#compressor

Tech Tips:

Why Compression Ratio Matters
In HVAC/R, we are in the business of moving BTUs of heat, and we move BTUs via pounds of refrigerant. The more pounds we move, the more BTUs we move. In a single-stage HVAC/R compressor, the compression chamber maintains the same volume no matter the compression ratio. The thing that changes is the number of […]
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Scroll Compressor Pump Down, Megohm Test & Fusite Terminals
This tip will be like an episode of Columbo; we will start with the what and who and then get to the why. Don't pump down a scroll into a vacuum. Don't run a scroll in a vacuum. Don't run a high voltage megohmmeter or Hi-pot test on a scroll (As a general rule, don't […]
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Common Causes of Compressor Failure
This article was written by Don Gillis, the technical training manager at Chemours. Thanks, Don! Refrigerant compressors are essential components of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, as we all know. They work by compressing refrigerant vapor, which then flows through the system and changes state as pressure and temperature conditions rise and fall. Unfortunately, these […]
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Hit Your Spots
When I was younger, I used to play and watch golf quite often. My father enjoys golf, and he would take me with him on many of his Saturday morning rounds. As a kid, it was all about DISTANCE. All I cared about was how far I could whack the ball with a driver—ESPECIALLY when […]
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Maintenance During Major Repairs
  Every contractor is different. I get that. We don't all need to do everything the same way or include the same services with repairs, but there are some “best practices” that can save you a lot of heartache before, during, and after you make a big repair. Catch it During Diagnosis Let's say you […]
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Compressor Mass Flow – Some Thought Experiments
In order to wrap my head around diagnostic issues, it helps me engage in thought experiments where I think of more extreme examples of an issue or situation or consider the ideal to find the “edges” of a concept. Once I find the extreme edges, I can begin to sort down to a more exact […]
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Compressors and Pumps
Let's go with dictionary definitions of each one first. pump noun 1. A mechanical device using suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, compress gases, or force air into inflatable objects such as tires. compressor noun 1. an instrument or device for compressing something. Both compressors and pumps move fluids, and a fluid: Yields or […]
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Uncommon Start and Run
I walked into my first real job interview in the HVAC trade. The manager was a guy named Ernie, and he walked me out to the warehouse. Quick warning: guys named Ernie are tough. Don't mess with a dude named Ernie. He walked up to a box, snatched a pen out of his shirt pocket, […]
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Compressor Performance Analysis
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 […]
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Videos:

Podcasts:

Circuit Board Diagnosis Basics
In this unedited episode of HVAC School, Bryan and Nathan talk about some basic rules for circuit board diagnosis. So, circuit boards are boards with circuits in them. They come in two types. The traditional printed variety contains switches, relays, and resistors. The other type contains silicon chips and uses logic and processing inside the […]
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Cutting Compressors, iManifold, and Thermal Imaging w/ Ulises Palacios
In this episode of HVAC School, Bryan talks with Ulises Palacios about some cool technology. Ulises has become a technology expert through his many years of working with new tools. He has recently been involved in testing new technologies, and he has worked with Jim Bergmann. Cutting open a compressor is one of the most […]
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The Basic Refrigeration Circuit
In this episode of HVAC School, we discuss the entire basic refrigerant/compression refrigeration circuit. We are in the business of moving heat. Heat refers to motion in the molecules. Temperature is the average velocity of those molecules. Heat needs a temperature differential to move. So, HVAC systems absorb heat when the refrigerant is colder than […]
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Diagnosing & Replacing a Compressor
In this podcast episode, Bryan goes over best practices for diagnosing and replacing an A/C or refrigeration compressor.  When testing for a shorted compressor, make sure the compressor is isolated from all of its circuitry. You would see low ohms to ground in a shorted compressor. Do NOT measure from winding to winding or terminal […]
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Events:

How To Properly Inspect a Failed Compressor
NOTE: If you cannot view the recording, the video may still be processing. The maximum wait time is 24 hours. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
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Compressor Teardown
  NOTE: If you cannot view the recording, the video may still be processing. The maximum wait time is 24 hours. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
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