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). We received a comment recently that called out the […]

First, let's get something straight: BRAZING is when you use a filler rod that isn't the same material as the base metal but melts ABOVE 840°F. Soldering is the same but at temperatures BELOW 840°F. With HVAC rods melting at around 1200°F, it confuses me why we usually call it “silver solder” but also often call it […]

This article is the second in a 5-part series by Senior Refrigeration and HVAC tech Jeremy Smith.  The Ground rules I've spent some time thinking about troubleshooting and the processes and procedures that I use to find problems. Not the “why isn't my air-conditioner running?” problems, but the “Things just aren't quite right”-type problems—the really […]