[jenniepepsi]

AC stopped working, but we are in Arizona. Even now, in may, at 1am, its still almost 90* in the house :(

I know a little bit about basic home maintenance, and it wasn't too hard to figure out that the capacitor was bad (symptoms of buzzing and a positive stick test along with a bulged capacitor all told the tale)

I am more than able to replace the capacitor, but even though its only 25 bucks, it is just going to have to wait until payday (thankfully in 2 days! LOL)

Can I just jump start the fan with the stick each time it needs to come on to cool the house when needed?

Or is it best to leave it off until I replace it?

[parttime]

Jennie, I've been told that shorting the cap can damage the motor, I'd say wait. Good luck

[ma0641]

I assume you mean push the fan cage to get it started. Yes, you can do that. Check around, $25 seems a bit high for a capacitor. Be careful with the capacitor, it may still have a high voltage in it.

[jenniepepsi]

Absolutely ma0641 lol. I would unplug the power box (on the unit, not the house breaker) before I would consider even opening the cover. And even then still be extremely careful. I have no desire to be cooked! LOL

I may still just call the maintenance guy, as we are renters, I wouldn't want to step on any toes :P and he may cover the cost of the part.

[mygirlsdad77]

Hi jennie. I don't suggest running the motor until you get the new cap, okay. I run capacitor not only helps start the motor, but it also aids in the correct running of motor. Sometimes motors will still start with a bad cap, but they will overheat and shut back down. This is damaging to the motor. Please wait for the new cap and you should be all set.

[jenniepepsi]

Yeah I turned it off and its been off today. We decided to go to a hotel and the matenence guy is coming first thing in the morning. I found that the management company could get in trouble with the owner if I repair something instead of letting them do it. Something about voiding their insurance.

Hi jennie. I dont suggest running the motor untill you get the new cap, okay. I run capacitor not only helps start the motor, but it also aids in the correct running of motor. Sometimes motors will still start with a bad cap, but they will overheat and shut back down. This is damaging to the motor. Please wait for the new cap and you should be all set.

[jenniepepsi]

Just wanted to update, HVAC guy came out (same guy we always get so that's always good to have someone familiar with your units history) and it was just what I said. But it didn't cost me anything to have him come out and do it, and he has better tools than I do :P

Plus, originally the capacitor on the unit had been one 'can' with 2 connectors. He said its better in the long run to have those divided, and placed 2 separate capacitors one for the fan motor, and one for the compressor. That way if one goes out (which I hear is a common thing in Arizona summers) he won't need to replace both with the larger more expensive piece.

So we have AC again today. My daughter and I stayed at a hotel, my husband works nights so he had no problem working last night, and then just staying up a little later at home for the hvac guy before going to bed. The house did eventually reach at least 100 degrees (according to our old non digital thermostat, so I can't be positive) so I'm glad he was able to get it fixed quickly.

[mygirlsdad77]

Hey jennie. Thank you so much for the update. We really do appreciate that around here. Glad you got things all squared away and that you got a good tech out there. Its always nice to see a familiar face in these instances isn't it.

Stay cool and come on back if you ever have any questions in the future.

Lee.

[jenniepepsi]

Thanks lee :) Ive been around here for a while, I know how it feels to give advice, and then never hear back from the person. So I always try to update ;) (and give rep)