Compressors

In order to wrap my head around diagnostic issues, it helps me engage in thought experiments where I think of more extreme examples of an issue or situation or consider the ideal to find the “edges” of a concept. Once I find the extreme edges, I can begin to sort down to a more exact […]

Replacing a compressor is expensive, time-consuming, and physically taxing. If we are replacing a compressor, I want us to be doggone sure we aren't going to be dealing with the same thing again, and this often includes a shiny new contactor and capacitor (on single-phase units). There are a few schools of thought on this […]

This tech tip about tandem compressors was inspired by the recent HVAC School podcast episode with the Copeland team. You can listen to that podcast episode HERE. One compressor is great, but how about two in the same circuit? Or three? We see multiple compressors in rack refrigeration circuits, but the concept isn’t as common […]

Crankcase heaters are a critical but often overlooked component in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Their function is simple but vital: to prevent liquid refrigerant from migrating into the compressor crankcase during the off-cycle. A missing or failed crankcase heater is a leading cause of premature compressor failure. This guide covers why they're necessary, how […]

Special thanks to Ty Branaman and Bert Testerman for their work and feedback on this tech tip about compressor failure diagnosis and replacement. A PDF checklist that covers all of the procedures in this tech tip can be found at http://www.hvacrschool.com/compressor-replacement-checklist. Important Note Before You Begin Industry data indicates that up to 30% of compressors […]

This tech tip is based on an HVAC School podcast episode about scroll compressors and new refrigerants with Jeff Kukert and Tom Fesenmyer from Copeland. Jeff is the senior technical trainer, and Tom is the manager of technical services. You can listen to the original podcast HERE, and you can explore Copeland’s vast selection of […]

The HVAC/R industry isn’t short on tragic figures. There’s John Gorrie, whose ice machine showed a lot of promise but didn’t have enough financial backing due to the lucrative ice industry and the death of his business partner. While Gorrie may have died without seeing his vision reach the masses, he was ahead of his […]

I want to share something that came up in a recent discussion with Roman Baugh about VRF systems, and it made me realize I might have had a blind spot regarding scroll compressor designs. We were talking specifics, and he brought up high-pressure shell compressors. My immediate thought was, “Hold on, aren't scrolls low-pressure shell […]

Courtesy of Copeland The design goal of most modern compressors is to make them more efficient and better able to match loads, hopefully without reducing ruggedness. The Copeland Scroll Digital™ or digital scroll is one compressor design that has become very popular due to its simplicity and versatility. But before we go further, let's define […]