Spring PM's

[LittleLuke]

I'm a new tech trying not to screw up anybody's system too bad. What's a good way to check system charge this time of year when we're way out of "design conditions"?

[dan sw fl]

I'm a new tech trying not to screw up anybody's system too bad. What's a good way to check system charge this time of year when we're way out of "design conditions"?

Summer arrives in ~ 11 days.

A/C has been on here for 2+ months already.

[LittleLuke]

Yeah, I hear 'em comin' on already. But it cools down enough at night here in north Texas to make me wonder about some of these early morning readings I'm seeing.

[Downeasthvac]

I'm amazed at the lack of sarcastic replies to this question

[billva]

I'm amazed at the lack of sarcastic replies to this question

???

Seems like a good question to me.

[BigWaveDave]

Block the condensor coils until your high pressure guage reads 95 degrees, the calculate superheat.

[subcooled_]

I'm a new tech trying not to screw up anybody's system too bad. What's a good way to check system charge this time of year when we're way out of "design conditions"?

Cover a portion of the condenser to artificially bring up your head pressure to 225# or so. Checked RA and SA temps.

[BigJon3475]

Metering Device?? Heat Pump or Condenser?? Brand??

[slickrick88]

or if you have a txv on the system use something to block part of the condenser like the other guys were saying and take the temp if the liquid line and see if it corresponds with the pressure. Most condensers have a subcooling chart on the access panel.

[tinknocker service tech]

I would recommend that you be more concerned in doing a good pm then refrigerant.
most systems dont have refrigerant problems. Unless there is a leak witch will show easily in most cases

Checking caps, amps, filters, cleaning coils, Blowing the dust off the motor,
and walking away from a unit that looks like it was serviced is what is most important.

dont get me wrong making sure the charge is correct is very important. Just dont tunnel vision on that. PM involves a lot more and this is where a lot of techs get in trouble. I see it all the time where guys go in and change the filter then go out check the charge and done. This is not why we are there

people are paying for a service and you are responsible for giving them that service.

make up a pounce list and follow it to the letter as time goes on it will be second nature to you and you will find it doesn't take any longer to do it a better way then it does to tunnel or cut corners.

look over the whole system

[subcooled_]

I agree that the entire system needs to be check. I focused on charge per the question.:)

[BigJon3475]

Charge might be perfect after you do a complete PM might looked overcharged if PM isn't done......Agreed. I see it quiet often although they are almost never charged properly where I work after PM is done because charging or removal of charge was done without properly cleaning the system first.

[acmech13]

this is how i handle my pm i first as the customer if they have had any issues they would like me to address with there system. they usually lie and say it is running fine even if its not. Go to the t-stat and turn it on. then find out where there filter is and change it. then go into attic or basement and blow out there drain or test there pump. now take the doors to the unit off . check the fan out see how the bearing are and its run cap. check your coil and turn the fan on and off a few times checking for noises.everything inside cool go outside. turn the system off check your contactor condition and capacitor. If all your electronics are good hose down your condensor coil. put your gauges on and turn your system back on. If its not that hot out i use a cardboard box to cover the top of the condensor to build up my head pressure. Your suction pressure will rise with your head pressure. Use the sight glass if there is one. everything checks out ok wax the top of the condensor and your customer will probally tip you.

[subcooled_]

everything checks out ok wax the top of the condensor and your customer will probally tip you.

Wow with the waxing even. How much time is alloted on your PMs?

[tinknocker service tech]

everything checks out ok wax the top of the condensor and your customer will probally tip you.

Wow with the waxing even. How much time is alloted on your PMs?

for years now i put a coat of wax on just about every unit
doesnt take long put it on first and wipe it off then wash the coil
have found turtle wax works the best because it will clean at the same time

trane and rudd with the vanes are a little bit of a pain

[acmech13]

Im given 45 minutes a unit. And that pm usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to the full 45. Yet that means i will fall behind usually everyday cause im changing contactors, capacitors, and whatever the system may need to keep it running at its best. If i find a system low on charge, the leak test is reschedule before i add refrigerent, My boss is making money so if i fall behind whatever. Just means im eating lunch while driving to the next job. Im just using the fast drying auto wax.

[BigJon3475]

Wow PM's must be easier for you guys than me.....I can't even get the condenser top off and unplugged and washed out and back together in 45 minutes much less....the cleaning of the evap. coil and the rest of the air handler.

[acmech13]

In most cases the evap coils don't really need to be cleaned. Occasional brushdowns but most these systems have spaceguards on them. If the coil is bad it gets rescheduled and if chemi's are needed then a chemical cleaning is sold. My boss sells 2 kinds of start ups. ones just a check up, and of coarse the more expensive one. Anyone that goes with the cheap one is getting what they paid for. Someone to turn on the system. That checkup is 20minutes to a half hour. They usually have worn contactors. Most techs don't even open the panels the homeowner usually tell me. There coils are caked outside so i get to sell a coil cleaning. They try to be cheap and end up paying more in the long run.

[BigJon3475]

I see what ya mean now. I guess when I think PM i think entire system is cleaned then checked...I get paid by the hour and don't have to charge anyone for it so my thinking is wrapped from the actual industry standards.

[acmech13]

We get paid for our service by the hour but i am doing complete system cleanings. Most people go with the full start up. service calls go by the hour. I wish my dispatcher knew what he is doing. I get scheduled for a pm i get an almost an hour there and theres 3 systems. Im working late that day. All my calls fall behind that day. i Made myself a scooper that cleans the bottom of the condensors out fast.

[tinknocker service tech]

i like that scooper idea
explain it please i am sick of reaching down to get all that crap out

[BigJon3475]

I hooked up a long nozzle for my portable vac.....I don't use it much but if need be I can. 18 volt dewalt.

[aircooled53]

I focus on PM.

I check filters, blower, evaporator , drains.
Then I go out clean condenser, contactor,amps mtr, amps compressor, then I check charge with most important to check T.D.>I also check run capacitor value and see if it's weak. Make sure o-rings are in service caps.

I turn off condenser and restart to check starting amps. Pull cover of disconnect and check for loose wires.

[acmech13]

the scooper is easy i just make a small sheet metal box 4 x 4 x4 and screw a slip on the back and the side opposite the slip is open. Sweep the crap right into it. I may have to dump it a few times. Then the little crap i spray out.

[OregonYeti]

What I do this time of year, still cool here, is check out/tighten electrical connections, filter, cleanliness of coils, check charge for anything obvious, source voltage, amp draws, check bearings on condenser fan motor and oil it if applicable, see if contactor is burnt, check evaporator drainage, and then if they have any problems that come up give 'em a break on cost, or free, unless it's not PM-related.

It's slow this time of year here. That scoop is a great idea.

[OregonYeti]

Where in NJ are you? I have lived in Moorestown.

[acmech13]

Bergen co

[tinmantu]

the scooper is easy i just make a small sheet metal box 4 x 4 x4 and screw a slip on the back and the side opposite the slip is open. Sweep the crap right into it. I may have to dump it a few times. Then the little crap i spray out.
Nice idea....The guy I work for taught me how to make my own spray nozzle....18" of 3/8 copper to flare fitting to adapt to 1/2 gas cock then a nip and fitting to female hose adaptor....no more leaning in on those tall condensors and works good for double layer coils. Pinch the tip to increase spray pressure and bend it as you need to.

[tinknocker service tech]

Ocean county here
nice idea i have to make one tomorro
thanks

[acmech13]

make a nice handle on that with duct tape or some hockey tape