At the end of the season last year we noticed in the central air conditioning unit outside that there was a clicking noise and then smelled like something burning. I am worried about this and what it may be? Cost wise? And going to have to do something since the hot weather will be here very soon. Any help will be greatly appreciated. The unit outside was smelling like something burning and then heard like a clicking sound... otherwise it had worked just fine until then. It's the fan outside? Not inside that's causing the problem?

At the end of the season last year we noticed in the central air conditioning unit outside that there was a clicking noise and then smelled like something burning. I am worried about this and what it may be? Cost wise? And going to have to do something since the hot weather will be here very soon. Any help will be greatly appreciated. The unit outside was smelling like something burning and then heard like a clicking sound...otherwise it had worked just fine until then. It's the fan outside? Not inside that's causing the problem??
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It might not be as bad as it smells. It could be just a bad 24 volt coil on your contactor or reversing valve (if it's a heat pump) or just a bad electrical connection. It could also be more serious items such as the circuit board or the fan motor.

Does the unit still run? And was it running while making this clicking noise, from what you describe it kind of sounds like a weak contactor, if it is a heat pump it may be the time delay relay, some models had problems with those. A little more info would be helpful

Yes, it was still running when noticed the clicking sound.. then outside noticed it smelled like something burning? What is a weak contactor? Or heat pump? Is this a real expensive problem? Thanks for your help, it is appreciated. I'm just hoping that it's not some major problem or expense right now?. Your information is appreciated.

It doesn't sound like a major problem to me. I would advise that you have it looked at asap, it could turn serious if it's not looked at soon... I'm not going to give you any advice as to what you should look for because I'm afraid that it may put you in danger, electric is something you should take very serious and although it is sometimes expensive, I suggest you call a serviceman. If I thought it was something I could walk you through without any danger, I would.

Thank you for your help. We haven't turned the air conditioning on at all yet this year.. am afraid to. Don't want to take any chances if something electrical or whatever it is. Feel better that you feel like it isn't a major problem.. expense wise just hard at this time. Thanks again for your help with this.

Whether you call a se3rvice man or not, you would do well go to the sticky at the top of the forum here and learn a little about the basics of HVAC including if you have a heat pump. Then you can give us the information needed to help you. There are some things
You can find and fix with a little help.

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.