Fixing a Refrigerant Leak | Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Diagnosis & Repair

Fixing a refrigerant leak on an evaporator coil

A new evaporator coil

Fixing a Refrigerant Leak – You had the new air conditioner or heat pump system installed some years ago and suddenly it stopped heating or cooling properly so you call the HVAC contractor to check it out. The HVAC technician arrives and spends about thirty minutes HVAC troubleshooting and then he comes to you with the news.

The unit needs a charge of refrigerant. It is low on refrigerant (R-22) or R-410A. You ask the HVAC technician if it is normal for this to occur and he informs that, no, it is not normal for the HVAC system to lose refrigerant that you have a refrigerant leak. Is it the evaporator coil? Is it the air conditioner condenser? Something else with the air conditioning system? Or heat pump? (more…)

Condenser Fan Motor Repair | Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps

What you will learn from the Condenser Fan Motor Repair article:
1) Specific description of a motors job along with some technical details
2) Air Conditioner & heat pump fan motor operation
3) fan motor troubleshooting basics
4) Condensing unit fan motor repair warning and disclaimer - Turn the power off before working on the fan
5) Replacing or repairing the motor
6) Why you should replace the capacitor when you replace the motor
7) Conclusion along with lots of resources and related links so you can take a closer look and learn more. (more…)

Compressor Rebuild | HVAC Heating and Cooling Refrigeration

Compressor Rebuild

The compressor in an HVAC refrigeration system

Compressor Rebuild - This freshly rebuilt reciprocating compressor is destined for a large commercial chiller. Chillers chill water for air conditioning. Compressors compress refrigerant vapor and pump the compressed refrigerant to the condenser to be condensed into a liquid. It is an essential component of the refrigeration system.

The compressor provides compression which is an integral part of the refrigeration process. The old compressor was condemned for electrical burnout. The windings in the old one burned up and caused the circuit breaker to trip. (more…)

Rotary Compressors | Air Conditioning & Heating Systems

Rotary Compressors

Rotary Compressors - The rotary compressor used in HVAC applications for air conditioning and heating systems offer some of the most efficient air conditioner and heat pump systems one can find on the market.

Despite the rotary compressor being a key component of an air-source air conditioner or heat pump the efficiency offered by this compressor when used as a modulating compressor can exceed efficiency ratings of some geothermal systems.

When the compressor is coupled to an inverter and the proper inverter control system the efficiency of the air-source air conditioner or heat pump system spike to match those of some geothermal air conditioner or heat pump systems.
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Heat Pump Frost Ice BuildUp | HVAC-Troubleshooting

Heat Pump Frost Ice Buildup. Hi. I noticed that one of my outside heat pump condensing units was laboring throughout the night. This morning I found ice frost buildup on the heat pump condenser fins. I live in Tucson, Az. It has been colder than normal (below freezing) with a bit more moisture in the air than usual as of late.

Can you please tell me what causes this frost ice buildup, and how I go about rectifying it? Does this mean that the condenser pump is shot? I’m originally from the Midwest and have never experienced this before. What should I be doing? Thank you for your help. (more…)

Condensing Unit Frozen Wont Turn Off

Condensing Unit Frozen Wont Turn Off - What you can expect to learn from Condensing Unit Frozen won’t Turn Off article: this article is an answer to a question taken from our email by a visitor to High Performance HVAC. We often use the questions we get in the email as a guide to writing articles. The topic is a condensing unit that will not turn off, and it is freezing up. From my experience in the field and using my HVAC knowledge, I offer the readers a list of what could cause this problem. We hope it helps you.
What’s the possible problem with a frozen air conditioner condenser that won’t turn off except with the breaker? (more…)

Crankcase Heaters and Compressors | HVAC Refrigeration

Crankcase Heaters and Compressors | HVAC Refrigeration. Hello, I have a question about crankcase heaters and compressors. I am aware that they keep the refrigerant from saturating in the compressor when not running. However, if the refrigerant is R-22, it becomes saturated at approximately 40 degrees. We know the a/c is only operating at warm ambient temperatures. When it is off for the evening hours & the ambient temps stay above 40 degrees, why would one need to have a crankcase heater? Why do we need it on during this temperature range, or are crankcase heaters designed to be activated only during the colder months? Also, if one installs unregulated crankcase heaters (always operating), can this be a negative factor for the compressor life? (more…)

Air Conditioner Compressor Failure – Air Conditioner Repair

What you will learn from Air Conditioner Compressor Failure article:

  1. discussion about HVAC compressor failure and how it is one of the most expensive air conditioner repairs
  2. comprehensive list of reasons why HVAC compressors fail
  3. actions to take to prevent compressor failure
  4. the importance of doing the job right and using the triple evacuation method
  5. a video on the importance of regular maintenance on HVAC equipment

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Air Conditioner Condensation Problems – Condensate Drain Plugged

air conditioning water damageAir Conditioner Condensation Problems - It is important for air conditioning preventive maintenance to be performed on your system to avoid problems. Condensation water leaking near the air handling unit can be avoided with proper air conditioning repair and preventive maintenance. Normally this is a very simple problem that can be fixed in less than 30 minutes. Here is a list of what can cause water around the outside of the air conditioning air handler unit.
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