View Full Version : How do I determine if it is a bad fuse or capaciter?
AndreaF_AZ
Jul 14, 2009, 07:34 PM
Hello everyone! I am new to this forum. How cool this is (no pun intended)! I have a Lennox unit that is blowing hot air as of today. After reading the posts, it seems I either have a bad fuse or capacitor, or I need a freon charge. I know it is not the fan, because it is cycling just fine. How do I determine, or rule out the least expensive to most expensive? I'm assuming I can change the fuse. But, wondered if there is a way to know it isn't that without taking that step (i.e. would the unit cycle and fan still spin if one of the two fuses in the box is bad?) Next, how do I know it is a capacitor vs needing a charge? Thanks everyone! All the best to you. ;)
twinkiedooter
Jul 14, 2009, 07:58 PM
Andrea - Please do not attempt to fool around with your a/c. If the fuses are bad and you change the fuses and the unit works - great - you solved the problem. BUT trying to figure out if the capacitor is bad or the unit needs more freon - UNLESS you have the appropriate tools and training please do not attempt to fix your a/c as you could end up literally fried by the high voltage contained in the unit. Bite the bullet and call a repairman and have him properly test and repair the unit. Lennox's don't usually go bad so it's probably the capacitor. I did have relay switches go bad and to get them changed out was not big deal. But if you do not have the proper testing tools and know what you are doing you could waste a heck of a lot of time and money trying to figure out the problem as it could be several components that are bad. As a rule, a/c units are not a do-it-yourself kind of project to tackel. I always call a professional to repair my a/c or furnace. It is much cheaper in the end and I'm not risking my life trying to repair it.
Also, call your electric company and ask them if they have a program that you can sign up for that is sort of an insurance policy for your a/c or furnace. Here in Ohio we have a heating and cooling plan that costs $10 a month. It takes a 30 day waiting period though but well worth it in the end when you call up with any heating or cooling problem and the repairperson comes out within a short period and fixes the problem for free. They allow $1,500 per year repair on a/c or furnace repairs. It's worth a call to see if your electric provider has such a program.
siberianair
Jul 15, 2009, 04:41 AM
The fan would not be running if one fuse was bad. Is the compressor trying to start at all?
We would need more info to help you out. But you will need the right tools to get the job done. One thing you could do is turn the power off to unit at circuit breaker our out door disconect. Take the capaicitor out and take it to grainger or somewhere to be tested. They can tell you if it is bad and replace it for same size and everything for you. Just take a picture and write down what wires went where.
If your not comfortable with this than call someone. It appears you are in az. I used to live and work in phoenix. I can help recommend a good company or two if you need. I can also tell you who to stay away from.