Refrigeration Q: for rookie

[spongebrain~~]

Hey guys.........I've been working on A/C's for a couple years now but have never touched a fridge or cooler, etc. I hear that refrigeration is a lot harder to learn and more complex.............Can anyone tell me what the main differences are between refrigeration and air conditioning?

[t527ed]

controls..........








and a very sensative product. people don't go bad, food does.:eek:

[scottsacavsfan]

I also have just started doing some refridgeration after a few years of A/C
#1 Rule its never the charge.
but when it is,
I have found is that the charge is not as forgiving
There is no short cutting it you better have a long, deep vacum and a accurate scale or you wont be doing refridgeration for long.

[Tech Rob]

I'll put it how someone put it to me some time ago...

"It either is or it isn't" That's refrigeration in a nutshell. If a box's temp needs to be 33-40, 32 isn't going to work, and neither will 41

1) Charges are critical. Sometimes a half ounce can make a lot of difference.

2) Delfield sucks. If you see something with a Delfield logo on it, condemn it and write it up for replacement.

3) Controls are usually the same voltage as the equipment they are controlling.

4) A proper evacuation is everything. On small systems I usually 3x evacuate to 500m. Overkill? maybe, but I've never had problems with ice in expansion valves, noncondensibles, etc etc

5) Learn how a potential relay works.

6) Get 1-800 numbers for manufacturer support, and know who/where your local parts distributors are and whose parts they stock. Always try to go with an OEM, but if you can't, call the manufacturer and see if they can recommend or endorse any particular non-OEM parts.

[hvacpope]

here a good book for you http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Refrigeration-Air-Conditioning-Technicians/dp/140188010X/ref=sr_1_4/002-8689228-9413669?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174951898&sr=1-4

[hvaccop]

Basic refrigeration cycle the same. More controls and more components in the refrigeration circuit than A/C. I worked on more refrigeration when I first started and personally I think its harder but I like a challenge and A/C really isnt. Study, Study, Study............ Talk to some of the older guys and they can really give you some tips. Having proper instrumentation is a must for sure

[NedFlanders]

carry a P.T. chart and look at it , and apply it , and take nothing for granted.

[luskys a/c]

I have been doing both for 4 years now and you can never stop learning. Hell, Look at my post I just put up. I have seen alot of equipment in those four years but I still consider myself a novice. I love reading what these older guys put down. I also not ashamed to say that I go back to my school hvac book for refreshers. refrigeration is alot more percision and accuracy but a/c is not a cake walk either.

[hvaccop]

i have been going back to my tech school books for 7 years now.

[luskys a/c]

thanks HVACCOP!:o I don't feel so bad now. Its nice to know that the pros out there are willing to admit that.:)

[spongebrain~~]

Thanks guys.............I appreciate the advice. Looks like i'ts time to hit the books again!!!

[refrigman22]

Never change a setting if it's worked for the past 10 years ,:D look for somthing else!!

[hillbilly tech]

as far as not touching a control that has worked for 10 year,i duno,i usually get a hold of what ever i think i have to fix the promblem.Me ,refrigeration and air conditioning is all about fixing what has tore up,tear it apart and if your a good enuff troubleshooter you should be ok with a little of electrical,plumbing,and of course refrigeration thrown all together,controls are tricky to I sometimes change parts if i dunno what they do and have been lucky not to have had to change many parts that wasnt bad.It is tuff to throw it all together thow.I do a lot as far as what i work on.Lots of cooking equip. ,refrigeration of all kinds except chillers.I fumble everynow and then and learn a lot from hard knocks,ya its tuff on me but i still like it.

[so_cal_fmx]

i know im kinda late on this post,so what the heck, but i dont think refrigeration is any harder than air conditioning. maybe a little more controls.but one thing i have learned is..."its nothin you cant get figured out".you cant get intimidated as well.if its something you dont know the problem to right off the bat,it just takes a little brainstorming.go through sequence of operation, or the refrigeration cycle.and get your self familiar with things such as time clocks, defrost clocks, t-stats, solenoids, headmasters, pressure controls, and so on.iv only been in this trade for less than a year.i was most comfortable with resi AC/heating, but since my company has been sending me out on comm. calls(walk-ins,reach-ins,uprights,ice machines,you name it), iv been knockin them out like crazy.so if you decide to go into comm. refr.,theres more money in it,and more power to ya, youv'e always got some kind of help here.