My air was not blowing cold so my dad decided to clean out drain and he accidentally spilled a little water inside the wiring beside the fan.

We smelled smoke like burning plastic in air vents and We immediately turned the ac off and called an hvac guy.

His recommendation is to replace the whole compressor, but he didn't go inside to see if it just needed to have a new fuse.

Should I replace the compressor or do you think it is just a blown fuse form a short circuit?

Question from user Diligent_Ocelot_2879 at hvacadvice at reddit.

When water comes into contact with electrical components, it can cause short circuits and potentially damage the equipment. The burning plastic smell you experienced could indicate that some wires or components were affected.

While it's difficult to determine the exact issue without a thorough inspection, it's possible that a blown fuse is the cause of the problem. However, if the HVAC technician recommended replacing the entire compressor, they might have noticed other signs of damage or considered it a safer and more reliable solution.

To make an informed decision, you could consider the following steps:

1. Request a second opinion: If you're unsure about the recommendation, it's always a good idea to seek a second opinion from another HVAC technician. They can assess the situation and provide their professional judgment.

2. Ask for a detailed explanation: Speak with the current HVAC technician and ask for a thorough explanation of why they recommended replacing the compressor. They should be able to explain the specific issues they observed and why they believe a compressor replacement is necessary.

3. Compare costs: If you receive a second opinion that suggests a different solution, compare the cost of replacing the compressor versus the cost of the alternative solution. Consider factors such as the age of the unit, its overall condition, and the potential for future issues.

Ultimately, it's best to consult with qualified HVAC professionals who can physically inspect the system and provide accurate advice based on their expertise.

do i need to replace compressor