Average time to do a complete A/C check ?

[cook42]

As I stated before in some of my post I'm trying to be a better tech this year and I have a question about time frame into which you do a A/C clean and check.

Over the years I've have worked with different people and companys and it look's like to me that the way they do clean and checks one A/C units is wrong! Mostly its change filters and fly and I had one so call top tech tell me that putting gauges on a unit to check system charge is the last thing he would do! Please break me out of some these bad habits I might have picked up out here in the field!

Thanks!

[beachtech]

you have enough posts to apply for promembership :)

get that app in and post this question there ;)

[cook42]

Thanks! I will do that!

[beachtech]

will deffinatley reach that goal of becoming a better tech too ;)

looking forward to see you in the pro section :)

[Edwin73]

The time it takes can vary. I do check the refrigerant charge, amp all the motors, blow out the drain, check the filters, apply drain pan treatment, oil the motors if they are able to be oiled, check superheat and subcooling, wash the condensor coil, check temperature drop across the evaporator, and check the contactor. Commercial package units will be similar, except some have belts to check. I have a checklist on my invoice that has most of that stuff

[cook42]

The time it takes can vary. I do check the refrigerant charge, amp all the motors, blow out the drain, check the filters, apply drain pan treatment, oil the motors if they are able to be oiled, check superheat and subcooling, wash the condensor coil, check temperature drop across the evaporator, and check the contactor. Commercial package units will be similar, except some have belts to check. I have a checklist on my invoice that has most of that stuff Is there some place I can go to get a check list? When I was in school they had one for Furnaces but not one for A/C.

[topsal]

I think to actually take amp draws on all components in the condenser and the Ah as well as cleaning the cond. check air flow, t-stat. Cleaning drains ect. And actually build some sort of repoir with the customer should take at least an hour. The "Top techs" or the techs thats sell the most will simply go straight for the sell. Of parts or the new unit. If your working on your own home and your looking every little thing over you'd take your time and do it right. I think if you have some sort of integrity this should apply to your customers. Although If your trying to pay a mortgage and buy diapers youd reconsider how you spend your precious time on calls and get to the next one if the sell is simply not there.

[kajer]

Is there some place I can go to get a check list? When I was in school they had one for Furnaces but not one for A/C.

Give me your e-mail address and I will send you a copy

[catmanacman]

I think to actually take amp draws on all components in the condenser and the Ah as well as cleaning the cond. check air flow, t-stat. Cleaning drains ect. And actually build some sort of repoir with the customer should take at least an hour. The "Top techs" or the techs thats sell the most will simply go straight for the sell. Of parts or the new unit. If your working on your own home and your looking every little thing over you'd take your time and do it right. I think if you have some sort of integrity this should apply to your customers. Although If your trying to pay a mortgage and buy diapers youd reconsider how you spend your precious time on calls and get to the next one if the sell is simply not there.

i go to the customers house to service their hvac system some take a hour and a half some take 30 mins depends on the situation i know some contractors could give a crap less about the customer they are just there to lie and sell system and have no problem ripping people off i do not agree with this as there are plenty of systems that do need to be replaced

[houtonjr]

Give me your e-mail address and I will send you a copy

id like a copy also if you dont mind

[francosair]

Give me your e-mail address and I will send you a copy
could you please send one to me my e-mail is: francosair@yahoo.com
thanks on advance.

[yellowirenut]

is there a forums section just to post forms for others to use?....in order to easily help the 50+ people who may ask for a form?

[local 392]

I have always tryed to treat the customers equipment as if it was mine. For the most part it has worked very well, however some people are more concerned about saving money than getting the job they hired you for. Those people are best to stay away from. I actualy had one guy call about his air conditioner freezing up, after looking at it for a min. or two found the belt broke. While replacing the belt noticed the filter stopped up. After replacing the belt he carried my tools to the truck and said thanks for fixing his a\c. Thank God I wrote everything down that happened and had him sign it. Three trips later after him pulling the same stunt his wife told him to leave while I fixed the problems. My point is your good customers will allow you to spend the time to do the job right and have you mcome back year after year. Good luck and keep up the good work.

[topsal]

Is there some place I can go to get a check list? When I was in school they had one for Furnaces but not one for A/C.

Here is a simple 20 point A/C tune up at least what we do.
1.Clean and calibrate the thermostat when necessary

2. Wash condenser coil

3. Check the refrigerant charge level

4. Inspect all visible refrigerant lines for leaks

5. Inspect and monitor the starting capabilities of the system

6. Check volts and amp draw on compressor and motor

7. Monitor the air temperature for proper cooling and heating

8. Inspect all accessible duct work for leaks

9. Lubricate all moving parts

10. Inspect and adjust the blower and blower components

11. Inspect and tighten all electrical connections

12. Inspect all safety controls for defects

13. Service any drain pump that is present

14. Mold Inspection

15. Inspect electrical circuit breakers and fuses for proper size and defects

16. Check for any fire hazards

17. Inspect drain lines for proper drainage and leaks

18. Adjust all drive belts and pulleys

19. Test, secure and tighten all electrical connections and terminals

20. Provide complete written analysis of our findings along with any recommendations that we may have

Hope maybe this might be informational. I,m in Florida this differs a litttle by region at least on the mold isssues, due to the humidity.

[udarrell]

I will only list the first things to check in a proper sequence order, that ought to be followed for the rest of the servicing.

First look at the condenser tag for the tonnage, type of refrigerant & the model indicators of its SEER, etc.

Second, if one exists check the tag info on the coil & type of metering device, & of course the furnace tag & blower info.

Then always check the ductwork system & airflow CFM. The blower wheel blades should always be checked for lint build-up, if it is present the coil must be checked & cleaned if needed.

Get the airflow right through clean coils, indoors & out, before you do anything else, because the unit is charged according to the heatload going through the evap-coil.

These are key areas that if bad can knock efficiency & operating output all the way to even 50%.

All of the procedures need t be done in a proper sequence to yield the best results concerning time used & resultant benefits to the user. - Darrell

[jerryd_2008]

Topsal and Darrell, thank you for the AC service recommendations. This is the kind of information that I as a relatively uninformed HO appreciates.:)

There seems to be a lack of published standard practices in the residential HVAC field that HO's can use when dealing with HVAC issues/expectations. This is good information I find hard to find. Why doesn't this forum have a standard set of posts like this that a HO can review and educate himself with?:confused:

[Twilly]

i go to the customers house to service their hvac system some take a hour and a half some take 30 mins depends on the situation i know some contractors could give a crap less about the customer they are just there to lie and sell system and have no problem ripping people off i do not agree with this as there are plenty of systems that do need to be replaced


Twilli says spoken like a true Texan, how much for a J manual?

[ampulman]

The time it takes can vary. I do check the refrigerant charge, amp all the motors, blow out the drain, check the filters, apply drain pan treatment, oil the motors if they are able to be oiled, check superheat and subcooling, wash the condensor coil, check temperature drop across the evaporator, and check the contactor. Commercial package units will be similar, except some have belts to check. I have a checklist on my invoice that has most of that stuff

Wanna do mine? I live in NJ.