A/C issues

[Lason]

OK so the other day I noticed it was a bit warm in the house and figured out the breaker for the outside unit tripped. Reset it and everything was great. Today, the same thing happened, but I reset the breaker and the fan came on but the air didnt get that cold. I pulled the outside unit apart to wash out the coils and inspect it and the compressor is HOT. As in I sprayed water on it when I was cleaning the coils and it started steaming!

Im assuming the compressor is going out or has gone out. How much do these things run to get changed out?

Im also thinking about seeing how much it would cost to get both the inside/outside units replaced since I have had so many issues with both the past few years. They are the original units Im assuming and the house was built in the 80's.

[Lason]

Found out it was indeed the compressor. Terminals are burnt to hell so my contractor buddy will be looking for a replacement tomorrow. He said about $300 for the compressor new and he wont charge me to install it, even though I will drop him a bill for his trouble.

Also found out my system is way undersized for my house. We are going one step up with the compressor but he said past that and we would fuck up the inside coils and do more damage than good.

[jyro]

don't worry about paying him for the compressor, they cost about 550 so he's getting it free most likely.
go up on compresor size and your really messing up, too low suction presure, have to overcharge it to keep from freezing up, then the condenser area is too small for the added heat from the larger compressor and the high side is over 325.

get a new condenser while you can, after next Dec. you'll have to change inside and out for the new freon if you have a problem, or buy used.