Hi, We had a contractor come over to look at our Air Conditioning Unit. We had an American Standard R-22 Allegiance 12. He said that the Condenser was "Grounded Out" and we needed to replace the condenser or alternatively we should replace it with a new system altogether. Are there other alternative reasons this could happen? The fan did not immediately go on, but he said that it probably would have gone on. The Condenser did not go on at all. Not exactly sure what "Grounded Out" means. He said that American Standard R-22s are not in existence anymore and he recommended Payne. His charge is 3K+ which includes a new Payne and labor and other gasses etc... Not sure if that is reasonable or not. Of course, I think it sounds high. Cheers and much thanks in advance.

Grounded out means the compressor wiring is bad. This is not always the case, could be a burnt wire at the compressor or the contactor. If it is grounded out the breaker would trip every time you turn on the ac. Also the fan will run if the compressor was unhooked witch needs to be done in order to see if it is grounded out.

Thanks very much Joshdta. If it is Grounded Out, does this mean it definitely needs to be replaced? And, if it is burnt wire instead, is it fixable and can a non-handy man like me replace it?

He did say that the breaker tripped multiple times, but I was not there to witness it. He definitely did not unhook the compressor and so I do not know if the fan was running.

Again, your help is very much appreciated!

Hang on a minute. Original post said "condenser", not compressor. Two completely different things. If the compressor is bad it is a big deal, and it's always cost effective to change the system. A bad condenser motor isn't such a big deal. However, R22 systems are obsolete and a new system is in order.

Missouri Bound - Went back through my notes. You are right. He said the Compressor was grounded... not the condenser. Thanks!

Well you can test it yourself if you have a ohm meter

I suggest you call a couple of other contractors to give you an estimate. That will give you a price range to consider, and an option to check references. Take the time to check out your options.

How old is your ac unit? The American Standard Allegiance 12 should have a 10 yr compressor warranty!