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cbanbury · Jun 28, 2009, 02:35 PM

Sorry if this is a repost, my first Q didn't seem to post.

I have an old 1984 rheem 3 ton split system. The air handler runs but the outside compressor does not come on. The fan and compressor come on when I push the relay under the cover panel but the air gets hotter not cooler.

When I took the cover off the outside unit there was a dead lizard lying across the terminals of what looked like a capacitor. Also there was a small dead snake wound around the wires and relays. I'm sure there is a story here somewhere ;)

Incidentally the air handler fan runs 24/7, the last repairman bypassed a bad relay rather than replace it. This works OK since I have a small 2-story and the continuous operation of the fan makes the upstairs and downstairs temps more consistent.

Let me know if I need to post more specific info on the unit.

TIA

twinkiedooter · Jun 28, 2009, 03:24 PM

Snakes and lizards short out a/c units a lot in the South. Quite common. Would suggest that you not bypass the relay and have it properly fixed. You could cause major electrical problems if you don't have this properly addressed. Your fan should not run 24/7 either as the motor will definitely go bad much sooner and could possibly heat up and cause a fire on the inside. Please have your unit serviced by a professional. Professionals do not bypass relays, they properly replace them. The capacitor is probably toast and needs to be changed out with a new part. Same with the relay - have it changed out for a new part.

siberianair · Jun 28, 2009, 05:30 PM

Having a fan run all of the time does not kill your motor any faster than having it start and stop 4 times an hour...
I do agree on having the relay and capacitor replaced.

cbanbury · Jul 7, 2009, 04:47 PM

Thanks all.

The main problem turned out to be a bad transformer at the air handler.

However, now that that has been replaced the unit does not blow cold air. The pipes at the compressor are ice cold when the unit turns on but then go warm after a few minutes. I would appreciate any suggestions for trouble shooting. At first I thought that maybe the air handler was frozen up since the house was hot and humid for several days but after letting the unit sit it doesn't seem to help.

Thanks again.