Help! - Our central a/c system recently (yesterday) went out. When...

HOMEOWNER CRIES FOR HELP...

posted: September 8th, 2008 - 2:04pm

QUESTION:
Our central a/c system recently (yesterday) went out. When the thermostat was turned on to cool the outside unit wouldn't start and there would only be a buzzing sound at the unit. When the contactor switch is engaged (pressed in) with a screw driver the unit turns on as normal. I have the contactor switch replaced and am still getting the same results, could it be possible the thermostat isn't delivering enough power to engage the switch? If so what are some simple solutions?

ANSWER: That is possible but there are also a variety of other possibilities you need a meter to check the voltage coming to your contactor on the 2 coil voltage terminals you can do this with the power off to the outside unit you should read somewhere around 24 volts if you don't get it start looking for an open switch or a loose or corroded connection.