AC during a heat wave

[Mark1]

Just catching up on this thread and placed an order for a back-up capacitor today ($50 at HD). Looks like an easy fix when necessary and mine shows a 2013 date, so it won't likely be too long. Thanks for the info.

 

[freedomatlast]

I just replaced the capacitor in one of our A/C units on 6/28/20 and it failed again on 7/3/26. (I write the date it's replaced on the outside of the capacitor.) This is not normal. I've had capacitors last 30 years in the old days. These new capacitors are garbage. Of course the wholesale HVAC parts houses were all closed 7/3 for the 7/4 holiday. Home Depot didn't have the one I need. Luckily I found one at Ace Hardware and had the A/C back on before the house got too hot. Then I ordered a spare from ebay at 1/3 of the Ace Hardware cost. I'll bet the HVAC repair guys love having the failed capacitor calls. Big bucks for an easy fix.

BTW I'm curious what capacitor Mark1 needed that cost $50. Never seen any priced that high anywhere..

 

[Mark1]

...

BTW I'm curious what capacitor Mark1 needed that cost $50. Never seen any priced that high anywhere..

Yup based on prior comments I was surprised, but I figured it was due to being a York OEM part. Also, projected to possibly hit our "all time record high temperature" in a few days, so I figured BTD. Besides HD prices are usually pretty competitive.

I see my current capacitor is dated 2013.

Now if you want to talk about high prices, I just replaced my High Voltage Battery Intake Filter on my Avalon Hybrid which was $30. That's the one that seemed high for what looks like a simple paper filter.

 

[CO-guy]

I'm finding the temp settings some folks use quite surprising.

Growing up in the Caribbean, we didn't have AC. Just fans. Once I had the money I went out and bought a window unit. My parents complained about the energy costs so I started paying the electric bill as well. Temp was always set to 78 and it felt wonderful.

Now that we live in a cold mountain climate, I set the AC 76 when I visit family or vacation somewhere hot. In the winter, we keep our own home in the upper-60s, which feels fine since we're wearing more clothing at that time of the year.

 

[athena53]

Before my move to a retirement community I kept the house at 80 in the summer with a pedestal fan running nearby wherever I was in the house. I was raised without A/C and as long as the air is circulating that temp is fine. In the winter I kept the heat at 55 at night, 60 during the day with a space heater nearby. (Yes, I know they're a fire risk. It was always unplugged when I left the area where it was located.)

Utilities are included here and I keep the indoor setting at 77. I really don't like how so many public places over-cool and you have to bring a sweater so you don't freeze. I'll likely get a programmable thermostat before winter weather hits.

 

[Jerry1]

I really don't like how so many public places over-cool and you have to bring a sweater so you don't freeze.

DW and I discuss this frequently. Why sooo cold. Man, turn the AC a little higher and save some money. Pretty much every restaurant we go to DW brings a sweater and I have a long sleeve shirt in my truck just in case. It's really uncomfortable.

 

[audreyh1]

DW and I discuss this frequently. Why sooo cold. Man, turn the AC a little higher and save some money. Pretty much every restaurant we go to DW brings a sweater and I have a long sleeve shirt in my truck just in case. It's really uncomfortable.

Airports and airplanes are where I know I’ll need a jacket or two.

 

[ncbill]

I just replaced the capacitor in one of our A/C units on 6/28/20 and it failed again on 7/3/26. (I write the date it's replaced on the outside of the capacitor.) This is not normal. I've had capacitors last 30 years in the old days. These new capacitors are garbage. Of course the wholesale HVAC parts houses were all closed 7/3 for the 7/4 holiday. Home Depot didn't have the one I need. Luckily I found one at Ace Hardware and had the A/C back on before the house got too hot. Then I ordered a spare from ebay at 1/3 of the Ace Hardware cost. I'll bet the HVAC repair guys love having the failed capacitor calls. Big bucks for an easy fix.

BTW I'm curious what capacitor Mark1 needed that cost $50. Never seen any priced that high anywhere..

You can order made-in-the-USA Amrad-brand capacitors off Amazon.

They even offer a dual universal capacitor if you want to have a backup but don't know the specs.

 

[Walt34]

I really don't like how so many public places over-cool and you have to bring a sweater so you don't freeze.

I asked about this in a grocery store, thinking they'd be anxious to keeps it warmer at least in the summer to reduce utility costs. The answer was that it makes a noticeable difference in how fast the produce spoils. Okay, that makes sense at least in a grocery store. Not so much in a clothing or auto parts store though.

 

[audreyh1]

I asked about this in a grocery store, thinking they'd be anxious to keeps it warmer at least in the summer to reduce utility costs. The answer was that it makes a noticeable difference in how fast the produce spoils. Okay, that makes sense at least in a grocery store. Not so much in a clothing or auto parts store though.

Yes, I totally get that. Costco even has that super chilly room!

 

[CO-guy]

DW and I discuss this frequently. Why sooo cold. Man, turn the AC a little higher and save some money. Pretty much every restaurant we go to DW brings a sweater and I have a long sleeve shirt in my truck just in case. It's really uncomfortable.

Nearly all the restaurants I go to when I'm visiting my family and friends in the Caribbean have open air seating. Anything climate controlled is kept super chilly, which is popular among tourists, particularly the sunburned ones.