AC stopped working, but we are in Arizona. Even now, in may, at 1am, its still almost 90* in the house :(

I know a little bit about basic home maintenance, and it wasn't too hard to figure out that the capacitor was bad (symptoms of buzzing and a positive stick test along with a bulged capacitor all told the tale)

I am more than able to replace the capacitor, but even though its only 25 bucks, it is just going to have to wait until payday (thankfully in 2 days! LOL)

Can I just jump start the fan with the stick each time it needs to come on to cool the house when needed?

Or is it best to leave it off until I replace it?

Jennie, I've been told that shorting the cap can damage the motor, I'd say wait. Good luck

I assume you mean push the fan cage to get it started. Yes, you can do that. Check around, $25 seems a bit high for a capacitor. Be careful with the capacitor, it may still have a high voltage in it.

Absolutely ma0641 lol. I would unplug the power box (on the unit, not the house breaker) before I would consider even opening the cover. And even then still be extremely careful. I have no desire to be cooked! LOL

I may still just call the maintenance guy, as we are renters, I wouldn't want to step on any toes :P and he may cover the cost of the part.

Hi jennie. I don't suggest running the motor until you get the new cap, okay. I run capacitor not only helps start the motor, but it also aids in the correct running of motor. Sometimes motors will still start with a bad cap, but they will overheat and shut back down. This is damaging to the motor. Please wait for the new cap and you should be all set.

Yeah I turned it off and its been off today. We decided to go to a hotel and the matenence guy is coming first thing in the morning. I found that the management company could get in trouble with the owner if I repair something instead of letting them do it. Something about voiding their insurance.
Hi jennie. I dont suggest running the motor untill you get the new cap, okay. I run capacitor not only helps start the motor, but it also aids in the correct running of motor. Sometimes motors will still start with a bad cap, but they will overheat and shut back down. This is damaging to the motor. Please wait for the new cap and you should be all set.

Just wanted to update, HVAC guy came out (same guy we always get so that's always good to have someone familiar with your units history) and it was just what I said. But it didn't cost me anything to have him come out and do it, and he has better tools than I do :P

Plus, originally the capacitor on the unit had been one 'can' with 2 connectors. He said its better in the long run to have those divided, and placed 2 separate capacitors one for the fan motor, and one for the compressor. That way if one goes out (which I hear is a common thing in Arizona summers) he won't need to replace both with the larger more expensive piece.

So we have AC again today. My daughter and I stayed at a hotel, my husband works nights so he had no problem working last night, and then just staying up a little later at home for the hvac guy before going to bed. The house did eventually reach at least 100 degrees (according to our old non digital thermostat, so I can't be positive) so I'm glad he was able to get it fixed quickly.

Hey jennie. Thank you so much for the update. We really do appreciate that around here. Glad you got things all squared away and that you got a good tech out there. Its always nice to see a familiar face in these instances isn't it.

Stay cool and come on back if you ever have any questions in the future.

Lee.

Thanks lee :) Ive been around here for a while, I know how it feels to give advice, and then never hear back from the person. So I always try to update ;) (and give rep)