Repair or Replace Carrier Condenser?

[va20080712]

Hello,

My Carrier condenser unit has stopped working. The inside circulation fan turns on, but the outside condenser unit only emits a vibrating sound from the control box. The vibration seems to be coming from either the right hand relay or what looks like a transformer on the right hand side.

The control box had a lot of ants in it and they had accumulated a lot of debris over most of the components and wiring. I'm wondering if this may have shorted somethings. We just got through a wet spell and the debris was probably damp.

The previous owner of the home seems to have had all improvements done "by the book". So I assume this is a well-matched system. But, I suspect the central air conditioning system is quite old. (I can't find any info on the web.)

Should I consider repairing the condenser or would it be wiser to update it to a more efficient unit? Is R-22 a problem?

Carrier
Model: 38VE003300
Amps: min 18.4 max 30
Compressor: 203/230 v 1ph 60hz
RLA: 14
LRA:66
Charge: R-22 8.5lbs
Fan: 208/230 1ph 60hz

Thank you for your help,
Wayne

[HeyBob]

It could be something simple. Not being a Carrier guru, I have no idea what unit you have. My best advice to you is, call a service company, have a tech look at it and go from there. Trying to offer up an opinion on your post on the internet is kinda tough.

[superd77]

Yeh, what he said is right. Have it checked before replacing. It could be something simple and not quite as expensive as a new unit.

[blueovalguy]

I've worked for a Carrier wholesaler for over 15 years and I don't have a record of a 38VE, but just from the format, this is from the 80's.....time for a replacement.