How can I tell if my central A/C unit was ruined by a power surge or lightening?

Question

How can I tell if my central A/C unit was ruined by a power surge or lightening?

Answer 1

HVAC Tech: I know why you do this write HVAC Tech,, is it that you can vote for your best answer? lol. You are smart. I'm going to find some thing to identify my answers. My rooster: LOL. that gonig to be my intro to my answers.

Answer 2

I take it it doesn't run? I would say if the unit stopped during a short power outage it may have taken out the 30 amp fuses. get 2 new ones at the hardware and change theme out, after shutting off the basement breaker. Reset breaker and turn down the T-stat. If it hums and clicks occationally the compressor may be bad.

Answer 3

HVAC Tech.: First thing to do is make sure the units BOTH have power, that means check the breakers and or fuses. Be sure you have power at both the inside (120volt) and the outside (230volt)units. They are two separate systems that work together, the inside controls the outside. After you are sure about the power and the unit still is inoperable, Call a technician,  farther testing will require testing equipment you won't have. It could still be only a bad circuit board. GOOD LUCK!