As a mom with kids that were recently sick, a thermometer reading “98 degrees” is a blessed thing. But as a homeowner seeing the same reading on the thermostat in her bedroom despite the fact that the AC had been running all day while she away, I suddenly was the one feeling SICK!

BT whipped the house into immaculate shape as a homecoming surprise, but I could have done without the surprise of ANOTHER broken down AC unit. So, one of the first tasks I had upon my return from vacation was to try and diagnose/fix the AC. Unfortunately, because I am acquiring quite a bit of experience in the AC department, I was able to narrow down the problem to either a burned out outside fan motor or a defunct capacitor. There’s a GREAT store in Dallas (Adam the Answer Man) that sells parts and offers know-how so that you can fix your own appliances. BT and I fixed our fridge a few years ago–$30 part vs. $290 repair from a local rip-off artist (Smartway Appliances–VERY crooked, HORRIBLE BBB reviews, STAY AWAY from them!!!).

Anyway, I digress.

After trying to discharge the capacitor ourselves only to have the thing spark like it was a 4th of July firework, even my frugal sweetheart caved and agreed that we could call someone in this time . . . with the condition that I watch everything that he does so that we could do it ourselves next time. (And I’m sure that, with three aging AC units, there WILL BE a next time). So, although the AC tech (James Piper–honest, knowledgeable & reliable) was probably a little annoyed as a large, pregnant woman hovered over him, watching his every move, asking all sorts of questions, he patiently endured the service call and was quickly on his way. Speaking of pregnant, it turns out that we had a “pregnant” capacitor–bowed at the top and bottom and evidently ready to give birth because she as leaking oil.

Am I glad that we called in a pro this time? You bet.

Will I be able to fix it myself next time? You bet.