How to Wire a Run Capacitor to a Motor | Blowers & Condensers – Sometimes, when a blower or condenser fan motor goes bad, a technician or even a DIYer has issues wiring the new motor and capacitor. Most motors come with clear instructions or a wiring diagram on the side. However, some people still struggle with the wiring part of the motor to the capacitor.
Furthermore, it is important to get it right to prevent problems including burning up the new motor or even causing a dead short in the wiring and melting the wire. Additionally, a PSC motor will run without a capacitor. However, it will run at higher temperatures pulling more amperage than design. Here we will illustrate the proper wiring for a motor to a run capacitor. (more…)
Blowing Low Voltage Fuse Breaker Trip | Control Wiring Troubleshooting - I’ve got a 5 amp fuse that keeps popping on a circuit board. The voltage out of the transformer reads 26.3 volts. I am still popping fuses and reading over 24 volts. Can you help?
Okay, I can give you some of the basics to help you but first, we need to clear a few things up. You seem to think the voltage is what is causing the fuse to blow. First, it is not voltage that causes fuses or breakers to blow or trip. Secondly, it is amperage. Finally, it is likely you have a dead short from what you are describing but let’s go through the basics first: (more…)
What Happens When My HVAC System is Flooded? A Flooded HVAC System. It happens from time to time. A bad storm moves in and everything is flooded as in recent times with the spate of hurricanes like Harvey and Irma. Whether you evacuated or stayed the flooding did its damage to your home and now it’s time to dry out.
What happens with a flooded air conditioner? A flooded heat pump? A flooded boiler?
What do you need to do to fix things again so you can have heating and cooling? I can speak to you as an expert in HVAC and with my direct experience with surviving hurricanes and then rebuilding after the storms are long gone. So what do you do?
Of course, the first thing to do is to make sure it is safe to return to your home. It may be a good idea to call an electrician to check the electrical infrastructure in your house. Depending on how severe the house was flooded some or several of your electrical circuits may not function properly.
Breakers may be tripping and as we all know water and electricity don’t mix. It’s better to be safe than sorry to have it checked out. We already have an article on flooded boilers here. (more…)
International Fuel Gas Code Overview: Codes are used by contractors and inspectors as a guideline for the safe installation of appliances and piping. The International Fuel Gas Codebook is the basis of many installation practices, again, for safe installations. The code is written and agreed to by engineers.
With few exceptions, the code can be overlooked. However, usually, this is at the manufacturer’s request and must be signed off on by a competent person. This is an overview of the International Fuel Gas Code. Additionally, it is also a manual we recommend to HVAC technicians to further their knowledge in HVAC.
This is mainly applicable to the installation of gas furnaces, gas-fired boilers, and other HVAC appliances which an HVAC (or plumbing) contractor may install. Some codes are simply common sense while other codes are a result of some lessons learned.
Usually, those lessons were learned the hard way and some dangerous event occurred that resulted in the generation of the code. It is important that the codes are followed as closely as possible to prevent future problems or unsafe and dangerous events from occurring. Lastly, this code applies to Natural Gas and Propane installations. (more…)
Before Calling Heating Cooling Repair Service - Checklist – The following is a list of things you need to check before calling for heating and cooling service. Many people simply pick up the phone and call for service. When the technician arrives and finds something simple you have the sinking feeling like you could have checked it and fixed it yourself.
As a technician myself, I have responded to many service calls and found these very simple things that many homeowners can check for themselves and resolve the problem with their air conditioner or heating system. If you are uncomfortable with checking any of these things then you should call for service and let the technician check these things.
Please read the last paragraph concerning these checks and how far you should go in trying to repair your own HVAC system. Your checks should be measured and limited to this list.
Before Calling Heating Cooling Repair Service - Checklist:
Loose electrical connections in HVAC Equipment can cause big problems and safety issues with HVAC equipment. A good maintenance check of any HVAC system will include checking for loose electrical connections or wires that are corroded or frayed in some way. (more…)
How Does Start Capacitor Help Start Motor - Permanent Split Capacitor Motors or PSC Motors use run capacitors to help the motor be more efficient while running. The start capacitor gives the motor a boost on startup. The run capacitor helps the motor run more efficiently. Many types of HVAC equipment use PSC motors as blowers and pumps. (more…)
Troubleshooting HVAC Capacitors - As a technician, it is not uncommon to find bad capacitors. Sometimes it is the primary reason for a trouble call from a customer. The capacitor in the air conditioner or heating system is bad. A good technician can usually figure out the problem very fast. Simply by listening to the symptoms.
Humidifiers and Comfort - It’s wintertime, and your skin and sinuses are dry. Did you know that this condition not only extends to yourself and your health but also to your home? The furniture, doors, and other wood products in your home are all affected by the level of humidity. It is crucial to maintain proper humidity levels in your home. (more…)
HVAC Tip - Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Tips: Additional Helpful Hints:
Always change your air filter on a monthly basis
Make sure all your supply vents are open and unobstructed
Keep area clean around indoor unit especially the return grills
Keep outdoor units free of leaves, grass, and debris including trash cans and/or children's toys or playthings like small plastic pools or playhouses.
Additionally your service technician will appreciate you not planting holly bushes near the outside unit
Lastly have system serviced every six months - once for heating and once for cooling before the season starts
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How to Wire a Run Capacitor to a Motor | Blowers & Condensers – Sometimes, when a blower or condenser fan motor goes bad, a technician or even a DIYer has issues wiring the new motor and capacitor. Most motors come with clear instructions or a wiring diagram on the side. However, some people still struggle with the wiring part of the motor to the capacitor.
Blowing Low Voltage Fuse Breaker Trip | Control Wiring Troubleshooting - I’ve got a 5 amp fuse that keeps popping on a circuit board. The voltage out of the transformer reads 26.3 volts. I am still popping fuses and reading over 24 volts. Can you help?
What Happens When My HVAC System is Flooded? A Flooded HVAC System. It happens from time to time. A bad storm moves in and everything is flooded as in recent times with the spate of hurricanes like Harvey and Irma. Whether you evacuated or stayed the flooding did its damage to your home and now it’s time to dry out.
