Home a/c went out - help needed

O4L · Aug 17, 2015

Any Shawnee area a/c folks on here?

I'm pretty sure my compressor went out. There was a cloud of smoke and then a hissing sound (freon I assume) when I turned it on.

Its an older unit on a mobile home, but I'm hoping the compressor can be changed out instead of replacing the entire unit.

Any help would be appreciated because I don't know much about these things and I definitely don't have money to burn.

twoguns? · Aug 17, 2015

Sucks....
Someone closer will be along soon.....they Love diagnosing ACs
What size, any other info will help.....

O4L · Aug 17, 2015

The model number is S3RA-030KA<2.5T. I guess the end means 2.5 ton?

That symbol is either a C or <.

indi · Aug 17, 2015

When you turn it on does the fan still run? If might be a capaciter.

O4L · Aug 17, 2015

indi said:
When you turn it on does the fan still run? If might be a capaciter.

Replaced the capacitor, turned it on and the compressor blew up.

bettingpython · Aug 17, 2015

Replace the whole thing , a compressor alone is usually more expensive to replace than it is to do an entire unit most of the time.

Viper16 · Aug 17, 2015

bettingpython said:
Replace the whole thing , a compressor alone is usually more expensive to replace than it is to do an entire unit most of the time.

Normally I would say that is the case...but since we are in the middle of cooling season, I have seen price differences if I could have waited during cooler months when the A/C guys are low on work. If you have an R-22 System...you have to switch to R-410A which means new copper lines, evaporator and condenser. depending on the furnace you may be best to replace it while you are at it.

I would see both ways...a compressor may not run that much to replace and get you back and running. R-22 Compressors / refrigerant oil is not that extreme on cost...to my knowledge.

saddlebum · Aug 17, 2015

Viper16 said:
. If you have an R-22 System...you have to switch to R-410A which means new copper lines, evaporator and condenser. depending on the furnace you may be best to replace it while you are at it.

not true

Rooster1971 · Aug 17, 2015

Viper16 said:
Normally I would say that is the case...but since we are in the middle of cooling season, I have seen price differences if I could have waited during cooler months when the A/C guys are low on work. If you have an R-22 System...you have to switch to R-410A which means new copper lines, evaporator and condenser. depending on the furnace you may be best to replace it while you are at it.

I would see both ways...a compressor may not run that much to replace and get you back and running. R-22 Compressors / refrigerant oil is not that extreme on cost...to my knowledge.

You can still get a r-22 unit. They are shipped nitrogen charged, you have to charge them with r-22 in the field. I bought one yesterday.

OP, I can change it out for you if you want. I don't usually work the Shawnee area but will if you want me to. It will be Friday though. Booked tomorrow and have an attic install sched for Wednesday and Thursday due to the cooler temps. Call me 405-464-4142 if you can wait that long. I'll treat you right, don't have much overhead.

Viper16 · Aug 17, 2015

saddlebum said:
not true

From a cost standpoint, I could imagine it would be better to replace. I know I wouldn't trust a solvent flush when switching between the two types of refrigerant.

I suppose if you wanted to pay the amount for the flush, and trust that the flush was done properly and fully cleaned out, then yeah I suppose you could use the same copper lines (providing they are the same diameter), but I would not risk a +$3K system by trying to save the $125-200 for the copper lines I did not want to pay to change. I will admit, I have no idea what the cost for a flush on a system, but If I am sure it aint' cheap.

The two types of oils used in both refrigerants do not mix, and have potential to foul things up in the future. Why risk it?

IMHO

Home a/c went out - help needed

O4L

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indi

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