Before we get into the parts that will ruffle some feathers, let's talk a bit about what a “Start” capacitor is and what it does. First, let's review that both start and run capacitors connect between the leg of power opposite of compressor common and the start winding. Even though it seems like a run capacitor […]

This article is written by a regular contributor, experienced rack refrigeration tech, and RSES CM Jeremy Smith. Thanks, Jeremy. Also, there is a podcast out about what kills compressors HERE. A technique that you can use to diagnose compressor problems and help differentiate them from other possible issues is compressor performance analysis. Manufacturers do extensive […]

The photo above is of a real condenser coil we cleaned just the other day. The outer fins looked OK, but dirt and lint were packed deep inside, and the head pressure and condensing temperature were sky-high. That situation illustrates that a coil can sometimes look OK at first glance but may still need to […]