Simply stated, a compressor’s volumetric efficiency (VE) is its ability to pump the most pounds of refrigerant over time. The compressor’s function is right in the name: it compresses vapor refrigerant. After compression, the gas moves to the condenser via the discharge line. From there, the refrigeration cycle continues. However, some of the refrigerant vapor […]

You may have noticed that 3/8 liquid lines are generally the norm in equipment 5 tons and under. We went to a job recently where the system had a 1/2″ liquid line, and it got me thinking about the ramifications of going larger or smaller on the liquid line. Liquid Line Basics The liquid line […]

Have you ever wondered why your old refrigerator never needs service or gauges installed and can run for 30 years that way, maybe only needing an occasional cleaning of the condenser? For crying out loud, utilities are buying these old energy hogs through some programs because they never seem to die. Why do they last […]