Regular Guest
The outside skinny copper line is cold and gets condensation. I was told the fat line should be cold and the skinny should be hot. The outside unit starts, but I can hear it stop after a few minutes, but the fan keeps going. I called a place and they said it could be a filter somewhere or the compressor may have broken. I'd like some thoughts so I don't get taken to the cleaners. I don't see ice anywhere. Sounds like it might be expensive.
Professional Member*
Could be worse. It sounds like it is that filter they mentioned. Id recommend not running it until its repaired.
The next question is what clogged up the filter? That question will be tough to answer . It is a gamble on your part as to how much life the unit has. It could run for years or have another failure soon. It may be worth a shot though.
Regular Guest
They said it could be due to installation error by the installer or I think they said valves coming loose in the compressor and clogging the filter, but they'd like to check it out first obviously.Originally Posted by SBKold
Regular Guest
Ok, they are coming out next week. Any suggestions/ideas/things to look out for?
Professional Member*
Ask to see the Technicians Credentials. They are in the form of wallet cards.
It would be nice if they hold a State issued HVAC Tradesmans license, and/or NATE certification in servicing (not only installing) your type of equipment.
These would be in addition to the mandatory EPA certification to legally handle refrigerants.
Professional Member*
Might be time to get some new equiment. How old is the unit? And is it a heat pump? Could be a small problem. Need some more information to figure out what could be wrong.
Blue Fox
Regular Guest
No heat pump. Under 5 years old. Thanks.
Regular Guest
I don't see a little can on the skinny line which someone mentioned could be the cause. It goes all the way into the outside unit with the can.
Professional Member*
Sometimes the filter drier (little can) can be located in tough to see places, try a google search for "refrigerant filter drier" that may give you a better indication of what you are looking for. Even if you found it, it's not something replaceable by a home owner. Did you take a temperature reading of the little line? Or just by feel
Regular Guest
Oh, I'm not doing this myself. I know what I'm not capable of, just trying to know as much as possible before they come next week. I just touched the line and it was cold and had condensation. From my understanding, the insulated line should be cold and the skinny warm. My other unit which works great is opposite of this one.
Regular Guest
Just searched for "refrigerant filter drier" and that's what I tried to find on my system, but don't see it anywhere. My neighbor's is right on the line as it leaves the outdoor unit.
Professional Member*
Might be "inside" the unit, look down inside of it.
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Regular Guest
I was thinking that, but seemed like that would have been a PITA to install. I'll check when I get home. Thank you!
Regular Guest
So to sum up. I'll turn on the AC and I hear the compressor turn on. The skinny line gets cold and the air inside never gets cold even though I hear the compressor running. I then hear the compressor kind of sputter and I can feel the unit slightly vibrate at this point if I'm touching it. Right after this the compressor stops and the fan keeps going. From researching it could be that the compressor is falling apart or that it's overheating because something is clogged. If it is overheating would the fan turn off also?
Regular Guest
And I forgot to mention that a couple of years ago the compressor wouldn't turn on at all and they put some kit on it to get it running. It was a little can with wires coming out of it. It eventually turned on and was REALLY loud for awhile, but quieted down and worked fine since then. Was that the beginning of the end?
God Speed, Jim. We'll miss you - 2-26-23
Stop running it. Or you will damage the compressor. Have a tech come out and find the problem and fix it now before it becomes more expensive.
Regular Guest
I finally looked at it this weekend. There is no cylinder anywhere on either line. I looked inside the unit and the lines all the way to the inside unit. Nothing. So if they can't replace the drier, I assume they should install one, but does that make this likely worse/more expensive? So it's possibly a clog inside of something harder to fix? They're coming Friday, so I have a few days to understand this. TY.
Professional Member*
As mentioned... do not run this unit until it is checked out
Depending on its age... you may be in for a new system... Not trying to spend your $$$... rather prepare you for what may (or may not) happen.
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
Regular Guest
I'm not running it. It isn't even 5 years old yet.
Professional Member*
If the "skinny line" is colder than the outdoor ambient temp, there is a restriction. Nothing else could cause that.
-Marty
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