#blend

Tech Tips:

Source: Refrigerant Slider in the Ref Tools App We've been pretty spoiled in residential and light commercial HVAC in the USA because we haven't needed to deal with glide much. In HVAC/R, glide is the window of difference between the boiling points in blended refrigerants; when you have a refrigerant blend made up of different […]

Fancy Refrigerant Words

The HVAC industry uses all sorts of fancy words to classify refrigerant. As such, there are all sorts of complicated refrigerant acronyms: HFC, HCFC, CFC. Let's also not forget the mythical zeotropic, azeotropic, and near-azeotropic descriptors. Let's simplify those. (Though if you want to go back to the basics first, check out this article on […]

Is It OK To Top Off With R410a?

I am consistently surprised by how much false information still circulates out in the field, and one of the ones I hear often is the idea that you cannot or should not “top-off” or recharge R410a systems on top of an existing charge of R410a when the system is low. So, to be clear, before […]

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#azeotropic #blend #cfc #hcfc #hfc #zeotropic

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In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor.

Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shifted current to the start winding, allowing the motor to run in the right direction and with the appropriate amount of torque. These capacitors are needed in most of the single-phase PSC motors we work with. Run capacitors are in the circuit all the time and are connected in series with the start winding (compared to start capacitors, which need to be taken out of the circuit after startup). They don’t actually “boost” voltage. The bigger the capacitor, the more current can move in and out of the start winding.

Run capacitors are made of foil and oil (and the manufacturing quality usually correlates to the capacitor’s lifespan), and they usually fail due to overvoltage or overheating. Capacitors may also be replaced with one of a higher voltage rating but not a lower one.

Before you test a capacitor, perform a visual inspection. Bloated tops and oil leakage are signs of failure. You’ll also want to measure the microfarads and make sure it’s within range. An under load test occurs while the system is running (and should NOT be done on blower capacitors for safety reasons). Bench testing happens while the system is off and the capacitor is disconnected and discharged. We have calculators for testing on our app.

To test under load, measure the amperage on the start wire and multiply it by 2652. Then, divide that number by the voltage to find the capacitance in microfarads. If the capacitance is over 10% low, replace the capacitor. When replacing a capacitor, make sure the system is off, the capacitor is discharged, and that you tighten the strap and wire it up correctly. It’s also a good idea to bench test the new capacitor.

“Capacitor Testing and Replacement Procedure” tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/capacitor-testing-and-replacement-procedure/

“What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers” podcast: https://www.hvacrschool.com/podcasts/what-is-up-with-blower-amps-watts-w-steve-rogers/

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Capacitor Testing and Replacement – Short #247

07/01/2025

Bryan Orr

Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification