Two-Stage Gas Furnace Buyer Tips - Two-stage gas furnaces make up over 30% of all gas furnaces installed in residences in the USA. Two-Stage gas furnaces are more efficient than single-stage gas furnaces in most cases. When purchasing furnaces always check the ARI website for and efficiency ratings and comparisons. (more…)
Richard - What are pressure switches used in refrigeration circuits and how do pressure switches protect the system from further damage? (more…)
Variable Speed ECM Condenser Fan Motors are used in condensers for the high efficient models so that the fan speed for the condenser can be modulated according to the load of the system. The ECM variable-speed fan motors are used in condensers that have a modulating compressor. They are also used in condensers that have two compressors or two-stage compressors. The ECM motor adds to the efficiency of the system by modulating the condenser fan motor. The speed matches the compressor that runs based on demand. (more…)
An ECM Variable Speed Blower Motor in a squirrel cage blower
Variable Speed ECM Blower Motors - Variable speed ECM blower motors have become increasingly popular in residential air conditioning and heating systems. From an engineering perspective, these motors increase the efficiency of the systems and offer a whole range of other benefits that help the system and the consumer. Furthermore, comfort is enhanced using ECM blower motors along with noise reduction. (more…)
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…)
Gas Furnace Components 3 - Gas furnace ignition controls vary from furnace manufacturer to furnace manufacturer. Some are proprietary and some are from an engineering company that specializes in gas furnace ignition controls. Honeywell being a major manufacturer of controls for HVAC also makes several gas furnace ignition controls.
Gas furnace ignition controls have advanced by leaps and bounds over the last 20 years. The standard was standing pilot ignition. Solid-state ignition controls are safer and more efficient than ignition controls of yesteryear.
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Thermostat Wiring Colors Code Page Navigation
Always follow the thermostat manufacturer’s instructions whenever changing the thermostat. Always turn the power off at the air handler and the condenser and make sure there is no voltage at the transformer before proceeding.
For instructions on how to wire a thermostat, please see how to wire a thermostat page. Refer back to this page for thermostat wire colors.
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…)
Gas Furnace with Drain Pipes to Drain the Condensation.
Furnace Water Leak Condensate Problem - Richard, My furnace is leaking water. It is summertime, so I am not using it for heat except for the blower fan which is hooked up to the air conditioner and the heat. I know the pipes from the outside units run into a box on top of the furnace. I think that is a part of the air conditioner. What can I do to fix the problem if you know what the problem is by my explanation here? Dan
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