Central AC Advice
The Carrier heat pump / air conditioning unit (model 38YMA036300) installed on a 2700 sq ft house 15 years ago has stopped cooling. On the unit outside, the fan is blowing and the compressor is working, but the air after the radiator is not warm/hot. The copper pipe coming out of the compressor is hot and remains hot going into two parts of radiator, but none of the other copper U elbows feel hot or even warm. It seems the radiator is clogged. Is there a simply way to further verify that this is the problem? Should I have the outside unit repaired or replace the entire system? Which brand provides a good value and above average reliability?
Answer:
If you haven't bothered to have that done, then have you checked and cleaned the air filter and or the coil fins? I'm assuming that thing you're calling a "radiator" is the evaporator in the air handler. They don't "clog", but the metering device in the high side line feeding them can and does. I'm going to make a WAG that you're in over your head already. Ask around and learn who your friends and neighbors trust and call in a pro. 15 years is a reasonable lifetime for a home HVAC system so it's probably time to think about replacing both ends of the system. The improved efficiency of today's equipment will reduce your electric bill a noticable amount. I've had good luck with Trane equipment. I'd recommend Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Heil, Tempstar, AirQuest, Keeprite, Maratherm, Lennox, AirEase, Armstrong Air, Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Rheem, Ruud, Weathermaker, Gibson, Frigidaire, Tappen, Maytag, Goodman, Janitrol, York, Coleman, etc...