Was Quoted $450. I Fixed It For $19! AC Contactor Testing and Replacement
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- čas přidán 1. 09. 2023
- If your AC unit isn't woking, in this video I will show you how I go about diagnosing and replacing an AC contactor. This repair is not nearly as common as a capacitor but it is still a fairly common issue that can and probably will come up at some point. The capacitor though, the majority of the times is the culprit. This repair can range anywhere from $120-$600 depending on the company, but I replaced mine for $19.
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Have you ever received a bill that seemed way too high for this kind of repair? Crazy how one company can charge what seems like a fair price while another charges double or more.
I've paid all over the map on HVAC service, I think I finally found a guy that I can trust for the stuff I can't do and does not charge a crazy fee. Over the last year I've replaced a start capacitor and the air handler delay contactor. Both cost less than $20 and took less than an hour. HVAC units are arguably the least complicated and least expensive appliance in your house for diy repairs. They disassemble very easy and as you showed it is not hard to swap stuff out. The compressor and refrigerant are outside the diy scope but that part of the system is usually pretty reliable, and you can pretty easily diagnose when you need call in an expert. In my most recent case the unit was icing up both in the winter and summer and it would get stuck blowing cold because the reversing valve was not reversing -- a telltale sign that it is low on refrigerant. You can also measure the temperature of air vs ambient to make sure it has at least 20 degrees rise or drop vs the return air temperature. Most of the other appliances in your house go together like origami, have computer boards and actuators and small motor or pump assemblies that fail, and are a bit of a black box and often expensive. HVAC are pretty simple and straightforward and most of the parts are pretty easily available and inexpensive. The thermostats have all the fancy computer bits now.
You have never dealt with a real issue before lol. Yes, generally they can be easy. But if you don't know what you are doing, you will eventually meet your match!@@jamesthomas4080
Yes some companies are scam artists and anyone charging $500 for a capacitor or contactor is a disgrace to the industry but at the same time the customer needs to realize nothing is free. Biggest complaint we get is the trip charge as if gas to run the vans is free.
Our company's #1 competitor is all about unit replacement sales and taking advantage of the uninformed. Always get a second opinion when a company tells you that you are in need of a new unit. Integrity and honesty is all a consumer asks for.
I figured it only right that I get on here to Thank you. I explained my issue to a company I've been using for years and they estimated a cost of $900-$1200 assuming they do not have to also clean the (A) evaporator coil along with the condenser coils, which would have been another $1,500. I watched a couple of your videos and was able to diagnose that I definitely needed to clean my system but that the contactor was bad and it kept blowing the control panel fuse. Buying new tools, testing equipment and the replacement parts cost me $90 and a 30 minute trip to Aces Hardware. Thank you very much for this information man. You are appreciated.
Because of your helpful videos, I have purchased a spare capacitor and contactor 'just in case'. Thanks for your insight to diagnose a potential problem down the road.
😂😂😂 just buy a spare ac unit
I always keep a spare capacitor, which has come in handy. Since it doesn't cost much, a spare contractor also seems an excellent idea.
Thank you! I just subscribed.
These companies are not playing fair out here.
They are charging prices like they're working on the houses of millionaires. Or corporate and government buildings.
No 1 should have to pay 2-3 weeks of their salary ( AFTER ALL DEDUCTIONS ) for a couple hours of work & $30 in parts.
I received a quote for over $1,000 to replace the contactor and the capacitor. I purchased both myself, for $40.
I started to write that these companies are going to drive themselves out of business with the sky high prices, but I guess there are alot of people who will pay anything to have something fixed.
The people who cant afford it will just have to find a cheaper way to solve the problem.
& the world keeps spinning.
Changed my capacitor and contactor for $40. Took 10 mins. I do it every 4-5 years.
$40 ??? Where did you buy your parts, I need to go there 😂
@@worldwidesports4kcapacitor $18 on amazon. Contactor $24 at Ace Hardware. Oops, I spent $42.
Amazon
@@tomhunter91 ok thank you 👍
Your videos are always so very informative and I can’t thank you enough for sharing this information with us!😊
Your the MVP for the content you put out you dont know how many costly bills you saved me from paying when I could have just done it my self.
Love u man, every summer I end up paying 450 us twice for this damn thing. Last time I watched him swap it out but didn't get enough confidence to do it. This summer it went bad, and your video helped me do it. Fixed for 30 bucks and an hour of time. Thanks for the info man. You rock
Something else is going on if you have this many contactor failures.
Damn, thanks a ton. Ants murdered mine this year. I was able to diagnose it super quick thanks to your advice.
Saved me hundreds of dollars in emergency HVAC service fees.
Thank you for your very clear instructions
Another awesome instructional video! Thank you so much. I'll be changing the contractor and capacitor on a regular basis.
You’re very welcome. Really glad to hear you have found value in the channel. Thanks a lot for the feedback!
God bless you for honesty! Many are getting over on the elderly. To buy new units. You solved the problem Correctly, relay switch needed
At my old home the contactor in one of my AC units failed. Turned out the plunger spring in it broke. In a pinch, I pulled a spring out of a ball point pen and was able to install it in the old contactor MacGyver style. That contactor worked for over 5 years after that and I finally moved out of that house and never did have to replace it.
Thank you for all your teaching.
So here in hot & humid Houston TX, I simply replace the contactor and cap every three years, and always have a spare set on hand. Outside of keeping your coils clean, it's a top way to keep your AC happy.
What causes the contactor to go bad on a 5 year old unit? Mine is buzzing when it turns on and quiets down but will continue the loud buzzing afterwards
@orlandopena9992 heat and humidity! If it's buzzing it needs replaced!
@@Xdonald331 do you happen to live in SW Houston? If so you can help me do mine? haha!! I got a quote for $550.00!!
Everything is cheaper when you know how to fix it yourself but most people don't. Consider yourself lucky that you do.
Great video! 👍
Truly excellent video. Thanks.
Great video! Mine got stuck the other day and I almost called an HVAC repair man.
Just had my contactor go bad with a short in the coil. it was as reading 1.8 ohms across the coil. Will be an easy fix and saved me hundreds.
My fan is not turning I think most likely a bad compasitpr but I can only give you my ruud ac unit model np 13 ajn 24aol please help meat h what will fit for me please?
Nice! Thank you very much. 👍
Thank you 👍 great video and thanks for the information! God bless 🙏
Thanks for this information!
No problem!
Wow, good to know thanks.
You can pull those covers off, use your leads and wedge the corners and it’ll come right off
Thank you for all your helpful videos. Question could you check voltage drop between number 11 where the red wire is and number 21 on top to see if the contact is still good?
i like much your helpful video and smart trick & tips when you start to work take couple of picture its tech us a smart method thanks a lot for nice video ❤❤❤
Very good explanation and informative 👍😎🇺🇸NY
That plastic cover on the contactor will come off, you just have to pry at it. Not as easy as the ones with little screws. There's a device out there called the Emerson Sure Switch that can replace the contactor and add brownout protection. It's quieter than a traditional contactor and has a fully enclosed relay which will keep debris and ants out of it.
Now redo it! But I know you want it to look the same. But for safety! The contactor should be flipped 180 degrees. L1 & L2 are for the incoming voltage or Line voltage (from the power company). T1 & T2 are for the load side (compressor/Fan motor/etc). Same goes for the wiring in the disconnect on the outside wall & the disconnect and breakers for the air handler. I can’t tell you how many times ppl wire them or cross them. Some disconnects if crossed can still let voltage through, zap & shock you! Always do it correct the first time! Keep it safe for the next tech!
I remember someone else said to turn contactor 180 degrees, even though the writing will be upside down. Thanks for clarifying why. Different brands are designed differently. Is the shunt side supposed to be on the left or right though? The shunt on his old contactor was on the right and that is how he installed the new one, on the right.
Please add this comment to your video. It helped me to flip the contactor so that wiring is done correctly
It does not matter.
@@Nikolasz1173 Quality always matters! Esp when the line voltage is always present! It feeds other things like a crankcase heater!
HVAC Lives Matter! 😎
Thank you
Another great video. You are da man!😊
Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Ray!
My Dad paid $150 to have a capacitor replaced. Two weeks later he had to pay $150 again for the upstairs unit capacitor. Probably could have received a big discount if he had both changed on first visit. That winter my heat pump wasn’t working. So I replaced contactors and capacitors for both of my units at the same time. Only one capacitor was bad but the extra $30-40 in parts and 20 minutes saved me the aggravation of swapping parts at some later date.
Where do you buy those?
The big box stores?
@@netpasya ordered parts online
Good show
great video, thanks for sharing, what are the symptoms of a bad capacitor? My A/C condenser makes a real LOUD buzzing/humming like noise when is really hot/cold out, is it likely due to a bad capacitor?
Great video
Thank you 👍👍
My A/C stopped working yesterday. Maintenance guy (who is also a good friend of mine for 20+ years) said ants were setting up shop in there. He cleared them out and she started right back up. I’m in SC for reference as this may be a geographic issue.
Another time you may need to replace the contactor is when the fuse on your furnace control board burns out, but only when you call for cooling. It could be a blown board, but frequently it’s a short in the coil of the contactor.
Very good video, can u replace a double connector with a single connector?
Thanks
I was on vacation last week and my neighbor calls and says my air conditioning unit is buzzing and making noise. Called the HVAC guy and sure enough it was the contractor. A chipmunk shorted it out. $326.00 later it was fixed. But with the 4th of July this week and family coming over it is money well spent.
I would use solder on fork or ring terminals especially since it's exposed to outdoor elements. Corrosion and vibration can decrease conductivity. Soldering does away with both threat's.
Don’t forget that a bad contractor can blow the fuse in the air handler.
Excellent point. Had it happen to me last month.
I replaced my contactor.... it wasn't bad, but it also didn't have the test button. Once replaced, I was able to figure out that the problem was with the 24VAC line from the house, and the test button let me know the condenser was all good and firing up (meaning it had pressure). It ended up being the wire nut on the 24VAC control line coming into the condenser - the HVAC guy who had last serviced it had done a poor job with the wiring. Easy fix, and my AC was working. I have a new contactor and capacitor, and the old ones go into the storage box if I ever need them.
I’m definitely gonna to buy one of each, the contactor and capacitor. Thanks for the great video!
I was just quote over $525 just for a contactor to be replaced. Im all about DIY. Im going to check the contactor myself and replaced it myself if needed..
Mann I thank you so much for this video. Hoping you can assist me here, still. My heat pump outdoor unit is NOT STARTING at all. In either heat nor cool. SO, I changed the contactor and the Capacitor, but it did not help. The pc board, (defrost) status is indicating a "low pressure lock out". Would you have a idea, what else I could do here? Can this RHEEM pc board be RESET? or trouble shooted. I hope it is not a refrigerant issue. The indoor unit seem to be working ok, it comes on and blows continually. So, I am thinking the T'stat is ok. Man I in deep, on this one. but, Thanks again.
What about if my ac won’t turn off even with the thermostat off. How do I test if my contractor has fused together creating continuous power
God bless you for being humble and honest. The devil and greed are stealing money from the most vulnerable of people! Thank you for denying him from that victory!
That’s is not the case Sharon. The technician has insurance to pay along with his bills, materials, his time and experience.
The HVAC unit in my brother's condo has a strange, intermittent behavior: it can stay on beyond the time when the temperature displayed by the thermostat reaches the thermostat's set point, so the temperature will go far beyond the set temperature. Is this problem more likely due to a fault in the thermostat or a fault in the HVAC unit?
Notes: (1) The thermostat is pretty old, but appears to function well except perhaps for this intermittent problem. (2) Four wires connect the thermostat & HVAC.
so on the contactor, i'm getting 240 out of the source wires connected to the top screws(on my model). on the pass through, (on the bottom) i'm not reading anything on the 2 on the bottom, however, if i test them separately, each has 120. yes, both. but if i try together, i get nothing. i dont know how that is possible
What if you can’t find the exact contactor…for example I can’t find a replacement for my contactor zettler xmc0-251-ebbb with these ratings FLA 25, VAC 240/277, LRA 150, RES 35. What can I replace it with?? Thanks
I need to replace the contactor on my ac unit but the old one has no labels on it. How do I know if I need a 30 or 40 amp? Unit is a 2016 Trane XB
Hello I ordered the part xmco-321ebbc , but the LRA 180 will it effect the ac unit? The old one is 150
That test was o volts with the contractor calling for cooling. Should that be at 0? With the plunger pulled in?
My thermostat suddenly wouldnt work, and stopped working exactly when it tried kicking the AC on. I was like wtf? After some investigation I found a blown fuse on the board on the furnace. Well, replaced it, tried turning the ac on again. Boom, blown fuse. Turns out, the little contactor had no resistance at the coil...
Mine just started doing the exact samething. Did u have to replace the contactor ?
Thank you CZcams University.
Please try to explain each wire that is connected to the contactor thank you
After turning off all power, Do you need to discharge the capacitor before touching any wires on the contactor?Thanks for your video.
No you don't. Once the power is cut, there no electricity running in the wires.
Capacitors not only go bad on air-conditioners but also on freezers. With an air conditioner it's an inconvenience when one goes bad. On your freezer you could lose hundreds of dollars if your meat and other items spoil while you are waiting on a replacement capacitor. It can be a nightmare. When mine went out I was lucky I was lucky I had a neighbor that had enough room in their freezer. So, I bought two capacitors so that I had a spare in case it went bad again.
Appreciate the video, but that contactor looks upside down the AC lines should connect to L1 L2.
Replaced the contactor in one of my old AC systems. Easy but the specific replacement for my 47 yo unit was very difficult to find.
What was specific about it that made it different from the typical?
@@mtnman1984 220 v. coil and thicker with odd shape.
@@wholeNwon that is different
Thanks for the video. I'm replacing my contactor and I have 3 low voltage wires on one side and only 2 terminals, and I can't find any contactors with 3 terminals on one side . Is there an adapter for this?
Piggy terminal is how is called or put the wires together with a wire nut. Orange Color will work
Here in Texas ants have been horrible this year.
Does the plunger always have to be in?
Some of these companies have a diagnostic fee, then price out repairs from menu pricing like auto dealerships do , a set price for time and materials, and some charge actual time and materials, time starts when tech receives call and ends when backs out of drive heading to next call, also supply and demand, good profession if you don’t mind working in the elements, there is and has been a shortage of technicians for sometime now, been in all facets of HVAC trade for 40 years, I always say we give better service than your doctor when’s last time your doctor made a house call ( like never) and we provide same day service on emergency calls with 24 hour availability
People are just cheap. They want us to fix it for 20 bucks and call it day. Like come on why have a house if you can’t afford fixing your equipment. Just rent instead.
Like to see them replace an evaporator coil or compressor. Do customers complain about auto mechanics hourly rate!
Since both the contactor and condenser are fairly inexpensive, would you suggest a regular preventative maintenance plan to simply replace both the condenser and contactor every ~ 5-6 years just to eliminate any downtime due to a failure of either?
I manage 39 homes. I test each, start of every season.
I replace mine every 3-4 years
I checked the contactor. And its good.. but there’s a spider web on the contactor which touching the metal do you think thats the reason why its blowing the fuse?
A local heating contractor quoted $180 + parts to replace a 4mfd run capacitor. My cost for the part, $1.62+tax. Sheesh.
On my ac I did replace fan and capacitor but fan is not running but compressor is working. Any help.
Mine just went out. It’s a 20 buck part I could’ve done myself. I was billed 150.
A couple of comments. 1. You should do voltage checks with one hand, not two, like chop sticks. For safety. 2. Did you torque the screws on the contactor? There is a torque value listed on the contactor. (Commonly 25 in/lb for screws, 40 in/lb for lugs). It is best practice and NEC code requirement.
Damn you sound mad. He's just showing us how to save money from dishonest tech. Can you show him love instead.
@scredlysmith2153 I have in many videos. I'm just trying to make sure people don't get hurt and the job is done right. Also, I want my students to have jobs after their education. Not everything is DIY.
No, wasting money replacing parts their AC's they don't need. ACs have a lot more parts than a contactor and compacitor. @@scredlysmith2153
My contactor was mostly plastic and stuck on on.
Where do you buy contractor and capacitor for Goodman ac 5 ton , heat pump
Are solid state relays ever used instead of mechanical?
They make soft starts specifically for starting these up. Should make the contactor and compressor last longer.
How can I get help by knowing someone can take my ruud ac unit model np. 13ajn24,aol I need a capacitor for this please help me?
Mine failed after we had a big thunder storm with multiple power outages. Fix was quite affordable
I have the exact contractor pictured. If I manually press the button down, the a/c starts right up. When thermostat calls for air, nothing happens. Probably the coil is bad? (This all started after a power blip on the weekend)
Possible, but could also mean your thermostat has problems. Check the contactor coil for 24 volts. 24V present, then coil is probably bad. No 24V then thermostat or control voltage needs attention. (blown fuse at furnace or thermostat)
as a 10+ yr tech I can truthfully tell you that while yes a homeowner can replace a capacitor themselves I will say for every 10 people 7 or 8 will end up messing something else up in the process and end up calling an AC company anyhow. Most common is they will accidentally blow a fuse by shorting out a wire and worst case I had one customer who was careless and forgot to hook up one of the wires properly and it popped off hitting one leg of the high voltage on the contactor when they turned it back on and ended up sending high voltage through the 24 side and frying his thermostat and control board inside.
It's fine to ask questions and make the technician explain to you why they say is bad is actually bad and if you still question their explanation call the office and ask they send a different tech out for a 2nd opinion. . But your best bet is to just call a professional.
Can anybody tell me if I can install a Mr. cool slim unit with a Unico system. I have a property line dispute and I don't have much room. Most people never heard of a Unico or space pack system. I'm just using it for ac only. I have radiators and a boiler. I only have 28 inches wide. A typical condenser is 29 to 35 inches wide. It won't work. Thanks for any help anybody could give me. Much appreciated.
Where do you purchase your hvac replacement parts?
Amazon mostly. Have links for them in the description of the video.
Explain all the wires going to contactor. Thanks.
There's two that energize it and two that energize the compressor and fan, two others are the signal to close.
I didn't go in depth on purpose because there are some differences on different folks contactors. That's why I say to take pictures and follow the wiring diagram on your individual unit.
@@rcstl8815- one goes to the compressor heater ring too
Having trouble trying to match up my A/C contactor. Can you help me! I have a Lennox! M/N 10ACC-060-230-02 Can’t find the correct FLA or LRA that match from existing. Thank you
If I turn the thermostat on, nothing happens, that button on the contactor doesn't go in. If I manually press the button on the contactor, everything kicks on. Would that be a problem with the contactor or the thermostat?
Same , did u ever find out?
@@beemomusic fuse was blown in my air handler in the attic. It's like a 3 or 5 amp auto fuse
Went temperature 90 the greed outside i put temperature 75 in the morning get 75 in later gosh out to 80
Why is it a single pole contactor? Both poles on a 220 load should always be disconnected by the contactor/disconnect device.
You mentioned it’s been enough years to go ahead and replace it for maintenance, how many years has it been?
Mine is almost 8 years old.
If you plan on replacing your own contactor then upgrade it to a Emerson SureSwitch.
If you are buying a capacitor I would by one like Titan HD Made in USA. I swapped mine out & the old one is only three years old,
So for a contractor I’d charge about $200, that’s with part/labor/overhead/warranting work
💪🇺🇸❄️👍 that's great u did it urself. $450 way too high. $195 would b more appropriate remember techs have to drive out diagnosis n repair n pay taxes, health insurance biz insurance etc...not worth driving to a service call for nickels n dimes
Yeah, I would say that is a reasonable price. Appreciate the input!
@@HowToHomeDIY I appreciate ur videos especially electrical vids
A guy quoted me $350 for a $20 capacitor. I told him "That's nuts. Since you're out here, I'll pay you $180 to swap it." He refused, so I paid the $89 visit/diagnosis, and saved $240.
@@myfakeguuglaccount8307 it used to be simple. Just " Parts & Labor ".
1. The cost of the part.
2. The labor cost per hour &
3. The # of hours that the job will take. That's it.
Now these companies see where they can charge anything they want and enough people will pay it.
They don't care about who cant afford their prices.
I'm not trying to be funny, but there are people out there who can't turn a ratchet & socket. Those are the ones who need & probably make 6 figures or more.
I've always heard knowledge is power.
& all the information you find on YT is proof of that.
When you buy it yerself you can buy the highest quality and avoid the planned obsolescence brand.
If my 3 AMP fuse blows every time I start the AC, could it be the contactor? I've already determined that the system runs on heat, runs the fan, and the thermostat isn't the issue.
Its wired incorrectly
Thanks. It was the contactor in the end. She good.
mY AC company wanted $450 for this job!
Here in Miami some Co s charge flat Rate 325 to 450 i see up to 625 depending the area and neighbor,,,,,cause is a big city and after hours Co s abuse the opportunity to do it. My Co is a svc contract type we only charge once a year fee We must be a blessing in disguise Cause when people call the Real COD conpanies is when they realize about it. Trust me i wouldnt work for a crook Co by my own Core Values,,,,,,,do unto others....amen
You void your warranty if you work on your own equipment so if you make a mistake its all on you.
^5
Welp i watched this video and it was surely our contactor lol. Too bad we had someone come out for $100. Next time i know
An HVAC guy can dispatch, diagnose, replace and finish a bad capacitor job in one hour. The part is about $20 and they should get no more than $200 for the job. Charging more than that is taking advantage of customers.
Another cheap person dictating prices. No, just don’t call to have someone out and diagnose it yourself. Problem solved.
Buy a Jard contactor. Not the cheap crap Trane and other manufacturers throws into new retail and contractor-grade units.