Payne AC unit

[runaroundmom]

Model PA12NA024A, Serial #1701E00048. Died shortly after a 3-week heat wave last summer, this unit worked fine one day, next day just the fan came on. An HVAC tech came out, didn't spend much time looking at it, determined it to be at least 15 years old and it would need to be replaced. He never called with an estimate and it was cooling down so I let it go. It's heating up again so I figured I'd look into it again. On an unrelated visit, a different HVAC company came out to look at my furnace. I mentioned the AC issue, he looked at the serial number, chuckled and said he thought it was an '01 and the culprit was probably the capacitor (tech speak something about windings burned?)

Do any of you HVAC guys have any history with Payne? Is this a common problem? Not looking for a miracle, but would like some input if this is an easy fix or a checkbook burner...

[allstar08]

I don't know if the tech in question checked the compressor or if he just said what he thought it was. Yes capacitors to go bad, and lazy techs, I use the term tech lightly, will just say you need a new unit when they cannot diagnose the problem. If it is a cap replace it and you are good to go, a regular service call, nothing too expensive. If it truly is the compressor if it is a 01 check your install date and it may be under warratny. Good luck!

[JstTrkin]

By the numbers you posted the A/C unit was made the 17th week of 2001.
Payne is a good unit, made by carrier. Just from what it sounds like, I would guess the capacitor. If your handy at all, there is an access cover on the outside unit. disconnect the power and open up that cover, the capacitor will be a silver round contraption with 3-4 wires coming from the top. If it looks to be bulged out, it is bad and needs replaced, easy fix.

Any decent tech would notice this in the first 2 mins tho.

I can't remember if those units came with a 20yr compressor warranty, but call a carrier dealer and they should be about to find out.

[The Penguin]

hopefully you won't feel the payne of a big bill.

get a second opinion from another local good ac company

if its the compressor - it may be time to replace the out door unit if its 15 yrs old if its 6 yrs old weigh up your choices.

its recomended if its 15 yrs old to replace the indoor unit at the same time if its 6 yrs old you may not have to - check with your local a/c co.

its possible its just electrical starting components its also possible its more

good luck

[chucko615]

By the numbers you posted the A/C unit was made the 17th week of 2001.
Payne is a good unit, made by carrier. Just from what it sounds like, I would guess the capacitor. If your handy at all, there is an access cover on the outside unit. disconnect the power and open up that cover, the capacitor will be a silver round contraption with 3-4 wires coming from the top. If it looks to be bulged out, it is bad and needs replaced, easy fix.

Any decent tech would notice this in the first 2 mins tho.

I can't remember if those units came with a 20yr compressor warranty, but call a carrier dealer and they should be about to find out.



Why are you giving a Home Owner advise about an electrical component. How would you feel if she takes your advise and gets fried, because she forgot to turn the power?

[Twilly]

Why didn't you have the second company fix it? Or at least determine what was wrong for sure? Enjoy the hot weather.

[JWB]

After a long day in the Florida sunshine yesterday doing service calls, I awaken to a warm house today. My Payne's compressor wires rubbed across the suction line and wore out the insulation. Shorted a hole in the suction line. I guess I should have been doing maintenance on my own unit. Installed 2003. I never noticed it. I guess Carrier/Payne is trying to save on wire and running these wires SHORT!!

[runaroundmom]

All your input is appreciated! The reason for not having the 2nd tech look into it more was that he was here on a different matter and it was getting late. I understand the turning off the power and I am handy enough to take a peek, but I won't attempt a repair on the side of caution and a chance of costing more in the long run. Reading the boards is helping me so that I have a better shot at understanding the language when I talk to a tech again.

[acmech13]

Good luck im shooting for a bad cap for your sake.

[dash]

I used to know a runaroundsue!lol!!

Standard warranty ,5 years on the compressor,no labor.

Hope it's the cap

[ARPA]

Thread closed, too much DIY advise given.