[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JohnN

I'm like a doctor - see one, do one.
I don't quite trust myself to take it on.
We had the guy out there for the servide call already.
Good tip, though. thanks.

Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

[Road-Runner]

Originally Posted by JohnN

Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

Can I ask who replaced your standard capacitors? It sounds like they replaced more than one? Just want to have this info if/when my company wants to replace ours.

Thanks for sharing

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

This video might help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8nDBZo6XyE

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by biker1

Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

If yoiu've never replaced one, it can be a bit daunting.

Ours crapped out on a Friday afternoon last July.

Sunshine Air Conditioning was able to hava a tech at my house within a few hours. He showed me how to replace the Capacitor, and told me which one to but to have on hand if it happens agasin/

I figured I paid for the repair AND for the lesson on how to fix it the next time it happens...

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

And that Trane probably cost you 25% more

Funny I looked at my 22 year old trane and my new carrier, seems to have all same common parts. Older Trane compositors are around 20 bucks. Mine lasted as long as I was in house 10 years, the air handler coil finely spring small leak. I could have just kept charging it up every few months, but that wasn’t cost effective due to price of older Freon. If some having all that trouble I say it was the installers or repair gouging?

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

Exactly right. I have many talents, but that's not in my wheelhouse.

[biker1]

It is not rocket surgery. Pull the quick disconnect. Pull off the panel. Short across the 3 terminals. Replace it. Put back the quick disconnect. Have a beer. There are Youtube videos to show you the way.

Originally Posted by JohnN

Exactly right. I have many talents, but that's not in my wheelhouse.

[MarshBendLover]

Originally Posted by biker1

It is not rocket surgery. Pull the quick disconnect. Pull off the panel. Short across the 3 terminals. Replace it. Put back the quick disconnect. Have a beer. There are Youtube videos to show you the way.

Make sure that beer at the end was not the last one in the case you had just started earlier in the day, or the easy job really did become rocket science or brain surgery..........ZAP! "Honey, all the power in the house just went out.....honey? honey? Why are you sleeping next to the ac unit......

[biker1]

One of the easiest DIY things around your home - even a caveman could do it. However, if you prefer to pay someone 20-30x the cost of the part then ....

Originally Posted by MarshBendLover

Make sure that beer at the end was not the last one in the case you had just started earlier in the day, or the easy job really did become rocket science or brain surgery..........ZAP! "Honey, all the power in the house just went out.....honey? honey? Why are you sleeping next to the ac unit......

[ithos]

New Refrigerant Standards Will Upset the HVAC Market
https://atcservice.com/new-refrigera...erant%20tubing.

Time is running out if you want to replace a system with 410A. If you change refrigerants you will most likely have to replace the lineset which may require ripping down drywall.

I am hoping that in a few years, less radical options will become available. I doubt it though because there is much more profit sticking with the status quo. But if they make it too expensive then a mini split system may be the better choice.

If you do choose a conventional evaporator coil, I recommend that it have a rust inhibitor coating applied to it before installation. Also if possible, choose one that has both tube sheets accessible to increase the likelihood that a leak can be repaired.

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

Ouch. I'm going to have my wife change it out!!

[laryb]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You must have fantastic hearing. I have an original Carrier system installed by the builder, and I cannot hear it at all.

No, I don't have fantastic hearing. Just might be that my air handler inlet is in the hallway, and the air handler itself is inside the house, not in the garage. I don't have any reason exaggerate.

[idlewild]

For the new homes with Carriers, what capacitor would you recommend? Definitely getting a Made in USA one, but I need to know the dual capacitance MFD too, right? 70/5?

[ithos]

Originally Posted by idlewild

For the new homes with Carriers, what capacitor would you recommend? Definitely getting a Made in USA one, but I need to know the dual capacitance MFD too, right? 70/5?

This video will explain everything:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8nDBZo6XyE

It will be the same type as the one that will be replaced. There shold be information on the existing capacitor.

Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors
On Amazon.

[kevinm55]

All - I am in the process of researching a potential HVAC replacement and would welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding any recent experiences. This would be in a 2BR/2BA that has the original Trane XR80 Air Handler. Any real world quote or pricing information would also be very, very appreciated!! Thank you!