Friend's AC is not working. I went over to look at it today just to understand what it's doing. Essentially, when she turns the AC on the outdoor unit makes a pretty loud "click" sound and nothing comes on.

She had a HVAC guy come and give her an estimate to replace the unit saying it couldn't be fixed.

Does what I'm describing sound like it could be the capacitor or the contactor? The unit is made by Haier.

Thanks!
JP

Just from the very limited info given, I'm assuming the outside condenser fan isn't coming on? That's most likely a motor capacitor in my experience. You can try spinning the fan by hand when turning on the unit which should get the motor running. That'll tell you right away if it's just the capacitor.

Yeah, nothing comes on. Just that loud click noise, no humming or nothing. From what I've been able to find on the internet about this it seems like it could be the contactor.

Any info is appreciated.

JP

Should be able to put it off until next Spring, about now?

What is the age of the unit? There comes a time when it doesn’t make sense to throw good $$ after bad.

If he really did perform the proper tests and based on your description, the compressor is probably toast.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
If he really did perform the proper tests and based on your description, the compressor is probably toast.

Unfortunately that could very well be the case.

The contactor engaging when it gets power from the inside is probably the clicking you're hearing.

No sound is probably because the breaker is tripped for the outside unit. Or an open capacitor for the fan/compressor.

More troubleshooting would be required before condemning the unit.
First you need to know if the unit has 240 volts to the contactor?

Gentlemen,

As always thank you for lending your experience. I'm going to advise her to get a second opinion.

Thanks,
JP

Good on you for saving the lady.
My cousin wasn't so lucky and spent over $8K on a basement upgrade that I wouldn't have give them $2K and it still needs some work.