Fixit Pro Home Repair Mastery

USER: it's my outside HVAC, it's 15 years old, it works for like 20 minutes, but then the blades stop moving. BOT: Thank you for the information. When the blades stop moving, is the HVAC still blowing air? Does it make any strange noises or vibrations? USER: yes it vibrates and does make a loud noise. BOT:Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like there might be an issue with the HVAC motor or the blades. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem: Turn off the power: Before you begin any troubleshooting, make sure you turn off the power to the HVAC unit to prevent any accidents or injuries. Inspect the blades: Using gloves, check the blades for any visible damage, such as cracks or chips. If you notice any damage, the blades may need to be replaced. Check the motor: With the power off, carefully remove the cover to access the motor. Look for any visible damage or wear and tear. Also, try rotating the blades by hand to see if they move freely. If the blades are difficult to move, the motor may be overheating and shutting down as a safety precaution. Clean the unit: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside the HVAC unit, reducing its efficiency and causing problems like this. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove any dirt, dust or debris. Test the Capacitor: If the above steps don't fix the issue, it may be a faulty capacitor. Use a multimeter to test the capacitor and replace if necessary. Please note that if you are not familiar with electrical systems, it is best to consult with a professional to avoid any accidents or damage. Based on the information provided, here are three possible solutions with a likelihood of 50% or higher: Solution Likelihood Estimate Range of Hours Estimate Cost Range Life Expectancy Clean the unit 60% 1-2 hours $100-$200 5-10 years Check the motor 50% 2-4 hours $200-$500 10-15 years Test the capacitor 50% 1-2 hours $150-$300 5-10 years Let me know if you need any further assistance or have any questions. USER how could I test the capacitor Testing a capacitor requires a multimeter, which is a device used to measure electrical voltage, current, and resistance. Here are the steps to test a capacitor: Turn off the power: Before you begin any troubleshooting, make sure you turn off the power to the HVAC unit to prevent any accidents or injuries. Access the capacitor: The capacitor is typically located inside the HVAC unit and is connected to the motor. Carefully remove the cover to access the capacitor. Discharge the capacitor: Capacitors store electrical charge, so before testing it, you need to discharge it to avoid any electrical shocks. You can do this by using an insulated screwdriver to short-circuit the capacitor terminals. Set the multimeter: Set the multimeter to the capacitance setting and make sure the range is appropriate for the capacitor you're testing. Test the capacitor: Touch the multimeter leads to the capacitor terminals, making sure to touch the correct leads with the correct terminals. The multimeter should display a reading within the capacitance range for the capacitor. If the reading is outside the range or shows zero capacitance, the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced. Please note that if you are not familiar with electrical systems, it is best to consult with a professional to avoid any accidents or damage. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything else I can assist you with. USER: one more bit of information, the blades don't startup by themselves, I am required to spin them with a long screwdriver and then they will continue to spin after. does this point to a more robust solution BOT: Thank you for the additional information. Based on the fact that the blades require a manual start, it is likely that the problem lies with the motor or the start capacitor. Here is a revised set of possible solutions, taking this new information into account: Solution Likelihood Estimate Range of Hours Estimate Cost Range Life Expectancy Replace the start capacitor 70% 1-2 hours $150-$300 5-10 years Check the motor 60% 2-4 hours $200-$500 10-15 years Clean the unit 50% 1-2 hours $100-$200 5-10 years Based on this information, I would recommend starting by replacing the start capacitor, as this is often the cause of this type of problem. However, it is always best to consult with a professional to ensure that the repair is done safely and effectively. I hope that helps, and let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.