Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Got A/C! Cool!


Our condo is 25 years old as are all the appliances, heating and cooling systems.  Remember, back in March, the landlord had to replace the furnace since it stopped working?  We really didn't start using the Air Conditioning until mid-July.  Even then, it seemed like it really was putting out enough cold air or at least as cold as our A/C back in Sterling.  We complained to the landlord, he came down and looked at it and proclaimed that it was working as usual!  I knew different because the compressor would make this horrible noise each time it started, the the refrigerant pipe coming from the compressor was not as cold as the one back home.  Oh well!

When we got back from our trip to Sterling last Thursday, the condo was 85 degrees at midnight!  The A/C fan was running but the compressor was not.  After a quick check, I discovered that the circuit breaker was flipped.  I tried to turn it on, but it just flipped and sparked again.

The next day, Friday 100 degress outside, I called the landlord to inform him that the AC was now dead.  A repairman show up on Saturday and declared that the compressor was 25 years old and was toast.  It would have to be replaced along with the cooling coils for an estimate of $6000!  He said he could pick up the parts on Monday and do the job on Tuesday..  That means 3 more day over 100 degrees and no A/C!

The AC guy show up on Tuesday, installed a new compressor, new coils, new vent covers, caulked and sealed all connection and now we have Air Conditioning.  It seems that  AC systems here in California are a big deal because they use so much electricity and electricity is scarce.  New AC systems must be installed according to new specifications required by law which make them at least 35% more efficient than older systems.  This is a good thing, cheaper electric bills.  The inspector and installer will be out next week to see if it passes.  The new A/C is actually pushing out cold air, finally!  I wonder what appliance will break next?

Our new Air Conditioning Compressor Installed & Working!

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