Why would my air conditioning condenser not kick on

[KitchenWitch]

The furnace fan is running when I set my thermostat on cool.

I have checked the fuses and the breaker box. The A/C ran just fine last fall.

:shrug:

[NMDemDist2]

1. ok I'm confused

most systems use the same fan for the heat and the a/c, doesn't your's?

my experience is it may take several minutes for the condenser to kick in the first switch over

PS I was planning on calling you later today, will that be a good time?

[KitchenWitch]

2. The furnace is inside the garage - and the fan on said furnace is running

the condenser is outside the house and I am pretty sure the crickets are just about to take up residence in it.

Damn, sometimes it is nice to call the landlord when things aren't workin'

How about I give you a call around 1 or 2 this afternoon?

[feminazi]

3. I just had this problem recently.

The capacitor was bad and had to be replaced. At least, I think that's what it was. I could check my files tonight and confirm. The A/C tech had it replaced and running again in about 15 minutes.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. I'd bet its the start capacitor

Its the electrical version of a turbocharger for the compressor motor. The motor is small and efficient, but on startup is not always up to the task. The start capacitor stores a charge of electricity that gets sent to the motor for a momentary burst of power that gets the whole shebang spinning. Once spinning, the motor works just fins on its own.

These are relatively cheap and easy to install.

[KitchenWitch]

5. Good to know

I have sent my dad (an electrical engineer) the schematic for my A/C unit, I will ask him about the start capacitor.

Thanks!

[KitchenWitch]

6. UPDATE - all the people in KitchenWitchLand are rejoicing!

Back story: About six months ago I bought and installed a new thermostat (we had one of those old Honeysmell dome ones), because I wanted one that was programmable. Apparently I did not get the wire for cooling seated in the wiring harness properly.

I took the thermostat and all the literature for both the thermostat and the condenser to Lowes to get some advice. Got sound counsel there, but thought I had better try to rewire the thing first before doing anything else. And VOILA! The compressor kicked right on!

:woohoo:

[NMDemDist2]

7. HooRay!!!

:bounce:

:applause: