Replace HVAC Compressor for Air Conditioner Repair - Question - Richard - I am an HVAC technician and have read all of your articles on refrigeration and compressors. Great information and it has helped to hone my skills and offer better service for my customers. Thanks!
I was wondering what your experience is with replacing compressors. How do you decide to replace a compressor technically speaking, of course? Do you recommend repairing the air conditioner by replacing the compressor or replacing the central air conditioner?
I look forward to reading your answer. Brett Des Moines, WA (more…)
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…)
Find Tonnage on AHU | HVAC Equipment Nomenclature - How do I find out the tonnage on an AHU (Air Handling Unit)? The label/tag has faded all I have on file is the model number and the serial number, make.
Question Posted By Francisco the Building Engineer on May 3, 2011
Refer to the manufacturer’s website for their HVAC nomenclature of the model number and serial numbers and how those numbers correspond to the tonnage and other technical data. Or you can call your local dealer for the manufacturer and they will tell you. (more…)
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…)
Start Capacitors for HVAC Compressors - HVAC single-phase compressors always come hooked up to a run capacitor. This helps the compressor when it is running, however, very few HVAC compressors come with a start capacitor. Most HVAC technicians know HVAC compressors pull a lot of amps on startup. This large amperage draws on startup is referred to technically as locked rotor amps or inrush current. It can be as much as 40,000 watts or more of pure power to get an HVAC compressor started. (more…)
How Inverters Work Basics - The new way for ultra-efficient air conditioners and heat pumps have modulating compressors and motors. A few years ago it was rare that I got an email asking the question about how inverters work but now I have noticed the question coming more and more so I wanted to write an article to explain how inverters work.
Inverters are used in air conditioning to modulate compressors and fan motors from 100% down to a minimum of 20% although the minimum will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer according to part selection and engineering limitations. To truly understand how inverters work one has to have a basic understanding of electronics. (more…)
Old McQuay Chiller Control Panel - This panel is part of the controls for an older McQuay chiller. New chillers whether they be McQuay, Trane, York, or Carrier chillers still require these types of controls in them to make them work.
This part of this electro-mechanical control panel consists of contactors and switches (both manual and automatic) for electro-mechanical control of this chiller. To the right is the main power which feeds the unit with three-phase main power. (more…)
Air Conditioner Problems - As an HVAC technician I am aware of all the problems air conditioners can develop. Therefore, you will get a unique perspective on air conditioner problems. And hopefully, how to avoid these problems. Air conditioners have become a norm in today’s society. Forty or fifty years ago air conditioners were considered a luxury. Now there are building designs where the occupants must rely on air conditioning to remain comfortable.
Additionally, with higher energy costs it is important that our air conditioners are maintained. Hence, a properly maintained system uses less energy and repair costs are lower and less frequent. (more…)
Dual Two-Stage Split System with a Dual Slab Coil. Huh?
Richard - Very nice site!- Dual Two-Stage Split System with a Dual Slab Coil - I have a question; my home was fitted out by the previous owner with a twinned system, and a thermostat (Totaline P374-1900) which was not designed to control discreet, paired units. I confirmed this with Totaline. The result is only one unit runs, and the second unit is never activated. It functions, but not automatically.
HVAC Tip - According to studies done by the Department of Energy, 50 percent of the heat loss experienced in the average home occurs through the ceiling. That makes a lot of sense since heat rises. You can reduce that heat loss (heat gain in the summer months) by adding another layer of insulation in the attic. That will hold more heat in our homes for a longer period of time which means the furnace will cycle less. That means you are going to save money. A lot more money than another layer of insulation costs. Additionally, having an attic fan controlled by a thermostat installed in your attic will remove a lot of heat in the summer. This will help you, in addition to having more insulation, reduce heat gain from the attic in the summer.
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Old McQuay Chiller Control Panel - This panel is part of the controls for an older McQuay chiller. New chillers whether they be McQuay, Trane, York, or Carrier chillers still require these types of controls in them to make them work.
Air conditioners have become a norm in today’s society. Forty or fifty years ago air conditioners were considered a luxury. Now there are building designs where the occupants must rely on air conditioning to remain comfortable.
