Why does my house AC make noises but does not cool the room?

Question

Hey everyone,
I have a Sunbeam Model #SCA103RWB1 10000 BTU Room Air Conditioner. I bought in the previous summer as NYC was facing a dangerously intense heat wave, all seemed to have worked fine until today, when i turned the unit on, randomly, and to my suprise, no air was blowing inside. The unit would make a humming noise, but still would not pump air inside. This is the first time this has happened and the tech support for this company is horrendous. I finally got through and they simply told me to cut the cord and send it to them so they can issue me a refund. But i am hesitant to do this since its more of a hassle to wait for a refund and then replacing/reinstalling another one. Does anyone know that the problem might be? Could have something frozen up since its been real cold here for the past few weeks (last time i turned it on was about 3 weeks ag, and everything was fine) What do you guys think? Would shortage of freon be a problem? Its practically a new unit.

Also, the humming sound continues when i swich the different modes of the unit..for example...Cooling, Fan Only, and Power Saver. The sound is consistant in all these modes. When using the FAN mode, air is still not blowing inside just like the rest of the other modes.

Also on the sidenote, I notice there are styrofoam inside the AC itself, I can see them from the vent the air is blown in from. Sorry if i sound like a total idiot, but is that supposed to be there? If not..should i move them?

I have opened the filter and have tried to move the fan with my hands as adviced, but it seems to be stuck and will not budge.

Answer 1

The fan motor is probably outside as is the compressor. At these temperatures the lubricant may be so stiff that the fan will not turn. Take the front off the AC unit and remove the filter. You will see where the cold air normally blows. With the power off, reach down into the opening and feel around for the squirrel cage fan and try to move it by hand. It should spin freely and coast to a stop. If it doesn't it could be the low temperature of the lubricant or the fan bearing is in trouble. The humming you hear may be the compressor running. I would not recommend running an AC unit at these temperatures.
Given the age of the unit the 'freon' should be OK as well as the starting capacitor. If you want to send it back its your call. The other option would to bring the unit inside and let it warm up. Then try turning it on

OK so the fan won't move. Either way you are going to have to getit replaced/fixed. The humming is probalbly the fan motor trying to move the fan. Bring the unit inside and warm it up. If the fan still won't rotate take them up on their warranty offer

Answer 2

If it's blowing air but not getting cold then ithe freon probably leaked out, if it's not blowing anything I'd say check the fan. but if the company is willing to refund, then by all means send it back and get a new one, it's not worth the headache of trying to figure it out. I know it's a hassle, but so will be the heat in a couple months. Better get on it now, before you really need it.

Answer 3

the subject is in the exterior unit (the condenser). If the condenser fan does no longer activate and circulate air the compressor will thermal overload or overheat and close itself off. There could be an intensive off for the comdenser fastened close to the unit with a thick cable working out of it to the concenser. you're able to open the container and spot if the disconnect (like a T-formed pull guard) swap or breaker has labored loose or been became off. you have already became off and became lower back on the breakers for the condenser on the circuit breaker panel-so as that they with a bit of luck are actually not the subject. yet another merchandise must be the condenser fan itself. With the unit became off, attempt spinning the fan blade by a protracted screwdriver or stick-it is going to turn freely, if no longer there is your subject. additionally( no longer stated at midnight)is to close off ability to the unit on the disconnect or circuit breaker. Then in case you're delicate around electricity, do away with the get entry to panel usually a corner panel on the condenser and consider for fried wires and broken wires. additionally the capacitor-the around or oval steel ingredient with wires working to terminals-looks like a under pressure soup can. Is it bulging, or terminals melted, Beyound this , i'd advise a tech provider.

Answer 4

Sounds like the dual run capacitor is bad.