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AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS

A/C - HEAT PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES
A/C DATA TAGS
A/C - HEAT PUMP CRITICAL DEFECTS
A/C DIAGNOSTIC FAQs
A/C REFRIGERANTS
A/C TYPES, ENERGY SOURCE
AGE of AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS

AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR CONDITIONER NOT WORKING

AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS

AIR HANDLER / BLOWER UNITS
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
BACKUP HEAT for HEAT PUMPS

BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWER FAN CONTINUOUS OPERATION
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING

BOOKSTORE - Air Conditioning "How To" Books

CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
CAPILLARY TUBES
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
COMPRESSOR & CONDENSING COIL, A/C
  BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
  CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
  CONDENSING COIL REPAIR REPLACE
  CONTACTOR RELAY DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD, A/C
  FAN, COMPRESSOR/CONDENSER UNIT
  HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
  INSPECTION CHECKLIST - OUTDOOR UNIT
  INSTALLATION ERRORS, COMPRESSORS
  LONG-ON CYCLING AC COMPRESSOR
  MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
  NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
  Pressure Controls & Safety Switches
  PRESSURE READINGS, COMPRESSOR
  REPLACING A COMPRESSOR
  SHORT CYCLING AC COMPRESSOR
  TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS

CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
  FROM MODEL #
  FROM EQUIPMENT RLA #
  COOLING RULES OF THUMB
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS

DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DEFINITION of Heating & Cooling Terms

DEHUMIDIFICATION PROBLEMS
DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE

DIAGNOSE & FIX AIR CONDITIONER / HEAT PUMP
DUCT SYSTEM & DUCT DEFECTS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCT INSULATION for SOUNDPROOFING
DUCT SYSTEM NOISES
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST CONTAMINATION FROM HVAC?

EDUCATION, HVAC SCHOOLS
ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
ELECTRICAL POWER SWITCH FOR HEAT

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEMS
EVAPORATOR COIL or COOLING COIL
EXPANSION VALVES, REFRIGERANT

FAN, AIR HANDLER BLOWER UNIT
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
FAN, COMPRESSOR/CONDENSER UNIT
FAN CONVECTOR HEATERS - HYDRONIC COILS
FAN LIMIT SWITCH
FAN NOISES

FURNACES WARM AIR HEATING SYSTEMS

GASES, EXPOSURE, TESTING
  Carbon Dioxide - CO2
  Carbon Monoxide - CO
  METHANE GAS SOURCES
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
GAUGE, REFRIGERATION PRESSURE TEST

HEAT LOSS (or GAIN) in buildings
HEAT PUMPS

HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET

INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

INSPECTION CHECKLIST - OUTDOOR UNIT
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

LOST COOLING CAPACITY
  What to Check First
  A/C Flow Too Weak
  A/C Filter Problems
  A/C Compressor Problems
  A/C Off - Condensate Pan Switch
  A/C Cooling Coil Icing
  A/C Not Dehumidifying
  A/C Air Duct Problems
  Air Conditioner Won't Start
  Air Conditioner Refrigerant Problems
  Blower Fan No Start / No Stop
  Compressor Diagnosis: Diagnose & Repair
  Cooling Capacity of the Duct System
  Repair Guide Master List

MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER / HEAT PUMP

OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
  Air Conditioning System Temperatures
  Instruments Used to Measure A/C Temperatures
  Procedures for Making Temperature Measurements

PORTABLE ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS
PRESSURE READINGS, REFRIGERANT

REPAIR GUIDE, AIR CONDITIONERS / HEAT PUMPS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C

REFRIGERANTS
  GAUGE, REFRIGERATION PRESSURE TEST
  REFRIGERANT CHARGING PROCEDURE
  REFRIGERANT DRIERS & FILTERS
  REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION
  REFRIGERANT LEAK REPAIR
  REFRIGERANT METERING DEVICES TEVs
  REFRIGERANT METERING CAPILLARY TUBES
  REFRIGERANT PIPING & DISTANCES
  REFRIGERANT PRESSURE READINGS
RETROFIT SIZING for A/C or HEAT PUMPS

SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS
SWAMP COOLERS
SYSTEM OPERATION

THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES

WATER COOLED AIR CONDITIONERS

More Information

Photograph of an old burned-out air conditioning compressor unit How to Diagnose a Burned-out Air Conditioning Compressor
InspectAPedia®  -         

  • How to diagnose a burned-out air conditioning compressor
  • When is a compressor at or near end of its life? Criteria for deciding that an air conditioner, heat pump, or refrigeration compressor needs to be replaced
  • Hard starting air conditioner compressor
  • Increased air conditioning electrical bills
  • Air conditioner compressor defect diagnosis & repair guide
  • Air conditioning condenser unit fan diagnosis/repair
  • When to replace a failing or failed A/C or heat pump compressor
  • Common causes of A/C or heat pump compressor motor failure
  • Questions & Answers about air conditioning and heat pump compressors: diagnosis, failure, repair, replacement

This air conditioning repair article discusses the how to diagnose and replace a burned out air conditioner compressor, including evaluation of air conditioner compressor noises, hard starting, lost cooling capacity, and detection of a burned out compressor or A/C compressors at or near end of their life.

InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.

Here we catalog and describe the causes of air conditioner or heat pump compressor failures and we suggest compressor motor diagnostic steps. Contact us to suggest text changes and additions and, if you wish, to receive online listing and credit for that contribution.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

How to Diagnose a Burned-Out Air Conditioning Compressor

Air conditioner failure warning signs: Before an air conditioning compressor fails solid you may notice that the unit is hard-starting, particularly when starting against a head pressure (someone switched the system off while the compressor was running, then tried turning it right back on). See CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS and see MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH.

Another sign of a failing air conditioning compressor is noisy motor operation, such as buzzing or clanking sounds coming from the outside unit housing the compressor motor. See NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER.

Another sign that might indicate a failing air conditioner compressor motor is an increase in the building's electrical bills even though the air conditioning system "on" time has not changed. See TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS where we provide additional details about examining and measuring A/C and heat pump compressors to continue compressor condition diagnosis.

When a sealed compressor motor has "burned out" this means that the internal wiring of the motor has become irreparably damaged: the compressor motor windings may be burned and shorted together or shorted to the steel shell of the motor, or the windings may have burned and simply become "open" or disconnected. If the motor has burned out in either of these ways it needs to be replaced.

When an air conditioner / heat pump compressor can no longer develop proper pressures, even if its electric motor has not burned out, the unit will still need to be replaced. Below we give refrigerant pressure details that help make this decision.

Basic Electrical Tests on Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Compressor Motors

Watch out for shock hazards or equipment damage: see USING DMMs VOMs SAFELY.

When an air conditioning compressor has "burned out" by shorting of internal components - it will fail to start at all. This failure is detected by disconnecting all power and wiring from the unit and measuring resistance (ohms) between the motor start/common and run/common terminals. If there is zero resistance the winding is open or broken.

If you measure the resistance across a compressor winding and your meter's needle is stuck over at infinity, or "OL"/"OVER" on a digital meter, that would indicate the compressor winding is open (burned through). The same effect can be observed from simply connecting the meter to absolutely nothing.

If the resistance measured across the air conditioning compressor winding is too close to 0 ohms, it's shorted. The compressor should blow the fuse or trip the circuit breaker when power is turned back on. But watch out: we get field reports of equipment burn ups and even fires when the air conditioning circuit breaker for the compressor happens to be an old FPE Stab-Lok or Zinsco unit.

If there is resistance but not infinite resistance between the motor terminal and the motor casing, the motor has become shorted to ground internally and the unit needs to be replaced. If there is no resistance between the start and run terminals to common, but there is resistance between the start and run terminals, this means that the internal motor overload protection circuit is open. In this last case, allow the motor to cool and re-test it before replacing it. See REPLACING A COMPRESSOR.

For details about measuring RLA / FLA, and definitions of RLA, FLA, and LRA, see see TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS

When to replace a sealed-unit air conditioning or heat pump compressor?

Burned up electric motor in the HVAC compressor

Some compressor motor failures are so apparent that there's no question: an electric motor burnout that draws high amps or is internally shorted, for example.

Abnormal HVAC compressor pressures

But what about a compressor motor that may be just "worn" ? An HVAC compressor should be able to pull at least 15" of vacuum against 100 psi head pressure or else it is inefficient. Of course to make this test you must be able to isolate the compressor from the rest of the cooling or heat pump system, so this test is not rapidly made in the field.

Bad HVAC compressor refrigerant valves

Bad air conditioner reed valves will be unable to pull pressure down on the low side of the system. A leaky discharge reed valve (on the compressor output side) pulls hot gases back into the compressor cylinder and recompresses them, causing abnormally high head pressures at the compressor motor. And as a result the compressor won't be able to move vapor.

In sum, HVAC compressors do fail and need replacement, but only when you have tested and ruled out the other 80% of the causes of common air conditioning, heat pump, or refrigeration problems (usually electrical in nature) do you go ahead and replace the compressor unit.

General advice: Electrical Tests to Check HVAC Blower Fan Motor or Outdoor Compressor Fan Motor Winding on Heating or Cooling Equipment or on Other Electrical Motors

Air Conditioner Compressor/Condenser Fan Not Working?

Details of compressor/condenser unit fan inspection, diagnosis, and repair are at FAN, COMPRESSOR/CONDENSER UNIT. Basic advice follows:

A failed compressor/condenser fan can cause the air conditioning system to shut down due to an overheating compressor or excessive pressures developed inside the compressor. If your compressor/condenser unit does not include a safety override switch to perform this shutdown and if the condenser unit fan is not working, your compressor motor may be permanently damaged. At NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER we include some condenser fan noise problems are traced to the cooling fan motor, bearings, fan blades, obstructions, etc.

Watch out: if your compressor/condenser unit motor is running but the fan itself is not blowing air, the system will not work and may be seriously damaged. The outdoor cooling fan or condenser unit fan is needed not only to cool high pressure, high temperature refrigerant in gas form so that it can condense back to liquid form.

That cooling step also cools down the compressor itself and keeps the compressor internal pressure from becoming too high. Most modern compressor / condenser units include an overpressure sensor that will shut the equipment down if compressor pressures become too high. Some older models and some modern economy air conditioner compressors may lack this function.

See USING DMMs VOMs SAFELY. Example: testing a blower fan motor winding: referring to the electrical diagram for your equipment, unplug electrical connectors at the fan motor. Measure the resistance between each lead wire with a multimeter or VOM. The multimeter should be set in the X1 range. For accuracy, don't measure when the fan motor is hot, allow it to cool off.

When the resistance between each lead wire are those listed in the specifications for your equipment the fan motor should be normal. Zero resistance or infinite resistance are indicators of a problem. More examples of checking wiring: see BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR. see HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS also TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS for more details about old or failed compressor motors. Also see Test a Motor Starting Capacitor

Common Causes of Burned Out Air Conditioner Compressors

  • Contamination of refrigerant, piping, or devices in the refrigeration system: contaminants, including air, moisture carried in by air, and dirt can enter the refrigeration system as contaminants due to a leak on the suction side or improper service procedures such as mis-handling of service port valves or opening the system for repairs without adequately drawing a vacuum and without proper use of filter/dryer canisters. Air in the system can also lead to refrigerant flooding discussed above.
  • Cooling problems - compressor motor overheats: a compressor motor that keeps on running when the compressor/condenser fan has failed or when air flow through the condensing coil has become blocked by debris or damage can cause abnormally high compressor head pressures and operating temperatures. If the condenser fan is running but airflow is impaired the system may continue to "run" but at reduced cooling capacity and shortened compressor life. We found a stack of nine A/C compressors improperly installed without adequate cooling air flow at a wealthy client's home in Pawling, NY. Compressor motors were being replaced every year or two because the owner installed a stockade fence to "hide the ugly equipment". A compressor may also run too hot due to too-high temperatures at the suction line and low-side of the compressor system. Under-charged refrigerant levels or lack of insulation on the suction line piping can cause these problems as might a TEV that is not quite flooding the system but is releasing refrigerant too fast through the cooling coil. [2]
  • Refrigerant Pressure problems - excessive high side pressure may be caused by a restriction or blockage such as in the condensing coil, refrigerant metering device, or even at the cooling coil. Excessive high side pressure causes hot compressor operation, lost cooling capacity, and ultimately damage.
  • Refrigerant flooding - sending liquid refrigerant into the compressor motor is a quick way to destroy its moving parts or valves. We discuss refrigerant flooding and six common causes of liquid refrigerant slugging the compressor at THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES, and aside from TEV (TXV in some literature) problems, a mistake like overcharging the system can lead to liquid refrigerant can end up in the compressor bottom where only refrigerant gas is expected - causing the same failure problems. Christopherson, [2]
  • Refrigeration oil lubricant - lost due to system leaks (most likely you'll know there has been a history of refrigerant leakage too); also refrigeration oil can travel in the refrigerant lines where it reaches a capillary tube or TEV , clogging it and causing abnormal system pressures that can damage the compressor. On commercial refrigeration systems that us a separate oil pump to deliver lubricant to the compressor motor, an oil pump failure also leads to compressor motor failure.
  • Electrical problems that can damage A/C or heat pump motors are cited by Christopherson, including improper voltage (hooking up to an incorrect voltage level supply (110V to 220V or 230V applied to a 208V motor), poor power quality delivered to the system such as at homes subject to significant fluctuations in actual voltage levels in the incoming mains, loss of voltage on one phase of a three-phase electrical hookup (more common on commercial than residential refrigeration equipment), and finally, unbalanced current across the individual phases of a three-phase electrical hookup. [2]
  • Worn out compressor internal parts - a compressor motor may fail due to mechanical wear, though in our OPINION and having seen some refrigeration compressor motors that ran for decades with no trouble, we think mechanical wear is likely to be traced to a refrigerant, lubrication, contamination, or perhaps mounting problem. See our contamination comments above.

The text above describing causes of refrigeration compressor damage is indebted to HVACR experts Norm Christopherson [2] and Joe Marchese [6], as well as Warren Hilliard [1].

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & Answers about air conditioning and heat pump compressors: diagnosis, failure, repair, replacement

Question: My air conditioner compressor blew, the new system is icing up, what's going on?

I am a 100% service-connected disabled veteran who just spent over $3700. to replace a 4 ton trane xr12 air conditioner condenser and coil. My old condenser compressor blew up and the HVAC guy said it wasn't worth replacing since the unit was a 9 yr old r-22 system.

He talked me into a new trane xr13, 4 ton, r-410 condenser and a 5 ton evaporative coil for an extra $400. saying I'd get 10% more cooling capacity than the 4 ton coil. this was 5 weeks ago. three techs have been here since trying to figure out why the evaporative coil keeps icing up. the best cooling we get with the thermostat set at 72 degrees is only 15 degrees cooler than it is outside.this is with the front panel off the furnace.

With the panel in place, in 2 or 3 days the coil turns into a block of ice. even with the panel off, as the day wears on and the outside temperature drops, the inside temperature increases. right now, the thermostat is at 72, it's10:15 p.m. it's 73 degrees outside and 76 degrees inside.

The HVAC guys tried to blame my ductwork as unable to handle the airflow, then inadequate air returns, then too small a hole (10x12) above the coil going to the plenum. all solutions of course would require a 2nd mortgage. My response was . BULL. It's something they did wrong because before the compressor blew, if the outside temperature was 100 degrees, inside it was 78 degrees.(with the thermostat set at 72.

Not once in 9 years did it ice up or did I ever have to remove the front panel of the furnace to increase the airflow., It has to be one or both of the things they installed, like maybe a defective evaporator coil. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks - B.H.

Reply:

Cooling coil icing can be due to an improper refrigerant charge, inadequate air flow across the cooling coil, or a problem with a refrigerant metering device (or something else we haven't thought-of). Your HVAC guys might be right that your old duct system is not moving enough air across the coil, allowing it to ice up, but if that's the problem I'd ask them why they didn't think of that before selling you that extra big evaporative coil in the air handler. In a good-working air conditioner or heat pump system the components need to be in balance: compressor/condenser, air handler/evaporator, and ductwork.

If we hold off on the blame game for a bit, let's see if you can increase the airflow across the coil. Often I find on older cooling systems that the return air opening was too small or the connections from return register to the air handler small or cramped or twisty. A very crude "test" that I do NOT RECOMMEND for more than a few minutes of test operation is to see if the coil ices up if someone leaves the air handler blower compartment door off - to maximize the return air opening. Take a look under DUCT SYSTEM & DUCT DEFECTS for the article:  RETURN AIR REGISTERS & DUCTS, and also take a look under COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL at the article: FROST BUILD-UP on AIR CONDITIONER COILS for more help.

Finally, at RETROFIT SIZING for A/C or HEAT PUMPS we touch on the importance of balancing the system components during a retrofit or upgrade of an air conditioner or heat pump system.

Let us know what you find - we'll both learn something.

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AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS

A/C - HEAT PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES
A/C DATA TAGS
A/C - HEAT PUMP CRITICAL DEFECTS
A/C DIAGNOSTIC FAQs
A/C REFRIGERANTS
A/C TYPES, ENERGY SOURCE
AGE of AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS

AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR CONDITIONER NOT WORKING

AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS

AIR HANDLER / BLOWER UNITS
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
BACKUP HEAT for HEAT PUMPS

BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWER FAN CONTINUOUS OPERATION
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING

BOOKSTORE - Air Conditioning "How To" Books

CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
CAPILLARY TUBES
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
COMPRESSOR & CONDENSING COIL, A/C
  BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
  CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
  CONDENSING COIL REPAIR REPLACE
  CONTACTOR RELAY DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD, A/C
  FAN, COMPRESSOR/CONDENSER UNIT
  HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
  INSPECTION CHECKLIST - OUTDOOR UNIT
  INSTALLATION ERRORS, COMPRESSORS
  LONG-ON CYCLING AC COMPRESSOR
  MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
  NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
  Pressure Controls & Safety Switches
  PRESSURE READINGS, COMPRESSOR
  REPLACING A COMPRESSOR
  SHORT CYCLING AC COMPRESSOR
  TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS

CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
  FROM MODEL #
  FROM EQUIPMENT RLA #
  COOLING RULES OF THUMB
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
CONDENSATE HANDLING, A/C
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS

DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DEFINITION of Heating & Cooling Terms

DEHUMIDIFICATION PROBLEMS
DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE

DIAGNOSE & FIX AIR CONDITIONER / HEAT PUMP
DUCT SYSTEM & DUCT DEFECTS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCT INSULATION for SOUNDPROOFING
DUCT SYSTEM NOISES
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST CONTAMINATION FROM HVAC?

EDUCATION, HVAC SCHOOLS
ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
ELECTRICAL POWER SWITCH FOR HEAT

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEMS
EVAPORATOR COIL or COOLING COIL
EXPANSION VALVES, REFRIGERANT

FAN, AIR HANDLER BLOWER UNIT
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
FAN, COMPRESSOR/CONDENSER UNIT
FAN CONVECTOR HEATERS - HYDRONIC COILS
FAN LIMIT SWITCH
FAN NOISES

FURNACES WARM AIR HEATING SYSTEMS

GASES, EXPOSURE, TESTING
  Carbon Dioxide - CO2
  Carbon Monoxide - CO
  METHANE GAS SOURCES
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
GAUGE, REFRIGERATION PRESSURE TEST

HEAT LOSS (or GAIN) in buildings
HEAT PUMPS

HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET

INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

INSPECTION CHECKLIST - OUTDOOR UNIT
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

LOST COOLING CAPACITY
  What to Check First
  A/C Flow Too Weak
  A/C Filter Problems
  A/C Compressor Problems
  A/C Off - Condensate Pan Switch
  A/C Cooling Coil Icing
  A/C Not Dehumidifying
  A/C Air Duct Problems
  Air Conditioner Won't Start
  Air Conditioner Refrigerant Problems
  Blower Fan No Start / No Stop
  Compressor Diagnosis: Diagnose & Repair
  Cooling Capacity of the Duct System
  Repair Guide Master List

MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER / HEAT PUMP

OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
  Air Conditioning System Temperatures
  Instruments Used to Measure A/C Temperatures
  Procedures for Making Temperature Measurements

PORTABLE ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS
PRESSURE READINGS, REFRIGERANT

REPAIR GUIDE, AIR CONDITIONERS / HEAT PUMPS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C

REFRIGERANTS
  GAUGE, REFRIGERATION PRESSURE TEST
  REFRIGERANT CHARGING PROCEDURE
  REFRIGERANT DRIERS & FILTERS
  REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION
  REFRIGERANT LEAK REPAIR
  REFRIGERANT METERING DEVICES TEVs
  REFRIGERANT METERING CAPILLARY TUBES
  REFRIGERANT PIPING & DISTANCES
  REFRIGERANT PRESSURE READINGS
RETROFIT SIZING for A/C or HEAT PUMPS

SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS
SWAMP COOLERS
SYSTEM OPERATION

THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES

WATER COOLED AIR CONDITIONERS

  • Thanks to Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, for assistance in technical review of the "Critical Defects" section and for the photograph of the deteriorating gray Owens Corning flex duct in a hot attic. Mr. Cramer is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator.
  • Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education including the ASHI-adopted Home Inspection Training Program (home study course), publications such as the Home Reference Book, report writing materials including the Horizon report writer, and home inspection services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
  • Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment ($69.00 U.S.).
  • Thanks to Scott at SJM Inspect for suggesting this EPA document and for technical editing remarks regarding our air conditioning website, SJM Inspection Service LLC, serves the entire state of CT, sjminspect.com 203-543-0447 or 203-877-4774 5/16/07
  • Thanks to Diaz, Domingo I. CIV NAVAIR Bldg.2118, rm. 131: domingo.diaz@navy.mil - Ming Diaz, Great Falls, MD for editing help with the text about discharging air conditioning compressor capacitors - 3/07 DF]
  • Thanks to Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, for assistance in technical review of the "Critical Defects" section and for the photograph of the deteriorating gray Owens Corning flex duct in a hot attic. Mr. Cramer is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator.
  • Thanks to Jon Bolton, an ASHI, FABI, and otherwise certified Florida home inspector who provided photos of failing Goodman gray flex duct in a hot attic.
  • Air Diffusion Council, 1901 N. Roselle Road, Suite 800, Schaumburg, Illinois 60195, Tel: (847) 706-6750, Fax: (847) 706-6751 - info@flexibleduct.org - www.flexibleduct.org/ -
    "The ADC has produced the 4th Edition of the Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards (a 28-page manual) for use and reference by designers, architects, engineers, contractors, installers and users for evaluating, selecting, specifying and properly installing flexible duct in heating and air conditioning systems.
    Features covered in depth include: descriptions of typical styles, characteristics and requirements, testing, listing, reporting, certifying, packaging and product marking.
    Guidelines for proper installation are treated and illustrated in depth, featuring connections, splices and proper support methods for flexible duct. A single and uniform method of making end connections and splices is graphically presented for both non-metallic and metallic with plain ends."
    The printed manual is available in English only. Downloadable PDF is available in English and Spanish. 
  • Owens Corning Duct Solutions - www.owenscorning.com/ductsolutions/ - provides current HVAC ductwork and duct insulating product descriptions and a dealer locator. Owens Corning Insulating Systems, LLC, One Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, OH 43659 1-800-GET-PINK™
  • "Flexible Duct Media Fiberglas™ Insulation, Product Data Sheet", Owens Corning - see owenscorning.com/quietzone/pdfs/QZFlexible_DataSheet.pdf
    "Owens Corning Flexible Duct Media Insulation is a lightweight, flexible, resilient thermal and acoustical insulation made of inorganic glass fibers bonded with a thermosetting resin."
  • [1] "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair course attended by the website author].
    Warren Hilliard was an HVACR instructor as well as operator of an HVACR repair company in Dutchess County, New York.
  • [2] Christopherson, Norm, "Preventing Premature Compressor Failures, An Ounce of Prevention for Years of Service", web search & reader TN Goose referral, 08/12/2011, original source: http://www.hvacfun.com/a-once-prevent-years-service-comps.htm
    Quoting: Norm Christopherson, CM, is a long-time hvacr instructor at San Jose City College, San Jose, CA
  • [6] Determining Compressor Amperage Ratings, Joe Marchese, Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration News, 31 July 2003, web search 08/12/11, Joe Marchese is owner of Coldtronics of Pittsburgh. He can be reached at 412-734-4433, www.coldtronics.com, or joe@coldtronics.com. Original source: http://www.achrnews.com/Articles/Feature_Article
    /c229b8960ac5a010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____ - quoting:

Books Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Complete List of Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Design, Inspection, Repair Books at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson Dunlop The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop. The Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  • Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, A. D. Althouse, C.H. Turnquist, A. Bracciano, Goodheart-Willcox Co., 1982
  • Principles of Refrigeration, R. Warren Marsh, C. Thomas Olivo, Delmar Publishers, 1979
  • "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair course attended by the website author]
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 5th Ed., William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson, John Tomczyk, Cengage Learning, 2005, ISBN 1401837654, 9781401837655 1324 pages
  • Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment ($69.00 U.S.).
  • Air Conditioning Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair, Efficiency all the basics for home owners, inspectors, new repairmen
  • NewAir Conditioning SEER - New DOE Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Efficiency Standard
  • Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
  • Fiberglass: Indoor Air Quality Investigations: Fiberglass in Indoor Air, HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation
  • ...
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