Miss Independent

January 14 2013
So one of the great parts of living in Florida is that you get really mild (okay almost non-existent) winters. I love it! In general my favorite seasons are Autumn and Spring but since we don't have true seasons here in FL my favorite Florida season is "Winter." That is except THIS winter. It is the hottest winter on record with temperatures staying in the low 80s daily! That would be fine except I am ALWAYS hot and of course our Central A/C decided to nominate itself to be my latest project. By that  I mean that in the middle of the night, after I had finally gotten Lia back to sleep and was soundly in my own dreams, the A/C began making the most awful sound; as loud as a train barreling down our hallway. So, my old friend and I are back at odds but this time I am determined to get it fixed for more than a few months.

   Last April we hired a licensed A/C guy to come out and replace the blower motor after it died on us. It was a terrible experience as the contractor subcontracted the job without our knowledge and the subcontractor was an unlicensed (and unethical) guy who actually did more harm than good to our system. It turns out his damage was more extensive than we knew at the time.

    I took the A/C panels off the other night to access the blower motor (having narrowed the sound down to that area). It is relatively simple to access and disassemble if you have a little bit of electrical and mechanical know-how so I had it out within a few minutes. Apparently our unlicensed friend didn't tighten everything properly and a screw popped out of the motor and was forced through the fan "squirrel cage" so now we have to order a new cage as it is deformed and can't be forced into a proper balance. Nice, right? What's worse is that I called and emailed the licensed contractor several times to find out where he bought our motor at so I could get a new one (it has 3 months left on the 1 yr warranty) and he has not answered or returned a call. I am beginning to think he bought it someplace shady and it may not be under warranty after all. I'm debating on calling the BBB and making a less than favorable Craigslist post about him and his business since I found him on CL.
 
    At any rate, I decided to take the opportunity to clean the system and the fan/blower motor surrounding area since I had everything taken apart and most companies I called wanted 3-400$ for a "pull and clean A/C blower." I'll upload the pics and directions shortly for those who want detailed step by step tutorials on the process but I have to say it was MUCH easier than expected and honestly, having done it, 300$ seems like robbery! I think AC techs are likely charging you for your fear of all things electrical in this situation, honestly. So hopefully, after watching how I did it you will no longer be afraid- or at the very  least, your desire to save money will outweigh your fear of electrocution!



Check back often for tips, tricks and "How to" bits learned on my journey to help you on yours.. Knowledge is power and independence is freedom, so if it needs to be done- learn to do it yourself!

This is a pic of me ripping off and installing a new roof on our house. (and no I was not a helper- my hubby was MY trusty sidekick helper!) GIRL POWER!