Tech Tips

This tech tip was written by experienced tech and VRV specialist Ryan Findley. Thanks, Ryan. This is a quick overview, not a substitute for taking proper manufacturer training.   This tech tip is geared towards the mechanic who is fairly new to VRV systems. As with anything, before we harness the ability to install or […]

First off, I want to thank Ulises Palacios for taking these photos. He is in the habit of cutting open the compressors he replaces to see why they failed (when possible). I think that's pretty boss. So, why would the compressor have copper plating on the inside? They certainly aren't manufactured that way. The short […]

Suction Accumulators A suction accumulator is used to prevent liquid refrigerant floodback to the compressor. A compressor is designed to move vapor refrigerant, NOT liquid, and the accumulator can really help us win that battle. Accumulators are commonly used on heat pumps, transportation refrigeration systems, low-temp supermarket systems, and any place where liquid refrigerant flooding […]

This article was written by boiler technician Justin Skinner. Big thanks to Justin for being one of the rare techs who cares enough to take the time to write something like this. Thank you, Justin! Pressure switches are used in a variety of applications. Generally, they are a normally open switch that closes with either […]

With cold temperatures right around the corner, it is a good time to brush up on our steam now, and there's no better way to do that than by reading an article by Dan Holohan. This article was written by Dan Holohan and published at HeatingHelp.com HERE. It has been reposted here with permission. This […]

We all understand that vacuum pump oil is the lifeblood of our vacuum pumps. We know what the function of vacuum pump oil is and how it functions. But how do we apply that knowledge when choosing the oil best suited for our pumps? Many of us simply pick up what’s in the stock room […]

Basic Compressor Functions The compressor's job is to circulate refrigerant through the system by means of vapor compression, similar to the way your heart moves blood through your circulatory system. Refrigerant circulation is measured in lbs/min or lbs/hour; this is called mass flow rate—the mass flow rate changes depending on the density of the refrigerant […]

This article is written by longtime tech Shaun McCann sharing his experiences with a big problem in our trade. Thanks for this, Shaun.  I started in the HVAC business working for a small commercial union shop in the late '80s. I left that job within a year and worked in the bar and restaurant business […]

This quick article was written by market refrigeration tech Clayton Peeples. Thanks, Clayton! Adjusting the TXV should be done last after checking all other causes of the case being warm or floodback on the rack. TXVs very rarely go bad; generally, it's a dirty screen or a failed powerhead, both of which can be addressed […]