This is a basic overview of the refrigeration circuit and how it works. It isn't a COMPLETE description by any means, but it is designed to assist a new technician or HVAC/R apprentice in understanding the fundamentals. First, let's address some areas of possible confusion:  The word “condenser” can mean two different things. Many in […]

Receivers, which we sometimes call “liquid receivers,” are components that store refrigerant. You'll see it on everything from small self-contained refrigeration units to very large commercial and industrial systems. Many new techs who are used to residential air conditioning confuse receivers with accumulators. It's an understandable error, as they both contain liquid refrigerant. However, you'll […]

There are three reasons why I don't like infrared thermometers for many HVAC tasks. #1 – The laser is misleading The laser dot is just a point of reference, not an exact point where it is reading. Often the thermometer will read lower, higher, or over a MUCH wider area. Unless you are right up […]