Superheat

[Kymike]

If superheat is achieved is the system in the proper working order and nothing else needs to be done. Everything is clean and no problems in the system.

[SBKold]

Well no in short. Too many other variables.

A system is dynamic and superheat is only part of the puzzle.

Oh and having superheat could mean 1deg or 50deg. There is no one proper reading.

Interpreting the data is key. Luckily with the Internet we have access to great info like never before.

Go to www.efficientcomfort.net and look at wayne's brain ac calculator.

This program is really neat.

[ADillon]

You should confirm airflow before checking your superheat. If airflow is not there, you may acheive your target superheat but your capacity & effeciency will not be there. If proper airflow is confirmed and you are at your target superheat, then it is fairly safe to say that the unit is 'running properly'

[jpsmith1cm]

If superheat is achieved is the system in the proper working order and nothing else needs to be done. Everything is clean and no problems in the system.

If you have a known system that is logged and known to be setup correctly, Superheat is a fair "quick" check.

On an unknown system, it is only one datapoint in a large "connect-the-dots" puzzle.

[Kymike]

I only ask the question this way because I always make sure condenser and evaporator coils are clean, filter is good and air flow is good. I work for an apartment community and they trained me on hvac. They taught me to make sure everything is clean and working good. To check pressures, what ever the ambient temp is add 30 on the high side and it should be fine. I would like to know a lot more. I have all the tools to do checks. This is where I got started doing hvac. I done an online course and do understand the theory and all that. I'm trying to learn hands on cause books just don't do it for me.

[ADillon]

It sounds like you're doing everything right, For maintenance. let system run for 15 minutes. Confirm CFM through the indoor unit. Check temp drop across evap coil. Record indoor wet bulb/dry bulb temps/ record outdoor dry bulb temp. These temperatures will allow you to consult your charging chart (on outdoor unit) and get a target superheat or subcool (depending on metering device) now attach to the system and get your hi/lo side pressures, convert to temp, measure line temp and determine your superheat/subcool. If you are within 2 degrees of your target, then you should be in good shape. I'm sure some people would argue that you shouldn't even attach your gauges during 'tune ups' unless something warrants it (poor drop across evap) this is an area of debate but it sounds like you are on the right track!

[Kymike]

Where in the system is the best place to check cfm? When checking temp drop across evaporator what is a good range for that.

[ADillon]

usually 18-20 degrees but it depends on the humidity in the space. It depends on how you plan on checking CFM. Total external static pressure is a popular method and requires a manometer (or some other pressure sensing device) to read static pressure. The positions depend on if it is an air handler or furnace. temperature rise is another good method if the heat is electric.

[Kymike]

How do you do static test. I have a manometer. Would this be the best way or would buying An anemomter be better.

[jimj]

How do you do static test. I have a manometer. Would this be the best way or would buying An anemomter be better.

You need to get your post count up and apply for Pro, lots more answers there!

[ADillon]

The device should be above to read in down to at least 0.01"w.c manometer, magnehelic gauge, dwyer 460 or most digital manometers these days are capable of reading static pressure. You would also need the proper static 'tips' or probes to insert into the duct.

[OldSchoolMech]

You need to get your post count up and apply for Pro, lots more answers there!

I wish it was just a simple as that. I love learning about HVAC/R and feel that I am missing out on alot that this site has to offer I am a 5 year apprentice. I write my CFQ Refer ticket soon and hold a G2 gas ticket and applyed to get Pro access No luck yet.

To the OP this is an Awesome Trade and you seem to be in the Right direction with wanting to gain all this Knowlege. Thats why I love this trade cause we learn more everyday

[Nuclrchiller]

I wish it was just a simple as that. I love learning about HVAC/R and feel that I am missing out on alot that this site has to offer I am a 5 year apprentice. I write my CFQ Refer ticket soon and hold a G2 gas ticket and applyed to get Pro access No luck yet.

To the OP this is an Awesome Trade and you seem to be in the Right direction with wanting to gain all this Knowlege. Thats why I love this trade cause we learn more everyday

You should ask about the delay. Probably some kind of oversight. From what you say about yourself, you're probably more "pro" than some of the other "pros" I've seen posting here (meaning elsewhere on this site). Just realised jpsmith is on this thread. How about it jp?