Question about my central A/C and heating....

[amitten]

While both the A/C unit and the heat themselves will turn on, when I set the fan on "auto" it's not working (it's usually always on auto). However, the fan works if I set it on "fan", but then it blows non-stop.

What do I need to get fixed? Will it cost a million dollars, or closer to $500,000? Any info is appreciated!

[flvegan]

1. This happened to me once.

Turns out I had a leak, and the entire condenser/compressor had frozen up. When I say frozen, I mean that it was a big chunk of ice in the apt closet. It didn't cost me anything, but I recall that all maintenance had to do was patch the copper pipe and add freon.

Hope it's something as simple for you.

[amitten]

2. Thanks. It's doing the same thing when I try to turn on the heat

though, so I think it might be something else.

Thanks for your input.

[Robb]

3. Could be something as simple as a bad thermostat

Could be a lot worse. When you put it on "fan" and it blows, will it blow hot or cold air when you tell it to? That would be a good sign.

[amitten]

4. It does blow hot air when I have the heat on and the fan setting on

"fan".

[EndofTheRepublicans]

5. It's the T-stat

I'd bet on it.
T-stat tells the fan to come on if you have air conditioning, hydro-air heat, or a heat pump system.
Fan circuit obviously works from the t-stat on down because it comes on when YOU tell it to.

Good luck

[amitten]

6. Thank you! Is that really really expensive to fix?

Only if you know, of course.

[Dogtown]

7. Thermostat

can be found at any hardware store. Unit won't be expensive and is pretty easy to install. Under $100.

If you're going to have it done, get a 2nd opinion before you pay over a couple of hundred.

[amitten]

8. Thanks! I really hope that is the only problem.

I can't do a major fix-it bill right now...

[EndofTheRepublicans]

9. Sorry... T-Stat means thermostat

If you have a heat pump... you'll prolly want someone in to swap it out (8-10 wires and typically poor directions).

Any other system is usually quite easy to wire, new one has wiring directions.
Just make sure you write down what color to which contact before removing.
Also, turn off power to fan unit beforehand, it's only 40 volts but it can short to something and blow the transformer.

Thermostats start at $20 and go to over $100

[OffWithTheirHeads]

10. It's the thermostat.

If you decide to do it yourself, let me know and I'll walk you through it.

It's what I do for a living.

[Inchworm]

11. Whatcha wearin?

That has a lot to do with heat :D

If the furnace still produces heat when you turn the fan on, I'd say it's the thermostat.

Be careful not to let the "furnace" run forever.

:hi: