Have you ever received a bill that seemed way too high for this kind of repair? Crazy how one company can charge what seems like a fair price while another charges double or more.
I've paid all over the map on HVAC service, I think I finally found a guy that I can trust for the stuff I can't do and does not charge a crazy fee. Over the last year I've replaced a start capacitor and the air handler delay contactor. Both cost less than $20 and took less than an hour. HVAC units are arguably the least complicated and least expensive appliance in your house for diy repairs. They disassemble very easy and as you showed it is not hard to swap stuff out. The compressor and refrigerant are outside the diy scope but that part of the system is usually pretty reliable, and you can pretty easily diagnose when you need call in an expert. In my most recent case the unit was icing up both in the winter and summer and it would get stuck blowing cold because the reversing valve was not reversing -- a telltale sign that it is low on refrigerant. You can also measure the temperature of air vs ambient to make sure it has at least 20 degrees rise or drop vs the return air temperature. Most of the other appliances in your house go together like origami, have computer boards and actuators and small motor or pump assemblies that fail, and are a bit of a black box and often expensive. HVAC are pretty simple and straightforward and most of the parts are pretty easily available and inexpensive. The thermostats have all the fancy computer bits now.
You have never dealt with a real issue before lol. Yes, generally they can be easy. But if you don't know what you are doing, you will eventually meet your match!@@jamesthomas4080
Yes some companies are scam artists and anyone charging $500 for a capacitor or contactor is a disgrace to the industry but at the same time the customer needs to realize nothing is free. Biggest complaint we get is the trip charge as if gas to run the vans is free.
first you have the call out fee which will vary from 60 - 100 which covers the diagnostic. capacitor is about 40 bucks shipped plus the parts mark up no one takes parts out of their truck for cost its always cost plus. The contactor if its oem can run from 80 - 100 plus and the Chinese one its a lot cheaper but those parts can often void the warranty and fail more often. you're already at 240 for the cost and labor hasn't even started yet. Most people have business hours and emergency hours which are usually night time and weekends. 300 to 500 is fair for the change out on those parts during normal business hours, and 800-1200 for emergency calls. Not being a certified tech you're just voiding warranties and homeowner insurance policies which isn't the most cost effective thing to do in the long run.
I figured it only right that I get on here to Thank you. I explained my issue to a company I've been using for years and they estimated a cost of $900-$1200 assuming they do not have to also clean the (A) evaporator coil along with the condenser coils, which would have been another $1,500. I watched a couple of your videos and was able to diagnose that I definitely needed to clean my system but that the contactor was bad and it kept blowing the control panel fuse. Buying new tools, testing equipment and the replacement parts cost me $90 and a 30 minute trip to Aces Hardware. Thank you very much for this information man. You are appreciated.
Thank you! I just subscribed. These companies are not playing fair out here. They are charging prices like they're working on the houses of millionaires. Or corporate and government buildings. No 1 should have to pay 2-3 weeks of their salary ( AFTER ALL DEDUCTIONS ) for a couple hours of work & $30 in parts. I received a quote for over $1,000 to replace the contactor and the capacitor. I purchased both myself, for $40. I started to write that these companies are going to drive themselves out of business with the sky high prices, but I guess there are alot of people who will pay anything to have something fixed. The people who cant afford it will just have to find a cheaper way to solve the problem. & the world keeps spinning.
So here in hot & humid Houston TX, I simply replace the contactor and cap every three years, and always have a spare set on hand. Outside of keeping your coils clean, it's a top way to keep your AC happy.
What causes the contactor to go bad on a 5 year old unit? Mine is buzzing when it turns on and quiets down but will continue the loud buzzing afterwards
@@orlandopena9992 your unit kicks on and off to often causes accelerated wear due to excessive use of the contactor you should look into maintaining the unit before summer and after
Our company's #1 competitor is all about unit replacement sales and taking advantage of the uninformed. Always get a second opinion when a company tells you that you are in need of a new unit. Integrity and honesty is all a consumer asks for.
Because of your helpful videos, I have purchased a spare capacitor and contactor 'just in case'. Thanks for your insight to diagnose a potential problem down the road.
@@Bigmandoloco You may not be the dumbest person on the internet but you better hope he does not die. Having 40 dollars of spare parts on hand for your air conditioner is smart. I can see why you don't agree.
Love u man, every summer I end up paying 450 us twice for this damn thing. Last time I watched him swap it out but didn't get enough confidence to do it. This summer it went bad, and your video helped me do it. Fixed for 30 bucks and an hour of time. Thanks for the info man. You rock
At my old home the contactor in one of my AC units failed. Turned out the plunger spring in it broke. In a pinch, I pulled a spring out of a ball point pen and was able to install it in the old contactor MacGyver style. That contactor worked for over 5 years after that and I finally moved out of that house and never did have to replace it.
I got my EPA 608 cert and purchased all of the tools required to do my own HVAC work. Even if I make a mistake or two it is far cheaper for me to fix it myself than it is for me to pay a pro.
Now redo it! But I know you want it to look the same. But for safety! The contactor should be flipped 180 degrees. L1 & L2 are for the incoming voltage or Line voltage (from the power company). T1 & T2 are for the load side (compressor/Fan motor/etc). Same goes for the wiring in the disconnect on the outside wall & the disconnect and breakers for the air handler. I can’t tell you how many times ppl wire them or cross them. Some disconnects if crossed can still let voltage through, zap & shock you! Always do it correct the first time! Keep it safe for the next tech!
I remember someone else said to turn contactor 180 degrees, even though the writing will be upside down. Thanks for clarifying why. Different brands are designed differently. Is the shunt side supposed to be on the left or right though? The shunt on his old contactor was on the right and that is how he installed the new one, on the right.
@@Nikolasz1173 Quality always matters! Esp when the line voltage is always present! It feeds other things like a crankcase heater! HVAC Lives Matter! 😎
He followed the last person that installed the contactor which was wrong. To verify the correct wiring, there should be a schematic on the inside cover to indicate the configuration. My contactor writing is upside down, but that is the correct configuration, the L1 and L2 will come from your breaker or fuse panel/box, in my box 240vac comes from the bottom of my HVAC electrical box. The output voltage will flow out of the T1 and T2 terminals and connect to your motor and capacitor. Take several pictures from various angles, write down where each wire belongs, then double check your work.
Pick a nice spring or fall day when no heat or cooling will be required for a month or two. I figure 7 years is good. My first cap went dead at year 9. I keep the old cap and contactor around for emergency use. A contactor often just needs the contacts filed clean.
Thanks for the instructions. I switched off the breaker and pressed the plunger a bunch of times to wiggle out any debris. Then tried to run the A/C again. It worked just fine. Thanks a ton for mentioning about bugs and such that could get stuck in there.
My Dad paid $150 to have a capacitor replaced. Two weeks later he had to pay $150 again for the upstairs unit capacitor. Probably could have received a big discount if he had both changed on first visit. That winter my heat pump wasn’t working. So I replaced contactors and capacitors for both of my units at the same time. Only one capacitor was bad but the extra $30-40 in parts and 20 minutes saved me the aggravation of swapping parts at some later date.
great video, thanks for sharing, what are the symptoms of a bad capacitor? My A/C condenser makes a real LOUD buzzing/humming like noise when is really hot/cold out, is it likely due to a bad capacitor?
That plastic cover on the contactor will come off, you just have to pry at it. Not as easy as the ones with little screws. There's a device out there called the Emerson Sure Switch that can replace the contactor and add brownout protection. It's quieter than a traditional contactor and has a fully enclosed relay which will keep debris and ants out of it.
👍 Thanks for this. I live in The South, heavily wooded lot on a lake. Lots of humidity LOTS of 🐜 🐜🐜 A few months ago, my OLD AC went out, call the repair guy he comes out, replaces the contactor - $200. Last week same unit goes out called the same guy, he replaces the contactor - $200. “Isn’t that the same part you replaced not too long ago?” “It sure is!” “Ants get in there and fry them all the time. I tell everybody to spray their units with bug spray, but nobody listens to me.😄” “So I just keep replacing them!”💸😩 Spent the weekend cleaning leaves and crap out the units. When Debby finishes blowing through, I’ll spray them down with bug spray. AND I’ll be ordering couple of contactors to keep on hand “ for the next time”
Thank you for this video! I think I had a bug get itself between the contacts in the contacter so it wasn't able to close the circuit. Your straightforward walkthrough of checking the circuits was super helpful. I just had to use a little piece of sandpaper to clean the contacts. Back up and running!
Since both the contactor and condenser are fairly inexpensive, would you suggest a regular preventative maintenance plan to simply replace both the condenser and contactor every ~ 5-6 years just to eliminate any downtime due to a failure of either?
The HVAC unit in my brother's condo has a strange, intermittent behavior: it can stay on beyond the time when the temperature displayed by the thermostat reaches the thermostat's set point, so the temperature will go far beyond the set temperature. Is this problem more likely due to a fault in the thermostat or a fault in the HVAC unit? Notes: (1) The thermostat is pretty old, but appears to function well except perhaps for this intermittent problem. (2) Four wires connect the thermostat & HVAC.
Thank you for all your helpful videos. Question could you check voltage drop between number 11 where the red wire is and number 21 on top to see if the contact is still good?
My compressor went out and the A/C guy replaced it. This was expensive as I live in a remote town... the closest HVAC guy is over 70 miles away. Not too much later, I found the new compressor was running all the time. The contactor was getting stuck on because contacts were very worn and pitted. That was probably what killed the old compressor. the AC guy should have checked/replaced the contactor as well. The contactor was a single pole, but I replaced it with a dual pole (of appropriate rating) so when the contacts get too worn, I can just move the wires over to the other pole - basically doubling the life of the contactor. I know others have done this, but for a different purpose: the dual-pole contactor has a stronger spring, making it less likely to stick closed. I'm thinking of getting a soft-start system to extend the life of the contactor.
But the shunted side on a single pole provides power to heat that some compressors need. There’s a heat circuit that needs power all the time. Having a double pole would eliminate this no?
A couple of comments. 1. You should do voltage checks with one hand, not two, like chop sticks. For safety. 2. Did you torque the screws on the contactor? There is a torque value listed on the contactor. (Commonly 25 in/lb for screws, 40 in/lb for lugs). It is best practice and NEC code requirement.
@scredlysmith2153 I have in many videos. I'm just trying to make sure people don't get hurt and the job is done right. Also, I want my students to have jobs after their education. Not everything is DIY.
My thermostat suddenly wouldnt work, and stopped working exactly when it tried kicking the AC on. I was like wtf? After some investigation I found a blown fuse on the board on the furnace. Well, replaced it, tried turning the ac on again. Boom, blown fuse. Turns out, the little contactor had no resistance at the coil...
@@waltbuzby8644 My 1 year old air conditioner just had this problem. Thermostat went off, blown fuse on the furnace circuit board. Turns out the high voltage wire on the contactor wasnt tightened down enough during installation and eventually came off the screw. The contactor was partially melted. Thankfully it was covered under warranty but if it hadn’t been… I would have spent a lot of money lol😅 But now that I’ve seen this video…
My A/C stopped working yesterday. Maintenance guy (who is also a good friend of mine for 20+ years) said ants were setting up shop in there. He cleared them out and she started right back up. I’m in SC for reference as this may be a geographic issue.
Thanks! You are awesome There was a bug stuck behind the plunger in the switch, 3 yrs ago they charged me $600 to change 2 compacitators, a $12 part from Amazon 😮
If I turn the thermostat on, nothing happens, that button on the contactor doesn't go in. If I manually press the button on the contactor, everything kicks on. Would that be a problem with the contactor or the thermostat?
I didn't go in depth on purpose because there are some differences on different folks contactors. That's why I say to take pictures and follow the wiring diagram on your individual unit.
Another time you may need to replace the contactor is when the fuse on your furnace control board burns out, but only when you call for cooling. It could be a blown board, but frequently it’s a short in the coil of the contactor.
I checked the contactor. And its good.. but there’s a spider web on the contactor which touching the metal do you think thats the reason why its blowing the fuse?
Thanks for the video. I'm replacing my contactor and I have 3 low voltage wires on one side and only 2 terminals, and I can't find any contactors with 3 terminals on one side . Is there an adapter for this?
My fan is not turning I think most likely a bad compasitpr but I can only give you my ruud ac unit model np 13 ajn 24aol please help meat h what will fit for me please?
Great video by the way my plunger when I push it in manually, the fan kicks on when I don’t push it in the fan doesn’t come on at all. I don’t know how to use a multimeter that well. Do you believe I should just replace the contactor I replaced the capacitor and the fan does not kick on, but like I said when I push the little button in on the contactor fan kicks on seems like it’s working like a champ.
Some of these companies have a diagnostic fee, then price out repairs from menu pricing like auto dealerships do , a set price for time and materials, and some charge actual time and materials, time starts when tech receives call and ends when backs out of drive heading to next call, also supply and demand, good profession if you don’t mind working in the elements, there is and has been a shortage of technicians for sometime now, been in all facets of HVAC trade for 40 years, I always say we give better service than your doctor when’s last time your doctor made a house call ( like never) and we provide same day service on emergency calls with 24 hour availability
People are just cheap. They want us to fix it for 20 bucks and call it day. Like come on why have a house if you can’t afford fixing your equipment. Just rent instead.
I have the exact contractor pictured. If I manually press the button down, the a/c starts right up. When thermostat calls for air, nothing happens. Probably the coil is bad? (This all started after a power blip on the weekend)
Possible, but could also mean your thermostat has problems. Check the contactor coil for 24 volts. 24V present, then coil is probably bad. No 24V then thermostat or control voltage needs attention. (blown fuse at furnace or thermostat)
I was on vacation last week and my neighbor calls and says my air conditioning unit is buzzing and making noise. Called the HVAC guy and sure enough it was the contractor. A chipmunk shorted it out. $326.00 later it was fixed. But with the 4th of July this week and family coming over it is money well spent.
I replaced my contactor.... it wasn't bad, but it also didn't have the test button. Once replaced, I was able to figure out that the problem was with the 24VAC line from the house, and the test button let me know the condenser was all good and firing up (meaning it had pressure). It ended up being the wire nut on the 24VAC control line coming into the condenser - the HVAC guy who had last serviced it had done a poor job with the wiring. Easy fix, and my AC was working. I have a new contactor and capacitor, and the old ones go into the storage box if I ever need them.
Enjoy your videos. I am looking for this exact contactor (with the same FLA, LRA, and RES values). If you got it online, please provide name of vendor. TY.
Yeah I have a link for that exact one down in the description portion of the video. Will take you right to it. Glad you are finding value in the channel! Thanks for the feedback!
If the contractor you purchase has a rating that is greater than the original, yes, the contactor will be okay. It just might be larger than the original, so it might not fit.
I would use solder on fork or ring terminals especially since it's exposed to outdoor elements. Corrosion and vibration can decrease conductivity. Soldering does away with both threat's.
so on the contactor, i'm getting 240 out of the source wires connected to the top screws(on my model). on the pass through, (on the bottom) i'm not reading anything on the 2 on the bottom, however, if i test them separately, each has 120. yes, both. but if i try together, i get nothing. i dont know how that is possible
What if you can’t find the exact contactor…for example I can’t find a replacement for my contactor zettler xmc0-251-ebbb with these ratings FLA 25, VAC 240/277, LRA 150, RES 35. What can I replace it with?? Thanks
God bless you for being humble and honest. The devil and greed are stealing money from the most vulnerable of people! Thank you for denying him from that victory!
Mann I thank you so much for this video. Hoping you can assist me here, still. My heat pump outdoor unit is NOT STARTING at all. In either heat nor cool. SO, I changed the contactor and the Capacitor, but it did not help. The pc board, (defrost) status is indicating a "low pressure lock out". Would you have a idea, what else I could do here? Can this RHEEM pc board be RESET? or trouble shooted. I hope it is not a refrigerant issue. The indoor unit seem to be working ok, it comes on and blows continually. So, I am thinking the T'stat is ok. Man I in deep, on this one. but, Thanks again.
If my 3 AMP fuse blows every time I start the AC, could it be the contactor? I've already determined that the system runs on heat, runs the fan, and the thermostat isn't the issue.
I was just quote over $525 just for a contactor to be replaced. Im all about DIY. Im going to check the contactor myself and replaced it myself if needed..
Capacitors not only go bad on air-conditioners but also on freezers. With an air conditioner it's an inconvenience when one goes bad. On your freezer you could lose hundreds of dollars if your meat and other items spoil while you are waiting on a replacement capacitor. It can be a nightmare. When mine went out I was lucky I was lucky I had a neighbor that had enough room in their freezer. So, I bought two capacitors so that I had a spare in case it went bad again.
Hello, could you upload a video on how to change the air conditioning switch o breaker ? A company wants to charge me $500 dollars to change just the a/c switch box and I want to learn how to replace it.
💪🇺🇸❄️👍 that's great u did it urself. $450 way too high. $195 would b more appropriate remember techs have to drive out diagnosis n repair n pay taxes, health insurance biz insurance etc...not worth driving to a service call for nickels n dimes
A guy quoted me $350 for a $20 capacitor. I told him "That's nuts. Since you're out here, I'll pay you $180 to swap it." He refused, so I paid the $89 visit/diagnosis, and saved $240.
@@myfakeguuglaccount8307 it used to be simple. Just " Parts & Labor ". 1. The cost of the part. 2. The labor cost per hour & 3. The # of hours that the job will take. That's it. Now these companies see where they can charge anything they want and enough people will pay it. They don't care about who cant afford their prices. I'm not trying to be funny, but there are people out there who can't turn a ratchet & socket. Those are the ones who need & probably make 6 figures or more. I've always heard knowledge is power. & all the information you find on YT is proof of that.
Having trouble trying to match up my A/C contactor. Can you help me! I have a Lennox! M/N 10ACC-060-230-02 Can’t find the correct FLA or LRA that match from existing. Thank you
Can anybody tell me if I can install a Mr. cool slim unit with a Unico system. I have a property line dispute and I don't have much room. Most people never heard of a Unico or space pack system. I'm just using it for ac only. I have radiators and a boiler. I only have 28 inches wide. A typical condenser is 29 to 35 inches wide. It won't work. Thanks for any help anybody could give me. Much appreciated.
Have you ever received a bill that seemed way too high for this kind of repair? Crazy how one company can charge what seems like a fair price while another charges double or more.
I've paid all over the map on HVAC service, I think I finally found a guy that I can trust for the stuff I can't do and does not charge a crazy fee. Over the last year I've replaced a start capacitor and the air handler delay contactor. Both cost less than $20 and took less than an hour. HVAC units are arguably the least complicated and least expensive appliance in your house for diy repairs. They disassemble very easy and as you showed it is not hard to swap stuff out. The compressor and refrigerant are outside the diy scope but that part of the system is usually pretty reliable, and you can pretty easily diagnose when you need call in an expert. In my most recent case the unit was icing up both in the winter and summer and it would get stuck blowing cold because the reversing valve was not reversing -- a telltale sign that it is low on refrigerant. You can also measure the temperature of air vs ambient to make sure it has at least 20 degrees rise or drop vs the return air temperature. Most of the other appliances in your house go together like origami, have computer boards and actuators and small motor or pump assemblies that fail, and are a bit of a black box and often expensive. HVAC are pretty simple and straightforward and most of the parts are pretty easily available and inexpensive. The thermostats have all the fancy computer bits now.
You have never dealt with a real issue before lol. Yes, generally they can be easy. But if you don't know what you are doing, you will eventually meet your match!@@jamesthomas4080
Yes some companies are scam artists and anyone charging $500 for a capacitor or contactor is a disgrace to the industry but at the same time the customer needs to realize nothing is free. Biggest complaint we get is the trip charge as if gas to run the vans is free.
A/C inside stops but a outside unit stay running, what could be the problem??
first you have the call out fee which will vary from 60 - 100 which covers the diagnostic. capacitor is about 40 bucks shipped plus the parts mark up no one takes parts out of their truck for cost its always cost plus. The contactor if its oem can run from 80 - 100 plus and the Chinese one its a lot cheaper but those parts can often void the warranty and fail more often. you're already at 240 for the cost and labor hasn't even started yet. Most people have business hours and emergency hours which are usually night time and weekends. 300 to 500 is fair for the change out on those parts during normal business hours, and 800-1200 for emergency calls. Not being a certified tech you're just voiding warranties and homeowner insurance policies which isn't the most cost effective thing to do in the long run.
I figured it only right that I get on here to Thank you. I explained my issue to a company I've been using for years and they estimated a cost of $900-$1200 assuming they do not have to also clean the (A) evaporator coil along with the condenser coils, which would have been another $1,500. I watched a couple of your videos and was able to diagnose that I definitely needed to clean my system but that the contactor was bad and it kept blowing the control panel fuse. Buying new tools, testing equipment and the replacement parts cost me $90 and a 30 minute trip to Aces Hardware. Thank you very much for this information man. You are appreciated.
Thank you! I just subscribed.
These companies are not playing fair out here.
They are charging prices like they're working on the houses of millionaires. Or corporate and government buildings.
No 1 should have to pay 2-3 weeks of their salary ( AFTER ALL DEDUCTIONS ) for a couple hours of work & $30 in parts.
I received a quote for over $1,000 to replace the contactor and the capacitor. I purchased both myself, for $40.
I started to write that these companies are going to drive themselves out of business with the sky high prices, but I guess there are alot of people who will pay anything to have something fixed.
The people who cant afford it will just have to find a cheaper way to solve the problem.
& the world keeps spinning.
So here in hot & humid Houston TX, I simply replace the contactor and cap every three years, and always have a spare set on hand. Outside of keeping your coils clean, it's a top way to keep your AC happy.
What causes the contactor to go bad on a 5 year old unit? Mine is buzzing when it turns on and quiets down but will continue the loud buzzing afterwards
@orlandopena9992 heat and humidity! If it's buzzing it needs replaced!
@@Xdonald331 do you happen to live in SW Houston? If so you can help me do mine? haha!! I got a quote for $550.00!!
@@orlandopena9992 your unit kicks on and off to often causes accelerated wear due to excessive use of the contactor you should look into maintaining the unit before summer and after
caps now are only rated for 3 years they used to be rated for 5
Our company's #1 competitor is all about unit replacement sales and taking advantage of the uninformed. Always get a second opinion when a company tells you that you are in need of a new unit. Integrity and honesty is all a consumer asks for.
Because of your helpful videos, I have purchased a spare capacitor and contactor 'just in case'. Thanks for your insight to diagnose a potential problem down the road.
😂😂😂 just buy a spare ac unit
I always keep a spare capacitor, which has come in handy. Since it doesn't cost much, a spare contractor also seems an excellent idea.
@@Bigmandoloco You may not be the dumbest person on the internet but you better hope he does not die. Having 40 dollars of spare parts on hand for your air conditioner is smart. I can see why you don't agree.
Good idea. Breakdown usually happens on weekends when everything is closed.
Love u man, every summer I end up paying 450 us twice for this damn thing. Last time I watched him swap it out but didn't get enough confidence to do it. This summer it went bad, and your video helped me do it. Fixed for 30 bucks and an hour of time. Thanks for the info man. You rock
At my old home the contactor in one of my AC units failed. Turned out the plunger spring in it broke. In a pinch, I pulled a spring out of a ball point pen and was able to install it in the old contactor MacGyver style. That contactor worked for over 5 years after that and I finally moved out of that house and never did have to replace it.
I got my EPA 608 cert and purchased all of the tools required to do my own HVAC work. Even if I make a mistake or two it is far cheaper for me to fix it myself than it is for me to pay a pro.
Now redo it! But I know you want it to look the same. But for safety! The contactor should be flipped 180 degrees. L1 & L2 are for the incoming voltage or Line voltage (from the power company). T1 & T2 are for the load side (compressor/Fan motor/etc). Same goes for the wiring in the disconnect on the outside wall & the disconnect and breakers for the air handler. I can’t tell you how many times ppl wire them or cross them. Some disconnects if crossed can still let voltage through, zap & shock you! Always do it correct the first time! Keep it safe for the next tech!
I remember someone else said to turn contactor 180 degrees, even though the writing will be upside down. Thanks for clarifying why. Different brands are designed differently. Is the shunt side supposed to be on the left or right though? The shunt on his old contactor was on the right and that is how he installed the new one, on the right.
Please add this comment to your video. It helped me to flip the contactor so that wiring is done correctly
It does not matter.
@@Nikolasz1173 Quality always matters! Esp when the line voltage is always present! It feeds other things like a crankcase heater!
HVAC Lives Matter! 😎
He followed the last person that installed the contactor which was wrong.
To verify the correct wiring, there should be a schematic on the inside cover to indicate the configuration.
My contactor writing is upside down, but that is the correct configuration, the L1 and L2 will come from your breaker or fuse panel/box, in my box 240vac comes from the bottom of my HVAC electrical box.
The output voltage will flow out of the T1 and T2 terminals and connect to your motor and capacitor.
Take several pictures from various angles, write down where each wire belongs, then double check your work.
Changed my capacitor and contactor for $40. Took 10 mins. I do it every 4-5 years.
$40 ??? Where did you buy your parts, I need to go there 😂
@@worldwidesports4kcapacitor $18 on amazon. Contactor $24 at Ace Hardware. Oops, I spent $42.
Amazon
@@tomhunter91 ok thank you 👍
Pick a nice spring or fall day when no heat or cooling will be required for a month or two. I figure 7 years is good. My first cap went dead at year 9. I keep the old cap and contactor around for emergency use. A contactor often just needs the contacts filed clean.
Thanks for the instructions. I switched off the breaker and pressed the plunger a bunch of times to wiggle out any debris. Then tried to run the A/C again. It worked just fine. Thanks a ton for mentioning about bugs and such that could get stuck in there.
My Dad paid $150 to have a capacitor replaced. Two weeks later he had to pay $150 again for the upstairs unit capacitor. Probably could have received a big discount if he had both changed on first visit. That winter my heat pump wasn’t working. So I replaced contactors and capacitors for both of my units at the same time. Only one capacitor was bad but the extra $30-40 in parts and 20 minutes saved me the aggravation of swapping parts at some later date.
Where do you buy those?
The big box stores?
@@netpasya ordered parts online
Your the MVP for the content you put out you dont know how many costly bills you saved me from paying when I could have just done it my self.
Everything is cheaper when you know how to fix it yourself but most people don't. Consider yourself lucky that you do.
Another awesome instructional video! Thank you so much. I'll be changing the contractor and capacitor on a regular basis.
You’re very welcome. Really glad to hear you have found value in the channel. Thanks a lot for the feedback!
I was just quoted $409 yesterday to have my contactor replaced. The contactor for my unit is $32 on supply house. Easy replacement to do on your own.
God bless you for honesty! Many are getting over on the elderly. To buy new units. You solved the problem Correctly, relay switch needed
great video, thanks for sharing, what are the symptoms of a bad capacitor? My A/C condenser makes a real LOUD buzzing/humming like noise when is really hot/cold out, is it likely due to a bad capacitor?
That plastic cover on the contactor will come off, you just have to pry at it. Not as easy as the ones with little screws. There's a device out there called the Emerson Sure Switch that can replace the contactor and add brownout protection. It's quieter than a traditional contactor and has a fully enclosed relay which will keep debris and ants out of it.
👍
Thanks for this.
I live in The South, heavily wooded lot on a lake.
Lots of humidity LOTS of 🐜 🐜🐜
A few months ago, my OLD AC went out, call the repair guy he comes out, replaces the contactor - $200.
Last week same unit goes out called the same guy, he replaces the contactor - $200.
“Isn’t that the same part you replaced not too long ago?”
“It sure is!”
“Ants get in there and fry them all the time. I tell everybody to spray their units with bug spray, but nobody listens to me.😄”
“So I just keep replacing them!”💸😩
Spent the weekend cleaning leaves and crap out the units. When Debby finishes blowing through, I’ll spray them down with bug spray.
AND I’ll be ordering couple of contactors to keep on hand
“ for the next time”
Thank you for this video! I think I had a bug get itself between the contacts in the contacter so it wasn't able to close the circuit. Your straightforward walkthrough of checking the circuits was super helpful. I just had to use a little piece of sandpaper to clean the contacts. Back up and running!
Since both the contactor and condenser are fairly inexpensive, would you suggest a regular preventative maintenance plan to simply replace both the condenser and contactor every ~ 5-6 years just to eliminate any downtime due to a failure of either?
I manage 39 homes. I test each, start of every season.
I replace mine every 3-4 years
The HVAC unit in my brother's condo has a strange, intermittent behavior: it can stay on beyond the time when the temperature displayed by the thermostat reaches the thermostat's set point, so the temperature will go far beyond the set temperature. Is this problem more likely due to a fault in the thermostat or a fault in the HVAC unit?
Notes: (1) The thermostat is pretty old, but appears to function well except perhaps for this intermittent problem. (2) Four wires connect the thermostat & HVAC.
The best HVAC company I have seen. There sign on there truck said we don't have sand in our vasoline.
🤣 Not even hiding it!
Thank you for all your helpful videos. Question could you check voltage drop between number 11 where the red wire is and number 21 on top to see if the contact is still good?
My compressor went out and the A/C guy replaced it. This was expensive as I live in a remote town... the closest HVAC guy is over 70 miles away. Not too much later, I found the new compressor was running all the time. The contactor was getting stuck on because contacts were very worn and pitted. That was probably what killed the old compressor. the AC guy should have checked/replaced the contactor as well.
The contactor was a single pole, but I replaced it with a dual pole (of appropriate rating) so when the contacts get too worn, I can just move the wires over to the other pole - basically doubling the life of the contactor. I know others have done this, but for a different purpose: the dual-pole contactor has a stronger spring, making it less likely to stick closed.
I'm thinking of getting a soft-start system to extend the life of the contactor.
But the shunted side on a single pole provides power to heat that some compressors need. There’s a heat circuit that needs power all the time. Having a double pole would eliminate this no?
I connected that to the line side lug on the contactor.
After turning off all power, Do you need to discharge the capacitor before touching any wires on the contactor?Thanks for your video.
No you don't. Once the power is cut, there no electricity running in the wires.
Pay people for coming out and diagnosing for you . Respect and pay for time. Talking reasonable price.
A couple of comments. 1. You should do voltage checks with one hand, not two, like chop sticks. For safety. 2. Did you torque the screws on the contactor? There is a torque value listed on the contactor. (Commonly 25 in/lb for screws, 40 in/lb for lugs). It is best practice and NEC code requirement.
Damn you sound mad. He's just showing us how to save money from dishonest tech. Can you show him love instead.
@scredlysmith2153 I have in many videos. I'm just trying to make sure people don't get hurt and the job is done right. Also, I want my students to have jobs after their education. Not everything is DIY.
No, wasting money replacing parts their AC's they don't need. ACs have a lot more parts than a contactor and compacitor. @@scredlysmith2153
My thermostat suddenly wouldnt work, and stopped working exactly when it tried kicking the AC on. I was like wtf? After some investigation I found a blown fuse on the board on the furnace. Well, replaced it, tried turning the ac on again. Boom, blown fuse. Turns out, the little contactor had no resistance at the coil...
Mine just started doing the exact samething. Did u have to replace the contactor ?
@@waltbuzby8644 My 1 year old air conditioner just had this problem. Thermostat went off, blown fuse on the furnace circuit board. Turns out the high voltage wire on the contactor wasnt tightened down enough during installation and eventually came off the screw. The contactor was partially melted. Thankfully it was covered under warranty but if it hadn’t been… I would have spent a lot of money lol😅 But now that I’ve seen this video…
Awesome video! And great catch on that loose spade connector 👍🏼
Glad you liked it! They can be easy to miss. Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for your very clear instructions
Your videos are always so very informative and I can’t thank you enough for sharing this information with us!😊
My A/C stopped working yesterday. Maintenance guy (who is also a good friend of mine for 20+ years) said ants were setting up shop in there. He cleared them out and she started right back up. I’m in SC for reference as this may be a geographic issue.
Thanks! You are awesome
There was a bug stuck behind the plunger in the switch, 3 yrs ago they charged me $600 to change 2 compacitators, a $12 part from Amazon 😮
What about if my ac won’t turn off even with the thermostat off. How do I test if my contractor has fused together creating continuous power
If I turn the thermostat on, nothing happens, that button on the contactor doesn't go in. If I manually press the button on the contactor, everything kicks on. Would that be a problem with the contactor or the thermostat?
Same , did u ever find out?
@@beemomusic fuse was blown in my air handler in the attic. It's like a 3 or 5 amp auto fuse
Explain all the wires going to contactor. Thanks.
There's two that energize it and two that energize the compressor and fan, two others are the signal to close.
I didn't go in depth on purpose because there are some differences on different folks contactors. That's why I say to take pictures and follow the wiring diagram on your individual unit.
@@rcstl8815- one goes to the compressor heater ring too
Another time you may need to replace the contactor is when the fuse on your furnace control board burns out, but only when you call for cooling. It could be a blown board, but frequently it’s a short in the coil of the contactor.
Replaced the contactor in one of my old AC systems. Easy but the specific replacement for my 47 yo unit was very difficult to find.
What was specific about it that made it different from the typical?
@@mtnman1984 220 v. coil and thicker with odd shape.
@@wholeNwon that is different
I checked the contactor. And its good.. but there’s a spider web on the contactor which touching the metal do you think thats the reason why its blowing the fuse?
Thanks for the video. I'm replacing my contactor and I have 3 low voltage wires on one side and only 2 terminals, and I can't find any contactors with 3 terminals on one side . Is there an adapter for this?
Piggy terminal is how is called or put the wires together with a wire nut. Orange Color will work
Just had my contactor go bad with a short in the coil. it was as reading 1.8 ohms across the coil. Will be an easy fix and saved me hundreds.
My fan is not turning I think most likely a bad compasitpr but I can only give you my ruud ac unit model np 13 ajn 24aol please help meat h what will fit for me please?
Great video by the way my plunger when I push it in manually, the fan kicks on when I don’t push it in the fan doesn’t come on at all. I don’t know how to use a multimeter that well. Do you believe I should just replace the contactor I replaced the capacitor and the fan does not kick on, but like I said when I push the little button in on the contactor fan kicks on seems like it’s working like a champ.
Don’t forget that a bad contractor can blow the fuse in the air handler.
Excellent point. Had it happen to me last month.
Great video! Mine got stuck the other day and I almost called an HVAC repair man.
Thank you for all your teaching.
To change out a relay on AC run off a chiller system is it the same way?
Are solid state relays ever used instead of mechanical?
They make soft starts specifically for starting these up. Should make the contactor and compressor last longer.
Some of these companies have a diagnostic fee, then price out repairs from menu pricing like auto dealerships do , a set price for time and materials, and some charge actual time and materials, time starts when tech receives call and ends when backs out of drive heading to next call, also supply and demand, good profession if you don’t mind working in the elements, there is and has been a shortage of technicians for sometime now, been in all facets of HVAC trade for 40 years, I always say we give better service than your doctor when’s last time your doctor made a house call ( like never) and we provide same day service on emergency calls with 24 hour availability
People are just cheap. They want us to fix it for 20 bucks and call it day. Like come on why have a house if you can’t afford fixing your equipment. Just rent instead.
Like to see them replace an evaporator coil or compressor. Do customers complain about auto mechanics hourly rate!
Isnt the line or L side coming from main power. T to HP components? Does it matter?
I have the exact contractor pictured. If I manually press the button down, the a/c starts right up. When thermostat calls for air, nothing happens. Probably the coil is bad? (This all started after a power blip on the weekend)
Possible, but could also mean your thermostat has problems. Check the contactor coil for 24 volts. 24V present, then coil is probably bad. No 24V then thermostat or control voltage needs attention. (blown fuse at furnace or thermostat)
I was on vacation last week and my neighbor calls and says my air conditioning unit is buzzing and making noise. Called the HVAC guy and sure enough it was the contractor. A chipmunk shorted it out. $326.00 later it was fixed. But with the 4th of July this week and family coming over it is money well spent.
What is the difference between a contactor with part number XMCO-321-EBBCVN VS XMCO-321-EBBC? Has one been discontinued?
That test was o volts with the contractor calling for cooling. Should that be at 0? With the plunger pulled in?
What is the best place to buy AC contactor ? For example I saw that my AC unit uses the hn51kc024 but I didnt find it to buy on Amazon
Thank you for the step by step instructions. I really enjoy watching your videos.
You can pull those covers off, use your leads and wedge the corners and it’ll come right off
I replaced my contactor.... it wasn't bad, but it also didn't have the test button. Once replaced, I was able to figure out that the problem was with the 24VAC line from the house, and the test button let me know the condenser was all good and firing up (meaning it had pressure). It ended up being the wire nut on the 24VAC control line coming into the condenser - the HVAC guy who had last serviced it had done a poor job with the wiring. Easy fix, and my AC was working. I have a new contactor and capacitor, and the old ones go into the storage box if I ever need them.
Enjoy your videos. I am looking for this exact contactor (with the same FLA, LRA, and RES values). If you got it online, please provide name of vendor. TY.
Yeah I have a link for that exact one down in the description portion of the video. Will take you right to it. Glad you are finding value in the channel! Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for this information!
No problem!
Question: Is it ok to replace a contactor with a 32 FLA to a contactor with a 40 FLA? All other numbers are same.
If the contractor you purchase has a rating that is greater than the original, yes, the contactor will be okay. It just might be larger than the original, so it might not fit.
Where did you buy your contactor? Our local HVAC wholesale wont sell to public.
Where do you buy contractor and capacitor for Goodman ac 5 ton , heat pump
I would use solder on fork or ring terminals especially since it's exposed to outdoor elements. Corrosion and vibration can decrease conductivity. Soldering does away with both threat's.
so on the contactor, i'm getting 240 out of the source wires connected to the top screws(on my model). on the pass through, (on the bottom) i'm not reading anything on the 2 on the bottom, however, if i test them separately, each has 120. yes, both. but if i try together, i get nothing. i dont know how that is possible
Great video! 👍
Please try to explain each wire that is connected to the contactor thank you
I need to replace the contactor on my ac unit but the old one has no labels on it. How do I know if I need a 30 or 40 amp? Unit is a 2016 Trane XB
What if you can’t find the exact contactor…for example I can’t find a replacement for my contactor zettler xmc0-251-ebbb with these ratings FLA 25, VAC 240/277, LRA 150, RES 35. What can I replace it with?? Thanks
How can I get help by knowing someone can take my ruud ac unit model np. 13ajn24,aol I need a capacitor for this please help me?
Very good video, can u replace a double connector with a single connector?
Thanks
On my ac I did replace fan and capacitor but fan is not running but compressor is working. Any help.
God bless you for being humble and honest. The devil and greed are stealing money from the most vulnerable of people! Thank you for denying him from that victory!
That’s is not the case Sharon. The technician has insurance to pay along with his bills, materials, his time and experience.
Wow, good to know thanks.
Nice! Thank you very much. 👍
Does the plunger always have to be in?
Mann I thank you so much for this video. Hoping you can assist me here, still. My heat pump outdoor unit is NOT STARTING at all. In either heat nor cool. SO, I changed the contactor and the Capacitor, but it did not help. The pc board, (defrost) status is indicating a "low pressure lock out". Would you have a idea, what else I could do here? Can this RHEEM pc board be RESET? or trouble shooted. I hope it is not a refrigerant issue. The indoor unit seem to be working ok, it comes on and blows continually. So, I am thinking the T'stat is ok. Man I in deep, on this one. but, Thanks again.
If my 3 AMP fuse blows every time I start the AC, could it be the contactor? I've already determined that the system runs on heat, runs the fan, and the thermostat isn't the issue.
Its wired incorrectly
Thanks. It was the contactor in the end. She good.
I was just quote over $525 just for a contactor to be replaced. Im all about DIY. Im going to check the contactor myself and replaced it myself if needed..
Another great video. You are da man!😊
Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Ray!
Hello I ordered the part xmco-321ebbc , but the LRA 180 will it effect the ac unit? The old one is 150
Capacitors not only go bad on air-conditioners but also on freezers. With an air conditioner it's an inconvenience when one goes bad. On your freezer you could lose hundreds of dollars if your meat and other items spoil while you are waiting on a replacement capacitor. It can be a nightmare. When mine went out I was lucky I was lucky I had a neighbor that had enough room in their freezer. So, I bought two capacitors so that I had a spare in case it went bad again.
A local heating contractor quoted $180 + parts to replace a 4mfd run capacitor. My cost for the part, $1.62+tax. Sheesh.
Where do you purchase your hvac replacement parts?
Amazon mostly. Have links for them in the description of the video.
Hello, could you upload a video on how to change the air conditioning switch o breaker ?
A company wants to charge me $500 dollars to change just the a/c switch box and I want to learn how to replace it.
You mentioned it’s been enough years to go ahead and replace it for maintenance, how many years has it been?
Mine is almost 8 years old.
💪🇺🇸❄️👍 that's great u did it urself. $450 way too high. $195 would b more appropriate remember techs have to drive out diagnosis n repair n pay taxes, health insurance biz insurance etc...not worth driving to a service call for nickels n dimes
Yeah, I would say that is a reasonable price. Appreciate the input!
@@HowToHomeDIY I appreciate ur videos especially electrical vids
A guy quoted me $350 for a $20 capacitor. I told him "That's nuts. Since you're out here, I'll pay you $180 to swap it." He refused, so I paid the $89 visit/diagnosis, and saved $240.
@@myfakeguuglaccount8307 it used to be simple. Just " Parts & Labor ".
1. The cost of the part.
2. The labor cost per hour &
3. The # of hours that the job will take. That's it.
Now these companies see where they can charge anything they want and enough people will pay it.
They don't care about who cant afford their prices.
I'm not trying to be funny, but there are people out there who can't turn a ratchet & socket. Those are the ones who need & probably make 6 figures or more.
I've always heard knowledge is power.
& all the information you find on YT is proof of that.
When you buy it yerself you can buy the highest quality and avoid the planned obsolescence brand.
Knowledge and skills are a better deal than higher income; in many cases.
Thank you RUclips University.
Appreciate the video, but that contactor looks upside down the AC lines should connect to L1 L2.
I’m definitely gonna to buy one of each, the contactor and capacitor. Thanks for the great video!
Having trouble trying to match up my A/C contactor. Can you help me! I have a Lennox! M/N 10ACC-060-230-02 Can’t find the correct FLA or LRA that match from existing. Thank you
Truly excellent video. Thanks.
Here in Texas ants have been horrible this year.
Can anybody tell me if I can install a Mr. cool slim unit with a Unico system. I have a property line dispute and I don't have much room. Most people never heard of a Unico or space pack system. I'm just using it for ac only. I have radiators and a boiler. I only have 28 inches wide. A typical condenser is 29 to 35 inches wide. It won't work. Thanks for any help anybody could give me. Much appreciated.
Why is it a single pole contactor? Both poles on a 220 load should always be disconnected by the contactor/disconnect device.
Great video
Thank you 👍 great video and thanks for the information! God bless 🙏