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Posted by Lovegas on August 7, 2005, 12:13 am
Hey Folks,
I have an older Fedders (consumer grade) one-room size window AC unit, 120V.
It's well over a decade+ old...was given to me by my brother-in-law as he was
no longer using it. I've owned it for about 5 years, but only used it for one
summer (I live in apt. in NYC, had weak electrical, the building got an
elect. upgrade and then I used it). It has been stored in a closet for almost
2 yrs and was working perfectly before stored...never had a problem. We've
got a heat wave so I pulled it out and plugged it in. I've got a problem....
When I first switched it on, if memory serves, the fan worked and the
compressor kicked in but only very briefly...perhaps 10-30 seconds (if I
remember correctly)....then it popped the circuit. Usually, I plug the AC
directly into it's own extension cord, a very heavy gage item, but since I
had the AC removed for the 2 yrs, I had put a surge suppresor unit on the
extension cord and had a fan and 2 lamps connected to it. I saw the
thermal/overload protector on the surge surpressor had popped. After the
latter reset, I tried again to turn on the AC, this time only the fan went
on..I could hear a sound of a load straining but this time the compressor
didn't go on. I think that is the sequence of events.
OK. I removed the AC unit from the surge suppressor, and plugged the AC
directly into the extension cord. Now, not only wasn't the compressor kicking
in, but, when I turned the cooling to 'off' and only turned the fan on, the
fan wouldn't work. I could hear the motor load with current, but no turn
over. All the fan speeds resulted in the same failure.
Basically, now the AC unit will not operate at all, either in fan or cooling
mode, and it just gives a 'hum' when switched on.
Unfortunately, there's no model# on the unit...or if there was the sticker is
not longer there.
I got my multimeter out & removed the control panel. On a cursory inspection,
the power cord appears OK, the fan switch contacts appear to be be working.
I see the big capacitor in there, is that the cap for the start up circuit?
Any contactors that need to be checked? I never really worked on an AC uit
before.
I've got pretty good mechanical skills and passable electric/electronic
skills (if I get some guidance).
I could use some advice on how to troubleshoot this (and if needed, how to
find the model# ).
I couldn't find anything on the web regarding general AC repair and the HVAC
newsgroup seemed moe industry base, so I came here.
Anyone care to give it a stab?
Thanks a bunch!
Cheers,
Neal
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Posted by Mikepier on August 6, 2005, 5:44 pm
First off, what size A/C are we talking about? If it's like 5,000 or
6000 BTU, I would not waste time, they are so cheap today and more
energy efficient. You could pick one for $100.
But a good way to start troubleshooting is check to see if you have
voltage at the unit. Is it 110V or 220V?
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Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on August 7, 2005, 3:11 am
> But a good way to start troubleshooting is check to see if you have
> voltage at the unit. Is it 110V or 220V?
Didn't read the whole post did you?
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Posted by Gene on August 6, 2005, 6:29 pm
>Hey Folks,
>I have an older Fedders (consumer grade) one-room size window AC unit, 120V.
>It's well over a decade+ old...was given to me by my brother-in-law as he was
>no longer using it. I've owned it for about 5 years, but only used it for one
>summer (I live in apt. in NYC, had weak electrical, the building got an
>elect. upgrade and then I used it). It has been stored in a closet for almost
>2 yrs and was working perfectly before stored...never had a problem. We've
>got a heat wave so I pulled it out and plugged it in. I've got a problem....
>When I first switched it on, if memory serves, the fan worked and the
>compressor kicked in but only very briefly...perhaps 10-30 seconds (if I
>remember correctly)....t
>
>Basically, now the AC unit will not operate at all, either in fan or cooling
>mode, and it just gives a 'hum' when switched on.
My "Guess" is that the motor is your prob..Might be needing
cleaning, or has leaked out oil and now is basically seized...Or just
needs a bit of oil or a good cleaning.
>
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Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on August 7, 2005, 3:18 am
>
> Basically, now the AC unit will not operate at all, either in fan or
> cooling
> mode, and it just gives a 'hum' when switched on.
>
> Unfortunately, there's no model# on the unit...or if there was the sticker
> is
> not longer there.
Usually on a sticker or lable behind the grill.
> I could use some advice on how to troubleshoot this (and if needed, how to
> find the model# ).
> I couldn't find anything on the web regarding general AC repair and the
> HVAC
> newsgroup seemed moe industry base, so I came here.
> Anyone care to give it a stab?
In dog years it is 84 years old. In window AC years, it is about that old
also.
The fan motor may be trying to start, but gummed up bearings can be a
problem. Most small motors have sealed bearings and no way to oil them.
You can put a couple of drops of oil on the shaft, but it is a long shot
that enough will get to the bearings to last any time. Try spinning the
fan (blower wheel) by hand and then turn on the switch while it is still
turning. Get your fingers out first! Sometimes you can get it moving like
that, but it is just a quick fix, not a real cure. I got by for three days
like that until I was able to get a new motor.
The compressor can be the same way, or it may have lost its charge. Before
you invest much time and money in it, check out the prices of new units.
Small bedroom sized units can be bought new for less that the minimum an AC
tech has to charge to troubleshoot and repair it.
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