Bryant Split A/C Model 663C

[sandspur]

I noticed my A/C wasn't cooling. I cleaned the coils on the evaporator & condensor, but still doesn't cool down (even at night after it's cooled off outside & raining). Does it sound like the system has a leak and lost freon? Anything I can do before calling a tech? THANKS!

[Cactus Bob]

was it cooling a week ago , a few days ago , yeaterday ? in other words was it cooling fine then just stopped , or has it not worked right for a while then got worse ?  second qustion  ,where in the world are you ? this gives me an idea how much ac you need and how soon

[sandspur]

You know, I'm not sure when it stopped cooling.... It's a second unit that cools the other side of the house, and I've had it turned up to 84 degrees. My daughter came for a visit and discovered it wasn't cooling when I turned the thermostat down.

We live in Florida, North of Orlando, so A/C is a necessity in August. But even with the cooler temperature and rain from tropical storm Fay, the A/C doesn't cool that end of the house to be comfortable.

 

[RegUS_PatOff]

Does the Compressor & Fans run ?

[sandspur]

Compressor & Fan run.

[RegUS_PatOff]

Can you get a peek at the Evaporator Coils ?

[sandspur]

Yes... Both sides. I cleaned them with a fin brush.... Some blockage but not too bad. I also used a spray on cleaner, then rinsed with water and vaccumed off.

[RegUS_PatOff]

any frost on the Evaporator Coils ?

[sandspur]

It hadn't run for a while when I cleaned the coils.... How long should I run it to check for frost?

[RegUS_PatOff]

not sure, but 10 - 20 minutes should show something...

[sandspur]

OK, ran unit for 20 minutes. Removed cover and no frost. What Now?

[RegUS_PatOff]

may be low on Freon.. does the Compressor run "forever" ?

[sandspur]

Yes

[Cactus Bob]

are you sure the compressor is running ? sometimes its hard to tell     . there are two sounds the outside unit will make theres a low grinding sound thats the compressor and the sound of the condenser fan thats more of a wind sound .......... if the compressor is running and your sure of this you must call for service there is nothing more you can do ..... if you cant tell listen to the other one does it sound the same ? another test is when its running pull the disconect and put it right back in  , the compressor now will be off , it will not restart right away , now is the sound the same as before you pulled the disconect ?  if so your compressor was and still is not running ........... if its quieter it was  running and  you need to call for service

[wagstdy]

Have you changed the air filter(s)?  Sometimes there are more than 1 filter.  1 at the air inlet(s) and 1 at the air handler.  Granted this is a long shot but it's worth asking before you have to call out a tech.

[TOPPS Appliance Service]

An easy way to see if that there compressor is running would be to use a screwdriver as a stethoscope. You can do this by touching the end of it near the king valves of the lineset and putting your ear against the handle.

If comp is not running you may want to pull the disconnect and open the service entrance. You'll be looking for this:

This is called a contactor. You'll see that there is a little plunger there in the middle. When the t-stat calls for action [closes] it will energize the coil with 24v thus closing the circuit.

If any obstructions get in between those contactors the circuit will stay open [florida spiders love those dark little places]. Try blowing them out with a little compressed air.

 

Be very careful in there!! There's 240v in them there crevices, and it will bite :poison: