hvac: REPAIRS and maintenance

HVAC Maintenance Video Playlist: Your Ultimate Guide to Efficient Heating and Cooling

Welcome to the HVAC Maintenance Playlist, your one-stop resource for ensuring your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems run smoothly and efficiently all year round. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, this playlist covers everything from routine checks and seasonal maintenance to troubleshooting common issues and optimizing system performance. Dive into expert tips, step-by-step tutorials, and essential best practices to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, improve indoor air quality, and save on energy bills. Keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system in top shape with our comprehensive maintenance guide! Watch the videos on the below link.

HVAC Maintenance Video Playlist

hvac MAINTENANCE

ALL AC PARTS AND WHAT THEY DO

There are four major components of an air conditioning system. They are the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve.

Note:

Before making any repairs or replacements, we must check whether a warranty still covers the appliance (its part/s).
Our "Armor Heaters" are no longer sold on Amazon. If you need information regarding one of our property's armor heaters, please contact (888.783.6082)

Evaporator Coil

An evaporator coil is a crucial component in many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It plays a key role in the cooling process by facilitating the phase change of a refrigerant from a liquid to a gas.

Here's how it works:

Refrigerant Circulation: In an HVAC system, a refrigerant is used to transfer heat from inside a building to the outside. The refrigerant circulates in a closed-loop system, alternately evaporating and condensing to absorb and release heat.
Evaporator Coil Location: The evaporator coil is typically located inside the indoor air handler or furnace unit. It's positioned in the supply air duct or plenum, and it's often installed near the furnace or air handler blower.
Cooling Process: Warm air from the building is drawn into the HVAC system. When the thermostat calls for cooling, the blower circulates this warm air over the evaporator coil.
Heat Absorption: As the warm air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil evaporates. This phase change from a liquid to a gas absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This cooled air is then circulated back into the building.
Dehumidification: In addition to cooling, the evaporator coil also helps dehumidify the air. When warm air contacts the cold evaporator coil, moisture in the air condenses on the coil's surface and is removed, reducing humidity levels.
Refrigerant Return: The now-gaseous refrigerant leaves the evaporator coil and travels to the outdoor unit, where it is compressed and condensed back into a liquid state, releasing the heat it absorbed from the indoor air.
Cycle Repeats: The cycle continues as long as the thermostat calls for cooling. The process repeats, maintaining the desired indoor temperature and humidity levels.

Condenser

A condenser is a device or component used in various engineering and scientific applications to change the physical state of a substance from a gas or vapor into a liquid. It is employed in a wide range of contexts, from HVAC systems to chemistry labs, and its purpose is to facilitate the condensation process. The term "condenser" can refer to different devices and designs depending on the application.

Here are a few common examples:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Condenser: In an HVAC system, the condenser is a component located in the outdoor unit (commonly called the condenser unit) of an air conditioner or heat pump. It plays a crucial role in the cooling process by transforming the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor, which has absorbed heat from the indoor air, into a high-pressure liquid state. The heat released during this phase change is dissipated into the outdoor air. This type of condenser is known as an air-cooled condenser.
Laboratory Glassware Condenser: In chemistry and scientific laboratories, a condenser refers to a piece of glassware used in various experiments, especially in distillation setups. It is a glass tube or coil that is part of the apparatus and serves to condense vaporized substances back into a liquid. Condensers in this context are often cooled using water to facilitate condensation.
Optical Lens Condenser: In optics, a condenser is a lens or lens system used to gather and focus light, typically in microscopes or projectors. The condenser collects light from a source and directs it onto the specimen in a microscope, providing better illumination and improved image quality.
Steam Power Plant Condenser: In a steam power plant, the condenser is a heat exchanger that receives the steam (vapor) from the turbine and condenses it into liquid form. This process allows the plant to reuse the condensed water and maintain the efficiency of the power generation cycle.
Audio Condenser Microphone: In audio technology, a condenser microphone (also known as a capacitor microphone) uses an electrically charged diaphragm and a backplate to capture sound waves. The diaphragm vibrates in response to sound, causing changes in the electrical capacitance that are then converted into an electrical audio signal.

Compressor

A compressor is a mechanical device or component used in various applications to increase the pressure of a gas or vapor. It works by reducing the volume of the gas, thereby raising its pressure. Compressors are used in a wide range of industries and systems for different purposes.

Here are some common applications and types of compressors:

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: In HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, a compressor is used to circulate and compress refrigerant gas. It raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to release heat outside (in the condenser) and absorb heat inside (in the evaporator), which cools the indoor space. Common types of compressors used in this application include reciprocating, scroll, and rotary compressors.
Industrial and Manufacturing: Compressors are used in various industrial processes to compress gases for manufacturing and processing purposes. For instance, in manufacturing, they can be used to provide compressed air for pneumatic tools and machines. Different types of industrial compressors include screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, and reciprocating compressors.
Natural Gas and Oil Processing: In the oil and gas industry, compressors are used to transport and pressurize natural gas and oil. These compressors are typically massive and powerful, capable of handling large volumes of gas at high pressures.
Refrigeration and Freezers: Similar to air conditioning, refrigeration and freezer systems use compressors to circulate refrigerants that absorb and release heat, allowing for the cooling and preservation of food and other items.
Automotive Air Conditioning: The air conditioning system in vehicles also contains a compressor that is responsible for circulating and compressing the refrigerant to cool the interior of the vehicle.
Medical and Laboratory Equipment: Compressors are used in medical and laboratory applications to supply compressed air for various instruments, such as ventilators and laboratory analyzers.
Power Generation: Compressors are used in gas turbines and some steam turbines to compress air or other gases, which are then used in the combustion process to generate power.
Air Compressors: These devices are designed solely for compressing and supplying compressed air. They are used in a wide range of applications, including powering air tools, providing air for industrial processes, and inflating tires.

Expansion valve

An expansion valve in an air conditioner plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle by regulating the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. Its primary functions are to reduce the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant coming from the condenser and to control the rate at which the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil.

Here's how it works:

Pressure Reduction: The expansion valve creates a pressure drop in the refrigerant line, causing the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to rapidly expand into a low-pressure, low-temperature mixture. This sudden expansion results in a significant drop in pressure and temperature.
Cooling Effect: As the refrigerant expands and its pressure decreases, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This cooling effect is essential for the air conditioning process because it allows the evaporator coil to efficiently absorb heat from the indoor air.
Control of Refrigerant Flow: The expansion valve's design allows it to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant into the evaporator coil. By adjusting the valve's opening, the system can control the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator, which helps maintain the desired temperature and pressure levels within the system.
Superheat Control: Modern expansion valves often have sensors or mechanisms that monitor the temperature at the evaporator's outlet. They adjust the valve's opening to ensure that the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is in a superheated state, meaning it has absorbed all the available heat from the air. This helps optimize the system's cooling efficiency.

MISC PARTS THAT GO BAD

HVAC GENERAL

CAPACITOR

This video shows a Run Capacitor Failing in an Air Conditioning Unit. The capacitor acts like a battery that stores power, and when the unit is turning on, it gives a "jolt" of power to both the fan motor and the compressor on the outside unit, so that they can turn on.

CONTACTOR

This video shows the Top 5 Problems that can occur while troubleshooting a contactor. The contactor receives a 24v signal from the thermostat, which tells it to turn on the outside unit.

This will not work if you turn off power to the outside unit at the AC disconnect.

THERMOSTAT

This video shows you the steps you should take to verify that it is the thermostat that is bad and not the wiring control board. The thermostat controls the entire HVAC system.

Quick tip- if you turn the fan to "on" at the thermostat, and it doesn't turn on, it is very likely that you have a bad transformer in the inside unit of the furnace or the air conditioner.

FAN MOTOR (Outside)

This video shows how you can check your AC fan motor to see if it is good or bad.

Fan Motor (INSIDE)

TRANSFORMER

This video shows how to troubleshoot the low-voltage transformer used in HVAC Units. This converts power from 240v down to 24v so that the control systems can work- the control systems tell the system what to do- as an example- 24 volts goes to the contactor on the outside unit, to tell it to turn on.

Clogged Condensate Drain

CONDENSATE PUMP

This video explains condensate pump operation and shows how to troubleshoot common condensate pump problems. The condensate pump takes the condendation from the AC coil or a high efficiency furnace to the exterior of the house. If there is too much water in the condensate pump (because it has failed) the entire system will stop working.

Condensation happens whenever HOT AIR comes in contact with something COLD. Think about in the summer, when you have a glass of ice water outside- there is water that forms on the outside of the glass.

FLUSHED DRAIN LINES

Unclogged Drain Line.mov

GAS FURNACES

Note: Only replace the gas furnace if the heat exchanger is cracked — unless the total cost of multiple needed repairs is so high that replacement is more cost-effective.

Check the prices of these components before deciding to replace the unit.

🔴 High-Cost Components

Heat Exchanger
Blower Motor (ECM or PSC)
Inducer Motor
Control Board
Gas Valve
Flue or Vent Pipe

🟡 Medium-Cost Components

Flame Sensor
Ignitor
Thermostat
Transforme
Burner Assembly
Draft Pressure Switch

Limit Switches

🟢 Low-Cost Components

Air Filters
Wiring and Connectors
Thermostat Reprogramming
Basic Cleaning / Maintenance

THERMOCOUPLE

(This works on water heaters too.)

This video shows how the water heater pilot light works and how thermopile generates. This will also show what problems can occur and how to fix them.

LIMITER SWITCHES

This video shows how the thermal limit safety switches work and how to test them using a Multimeter. It also shows the internal contracts inside the safety sensor and how to troubleshoot them.

GAS VALVE

This video shows how to diagnose a bad gas valve. The gas valve allows gas into the furnace to combust

Pilot Light

When the pilot light won't stay lit, there are various reasons-

Ignitor

The ignitor heats up and causes the gas in the furnace to ignite and burn. These are generally made of a ceramic and are FRAGILE so be careful when handling them. They WILL BREAK.

Checking for Gas Leaks

Repairs versus Replacing

Repair vs Replace.mp4

Watch the video above to understand more about when to do repair or when to replace.

Repairing existing materials and components is generally more cost-effective than complete replacement for several reasons:

Labor Costs - Repairing takes less labor time and costs compared to full removal and replacement. Things like refinishing wood floors, repairing drywall, or reglazing bathtubs require much less labor than tearing out and installing all new materials.
Material Costs - When repairing, you only pay for the small parts/materials needed versus buying all new components. For example, reglazing an old tub costs far less than buying a new tub, surround, faucets, etc.
Disposal Fees - Avoiding full demolition means minimal disposal fees for hauling away old materials to the landfill or paying fees.
Embedded Costs - Many vintage items like hardwood floors, ceramic tile, millwork etc. have embedded costs from the original skilled labor to install them decades ago. Repairing preserves this prior investment.
Environmental Impact - Reuse and repair is more environmentally sustainable than sending perfectly reusable items to the landfill needlessly.

The key is appropriately evaluating each component to determine if repair is a viable, long-lasting option compared to its replacement cost. With skilled contractors, many items can be refurbished for 30-50% of the cost of replacing them brand new.

REFRIGERANT

Note: Just because your system uses an old refrigerant (like R-22) doesn't mean you must upgrade to a new refrigerant or replace the entire unit. You can often source the same old refrigerant and keep the system running properly — as long as there are no major failures.

IF LOW REFRIGERANT IS DETECTED:

Use a Leak Sniffer (Electronic Leak Detector)
🔍 Sniff around the coils, line sets, and connections.
🧰 This helps you find where the refrigerant is leaking.
Do NOT just refill refrigerant without locating and fixing the leak first.
➤ Topping off without repair is temporary and wasteful.

R-22 30 LBS Refrigerants

Note: You need an epa license to order refrigerants

Link: R-22 30 LBS Refrigerant

AC Refrigerant Leak Sealer

For any time a leak in the refrigerant is patched or refrigerant is added- Use this product and for the phrase “uv dye added on (date). If there is another leak- use a uv light to locate”

Product link: Leak Saver Direct Inject Ultimate 3-in-1 | AC Refrigerant Leak Sealer

Schrader valve

A Schrader valve, commonly used in refrigerant systems, is a type of valve similar to those found in car and bicycle tires. It's designed to allow refrigerant to be added or removed from the system and is sealed by a spring-loaded pin that keeps it closed when not in use.

HELPFUL HINTS:

HVAC MAINTENANCE EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND REASONING

For why we do things, the way we do them.

This video shows how to repair an old AC Fan Motor

HVAC Repair.mp4

AC System flush

Amazon link: AC Flush Canister-2lb Can

How to use Rx11 AC System Flush Canister

Using an Rx11 AC Flush Canister (2lb can) involves a few steps to ensure you properly flush the air conditioning (AC) system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

Rx11 AC Flush Canister (2lb can)
Flushing tool or adapter
Catch container for the used flush
Safety goggles and gloves
Compressed air or nitrogen
Wrenches or other tools for disconnecting the AC lines

Steps:

Safety First:
- Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any potential splashes or contact with the flushing chemical.
Prepare the System:
- Turn off the AC system and disconnect it from any power source.
- Identify the sections of the AC system that need to be flushed. Common areas include the evaporator, condenser, and lines.
Disconnect the AC Lines:
- Use appropriate tools to disconnect the AC lines at the points where the flush will be introduced and where it will exit.

4.Attach the Flush Canister:

- Attach the Rx11 AC Flush Canister to the flushing tool or adapter. Ensure a tight connection to prevent leaks.
- Connect the flushing tool to the AC system at the designated entry point.

5. Introduce the Flush:

- Hold the canister upright and press the trigger or valve to release the flush into the AC system.
- Allow the flush to flow through the system, dissolving and carrying away any contaminants.

6. Catch the Used Flush:

- Place a catch container at the exit point to collect the used flush and contaminants. Make sure it’s positioned securely to prevent spills.

7. Purge with Compressed Air/Nitrogen:

- After the Rx11 flush has passed through the system, use compressed air or nitrogen to blow through the system. This helps to remove any remaining flush solvent and contaminants.
- Continue purging until the exiting air is clear and free of any residue.

8. Reconnect the AC Lines:

- Once the system is thoroughly flushed and dried, reconnect the AC lines securely.
- Check all connections to ensure they are tight and leak-free.

9. Test the System:

- Reconnect the AC system to its power source and turn it on.
- Check for any leaks and ensure the system is functioning properly.

Tips:

Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of the Rx11 AC Flush Canister.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of the used flush solvent and contaminants according to local regulations.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly flushing your AC system can help maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively use the Rx11 AC Flush Canister to clean your AC system.

HVAC repair for a low-voltage short

This video show how to troubleshoot HVAC.

The technician checks and finds 240 volts coming in, but the contactor isn't engaged because there's no power on the load side. Further inspection reveals no 24 volts at the furnace. Inside, the furnace fan is running, and the pan isn't full of water. However, a blown fuse is found, caused by a low voltage short. The short is traced to a bare copper wire touching another wire. After taping and securing the wires, a new fuse is installed. The system is then checked for 24 volts and a call signal, confirming proper function. The system is reset and tested successfully.

Hvac repair fir a low voltage short.mp4

Low voltage fuse repair

In this video, the speaker addresses an issue with a device that stopped working due to a blown fuse. After replacing the fuse, the device worked briefly before the fuse blew again. To diagnose the problem, the speaker checked a component outside, measuring its resistance to ensure it was functioning correctly.

Finding no issues with the component, the speaker then inspected the control unit by bypassing it. After doing this, the fuse did not blow, indicating that the control unit was faulty and needed replacement.

Fuse repair.mp4

How to Solder Aluminum HVAC Coils

This video will show how you can make an aluminum repair out in the field on those coils, whether it's a micro channel coil, a standard tube and fin coil, as long as it's aluminum, we can get it repaired. And this going to show you the tools and the products that you need.

How To Add Refrigerant To Your Air Conditioner R410A & R22

This video will show how to add refrigerant to a 410A system, also applicable to R22 systems. First, gather a gauge set and low-loss fittings. Obtain an EPA license to buy refrigerant from sites like AbilityRefrigerants.com. Check for leaks and use gloves for safety. Attach the high and low side hoses, burp the lines to remove air, and slowly add refrigerant until you reach the desired pressure. Ensure good airflow by checking filters and coils. When finished, safely remove the gauges to preserve refrigerant.

The study guide for the EPA test to handle refrigerants, in both English and Spanish, is on this page >>> HVAC Refrigerant

how a heat pump/AC works

The refrigeration cycle consists of four main parts: the compressor, condenser, metering device, and indoor evaporator coil. In the compressor, low-pressure vapor enters and high-pressure vapor exits as the scroll plates increase the pressure of the refrigerant. The high-pressure vapor then moves to the outdoor coil, releasing heat and starting a phase change from vapor to liquid at around 110 degrees. The fully liquid refrigerant cools slightly and travels to the indoor metering device, where the pressure is lowered, creating a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid-vapor mix at about 40 degrees. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, it transitions to a fully vapor state, increases in temperature, and re-enters the compressor

Note: If there is a crack in the heat pump coil, we can REPLACE it instead of buying a NEW ONE!

how a heat pump AC works.mp4

THERMOSTAT WIRING

This video shows the color on thermostat wiring and what they mean.

Remember that you need top know what kind of system we have so we can wire it properly.

Wiring thermostat.MOV

AC COIL PATCH

Radiator joint soldered with Kastolin rod, controlled flame, ensuring strong, clean, and leak-free bond.

AC Coil Patch .mov

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