In serious need of some HVAC help

[Chadly]

Its the unit at the soon to be "mine" house, not the mark.

Its a goodman 3 ton unit, 3 years old. As soon as you apply power, even with the thermostat off, the fan starts to move slowly and then it trips the breaker. If you unplug the compressor it doesnt trip and will move air throughout the house, but of course it wont be cold sincce the comp isnt running.

My gut instinct tells me its something in the wiring. Something is shorted out somewhere. The electric company has a box they put on it so they can turn it off during peak hours if you choose to let them. Maybe they F'd it up doing that, I dont know.

I am open to any suggestions if you have any to give. I am currently searching for wiring diagrams and might go back out there and do some trouble shooting. My first time working on a heat pump.

Luckily the house is big enough to use 2 units so 1/2 the house gets cool.

 

[chicken]

hope you get it figured it out. all i know is what ive learned, by tinkering. sounds like something is shorted inside the ac unit. on mine there was a access panel where the power went in that had a wiring diagram for the ac.

 

[Chadly]

Yeah I need to go look at that. The home inspector was there at the time and I'm not supposed to "alter" anything in the house yet. Thanks.

 

[chicken]

i googled hvac help and eventually found some good sites

 

[lincoln_lurker]

sounds like the motor on the unit might be shot. Check the brushes on the motor, see if there is any fraying or corrosion. good luck!

 

[Roadboss]

Rotate it by hand so that you can "feel" if the bearings are toast.

 

[hrmwrm]

could also be the contacts on the relay in the unit. shut the power off, and rub them lightly with an emery board or points file. but i would more assume it's something in the fan motor. does it have a start/run capacitor? it may be shot.

 

[taylor414ce2003]

first off check the voltage to the unit, if its what its should be probaly 110v? or 220v? plus or minus 10% is ok/ If that is ok then you need an amp meter to check the amp draw on the fan if that is ok you a need to check the amp draw on the compressor.

 

[rayner601]

It's either the start capacitor or the motor. More likely the capacitor took a good surge and is shorted internally. They are cheap, like less than $20.

If you replace it, make sure the power is off and short the capacitor terminals with a good screwdriver before touching the terminals...it hurts if you don't

 

[Chadly]

My realtor had someone look at it and it needs a new compressor, but its still under waranty. Its only 3 years old. Thanks for the help.