As old as your system is, it very likely needs professional
cleaning. I'm sure a few on alternating havoc are tired of
hearing me say "have your condensing unit professionally
cleaned". I've found over the years that even condensors
that look clean are often dirty. Which interferes with
cooling, and drives the electric bill up. One Trane I
cleaned, the amp draw dropped about amp after cleaning.
Which is equivilant to turning off two 100 watt light bulbs.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"brassplyer" wrote in message
...

Well, I tend to do it myself within the bounds of common
sense. Almost
never pay an auto mechanic, have replaced engines, trannies,
etc.
myself. Installed my own water heater, repaired an entire
section of
carpenter ant damaged wall, etc.

However, I'm also conscious of possible hazards of fumbling
around
something I'm not familiar with or accidentally trashing a
unit that
*could* have been salvaged by a reputable pro had they been
given the
chance to work on it before I wreaked havoc on it.

If I can find something obvious that I can remedy it myself,
I'm more
than happy to tackle it. But at this point I'm trying to
become
educated as much as anything.