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View Full Version : AC causing lights, clocks etc. To flicker


r1013
Sep 2, 2009, 05:47 PM
Yesterday my power supply on my computer started beeping every 5-10 sec like the power was going or had gone out yet the lights were still on.

I walked to the back of the house and noticed a few lights flicker approx every 5 secs or so in rhythm. Then I seen the alarm clock also flickering.

I proceeded to turn off various items to see if anything would make it stop. When I turned off the AC it stopped.

After a few minutes, I then turned the AC back on and it all started again. I went out back and noticed the fan was not running at full speed. It seem to struggle.

The only other problem I have had with it was last Spring the fan would stop and start. I changed the capacitor and that fixed it. Would this be the capacitor again or something else?

Thank you,
r1013

hvac1000
Sep 2, 2009, 05:53 PM
It could very well be a component failure in the outside section of the A/C or you might need to add a hard start kit if your area is experiencing low voltage conditions. Anything else is guess wirk on my part since I am not there to check it out properly.

One other item to check and be very careful if you do. The A/C unit draws a lot of power when it starts up and also when it runs. In the past I have seen loose main connections in the electric panel cause this. In most cases you have to pull the meter OR really know what you are doing since it takes a allen wrench to tighten. It was 3 months ago that a neighbor was experiencing a similar problem and we found that the main lug on one side had come untightened over the years. If you do not know about electric I suggest you call a electrician to have them check this out. It seems aluminum wire used for the entrance cable expands and contracts with the heat/load which causes this problem. This would cause it to have an effect like you are having in your home.

r1013
Sep 10, 2009, 05:14 PM
Hello hvac1000,

I've been working a lot of over time and unable to reply sooner.

I looked in the electrical panel and sure enough a wire going to the breaker for the AC was VERY loose. I tightened it and it worked!

So the main problem was solved. When I peeked outside to make sure the fan was running, it was but it was struggling. I went out side and heard electricity (sizzling) coming from the unit. I carefully pulled off the side panel and there was a wire sitting against the compressor that rubbed bare. It was to short to cut and repair. I went to Lowe's and picked some more wire as well as another breaker because the old one wouldn't seat tight after I pulled it out.

So it's finally cool in the house again. No more 90 degrees! I think it's cooling better than ever.

Thank you for the suggestions.

hvac1000
Sep 10, 2009, 05:25 PM
Glad you got it going