Replacing AC unit

[LuckyTaxi]

Our unit is starting to make noises. Out of curiosity, if I were to replace my AC unit, would that also include the compressor unit that sits on top of the furnace? I know the outside unit would be replaced, but I wasn't sure what the top piece where the coils are located would be a part of.

We got ripped off by this one HVAC company when we had our furnace replaced. I'm researching other companies and making sure I do my homework before I pick someone.

***UPDATE***

So the tech came out and spent half an hour listening for the noise. I was at work so I don't know what he did, if he did anything. He called me and told me he didn't hear anything. I explained to him what I was hearing and he said the system is running fine and I shouldn't worry. His only plan was to remove the filter and have the system run a few days to see if they was the issue.

Before he left, he mentioned to my wife that the filter I had put in wasn't efficient. he replaced it with their standard flanders filter, which I'm not a fan of. Anyways, I told him during our quick phone conversation that it was making noises BEFORE i replaced their filter (they had a Flander filter when they serviced the unit on 5/18) with my own. As of right now, I don't hear the rattling noise anymore. I don't know what happened but everything appears to be normal for now.

 

[Ken g6]

Only if you get a differently sized (by BTU) AC unit. Or if the unit you have now is too large for your house. You know the unit you have now is too large if it ices up.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Hasnt iced up so I think it's adequate. we had it serviced a few yrs ago when the a-coils were beyond clogged. looked like a dryer vent that hadn't been cleaned for months.

I have to go check the unit outside and see where the noise is coming from. So far I can hear it in the basement. It's like a buzzing/rattling noise.

I'll be making a call tomorrow to the company I have a service contract with. Unfortunately it's the company got screwed us over. We are nearing the end for the labor warranty on the furnace so I'll be switching companies next year.

 

[dbcooper1]

The outside unit should be where the compressor is located, not with the furnace.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

The outside unit should be where the compressor is located, not with the furnace.

Right so I learned a few things. The condenser and compressor are outside. The evaporator coil is what I'm referring to. The noise seems to be in the vicinity of the furnace/evaporator coil/air ducts leading to my return vents.

 

[NAC4EV]

Right so I learned a few things. The condenser and compressor are outside. The evaporator coil is what I'm referring to. The noise seems to be in the vicinity of the furnace/evaporator coil/air ducts leading to my return vents.

normally the evaporator coil by itself shouldn't make a noise, no moving parts.

Check the fan!!!!

 

[Raizinman]

Wrong Forum. This is not automotive. It needs to be moved to Home and Garden.

 

[NAC4EV]

Wrong Forum. This is not automotive. It needs to be moved to Home and Garden.

Wake up!!!!
Your still asleep

 

[LuckyTaxi]

normally the evaporator coil by itself shouldn't make a noise, no moving parts.

Check the fan!!!!

Oh, I didn't know that. You mean the fan where the condenser is? Anything else inside the house that has moving parts? Watch this turns out to be air ducts.

 

[NAC4EV]

Oh, I didn't know that. You mean the fan where the condenser is? Anything else inside the house that has moving parts? Watch this turns out to be air ducts.

If the noise is not coming from the outside unit leave it alone.
That's where the compressor and condenser and condenser fan are.

Check that fan on the furnace.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

If the noise is not coming from the outside unit leave it alone.
That's where the compressor and condenser and condenser fan are.

Check that fan on the furnace.

Wait what fan on the furnace? Dumb question but does the furnace have a part in this if it isn't running?

 

[NAC4EV]

Wait what fan on the furnace? Dumb question but does the furnace have a part in this if it isn't running?

What moves/circulates the air inside your house with the AC on?????

 

[dbcooper1]

Yeah, probably a bearing on the motor for your return/recirc. air inside.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Wait what fan on the furnace? Dumb question but does the furnace have a part in this if it isn't running?

The furnace has the blower that blows the cold air into your house. When in AC mode it simply just doesn't turn the burners on, but the blower still runs. So yes, it plays a major part in it

 

[LuckyTaxi]

The furnace has the blower that blows the cold air into your house. When in AC mode it simply just doesn't turn the burners on, but the blower still runs. So yes, it plays a major part in it

In that case then the furnace is under warranty! I'm sitting outside and I don't hear anything rattling with the condenser. If it's broken it better be the fan on the furnace. Def calling the HVAC guy tomorrow.

 

[NAC4EV]

 

[SparkyJJO]

Before you call him it may be worth taking the cover off and just looking at the fan to see if there is anything stuck in it. I had the one at church making a horrible racket and all it ended up being was some label from the inside of the panel had come loose and was caught in the fan.

 

[bamx2]

It sounds like a blower issue to me too.

Some helpful HVAC links below-

DIY friendly - http://www.diychatroom.com/f17/

and

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/air-conditioning-cooling-systems-126/



Not so DIY friendly but great resource- http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?1-AOP-Residential-HVAC

and

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?1122-Tech-to-Tech-Chat-Residential

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Updated in original post

 

[mick12155]

Thank you bamx2 for very usefull links

 

[Subyman]

What kind of noise? Rattle, whistle, thumping, grinding, etc? I'd first start by pressing on some of the panels on the furnace (if that is where it is coming from.) Could be something stupid like a panel rattling where a screw had backed off.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Update -

After more complaints, the tech showed up with a new motor. The noise is gone and I noticed the noises coming through the return vent is so much quieter. Of course before they left they tried to sell me on a new AC unit telling me I need a new unit. I can't wait to get rid of these guys.

 

[Slacker]

Condenser and compressor are remote, evaporator is usually stacked on top of the furnace above the air handler/blower that moves hot or cold air through the house.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah probably the blower that's making noise. I would start with cleaning it, or having it professionally cleaned, and see if noise goes away.

Also did you change the filter recently, and did you go with a thicker one? I did that once too, turns out my furnace does not like the thick pleated ones and the blower runs too fast and vibrates. The cheap fibreglass ones are fine.