Archives for June 2011

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting – Learn How To Fix Lennox and Carrier Central Air Conditioning Systems And The Use of Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Chart

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The Trouble With Air Conditioning Troubleshooting

Every homeowner, with a home equipped with a residential air conditioning system, must acknowledge two types of air conditioning problems: (1) those that you can troubleshoot on their own; (2) and those better left in the hands of a qualified technician. The problem with air conditioning troubleshooting is if the troubleshooter does not have sufficient knowledge of how an air conditioning works and just leave everything to guesswork. That is why, before you start playing the resourceful MacGyver, make sure you have some basic knowledge of air conditioners.

Before You Start Troubleshooting Central Air Conditioning – Dissecting Your A/C

How an air conditioner works, whether for the home, car and other places, can be condensed in one sentence: The refrigerant circulates through the compressor, evaporator, and condenser to make the air cool.

This is the longer but still simplified version of how it works: When you turn on your central air conditioning system, its thermostat intelligently gives the air conditioning system a cue to bring own air temperature, leading to an entire chain of events. The part which handles the air is set on, sucking in air from different parts of the house via return-air ducts. The system then draws this air through a filter where lint, dust and other particles in the air are removed. Some innovative filters can even extricate microscopic pollutants. The air is then is dispatched to the air-supply duct work, where it is circulated back to the different parts of the house. This cycle repeatedly takes place while the air conditioning system is in use.

Now, let us take the system to pieces and take a look at the respective roles of each part.

Compressor. This motor is usually situated outside the house. Living up to its name, it compresses low pressure refrigerant gas into a high temperature, high pressure gas and hauls the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser.

Evaporator or Cooling Coil. The cooling coil is located inside the air handler and is part of a finned tubing where liquid refrigerant is gauged and allowed to evaporate transforming from liquid to gas state. This transformation leads to heat absorption making the surface of the evaporator coil cool. As a result, it blows cool indoor air across the coiling coil.

Condenser. This air conditioning component located outside the house includes a condensing coil through which high-pressure refrigerant gas circulate. It is also where a blower blows air to cool the refrigerant gas to convert it back to its liquid form. This happens to release the heat from the refrigerant gas, including the heat collected from the house, to the air fanned by the blower.

Metering Device. This small tube sandwiched between the evaporator and condenser, measures how much refrigerant is conveyed from the condenser to the evaporator.

Evaporator Fan. This air handler blows air through the evaporator coil to condition it and circulates it across various parts of the house via the supply ducts.

Duct System. This system circulates conditioned air from the air handler into the supply ducts where air is taken and is brought back to the cooling system air handler.

Controls Unit. This unit is comprised of the various controls and features to operate the air conditioning system, such as electrical switches, the room thermostat, circuit breakers or fuses, air filters , and condensate handling system.

A Lennox Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Case in Point

Understanding the various parts of the air conditioning system is important. A malfunctioning part will render the system useless or at least inefficient. Sometimes, despite the troubleshooting measures you take, it may still continue to malfunction if the measures you take do not address the right part that is problematic. You can also just ask the help of an HVAC specialist to resolve the problem. Consider this Lennox air conditioning system owner and DIY enthusiast who successfully resolved his air conditioning problems by finding out which particular component is acting up.

The fan of the outside unit of his Lennox 10ACB24-11P stops running after five minutes or so of switching the unit on and setting the thermostat to cool. The compressor, meanwhile, continues to function. So to troubleshoot this setback, he replaced the fan motor and cap, tidied up the contactors and, tested the old motor with the new cap, unhooked the compressor from power, and tested separate caps for the compressor and fan. Despite all these steps, the fan still discontinued running. After consulting with other DIY enthusiasts, and referring his case to a service technician, he discovered that it was the replacement motor that was the problem. It was a bad replacement that is why the fan still did not run despite the new motor. When replacing busted parts, make sure that it is in good running condition and the right replacement. In replacing a motor, make sure that you got the right size and has the same RPM as that of the original, not just the horse power. Using the wrong type of motor as replacement could overheat and cease operating because it could not take the added strain.

Carrier Air Conditioning Troubleshooting – What To Do With A Unit That Runs But Does Not Cool?

This is a common air conditioning problem not just among the Carrier systems. There are several possible causes for this snag, some of which may just be DIY stuff. So before calling an HVAC specialist, consider some of these troubleshooting pointers.

One of the things you can do to possibly solve this hitch is to inspect the filter located on the return air duct towards the right side near the air handler or furnace in the house. Replace it if it is damaged. Check also for debris that can obstruct the air flow on the coils on the exterior of your unit. Clean it out to allow airflow and heat exchange. Otherwise, your Carrier A/C will just keep on running without cooling your home or room, but the coil will, in due course, freeze up.

If the filter issue is not the problem, you can also check the breaker panel. Turn the breaker off for your AC unit, or of you can find a disconnect box outside near the unit, disconnect the plug inside. To recognize it, see if there is a ring on it with the “On” and “Off” label. Then clear the unit of any large debris. Afterwards, remove the water hose and clean the coils with a bristled brush and a pressure nozzle. Then allow the air conditioner to empty out and dry up for about 30 minutes prior to turning it on again. Do not forget to plug in the cord that you have unplugged earlier. After which, turn it on to test to see if it functions better. If it just runs but still does not cool, its freon level may be low or may be leaking. In this case, you will have to ask for the help of a HVAC specialist.

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Chart

An air conditioning troubleshooting chart will serve as a useful quick guide for homeowners to follow procedural checks to be able to troubleshoot their units. It tabulates the various air conditioning problems that may possibly crop up, along with their respective possible causes and remedy neatly organized into columns for easy reference. A few of these charts can be printed.

Homeowners do not have to immediately call a service technician each time their air conditioning system bogs down if they have some knowledge of how it works and on air conditioning troubleshooting.

Air Conditioner Problems – Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioner Problems At Home And In The Car

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Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Problems

Now that summer is here, many people would also be saying “Hello” to their air conditioners that are installed at home, at the workplace or in vehicles. Well, you should have said your greetings to this cool gadget, whether auto, home, window, central, or portable, days or weeks before the temperature started its climb to check for and nip possible air conditioner problems in the bud and ensure your comfort even before the weather begins to sizzle. If you have not done so yet and you have encountered some glitches, don’t sweat it. Continue reading to find useful troubleshooting tips.

No Sweat Common Air Conditioner Problems

Almost all air conditioner problems can leave your temper seething, and your first reaction may be to pick up the phone and call a technician. You must realize that there are simple problems that you can easily handle yourself to help you save the money.

So here are some common air conditioner problems that you can handle, no sweat!

Wailing noise. This can really be irritating so better resolve it before it gets louder causing you to lose your cool. Check for a dislodged fan belt and put it back its proper place. Also find out if the bearings of the motor need to be lubricated or replaced.

Leaking water inside the house. This may be due to your unit failing to drain away condensation, probably because of a rusty condensation pan. Start your inspection here then down to the drain itself to check and clear clogs so that water can trickle down where it should trickle down.

Blocked grills. This can cause your unit not to work. To address this, disassemble the unit so that you can carefully wipe down the parts, such as the fan, fins and motor, to enable it to function more efficiently. Make sure that it is disconnected from power and that the moving electrical parts remain dry. Be cautious in taking off the top grill because it may be wired to the fan. After cleaning, put everything back together and test it. Check thermostat settings to make sure they are below the current ambient temperature.

Solutions To Home Air Conditioner Problems Related To Energy Consumption

We can go on and babble about leaking units, busted fuses, malfunctioning condensers, but the there is one problem that does not receive much attention – the substantial energy consumption of A/C’s. Air conditioners are among the top home appliances that are significant contributors to the high energy bill you are paying. So to help you mitigate this problem, consider these tips:

1. Dirty filters can increase your energy consumption because they cause the conditioning systems to work harder to be able to pull out air through the unclean filters. Save five percent of your energy spending by cleaning a dirty filter. This will also minimize CO2 production by 175 pounds.

2. Over-cooling the room can also rob you of your energy savings. Set your thermostat at 75 degrees in the summer. This is deemed the optimal temperature level just enough to enjoy the cool that you need to combat the scorching summer heat and at the same time curtail your energy bill.

3. Positioning the unit in a spot where it gets exposed to direct sunlight can also pose energy bill problems. Reports have shown that energy consumption is five percent less with air conditioners that are stationed in shaded places when compared to those getting direct exposure.

4. Insufficient insulation of ducts for central air conditioning units can also increase energy consumption. So to lower your electricity bill, see to it that the ducts are properly insulated.

Window Air Conditioner Problems? Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

A window air conditioner, also known as a room air conditioner, is the “Mini Me” of a complete house cooling system. It contains the same components as that of an entire cooling system but in smaller sizes. These include interior components, such as the blower, evaporator coil, thermostat, plastic face panel, and filter; and other parts that are positioned outside the window, such as the condenser and compressor. Extending from the interior component evaporator coil to the exterior condensate drain tube is the moisture condensate. It serves to empty out water. All these are tidily enclosed in a metal casing which is partially positioned in and out of a window of a room.

As with an entire home air conditioning system, you may also encounter window air conditioner problems. However, do not let this get you into such a sweat as some of these can be resolved yourself.

Consider these tips:

1. If you see your unit leaking with water from the front panel, it may be because the pan is inclined down toward the room, instead of towards outside. As a result, water coming from the evaporator coil trickles down through the drain tube into your room, rather than outwards onto the rear or the unit. To solve this snag, simply adjust the slope of the unit to the appropriate position to allow water condensate to drain outside.

2. If your window air conditioner does not come to life after you have switched it on, check your power plug connection. It may just be loosely plugged and can easily be solved by using properly-positioned power plug connection. It is also possible that the circuit breaker or fuse has blown, so what you can do is to reset the breaker, or replace the defective fuse.

3. If your unit fluctuates to on and off too often, the problem may be with the thermostat or the temperature sensor. To troubleshoot this hiccup, adjust the wire with care to ensure that the thermostat sensor is correctly sitting close by the evaporator coil. Also find out if the thermostat or a portion of the front panel is not blocked with drapes. If the problem amplifies, have it checked by a technician for possible refrigerant leak. Also make sure that the condenser is not clogged with leaves and that its fins are not seriously mutilated or contorted. Fix twisted fins using a fin comb.

5 Hot Tips To Prevent or Curtail Central Air Conditioner Problems

1. Replace the filter. Clean filters not only nip problems in the bud and ensure a properly functioning central air conditioning system, but also allow you to save on your energy spending. A few AC makers even advise replacement every month or every two months, hinging on the frequency of use.

2. Allow the condenser some rest. Just as you take the time to unwind in the summer, your air conditioner also needs some time off. Overusing it will not just push your energy bill up, it could also lead to malfunction. Turn it off when the weather is cool, such as during the early morning hours, and when nobody is at home. Set the thermostat at 65 degrees or higher if you are using it.

3. Clean the vents. Periodically check the vents for any obstruction. Wipe away dust and dirt to allow air to sufficiently and efficiently flow.

4. Clear the outdoor unit. The HVAC motor is housed in the large box that is sitting outside your house. Make sure that its surroundings are free from clutter to allow about one to two feet of free space surrounding the vents. Never put anything atop the unit, especially when it is running. It would be a good idea to cover it during the summer when it is not in use to shield it from moisture that can lead to rusting and corrosion.

5. If you sense that something is wrong, turn it off. Try some of the troubleshooting techniques you may know, but if those do not work, do not push the system to struggle on to avoid further damage. Instead, just shut it off and have it checked and resolved by a qualified technician.

Air Conditioner Compressor Problems Can Compress Your Wallet

When you sense some problem with your air conditioning unit, pray that it does not concern your compressor since repairing (or worse, replacing) it can cost you an arm and a leg. One of the most common compressor problems is losing its capacity to cool. A service technician can diagnose this by connecting certain test gauges to the system. If he detects discharge pressure that is lower than normal and suction vacuum higher than normal, this will confirm the issue. A competent technician though will not do this test right away to minimize cost and to be methodical, except if he sees palpable signs that there is something wrong with the compressor, such as hard starting, does not start at all, and noise). He would follow certain standard procedures in examining the system, beginning from the least-expensive, like checking for electrical power, right setting and operation of system controls, function of blowers, condition of filters and duct work, and the like, to the problems that would cost more, such as those concerning the compressor. He examines the compressor by checking the pressures, air conditioner operating temperatures and current draw in Amps.

Car Air Conditioner Problems That Make Your Ride Uncool

Just like your home air conditioner, the air conditioning system in your automobile may also go kaput, making your ride sticky and uncomfortable especially when driving in the summer heat. Brace yourself from this vexation by getting familiar with some these common car air conditioner problems.

Low or Zero Level of of Refrigerant or Lubricant. A large number of car air conditioner problems are a result of the insufficient or zero levels of refrigerant. Certain auto air conditioning systems even disable the compressor from turning on if refrigerant levels are low, hence, cannot flick the low pressure safety switch. The refrigerant, and its oil components, is not just responsible for giving out the cooling effect, it also ensures the proper lubrication of the seals and certain moving parts of the compressor. This is the reason why the system must regularly be turned on, even during the cold months. To keep the compressor from drying up, make sure that the mineral oil is topped up when the system is undergoing maintenance.

Fluctuations in Air Temperature. There can be many causes for an air conditioning system that blows cool, and then hot air, such as a defective AC on/off switch, a lousy temperature sensor, a malfunctioning clutch or clutch relay, a broken low-pressure cutout switch, a blown fuse or faulty wiring, or an inoperative controller module. Another reason would be a frozen tube or evaporator, hence clogging the circulation of the refrigerant. This usually results from the presence of air or moisture in the system. You can diagnose this with the use of an air-con vacuum pump to see to it that the system has no more than two percent air by weight. This certain level is required for optimal function. Some owners of the Dodge Durango have experienced this hot and cold air problem.

Dripping Air-Conditioner. Another prevalent problem with the AC system of vehicles is leak, which is caused by the declining level of pressure shortly after charging the system with refrigerant. Wet marks around seals and service ports are the symptoms to watch out for. If you drive vehicles with R-12 systems that contain more oil in the system, you can easily detect this. But it may be challenging to diagnose this problem using this technique if you have the later systems, particularly the R-134a, and may require a special equipment, such as an electronic freon sniffer and UV light to pinpoint leaks. Certain vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee have this issue.

Honda Car Owners Steaming Over Honda Air Conditioner Problems

The various car models of Honda is not exempt from car air conditioner problems. For instance, a common complaint for Honda Accord owners is that their air conditioning system just stopped working. This could be due to a missing clutch relay or some burnt wires or a hole in the tube. Some Honda Odyssey owners also complain that their air conditioning fans, which work only at high setting, blow hot air only. This can be resolved by checking the control panel; the transistor panel may just need to be replaced. You can also refer to the above-mentioned tip on temperature fluctuations. Honda CRV is this manufacturer’s car model receiving one of the highest complaints about its air conditioning system. This is briefly discussed below.

The Blackest Snag Among Honda CRV Air Conditioner Problems

The air conditioning systems of some Honda CRVs die a slow, black death. The epithet refers to the black sludge and metal fillings that contaminate the system leading to the breakdown of the compressor. This black debris is pumped through the system as the compressor goes on the fritz, entailing substantial and more expensive repairs, which would cost about $3,000. The sad part is it is no longer covered under warranty as this drag often occurs in cars with 50,000 to 80,000 miles. This problem is common among 2002 to 2004 Honda CRV’s. Despite the number of complaints though, this cannot prompt a recall since it does not involve safety issues.

Air conditioner problems can be so vexing, but instead of loosing your cool, try to have a basic understanding of how air conditioners work and learn how to diagnose and solve simple snags.

Back-Up Power Generators

Whether you or a family member have a medical condition that you rely on medical equipment, you work from home, have a high profile job, security concerns, live in an area with frequent power outage you really should consider a back- up power generator. They are now affordable, easy to install, and automatically switch on when the power goes down.

The units run on natural gas or propane. They are hard wired into your electrical panel and detect a power outage and come on without you having to do anything or even be home. The average cost range is from $5,000 to $12,000. Depending on the size of unit you select and how much of your home and electronics you want to keep running when the power goes out.

For example at my house I selected a smaller unit. That was enough to power my heating, air conditioning, one water heater, refrigerator, microwave, computer, one TV, and three rooms of lights (kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom). Larger units are available to power the entire house. These are also very helpful in doctor/dentist and other small offices.

Grills/Registers

Dear Tammy,

Q: I need to replace some of my vents. When I called the hardware store they asked me grills or registers? How do I know which ones I need, what is the difference?

A: Registers go in the floor. They are used with systems that are installed in basements. They are flat, with no raised louvers. There are some very nice decorative finishes available now. There are wood as well as different metal tones that are very attractive. Remember to try not to cover your registers up with furniture.

Grills are installed in ceilings or walls and have directional louvers to direct the air flow. They are used when your system is installed in the attic, closet or street level garage. Be sure to use the right type of paint if you want to paint your grills to match your ceiling or wall color. Ask a professional painter for advice. Some diffusers are plastic now. It has been my experience plastic does not take paint well.

Hope you home improvement project turns out great!

Tammy

Pictures courtsey of Google Images.

Video Tour of 1927 Landmark Theater

Willis Carrier first installed air conditioning here in 1927.

Take the video tour below.

Landmark Theater – Heating and Cooling from Michael Stanton on Vimeo.

Air Conditioning Problems – Diagnosing and Resolving Home, Central and Car Air Conditioning Problems, Including Honda Accord and Odyssey, Ford Expedition and Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Image by ToddMorris via Flickr

Weathering Air Conditioning Problems? Keep Your Cool

It is easy to lose your cool when a perfect summer day is ruined with the air conditioning conking out. Who wants to drive a car with an air condition system that does not work in the sweltering afternoon heat? No matter what automobile you drive, a Mercedes Benz, BMW X5, Chrysler Town and Country, Volvo, Dodge Ram, Toyota Sienna or Prius, Kia Sedona, Scion TC, or Ford Windstar or Taurus, you still arrive at your destination hot and sweaty. Just the same, air conditioning problems at home or at the workplace can also blow your cool. Besides the discomfort, they could even cause your energy bill or gas expenses to skyrocket. That is why, it is important to always follow proper maintenance and address setbacks at once. Additionally, a home or car owner must have some knowledge on how to troubleshoot air conditioning problems to eliminate the need to call a technician even for the simplest glitches.

Trouble Shooting Simple Home Air Conditioning Problems

Home air conditioning problems range from the simple common sense quick fix that can be done by a Do-It-Yourself enthusiast, to the complicated and serious task that is best delegated to a technician. Calling a technician each time you encounter air conditioning problems may not be practical. That is why, it would be good to learn how to troubleshoot some simple hitches. Some of these are discussed below.

1. Air conditioning unit does not turn on. There are several reasons for this occurrence. The first thing to check when confronted by this hitch is power. A separate circuit breaker is usually used for central air conditioning systems, typically with a double switch. This switch is used to avoid unintentionally turning on the AC unit during winter or when cooling is not necessary. Inspect if the circuit breaker is turned on, and if it is, switch it off then back on. In many instances, the switch has been set off but is only set close enough to make it look like in the on position, but is actually not yet turned on.

If you are using a room air conditioner, inspect palpable reasons why it does not turn on. Check if it is plugged. If it is, check whether or not the outlet is live by plugging a lamp or another appliance into it. Also find out if the selector switch inside the unit is activated. Check also the fan, coolant pressure, thermostat, noise, condensate drainage and start-up time when your unit refuses to come alive.

2. Air conditioner leaks water into the house. If an indoor mini pool suddenly forms at the base of the air conditioner, inspect the tubes for any leaks and replace as needed. If the tubes are in good condition, put some water into the pan of the condensate pump to check if it is busted or is not receiving power. Have it repaired or replaced if it is busted.

Another cause for the leaky unit is if the round check valve next to the discharge tube may be jammed. To find out, unscrew the check valve, unfasten the ball inside and check for any impediments. If you see a condensation drain tube blocked by algae, you may have to sever it so that you can poke a wire through it to remove obstacles. Tip some diluted bleach solution into the pipe to terminate the algae. Then put the tube back later using a coupling. Besides algae, ice could obstruct the tube. If this happens, check if the filter is dirty and clean it.

Central Air Conditioning Problems That Are Too Hot To Handle for A Mere Homeowner

There are air conditioning problems that may need the expertise of a qualified technician to solve. If you are not one, do not attempt to fix them yourself because you might end up damaging your unit and paying for more than what you need to pay for technician fees. Here are some central air conditioning problems that must be referred to a competent technician.

1. Air Conditioner does not turn on. This is the same scenario mentioned above. If after doing the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your unit still does not come alive, or if the ones mentioned are not the cause behind the problem, you may need to call your technician especially if both panel breaker or compressor breaker circuit disconnect automatically after your attempt to use the unit again. Do not switch it on again because a serious electrical trouble may be the cause and is best seen by a trained technician.

2. Air handler is noisy. Majority of air handlers are equipped with direct-drive motors, but a few older units are still driven with belt. When the belt that links the motor to the blower of a belt-driven air handler falls, that is when you hear this noise. The bearings of the motor for a direct-drive blower may be shot, if it is producing these squealing sounds. It is best to turn off the unit and have it checked by an HVAC repair technician.

3. Air conditioner leaks water into the house. If you have checked the tube and cleaned the filter, just as suggested previously, but the unit is still leaking, the refrigerant level may possibly be low and needs to be recharged. This is the time you would need a technician as a special equipment is required to do this.

Do Car Air Conditioning Problems Drive You Crazy?

Auto air conditioning problems can be as vexing as those that besiege central and home air conditioners. Air conditioning problems in modern and relatively newer cars and automobiles rarely occur as technology has made them more reliable. The two most common auto air conditioning problems could either be the absence of cool air and insufficient cool air. If no cool air is produced, it could be caused by: a defective expansion valve, an obstructed expansion valve, loose or broken drive belt, blown fuse, faulty compressor or slipping compressor clutch, and any leaking parts earlier mentioned or any of the unit's lines, hoses or seals. The possible reasons that your car air conditioner may be producing minimal cool air are: loose drive belt, low refrigerant charge,

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congested condenser, slipping compressor clutch, slow leak in system, obstructed evaporator and partially blocked filter or expansion valve.

There may be nothing much for you to do when your car air-con breaks down, but have it repaired by a qualified technician, as most of them need certain equipment that an ordinary car owner does not have, such as the equipment used for recharging the refrigerant. However, you can take proactive measures to keep it in good running condition. One of which is periodic maintenance as prescribed by the manual. Also make sure that the air-con runs at least 10 minutes per month, even if you live somewhere where turning on the AC during the cold months may seem illogical. This requirement is necessary to maintain the proper lubrication of the compressor. The air conditioning system contains a light mineral oil in the refrigerant for that purpose.

The Quest for Solutions to Honda Odyssey Air Conditioning Problems

A caravan of owners of the 2003 Honda Odyssey EX have complained of suddenly getting warm air from the front and rear blowers of the car air conditioning system. The problem typically involves the front fan blowing only when set on high and the air produced is warm while the rear fan was running even at low but still blows warm air. After turning on the ignition, the compressor came to life for just a couple of seconds and then halted.

If you encounter a similar experience, check your control panel if it is normally working. You may find that it may be caused by a malfunctioning transistor assembly which can be solved simply through a 10-minute part replacement and about $50 depending on where you have it repaired.

2004 Honda Accord Air Conditioning Problems – Can You Afford a Black Death?

Some drivers of the 2004 Honda Accord complained that the air-con in their car unexpectedly quit working, even after turning the knob for the airflow. The light indicator also did not come to life even after pushing the control buttons for defrost, airflow, and the like. This may be due to a burnt out blower motor resistor, which functions to protect the electrical part of the air conditioning system. Replacing this is not very costly and would take at most two hours to have the system checked and repaired.

Some Honda car owners, whether Accord, Odyssey, CRV or Civic, who experienced what they call “black death” of the air conditioning system which is common among Honda cars advise others to choose a competent mechanic to handle air conditioning problems. Black death is the term they use when the air-con compressor disintegrates internally and the only solution to the problem is to replace the entire air conditioning system. You do not want this to happen to your Honda cars, as this will cost an arm and a leg.

In-Progress Expedition Into One of the Ford Expedition Air Conditioning Problems

A setback encountered by some a Ford Expedition owner is that regardless of whether the control is set as hot or cold, only heat is produced by the front vents. It starts with the said vents getting jammed to either hot or cold setting even if shifting the control already. Changing the vent setting though can at times shift it from hot to cold or cold to hot. The unfortunate part is that the repair shop he went to could not seem to accurately nail the problem down. As a result their solutions, such as replacing the blend door and fastening a loose wire, were ineffective.

Exploring Some of the 2002 Ford Explorer Air Conditioning Problems

The following is a list of the top 3 problems raised by owners of the 2002 Ford Explorer concerning its air conditioning system:

1. Air-con does not work. Many dealerships cannot identify the cause, and the common recommendation is to replace the condenser. Average cost to address this problem is about $600.

2. Rear air conditioning starts a clicking sound when turned on. Possible solutions to this problem are replacement of rear A/C flapper (mixer) door and unplugging the rear A/C roof vent/ low vent selector motor. This would entail an average cost of $300.

3. Clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. This can be solved by replacing the door actuator motor, which would cost less than $70.

What the Bleep? Jeep Air Conditioning Problems!

Air conditioning problems also beset jeeps, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and the 2006 Jeep Commander. One air conditioning snag encountered by a Wrangler owner is that the A/C blows out only when he sets the fan on both extreme levels, leaving the two mid-range levels non-functional. This can actually be fixed easily by replacing the fan switch, which can be done in 15 minutes using a screw driver and a ¼ socket. You have to detach the cowling that shields the ashtray, radio and air-con switches. Unscrew the two screws found on top of the dashboard and the ashtray so that you can detach the air conditioning panel. You can then detach the old switch and replace it with the one you bought. Then put them all back together.

Troubleshooting One of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Air Conditioning Problems

One concern that Jeep Cherokee owners have with the air conditioning system of their jeeps is a fluctuation of temperature during the summer and winter while driving. It does not properly cool or heat as set and expected. The fan work fine, but the air from the A/C is neither hot nor as cool as it should be.

This may be due to the heater core about to go out. If it is so, expect your glove compartment to flood or be wet when it rains. Another cause would be trouble with the relay or heating coil, or a broken connector or contact from the temperature control knob. To be sure, check the Hane’s manual or better yet, have it diagnosed by a mechanic.

Air conditioning problems can literally be sticky, whether they happen to your home, central, or car air conditioning systems. Keep some troubleshooting tricks up your sleeve so that when your AC conks out on you, you will at least have an idea on what to do, whether to do it yourself or call your technician.

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Are programmable thermostats worth the cost?

Programmable Thermostats

Q: Tammy I’m a single guy and don’t spend much time at home, would it be worth it for me to have a programmable thermostat installed?

A: I should just pinch your hinny hard for asking such a question. A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home a lot or have a set schedule. According to the Department of Energy you would save about 10% on your heating and cooling bill which is around $180 on an average home per year.

There are several different types and styles. You can program for five to seven days depending on your schedule. You can program for energy savings temperatures while you are away and asleep. The new digital screens are easy to program and read. I have the latest and greatest in my house with a remote control that even tells me the outdoor temperature, humidity and when to change my air filter. My recommendation is Honeywell products for their longevity and reliability.

Know before you buy:

You can buy programmable thermostats on line, or at your local home improvement store. They do come with installation instructions and many have live tech support if you need help. You may need to purchase according to the type of heating and cooling system you have (gas, electric, heat pump or single or two stage), because that effects your wiring. Some thermostats will work with any type of system; you just need to program and wire accordingly. Be sure to read the box carefully before you purchase.

Price Matters:

This is where you get what you pay for. The cheaper the thermostat, the fewer features you will get possibly making it less user friendly and not as accurate. Some manufacturers do not sell their top models to the public, only to contractors. However, contractors and technicians install these thermostats and program them every day so they may give you access to a better selection and save you some aggravation depending on how handy you are.

Kisses!

Tammy Technician

(Picture courtsey of Google Images.)

Condenser Cover, Good Idea?

Air Conditioner Covers

Q: Tammy I’m a single mom and don’t have much time for yard work and outdoor maintenance, should I be covering my air conditioner in the winter?

A: Girlfriend, I am for anything that makes your life easier. By covering your outdoor condensing unit, some people also cover their window air conditioners; they stay cleaners and do not rust as fast, lasting longer. I generally see covers used in northern climates where there is significant snow fall.

You can buy many different types of covers on line. Some even custom made for your make and model of unit. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and cost accordingly. You can also make your own with plastic or a tarp and twine.

Important!

Just make sure you remember to take it off before you turn on your air conditioner for the first time next Spring! Also, you cannot use a cover on a heat pump because the outdoor unit runs in the Winter time.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Girl Power!