While troubleshooting and repairing refrigeration systems, a common problem is a starved evaporator, meaning not enough refrigerant is entering the evaporator for the heat load placed on it.

I’m sort of a health nut. You may know the type: organic lean protein shake, fresh fruits and veggies, loads of exercise …

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In this troubleshooting situation, the equipment is a walk-in refrigeration system in a busy restaurant that has experienced a compressor failure…specifically a mechanical failure.

In this troubleshooting situation you’re called out to a tavern to check on a beverage storage unit that, according to the complaint, is “not keeping things cool”.

Many single-phase compressors require a start capacitor to assist in starting the motor. These capacitors will occasionally fail, causing a compressor to fail to start.

How does a tech know the a/c compressor he or she is diagnosing is actually failed and that the problem is not a crankcase heater, condenser fan, or rubbed out wire?

There’s no doubt that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology has impacted the HVACR industry. Now, the technology is evolving even further, allowing HVACR manufacturers to include built-in diagnostics and troubleshooting in the equipment itself.

Bob and Tim are discussing the job that they are about to start. They are at a residence and the system has a blown low-voltage fuse. Tim said, “Let’s just change the fuse and try it and see if the system will start up. The only thing it can do is blow another fuse."

I see techs in the field get the most frustrated when they have a low-voltage short they can’t seem to locate. The challenge techs face with low voltage diagnosis is a combination of poor process and some root misunderstanding about what they are looking for.