Does the fuse blow when the AC is cycling to on? Or does it blow at random
time?
The fan doesn't draw much current so I don't think PS mode is going to help.

Someone already suggested a slow-blow fuse. If that doesn't help, a hard
start device may help. If I understand correctly, a hard start device is a
capacitor to "buffer" extra power for the compressor when it cycle to on.
When a motor load turns on, they can draw a very large current for a split
second. If the load on the motor is heavier (let's say the bearings grease
dried out), then this split second could become longer and more likely to
blow a fuse.

-p

"nycknayme" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello all. I'll try to make this brief, but I doubt such a thing is
possible.

I have a Whirlpool 24,000 BTU window unit that cools my whole house.
I've had it for a couple of years, and it's worked brilliantly up until
now. About a month ago, it started blowing fuses; it's an old house,
still have old electrical system, fuse boxes, etc. At the time, the
temp outside was mid-80's, so it's not like it was having to work
overtime to cool things down. Anyway, I replaced the fuse, and about a
week later, same thing happened. The problem escalated over the next
two weeks, finally had to call a repairman.

He checked it out, said he couldn't find anything wrong with it either
mechanically or electrically--the unit has its own 20 amp circuit, and
at peak operating time was only drawing maybe 12 amps. Thought that
the unit was having to come off/on too frequently, that might be the
cause. He suggested I switch to power-saving mode, where the fan stays
off until the compressor kicks in--in PS mode, compressor doesn't
alternate quite as often. If all else fails, he suggested I have them
install a "hard start device."

Unfortunately, PS mode is not an option; when the unit runs, it's loud,
but it's white noise, so I get used to it being on. Having the fan
alternate, especially at night, wouldn't work because the silence wakes
me up (plus I'd stay awake, wondering if the unit was working still or
had blown a fuse). That, and I've found that when the unit is off,
bugs find their way into my house (another issue).

My only solution thus far has been to bump up the thermostat, which has
worked for a couple of lukewarm weeks. But now it appears my cranky AC
doesn't like that, either.

What do I do now? Do I call him back, have him install the hard start
device? Could the problem be electrical, and if so, do I call an
electrician? Or should I just empty my bank account and throw cash at
the unit until it starts behaving again, like every other bleeding
thing in this house?

Any/all advice is appreciated. Thank you for your time.