can anyone tell how to soften hard brown sugar?
Unfortunately it does sound like a Freon issueTry getting the manual for your specific make and model; they are usually available on the manufacturers’ website in PDF format.
Go outside and make sure that your air condition isn't blowing out super hot air or icing upEither of those mean that it's got one foot in the graveIf not, have a professional come over and check the freon, it doesn't cost that much.certainly cheaper than a new air conditionerThen get yourself a digital thermostat to make sure that you aren't wasting a ton of precious engery!
when you say condensor, do you mean the outdoor unit? if you are checking the evaporator on the inside of the closet or attic then it is doing what it was designed to do? now if the outdoor unit is blowing cool air then it sounds as if the unit could be iced over by low refrigor the compressor is not workingif the compressor isnt working then its either the starter windings are bad or the start capacitor is shot?? also is this a heat pump? if so make sure you have the t-stat set to cool and not heatin the heat mode a heat pumps outside unit actually becomes the evaporator and the indoor unit becomes the condensor via a 3-way valve reversing the flow of freonif the probelm is electrical my suggestion is to pay someone to troubleshoot! working on 240volts is dangerous and stupid for a novice!!
Joe, what you want to pay attention to is the temperature difference between the return air and the supply airIf you have a 15 to 20 degree difference, then the AC is probably doing as good as it is going to doIf you don't have a good temperature split (less than 10-12 degree difference) then it could be; 1dirty indoor coil 2low refrigerant charge (signs of ice around indoor coil) 3bad or dying blower or condenser fan motorIf you do have a 20 degree temp split, and still can't get the house below 75 degrees, your system may be undersized here's a hint about the hoses- the blue gauge measures the cold temperature, and the cold pipe is usually insulated- so hook the blue gauge to the cold pipethe middle one is for the tanksend me a message if you need more help.
Brown sugar becomes hard when moisture in the sugar evaporatesTherefore, the various methods used for softening brown sugar are intended to return moisture to the sugar To soften hard brown sugar, place an open bag of sugar in the microwave with a cup of water next to itMicrowave on high (100%) for 2-3 minutesIf your microwave doesn't have a carousel, turn the bag after each minuteNOTE: This worked great, but isn't a permanent fixAny unused sugar will dry up againHowever, the process can be repeated each time you need sugar Place about 1/2 lbof hardened brown sugar in microwave safe bowlCover sugar with two pieces of wet paper towelsTightly cover bowl with plastic wrapHeat in microwave at HIGH for 1 1/2 - 2 minutesDivide sugar with fork (sugar will be hot); stirUse immediatelyMicrowave ovens vary in power; cooking time may need adjustment Place a piece of foil or plastic wrap directly on the sugarSet a piece of crumpled, dampened paper towel on the foilCover container tightlyThe sugar will absorb the moisture from the paper towel and become softRemove the paper towel when it has dried out Place about 1/2 lbof hardened brown sugar in a bowlCover sugar with two pieces of wet paper towelsCover bowl tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrapLet stand overnight at room temperatureDivide sugar with fork; stirUse immediately.
