The problem is most likely in the thermostat. If the a/c and fan runs in the fans-"auto" mode and not the fans- "on" mode.
This is unusual in an electronic thermostat.

It runs the same whether it's set to 'auto' or 'on'. Fan runs while condenser is on, then once condenser goes off, fan stops about 30 seconds later, even if i have it set to stay on continuously. If i buy a new thermostst, are they easily installed, or do i need to call someone to do it?
again, thanks.
dee

Probably a problem in thermostat. May be as simple that the switch/relay is broken in the Fan switch.

If you're somewhat handy with wires you can install a thermostat yourself. You basically take the old one off and reconnect the wires to the new one in the same way. Each has a color, and the instructions are clear. Make sure you get a thermostat that's appropriate for your system (e.g., heat pumps use a different thermostat).

If anything seems confusing about the process, I would call a contractor to do it--no sense messing up a several thousand $$ system to save a couple hundred dollars on a thermostat install.

Thanks heimert and daddo... Figure I'd just get the same thermostat, as it's worked fine for years. If it's as simple as just reconnecting the wires, I would think my husband and I could figure out how to replace, though neither of us really have a clue about this stuff, so don't want to do any damage. Is it really simple to do?

You may not be able to get the exact same t-stat. Make sure you kill power to the t-stat before replacing it. If you spark the 24 volt wires, you can blow the fuse in the circuit. The fuse is usually located in the air handler (inside unit).

I have confidence in you dee__dee. Best of luck to you.

Ok Gary, now you may have more confidence in me than you should... Not only do i risk purchasing the wrong thermostat, but i can also blow a fuse? Don't know how to turn off the power to the t-stat.... guess i could turn off power to the whole house.
If i cant get the same thermostat, how do i know what type i need? This is getting complicated. May be time to call in a professional....
dee

Dee:

I actually killed power to the whole house just in case when I replaced mine a few years ago. It doesn't really matter which brand thermostat you get. If you have a heat pump, you must get a t-stat specifically made for heat pumps as they have 2 stage heat. Otherwise, no big deal (the packaging will tell you what heat type it works for: gas, oil, etc., as well as air-conditiong). If you don't already have a digital programmable t-stat, then it is time to upgrade.

Ok.... I don't know what a heat pump is. We have gas, forced air heat with a Rheem furnace in the basement.(I know, you're laughing at me already)
The thermostat we have is a Rogers-White, separate programs for weekdays and weekends.
I think I'm going to spend the $$ to call someone. The A/C has never been 'serviced', so maybe it's a good idea anyway. Not sure if it NEEDS servicing, but at least they can put in a new thermostat and check it out.
thanks for all the help.
dee

Dee.

I am not laughing at you. I am a homeowner like yourself, not an HVAC pro. You are scaring yourself for no reason. You don't have a heat pump, you have gas heat. Home Depot has a Honeywell RTH7500D 7-day programmable stat for $99. The 7 day feature means that all 7 days can be programmed individually. Look it up on the Home Depot website and read the owner reviews. You and your husband can do this - it is simply matching up colored wires.

If you decide on having a pro install your new t-stat, find out what kind of t-stat he will be installing and how much it will cost BEFORE it is installed. Use the $99 as a cost basis for the unit itself - the rest is his labor and profit.

By the way, my mother's name is Dee. I'd give her the same advice as I am giving you (except I'd be installing the t-stat).

Best of luck to you.

Lol... too bad I don't have a son to install!
I talked to the A/C service people. Wanted $105 to come out and install a thermostat, but instead they will do a 'service' for $119 which will include installing the thermostat AND checking the system, BUT either way they want $220 for a Honeywell thermostat. I asked if they had a less expensive one, and they said that was what they used, and gave no other option. Doesnt sound reasonable given that a honeywell goes for $99 at Home depot...

The thermostats we use are not the same ones you get at home depot. They are better built for the hvac trade and are more expensive. If they are indeed charging 220 for a thermostat- that is a bit high though. When you use a setback thermostat the price goes up.
If you like the cheaper one, buy it and have them install it for you and have them check out the system.

We had a very nice lady in town named DEE that ran her own florist shop. We miss her.

Lol... too bad I don't have a son to install!
I talked to the A/C service people. Wanted $105 to come out and install a thermostat, but instead they will do a 'service' for $119 which will include installing the thermostat AND checking the system, BUT either way they want $220 for a Honeywell thermostat. I asked if they had a less expensive one, and they said that was what they used, and gave no other option. Doesnt sound reasonable given that a honeywell goes for $99 at Home depot...

Dee:

Let me check my math:

- $220 for a Honeywell t-stat from A/C service people
- $119 for install and "service"

Total cost $339 minimum.

Plan B:
- $99 - Dee and husband buy t-stat from Home Depot and install themselves (hopefully they live happily ever after).
- $119 - A/C service guy comes out for system check: should clean inside coil, change filter, look at outside unit and coil, check freon charge.

Total cost: $218 minimim.

Dee saves about $121.

If the "service" finds problems that require additional $$, post back with more info before you commit to anything.

Best of luck whichever way you go.

Ok...Gary, you're right i should give it a try. If we mess up, the service check will save me!
Daddo... I don't know what a 'setback' thermostat is...and is there really a quality difference between the Home Depot Honeywell and the ones that you guys can get(or do all you guys just SAY there is) Where can i get the better quality one, and what would the price be? If not, am i ok with the Home Depot variety? I'd assume the HD one that Gary suggests is just fine, right?
thanks all,
dee

The ones we sell have more functions (default settings to fine tune for different systems and homes conditions), and are more durable which may or may not attract you.
You may not be able to purchase them at a wholesalers and if so, they would charge a lot more ( about $160.00) and not supply a warranty should you wire it wrong and it fails.
The home depot will work just fine, but will not out perform the better ones. They are made friendly for the consumer.
I have a "white rogers" setback (programable) auto change over to heat/cool, with a back light and large numbers for easy reading, default settings for humidity control (cooling droop) and max/min settings for $110.00, and 3 year warranty.
I have had to replace a few of the home depot ones, but not that many.

Ok, I now i understand...I'll see what I can find. Too bad you're not local...I'd call you! I'm getting a run around from my local service places.
Thanks all.

I would love to find all of the areas of the country, and find who gets the run arounds and no service and plant a new company right there. Might wake a few businesses up. lol