying to find out who knows there stuff and is honest. I'll get there...eventually.8)

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Another HVAC question.

dak, I don't know if this will help you, but here is the number to York. They might be able to find the nearest service agent. 800-323-2413. At least that is the number I call when I need to pick their brains on some of their units.