A/C repair

[nana13]

As you all know, we have had a very hot summer. Yup on Mon. my A/C quit, Unfortunate is was past 5 P.M. so I started calling verious companies after hrs. emergency numbers, First was Munn's couldn't come until 5 P.M the next day, called several more, did not do emergency calls any more, finally called SunKool, in Ocala, came around 9:30 p,m, had to pay $85.00 for night call. The tech. said I don't repair, I just do diagnostics. OK, he said the condenser fan was shot along with the capacitor, would have to call parts to order. Rep called in morning and said could not get part until the next day. (Fan). Long story short, waited until Thurs. still no part. Now my house is at 90 degrees. I slept on the Lanai, for three nights. Got the same run around everytime I would call , Finally said enough is enough and called Suter A/C out of leesburg came immediately, put a new capacitor on and miracle the fan was working.I paid thankd him (saved at least $6 to $ 700 hundred dollars. He said they carry fans on their trucks, but mine was fine. Great tech. very polite and understanding, Yes, I am a widow, and know nothing about A/C's Lessened learned, get two or more diagnostic tests, I highly recommend Suter A/C.

[MrFlorida]

Thanks for the heads up, I put Suter A/C on my call list for repairs.

[DAVES]

As you all know, we have had a very hot summer. Yup on Mon. my A/C quit, Unfortunate is was past 5 P.M. so I started calling verious companies after hrs. emergency numbers, First was Munn's couldn't come until 5 P.M the next day, called several more, did not do emergency calls any more, finally called SunKool, in Ocala, came around 9:30 p,m, had to pay $85.00 for night call. The tech. said I don't repair, I just do diagnostics. OK, he said the condenser fan was shot along with the capacitor, would have to call parts to order. Rep called in morning and said could not get part until the next day. (Fan). Long story short, waited until Thurs. still no part. Now my house is at 90 degrees. I slept on the Lanai, for three nights. Got the same run around everytime I would call , Finally said enough is enough and called Suter A/C out of leesburg came immediately, put a new capacitor on and miracle the fan was working.I paid thankd him (saved at least $6 to $ 700 hundred dollars. He said they carry fans on their trucks, but mine was fine. Great tech. very polite and understanding, Yes, I am a widow, and know nothing about A/C's Lessened learned, get two or more diagnostic tests, I highly recommend Suter A/C.

Were it me, assuming you have paperwork and proof of payment, I would call Sunkool and find someone in a management position. For them to charge you an emergency fee and then send someone who only does diagnosis is, in my view THEFT. As far as a capacitor failing it is a common issue. The part costs like $20 there are only a few different ones and anyone doing air conditioning repair should have them with him or her.

If, you paid by credit card, assuming you do not get a reasonable settlement from Sunkool-my view FULL CREDIT, I would file a dispute with the credit card company.
A claim with the better business bureau is another option.

[Velvet]

We use Sunshine AC. The AC stopped working and we noticed it around 10:00 am. We talked to our neighbors (both left and right) and one offered an extra capacitor but since we know nothing ourselves about ACs we decided to call Sunshine. Two hours later an emergency tech called. 3 hours later he was on his way. Then we found out it was the thermostat. They changed it. Very expensive we could have bought it for half as much at Amazon but we didn’t know that was the problem, and they do not instal equipment that is not from them. So we paid and enjoyed a cool evening.

[stevecmo]

The fact that you are a widow and they didn't try to take advantage says a lot. Thanks for sharing. I added them to my list.

[DAVES]

We use Sunshine AC. The AC stopped working and we noticed it around 10:00 am. We talked to our neighbors (both left and right) and one offered an extra capacitor but since we know nothing ourselves about ACs we decided to call Sunshine. Two hours later an emergency tech called. 3 hours later he was on his way. Then we found out it was the thermostat. They changed it. Very expensive we could have bought it for half as much at Amazon but we didn’t know that was the problem, and they do not instal equipment that is not from them. So we paid and enjoyed a cool evening.

Any repair, part of the cost is the person's training to know what to do. Could have bought it for half as much at Amazon, home depo etc that is not surprising either. A repair place might even buy parts from one of the discount outlets. Your ac is running on 220V. A capacitor stores current and then releases it. Done wrong you need to add to the repair cost of a trip to the hospital or even a funeral.

[Michael G.]

Awesome post.......there should be more like this.
We need to know the Company's that still care about servicing and not servicing the public.
We also need names posted here for the rest of us to stay clear of these fat cats from hell.

[FLSunshine]

I will never use SunKool again. We bought a new A/C from them and it didn't work for months. We had multiple technicians and supervisors say they fixed it but it still wouldn't cool the house and was still broken. After months of numerous calls and visits, one technician came out, diagnosed the problem immediately and said it was a bad part and it happened all the time. He came back, changed the part on the new A/C and now it works. If it was something that happened all of the time, I don't understand why any of the technicians nor supervisors ever mentioned it.

[Toymeister]

Any repair, part of the cost is the person's training to know what to do. Could have bought it for half as much at Amazon, home depo etc that is not surprising either. A repair place might even buy parts from one of the discount outlets. Your ac is running on 220V. A capacitor stores current and then releases it. Done wrong you need to add to the repair cost of a trip to the hospital or even a funeral.

Invariably, on TOTV, there has to be a Captain Obvious. Usually this is someone who is cautioning about a task they have never done themselves. Not only do the numerous YouTube videos tell you how to diagnose a bad capacitor but most also show you how to discharge a capacitor. In fact bad caps are so common there is an excellent chance you can replace the cap and fix the problem without diagnosis at all

Now is someone is unwilling to perform this task that's fine but to spread words of caution about something you don't understand that is something quite different.

[Babubhat]

The amount of Dunning-Kruger effect here is endless

[Toymeister]

The amount of Dunning-Kruger effect here is endless

Ha! Tell me about it, I have experienced this my entire adult life.

If I may paraphrase, Dunning Kruger effect is those who don't know how to do a task think they are an expert while those that do underestimate themselves.

Those who don't know how would be well served to listen to those who do know how to.

[Garywt]

That is interesting and I am glad you were able to get it fixed. SunKool is who installed our AC when the house was built. Last year we had no cooling but the unit was running. Called SunKool on a Saturday night. The tech called stating he was on a call and then would head over. 90 minutes he was there said the service call was $99.00. He had the part on the truck, replaced the capacitor and away we went. Part was covered under warranty. So that was it.

Very strange that your tech didn’t have parts and only charged $85 went their price is $99.

Well at least you have a contractor if you have additional problems. Enjoy sleeping back inside.

[EdFNJ]

I always have a capacitor and a relay (contactor) "in stock". So far last one installed has lasted 2 years. Thought I would need it today but it tuned out the condensate overflow switch's float hung up. The OP did exactly what she had to do and had no choice. If I was in her position I'd have done the same. I consider myself lucky that I am able to take care of these things myself mainly because I don't have the $$luxury$$ of being able to have people do everything for me even if I wanted.

To the OP, I'm glad you're cool again. I'd jump all over SUNKOOL for a refund. If it had been me I'd have either slept in my car with A/C running or taken out an equity loan to go to a hotel. :D

[noslices1]

As you all know, we have had a very hot summer. Yup on Mon. my A/C quit, Unfortunate is was past 5 P.M. so I started calling verious companies after hrs. emergency numbers, First was Munn's couldn't come until 5 P.M the next day, called several more, did not do emergency calls any more, finally called SunKool, in Ocala, came around 9:30 p,m, had to pay $85.00 for night call. The tech. said I don't repair, I just do diagnostics. OK, he said the condenser fan was shot along with the capacitor, would have to call parts to order. Rep called in morning and said could not get part until the next day. (Fan). Long story short, waited until Thurs. still no part. Now my house is at 90 degrees. I slept on the Lanai, for three nights. Got the same run around everytime I would call , Finally said enough is enough and called Suter A/C out of leesburg came immediately, put a new capacitor on and miracle the fan was working.I paid thankd him (saved at least $6 to $ 700 hundred dollars. He said they carry fans on their trucks, but mine was fine. Great tech. very polite and understanding, Yes, I am a widow, and know nothing about A/C's Lessened learned, get two or more diagnostic tests, I highly recommend Suter A/C.

Sunkool quoted me $3000.00 more than it cost me from John’s A/C in Ocala. SunKool also did replace my capacitor a few years before and quoted me $150.00, but the bill was for $250.00 because of the “diagnostic charge”, after I told the tech it needed a capacitor.

[banjobob]

Thanks for the information , our AC is original 2012 .living on borrowed time.

[Annie66]

Please don't get me started on Sun Kool. They misdiagnosed and overcharged me for an AC repair. Of course, I found out about this when I had to call in another company to fix what Sun Kool couldn't. They were at the house 3 times over an 8 day period without AC in the summertime. The only positive was I asked (they did not volunteer the info) if they had a portable AC to loan. They did, and thus made a a bad situation a bit better. The second company also provided me one when Sun Kool took theirs back.

Lesson learned ...... always ask for a portable AC unit. You might be pleasantly surprised with the answer.

[nancyjo]

Our quit Wednesday evening. Called Munn’s. They said the earliest they could come was 2-4 they next afternoon. Knowing the season and heat, we scheduled it and pulled out our small fans. Technician showed up by 4:00 Thursday and replaced capacitor. This time of year we figured many others were in a similar situation. Grateful for AC.

[nn0wheremann]

Good to hear about Suter. Ours went out up north, similar circumstances, except it was a holiday weekend, so I went to Walmart and bought a window unit for less than the price of a hotel room. Made life tolerable until the central unit was fixed.

[coralway]

A/C’s are really quite inexpensive. I would have just gone down to Best Buy and get a new one.

[OhioBuckeye]

As you all know, we have had a very hot summer. Yup on Mon. my A/C quit, Unfortunate is was past 5 P.M. so I started calling verious companies after hrs. emergency numbers, First was Munn's couldn't come until 5 P.M the next day, called several more, did not do emergency calls any more, finally called SunKool, in Ocala, came around 9:30 p,m, had to pay $85.00 for night call. The tech. said I don't repair, I just do diagnostics. OK, he said the condenser fan was shot along with the capacitor, would have to call parts to order. Rep called in morning and said could not get part until the next day. (Fan). Long story short, waited until Thurs. still no part. Now my house is at 90 degrees. I slept on the Lanai, for three nights. Got the same run around everytime I would call , Finally said enough is enough and called Suter A/C out of leesburg came immediately, put a new capacitor on and miracle the fan was working.I paid thankd him (saved at least $6 to $ 700 hundred dollars. He said they carry fans on their trucks, but mine was fine. Great tech. very polite and understanding, Yes, I am a widow, and know nothing about A/C's Lessened learned, get two or more diagnostic tests, I highly recommend Suter A/C. I would say 90% of the time it’s the Capacitor. Capacitors have 2 speeds built into them, the first speed is a high speed to start the fan, that’s where the first service you called & tried to get more money out of you & a bad capacitor goes bad when when the high speed start up goes bad, it’s not the fan, he just tried to pull a fast one on you. The 2nd speed is slower to keep fan running. Capacitor run 80 to $90. with labor about 180 to $190. Fans are like house fans, almost never go bad. You did good getting another estimate!

[pgettinger01]

The most common failure of the Air Conditioning unit is the Capacitor. It costs about $20 on Amazon. Refer to YouTube for instructions on how to find the right capacitor and change it. Remember to check the numbers on the capacitor and the Height and Width dimensions because they come in a variety of sizes. The two (3) big safety concerns are: 1. Turn off the air conditioner power outside and inside at the circuit box. 2. Discharge the old capacitor before touching it. 3. Remember where each wires go.

[New Englander]

I always have a capacitor and a relay (contactor) "in stock". So far last one installed has lasted 2 years. Thought I would need it today but it tuned out the condensate overflow switch's float hung up. The OP did exactly what she had to do and had no choice. If I was in her position I'd have done the same. I consider myself lucky that I am able to take care of these things myself mainly because I don't have the $$luxury$$ of being able to have people do everything for me even if I wanted.

To the OP, I'm glad you're cool again. I'd jump all over SUNKOOL for a refund. If it had been me I'd have either slept in my car with A/C running or taken out an equity loan to go to a hotel. :D

I have a spare capacitor on hand but I didn't know about a relay. Where is the relay located and what does it look like?

[KRMACK55]

The fact that you are a widow and they didn't try to take advantage says a lot. Thanks for sharing. I added them to my list.
It’s not just that any single woman here pays extra for everything it’s common here !

[EdFNJ]

I have a spare capacitor on hand but I didn't know about a relay. Where is the relay located and what does it look like? On my unit it is right next to the cap in the electronics section of the cpmpressor. Identified by the 2 very heavy 110V lines (AKA 1 220 line with 2 wires) attached to it. Sometimes the relay contacts get pitted due to arc-over so I just replace it rather than clean it whenever I replace the cap.

Edit: There is also a startup capacitor in the air handler for that fan motor similar to the one in the compressor to be aware of.

[ithos]

Look through the vents for the fan on top of the unit. If your AC fan(Condenser outside) is not spinning, find a long, thin object (a stick, screwdriver, pliers). Slide it into the vents and gently push one of the fan blades. If the fan starts spinning on its own and keeps spinning, you have a faulty capacitor.

How to Tell If Your AC Capacitor Is Bad: Symptoms of a Bad Capacitor | Sansone (https://www.sansone-ac.com/how-to-tell-if-ac-capacitor-is-bad/)

It will keep running until the thermostat cuts it off. If it is really hot outside you may be able to keep it going without it freezing up your evaporator coil.

Unfortunately there are no retail places in the area for a capacitor so may want to buy one and keep it on hand from Amazon. Grainger might be the best bet in Ocala or Orlando in an emergency.

The indoor fans are multispeed now and much more complicated so may not be that easy to diagnose.

[ithos]

On my unit it is right next to the cap in the electronics section of the cpmpressor. Identified by the 2 very heavy 110V lines (AKA 1 220 line with 2 wires) attached to it. Sometimes the relay contacts get pitted due to arc-over so I just replace it rather than clean it whenever I replace the cap.

Edit: There is also a startup capacitor in the air handler for that fan motor similar to the one in the compressor to be aware of.

Unless it shows obvious signs of damage or it is charred best to let a professional diagnose it since you may have to keep it energized for troubleshooting. If you wire it up back wrong then you may be paying alot more money to fix it.

[EdFNJ]

Unless it shows obvious signs of damage or it is charred best to let a professional diagnose it since you may have to keep it energized for troubleshooting. If you wire it up back wrong then you may be paying alot more money to fix it.
Why pay $150+ to have someone come out and "diagnose" it when I can replace it for under $15 bucks? If I wasn't capable of swapping a couple wires I wouldn't attempt it. I rewired just about our entire home up north when we lived there. Even if it was not bad and I replace it I still would save $140 for someone to tell me that it was not bad. When I replace the cap, which was bad, I also replace the contactor. The majority of "repair techs" I have dealt with in my lifetime have half the knowledge of a YouTube Video. A "license" doesn't necessarily give one knowledge as can be observed by some local drivers! . When we first moved here 3+ years ago I had a local "famous" electrician company come to my home to fix our A/C THREE TIMES without success until a YouTube video told me to check the condensate drain float switch which was bad. Cost me $300 for a new fan which I ultimately got refunded and they even (obviously) left the fan installed.

HINT:To be safe, always take photos from all angles before doing anything so you don't forget what wire went where! ;) This also applies to replacing the HVAC thermostat or your irrigation controller!


DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT SUGGEST ANYONE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRICITY OR FUSES OR WIRING ATTEMPT THIS DESPITE HOW SIMPLE IT IS. YOU CAN BE KILLED DEAD IF YOU ARE CARELESS!

[yankygrl]

As you all know, we have had a very hot summer. Yup on Mon. my A/C quit, Unfortunate is was past 5 P.M. so I started calling verious companies after hrs. emergency numbers, First was Munn's couldn't come until 5 P.M the next day, called several more, did not do emergency calls any more, finally called SunKool, in Ocala, came around 9:30 p,m, had to pay $85.00 for night call. The tech. said I don't repair, I just do diagnostics. OK, he said the condenser fan was shot along with the capacitor, would have to call parts to order. Rep called in morning and said could not get part until the next day. (Fan). Long story short, waited until Thurs. still no part. Now my house is at 90 degrees. I slept on the Lanai, for three nights. Got the same run around everytime I would call , Finally said enough is enough and called Suter A/C out of leesburg came immediately, put a new capacitor on and miracle the fan was working.I paid thankd him (saved at least $6 to $ 700 hundred dollars. He said they carry fans on their trucks, but mine was fine. Great tech. very polite and understanding, Yes, I am a widow, and know nothing about A/C's Lessened learned, get two or more diagnostic tests, I highly recommend Suter A/C.
My first thought is why don’t you have a protection plan on your a/c system? I have used sun kool for years and very satisfied. My new home came with protection for 1 year with sunshine. They check system annually and if issues will be out ASAP to diagnose/fix.

[ithos]

Why pay $150+ to have someone come out and "diagnose" it when I can replace it for under $15 bucks? If I wasn't capable of swapping a couple wires I wouldn't attempt it. I rewired just about our entire home up north when we lived there. Even if it was not bad and I replace it I still would save $140 for someone to tell me that it was not bad. When I replace the cap, which was bad, I also replace the contactor. The majority of "repair techs" I have dealt with in my lifetime have half the knowledge of a YouTube Video. A "license" doesn't necessarily give one knowledge as can be observed by some local drivers! . When we first moved here 3+ years ago I had a local "famous" electrician company come to my home to fix our A/C THREE TIMES without success until a YouTube video told me to check the condensate drain float switch which was bad. Cost me $300 for a new fan which I ultimately got refunded and they even (obviously) left the fan installed.

HINT:To be safe, always take photos from all angles before doing anything so you don't forget what wire went where! ;) This also applies to replacing the HVAC thermostat or your irrigation controller!


DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT SUGGEST ANYONE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRICITY OR FUSES OR WIRING ATTEMPT THIS DESPITE HOW SIMPLE IT IS. YOU CAN BE KILLED DEAD IF YOU ARE CARELESS!

I agree. Most handy man types who are comfortable with an electrical meter would have no trouble doing these basic repairs.

[retiredguy123]

My first thought is why don’t you have a protection plan on your a/c system? I have used sun kool for years and very satisfied. My new home came with protection for 1 year with sunshine. They check system annually and if issues will be out ASAP to diagnose/fix.
Sunkool and Sunshine are two different HVAC companies. No "protection plan" or annual maintenance can prevent your system from failing, and these plans only provide a small discount on repair costs. Maintenance plans are a cash cow for HVAC companies, and they don't provide any real guarantees. The best thing to do is to change your filter regularly and add vinegar or flush out the condensate drain line every few months. These are easy to do yourself. I wouldn't wait a year to service the condensate drain line. One thing I do not like about having a maintenance plan is that, when your system fails, you are tied to one company who may or may not respond immediately. But, there are at least 5 reputable HVAC companies in The Villages who are available to come to your house, usually on the same day. When your AC fails in the summer, you do not want to wait even a day or so for your maintenance plan guy to show up.

[New Englander]

On my unit it is right next to the cap in the electronics section of the cpmpressor. Identified by the 2 very heavy 110V lines (AKA 1 220 line with 2 wires) attached to it. Sometimes the relay contacts get pitted due to arc-over so I just replace it rather than clean it whenever I replace the cap.

Edit: There is also a startup capacitor in the air handler for that fan motor similar to the one in the compressor to be aware of.

Thank You.

[HiHoSteveO]

For some DIY people here, you may find the videos put out by Ted Cook interesting.
Also available for streaming on your TV (Do a search on Youtube)

Anti DIY HVAC - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFxf3hjNRSQ706L3jgDYnBw)

[cndlou3]

I have a question not necessarily about whom to have service the unit. My wonderful neighbor called me this morning and told me our unit had been running for 2 hours straight while he was out working in his yard closest to our house. He said he walked over and looked at it and said that there was ice on the inside of unit and on the pipe going into the house. I know that it is froze up my inlaws are going over to shut it off to thaw out and will recheck it later today. Can someone please explain to me the cause of the freezing up and what I should do. Unfortunately we are up north and can't diagnose anything at the moment. The unit was purchased Feb. 2017 so really not horribly old. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[ithos]

I have a question not necessarily about whom to have service the unit. My wonderful neighbor called me this morning and told me our unit had been running for 2 hours straight while he was out working in his yard closest to our house. He said he walked over and looked at it and said that there was ice on the inside of unit and on the pipe going into the house. I know that it is froze up my inlaws are going over to shut it off to thaw out and will recheck it later today. Can someone please explain to me the cause of the freezing up and what I should do. Unfortunately we are up north and can't diagnose anything at the moment. The unit was purchased Feb. 2017 so really not horribly old. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Most of the time it is caused by two things.

1) Your inside fan is not running(or really clogged filter which is not likely). Since there is no heat transfer across the coil your system freezes up.

2) It is low on refrigerant and most likely have a refrigerant leak.

Have your neighbor check to see if the fan is running.

You can tell if it is a leak by using an amp probe and compare the amps to the one listed on the nameplate.

Either way you will probably need a service call.

[cndlou3]

Most of the time it is caused by two things.

1) Your inside fan is not running(or really clogged filter which is not likely). Since there is no heat transfer across the coil your system freezes up.

2) It is low on refrigerant and most likely have a refrigerant leak.

Have your neighbor check to see if the fan is running.

You can tell if it is a leak by using an amp probe and compare the amps to the one listed on the nameplate.

Either way you will probably need a service call.
Thank you at least I know where to start. My father in law was going to go check on it for me. As soon as I hear from him I will proceed with a company for service.

[DAVES]

Invariably, on TOTV, there has to be a Captain Obvious. Usually this is someone who is cautioning about a task they have never done themselves. Not only do the numerous YouTube videos tell you how to diagnose a bad capacitor but most also show you how to discharge a capacitor. In fact bad caps are so common there is an excellent chance you can replace the cap and fix the problem without diagnosis at all

Now is someone is unwilling to perform this task that's fine but to spread words of caution about something you don't understand that is something quite different.

fyi Been there done that.