How To Fix An AC Unit That Is Not Turning ON! TOP 3 REASONS WHY! DIY

ITEMS I USED ON THIS VIDEO -
- TURBO 200 (Universal) Motor Run Capacitor - amzn.to/3cch6cH
- 30 Amp Fuse - amzn.to/3RH8zit
- MFD HVAC Clamp Meter - amzn.to/3RIDOJT
- 5/16 Nut Driver - amzn.to/3zgNEv8
CHECK OUT ALL THE TOOLS I USE! www.amazon.com/shop/genevo9
On this episode I'm going to show you How To Fix An AC Unit That Is Not Turning ON! I'll show you the TOP 3 REASONS WHY! Great DIY for new homeowners!
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DISCLAIMER:
This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
WARNING- Electricity is dangerous and can cause personal injury or DEATH as well as other property loss or damage if not used or constructed properly. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing do-it-yourself electrical work, PLEASE do the smart thing and hire a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the work for you.NEVER WORK WITH LIVE VOLTAGE. Always disconnect the power source before working with electrical circuits.When performing electrical work, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES. Always follow your local electrical code and requirements which are specific to local areas.By utilizing this video and the information given, YOU are expressly holding "FIX THIS HOUSE" HARMLESS FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM YOUR ACTIONS. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Fix This House and all parties associated with it ARE NOT responsible for the use and results of this information by any party, especially those lacking sufficient skill or knowledge to perform these steps safely and ANY HAZARD CREATED IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
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#ACUnit #AirConditioning #HVAC

[@johndough23]

One of the biggest scams in HVAC are capacitors...The power cell which jump starts your Compressor. They last at best 2 seasons. They cost about $20. The smiley service people will charge you ten times that to replace one (in about 10 mins). Lesson here is to wathc this video to see how you replace one...then have a spare at your building for when it does fail. You get a warning its failing if its been 2 yrs and you start to notice less efficiency from your unit. Just go ahead and swap out the old for the new. The fan motors on the unit also have these capacitors...so have those skus available as well. Warning signs the fan motor caps are going is less airflow. There ya go saved you hundreds of even thousands of $$ you can use to pay the plumber.

[@FixThisHouse]

I have friend who was charged over $1000 for Labor and replacement of the capacitor! They charged him $400 for just the capacitor and over $100 for fuses! I checked Amazon and they sold the capacitor for about $20! It’s crazy! Thank you for such solid advice! As for the plumbing drain, I’ll leave that for the plumbers 🪠! 👍🏽😊

[@justinsantos3317]

My company does charge a lot for capacitors but they should not only last 2 seasons. The reason why my company charges a lot for the capacitors is because we are changing them out and then figuring out why the cap actually went out in the first place. There has to be a bigger reason why the part is only lasting you two seasons. I would call someone out and see why that is. 👍🏻

[@johndough23]

@@justinsantos3317 most times in the desert rooftop capacitors fail because of heat from the sun hitting the unit. The systems in these conditions also run longer adding to the heat stress. Most HVAC units are not designed to be run in extreme desert conditions.

[@melvingarcia2992]

Do not touch the capacitors connectors.

[@johndough23]

@@melvingarcia2992 Watch the video, proper procedure is to force a short using an insulated screwdriver laid between the connectors. BTW even this is an exaggerated risk which helps the con. A failed Cap means it cannot hold a charge and is probably not a hazard anyway. But better safe than sorry and takes 2 seconds to eliminate all risk using the screwdriver.

[@eileenoreilly1979]

Very informative! It made me realize to call a pro 😂 but after watching a LOT of videos yours was the only one that shows your knowledge - u should teach this stuff. Impressed! Thxs again just had to let u know 😊

[@DianneCarrington]

SO Helpful. You made it understandable. I look forward to future videos. I did not know what a capacitor did 😟

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank so much for the feedback! I’m glad I was able to help you understand! 🙏🏽😊

[@crissyandkhilee5180]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Fixed our unit ourselves and saved us $$$

[@leroyh8977]

Thanks a million! Followed your instructions and replaced the capacitor and house is cool again. In Toronto and we have been 🥵 and humid. Cheers!

[@ashleymarie42]

Great video. Very easy to follow.

[@RSmith-qv3jp]

You are the man!!!! You saved me a TON of money. Thank you a 1000x sir!

[@Mike_OMara]

Appreciate the support info!

[@matt67049]

This is the best. Saved me at least 500 right there

[@michellesherman3797]

Thanks so much! I watched your video and it definitely fixed my ac problem!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you!

[@JaviSells]

Thank you so much, mine was the capacitor, the one end was burnt off, I replaced capacitor and new wire. back to COLD!!!! thanks for reminding to take a picture BEFORE i removed anything.

[@OlubunmiDada]

That was helpful, I did the first trobleshoot and it worked.

[@robertwilliams6288]

Thanks your videos are informative. 👍

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@vwither]

Thanks for the video, dude! New $16 capacitor fixed mine :)

[@petervuong5221]

Dude. You’re awesome. I’m going to try this tomorrow

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! Wish you the best! 🙏🏽😊

[@MasterJediDude]

You are the best. I love your videos!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 😊❤️

[@onarom23]

You saved me some money! Thank you!

[@adammehn9597]

You just saved me time, money, and headache. Thank you!!!!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@adammehn9597]

@@FixThisHouse After replacing the capacitor and the fuses, the condenser fan is now working as it should. After hours, the set temperature of the thermostat is not achieved. I checked the refrigerant line and noticed there is no condensation on it while the fan is running. Would your expertise indicate that I might have a bad compressor?

[@emmadiaz7785]

Would also do this fir heater too when winter comes ?? Thanks this helpful will save me money im going to order thanks

[@arnoldroberson2697]

Great information. Saved me $$$.

[@mistynrocky3]

excellent video

[@crazyadrian13]

Thank you

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

It's great that you involve your son. You are building great memories. Please enjoy him while he is young because when he gets a little older he probably won't want anything to do with you. That's how life goes.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! I love getting my son involved and daughter too on these projects. They grow up so fast! Trying to stray them away from electronic gadgets and more hands on everyday useful things they can learn. I hope the whole “not wanting to do anything with you” is just a faze, I want to develop a close relationship with them no matter what age. Parenting is such a challenge! Thank you so much for this meaningful comment 🙏🏽😊

[@alexanderheilman2526]

I see it’s one of top comments. About discharging the capacitor. Watched your video and found it very helpful. I had to watch another video to figure out microfarads on my multimeter. In doing so I learned that these capacitors, if working properly, will hold a charge and you want to discharge them before messing with them. I found your video very well done but don’t recall if this was mentioned. Figured I’d say something, maybe you can add this if it’s not already in your video.

[@whollyshift7782]

How do I do that? For context I’m totally novice and never done more than flip the breaker. I’ve changed fuses in my car but nothing this involved

[@jesusfirstc]

Excellent video

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 😊🙏🏽

[@AD-rk8uy]

Wow! What state are you in and do you provide these services? Thank you!

[@MarlonJayManuel]

First. Thanks for this important video. Love ur vids

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! Means a lot! 🙏🏽😊

[@davegunner2717]

Thanks

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽 for watching!

[@Eman-wj8gq]

This is something I want to learn and do this year. I feel like I can do this.

[@tonyablackwell7295]

Can the fan work and the compressor not turn on if the fuze is blown? Already replaced the capacitor

[@MarilynPanaro]

One question what is the best meter to buy - I hear a hum in my AC pretty sure its the capacitor. if your still with us please let me know thank you. Your the best.

[@keepitthoro6768]

Can I replace capacitors and fuses my self safely?

[@charlesdavis7461]

I wish you lived in my state. There are so many HVAC folks that really don't care about cheating a person by overcharging. My HVAC was almost new and they purposely cheated me from the beginning. One came out from the company that installed the unit, he went outside to the unit, I asked where are your diagnostic tools. He said we don't use anything like that, as if I was retarded. You explain things concise and easy to understand.

[@marycgarmon7140]

A lizard got up on top of the capacitor and fried. Fixed now. Good info in this.

[@FixThisHouse]

Ouch! 🦎…I found fried spiders and bugs on mine. I’m glad your AC is fixed!

[@gregbouasy5490]

I like your son part also so Q. thank you for information nice job

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@kikezurek34]

What about if the capacitor is good. Can you do another. Video of the connector should be replace or compressor

[@henrybarron2359]

Awesome video. I do have a question, my unit works then for no reason shuts down. I have to pull the outside fuse like you showed then it starts up again and works for another 3-4 months, then stops again. Do you have any suggestions?

[@austincoleman7066]

This happens to me too!

[@blaster-zy7xx]

How do you know where to put the wires on a"generic" capacitor? It looks like it has more connectors on it.

[@rootclinic9268]

Wow!! Excellent tutorial! Before I remove that safety panel, do I need to make sure my fuse box a/c circuit breaker is turned OFF? Do I also need to make sure the thermostat inside is set to OFF (not cool or heat) too? FYI My thermostat clicks as if it wants to turn on, but the unit outside seems to not be getting ANY power (no sound at all, blades not turning... really quiet). Also a week ago my A/C made a loud grinding noise for about about 20 minutes when it came on... something was DEF awry😬... wondering if an iguana got up in there🤔

[@getsmarty7603]

Definitely wanna make sure you pull out the prong for the fuse box or turn the breaker off before pulling any panels off to work on anything electrical. It shouldn't matter about the thermostat being turned off. It sounds like a bearing in your fan might be shot, or some kinda debris or salamander got in it.

[@bh-zu9pp]

Don’t forget to short out the capacitor connections before taking it out, you’ll get the shock of your life

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for this! 👍🏽

[@androsblessing]

How does one short out the capacitor connections before taking it out?

[@CaptainBvi]

​@androsblessing I am not expert but I believe bridging it with do this. Just make sure the tool u use is insulated. That's my 2 cents

[@SpecOpsGear]

I'm shocked that you'd say this

[@floydsox4651]

@@androsblessing you can use needle nose pliers for example, and touch all over the surface of it

[@deanfields7135]

was your fan still running with compressor off?

[@larkincrutcher3424]

You did mention that you turned off the breaker that feeds the HVAC disconnect box. The bottom of the fuses would then have the 240 volts on them. Could be a deadly shocking hazard.

[@holtrussell]

Why do you need or want fuses at the disconnect when the breaker will also kill power in case of an overload or short?

[@FixThisHouse]

Hi! Air conditioners use fuses as a way to protect the condenser from being exposed to excessive amperage. Fuses are designed to handle a limited amount of amperage based on the maximum amount that the unit is rated for: If more amperage passes through, the fuse will blow to protect the condenser from overheating.

[@johndough23]

If your compressor is old it will simply blow-up under normal power. All 220 lines require breakers along the path...code requirement...correct me if I am wrong.

[@bobach6083]

My trane AC buzzed after turning on, but the fan wouldn't spin. It started to smoke after a while and then it quit...I'm still dying from the heat trying to figure this out. Having someone come out soon. Any ideas?

[@scottlowery2147]

Didn't pay any attention to the brown recluse on the capacitor. I thought I saw it move.

[@lcagee]

I have one if those too. The prior ac guy from sears probably put it there as part of his last service.

[@chontelfields8673]

Where can I get the fuse at

[@ront3136]

Trying to locate the reset button on a Trane 2ttb3030a1000aa condenser

[@HaloGTMaster94]

Nice 👍

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽!

[@KhangNguyen-ce5el]

Can you please make a short video how to pull the thing out and put it in please

[@ed_e_co]

If your capacitor is not good will that cause your furnace not to function as well?! All of a sudden my ac our furnace won’t turn on. I hear my thermostat clicking on by nothing no air nothing. I checked from my furnace jumping r and y blower comes on and from r to g fan comes on, I gagged 24 volts to the furnace. I pushed in the contact at the condenser fan and compressor comes on. I’m not getting any reading when I’m checking the capacitor like you showed breakers and fuse? I have a duel systems.

[@liveandletlive2894]

Nope not the capacitor

[@toniadams3783]

My fan isn't blowing at all. No power to the unit at all from what we see. It was working days ago. Heat was working..ac wasn't. Someone replaced the thermostat..ac worked. Seemed to fix it. . Woke up today, now nothing is working. Nothing blowing. Unit isnt on. Nothing... Circuit breaker fine....we reset it to be sure. replaced fuses to be sure. Checked the heat pump circuit breaker as well. Have no idea what's going on. 😢

[@solovino1969]

My breakers are ok....i got power..just the fan turns on..but no the compressor..could be the capacitor?

[@TheMrboombostic]

Absolutely. Or your compressor may be beginning to fail (if it hasn’t already), in that case, you may need a hard start kit installed.

[@joeoverall1550]

Missed the hole thing about the prongs because I thought this guy was about to turn in to spider man

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

excellent video. I am so tired of repairmen conning me out of money for minor problems.

[@djdoc06]

Can the capacitor electrocute you even after the power is disconnected?

[@felixthekate4800]

Where's the reset button? Some units have them, some do not. It cost us $125.00 to find that out the hard way. 😢Yuma

[@Rsomero]

Mine went out last week, $15 on Amazon and 10min to replace.

[@markfisher1716]

Great video but I think you should add a warning about capacitor charge so those unknowingly folks do not get lit up(shocked).

[@terrencetrussell7625]

AC capacitors are not an issue with residual voltages.

[@flightmedic7169]

My brother in law has a unit that keeps blowing those fuses. He just changed the unit and they left the same wiring. It still happens with the new unit. It will work for a week or so and then they will blow

[@arth.4196]

Thats good. Let him know what you're tools 🔧 look like and there names. Then he can fix things while your watching 👀 him. Unless mama says, no. 😁

[@FixThisHouse]

Yes bro! Haha thank you! Gotta start them young 😂

[@aamirshahzad8060]

Wow, nowadays anyone can fix AC 😀

[@johndough23]

The key is knowing all units are DESIGNED to fail on a schedule. Its called planned obsolescence. Its all a game where a bunch of marginally trained people milk others for a nice salary. It works since people will pay to fix something FAST when their wife is threatening to leave them and its 100 outside (getting that hot inside).

[@FixThisHouse]

Yup! Even my son was able to help me fix this one 😅 and he’s only 2!

[@crocusmanagementllc.678]

i changed the capacitor BUt the motor seemed stuck. what now?

[@gslavik]

It isn't obvious, but make sure you take the capacitor out of the circuit before testing. Testing a capacitor in circuit can cause incorrect readings.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for the sharing this info! 👍🏽😊

[@lawdog516]

AND please make sure you discharge the CAP !!!!

[@1down5up_enduro]

Why do fuses go out on disconnect? You said there are other issues. Like what?

[@ionu4535]

Enter the Sweetie Pie, 10:35; should have kept talking while he was stealing the show. Something you will remember the rest of your life, trust me and TYVM.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! He loves to help daddy any chance he can get! 🛠 😊👍🏽

[@justinsantos3317]

So he had to change his fuses AND his capacitor? My guy that is a huge indicator of a bigger problem. Go check how many amps your unit is pulling. Sounds like it may be over amping lol

[@daryelljeffries7861]

A capacitor last an average of 10 years

[@solomonmarcus5496]

Mine didn't, I went after 4 years. The part was only $11 on Amazon!

[@Tennethums1]

I have an issue 4 techs have been unable to fix. New compressor, new capacitors, drains well, filter clean, has coolant, etc…however… Outdoor unit runs for most of the day, but by the time we get home it’s shit down and the indoor unit is still running. Been doing this for WEEKS and every day I have to reset the unit by tripping the breaker off/on (the unit itself isn’t tripping the breaker). It seems that the two units aren’t in sync so one tech replaced the capacitor on the indoor unit, thinking it wasn’t kickstarting the outdoor unit. So, the outdoor unit feeds coolant to the indoor unit and the indoor unit might not be on, see the coils probably freeze, etc. NO one knows why one or the other works, but not both at the same time…

[@jsanford01]

Click bait!

[@Fyre69]

❤😂😂😂😂😂iì m u.❤m4 4m U❤Us hmm n n❤ùo😂4. M. 😊❤

[@mariaserrano1038]

You talk too much!!

[@keith455-73]

Good video, except You didn’t warn people about not touching multiple prongs on the capacitor so that they do not get electrocuted or how to short it out, and you also should be real careful about what looked like a brown recluse spider on the top of that capacitor and exterminate for any more- especially with that child helping out. 👍👍👍👍

[@pcondron]

i was thinking exactly the same… for both! Brown Recluse and capacitor shorting!

[@getsmarty7603]

He literally says to pull the prongs connecting the main power supply to the fuses or shut the breaker off if it doesn't have it so you don't electrocute yourself while working on it. Also, that spider was clearly dead. Pay attention!

[@midwestern_rc]

Relax you male Karen

[@asialeesong]

@@pcondron

[@Seashell.1958]

Thanks

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽!