Question:
My compressor went out on my existing ac with heat pump. I have the opportunity to by a 5 ton ac condensing unit for $200 that is new from a buddy. Is it a straight switch? What are the complications?

Reply:
It’s not as easy as it first sounds.
The replacement condensing unit has to be the same brand and capacity to even contemplate it.
Secondly, when the original condensing unit “went out” as you say, did it burn out the compressor? If so, then the entire system needs specialist treatment with suction line burnout driers or a thorough decontamination clean out (depends on the type of machine).
In conclusion, it really is not a straight switch even due to the electrical considerations.

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Question:
My AC unit is blowing cool air, but my room temperature is not getting cooler… The blower seems to be working fine, however there is some condensation on the cooper line inside the house.

Reply:
Your thermostat is working properly if it cycles the machine off and on around 1-2 degrees of the set point.
As stated earlier, measure the temperature at the thermostat with another thermometer, if the set point and the thermometer match to within approx 2 degrees your thermostat is working fine. If not then further investigation is necessary.
It could be that the machine cannot handle the heat load and the thermostat never gets a chance to cycle the machine off, keep this in mind before condemning the t/stat.
After all I’ve said so far it is probably likely that the A/C unit is struggling with the heat load but the only way to find out is to call a reputable and experienced /qualified technician and get them to check it out. At least then you will know one way or another.

Our thermostat went blank after a blackout, we called the heating company to come out and take a look?

Question:
They charged us for the service call as well as the installation of a new thermostat..we paid a total of 300 bucks. we had ice cold air for 1 whole day before the new one went blank…what gives? we are having the heating and air company come out again which is 3days later..is it fair for us to have to pay another service fee. Just our luck..homeowners warranty for appliances is lapsed.

Reply:
You will be required to pay for any parts that eventually fix this problem, but, you should not be charged for any new parts they install that were not the cause.
Some leeway here, troubleshooting a modern A/C colling/heating system is not always easy as there literally are hundreds of things that can go wrong and the causes are not easy to track down sometimes.
Having said that, keep an eye on the situation and do not allow yourself to be charged for a part that was not the cause of the breakdown. Keep in mind that there are more than one part that can go down at the same time.
The service company should not be charging you for a return visit if they claimed to have fixed it the first time.