When you energize a motor, you get two outputs: a desirable one (work) and one that is not so desirable (heat). Equipped with this knowledge, you can understand why one of the criteria you must consider when selecting a motor for an application is the effect of operating temperatures on that motor.

The temperature is 102° outside. The complaint is from a car dealership. The showroom temperature is 85° and the dealer is having a big sale the next day. Bob finds the a/c unit is already doing all it can. Btu Buddy shows Bob some tricks to get more out of the system.

The compressor’s discharge temperature can tell the service technician what is going on inside a refrigeration or air conditioning system. The compressor’s discharge temperature is a reflection of the hottest part of a refrigeration system, and there are limits as to how hot a discharge temperature should be. This article will explore discharge temperatures and their limits.

The chiller maintenance tool that contributes most to a chiller’s overall efficiency is the daily log. An accurate daily log will provide a daily snapshot of the chiller’s operating characteristics and make abnormal conditions easy to spot.

When we last visited with lead installer John and his helper Charlie, they had learned how to measure external static pressure on a new system. They were shocked to measure a high 0.98 inches of water column - and surprised when their trainer asserted the airflow through the unit was probably OK.

In this installment of the Btu Buddy series, Bob and Btu Buddy meet on another job that has a low charge. This unit has a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). They determine the evaporator is starved for refrigerant and check to see why.

Noisy indoor unit complaints usually fall into one of six different categories. Problems include a loose, broken, or out of balance blower wheel. Here is a discussion of possible causes and items to check.

In this edition of the Btu Buddy series, Bob works on a system that is not working up to capacity. He finds the suction service port is leaking, repairs it, and tops off the charge.

Measuring duct static pressure is a fundamental part of diagnosing how a duct system is performing. It’s kind of like getting your blood pressure tested when you go to the doctor.

Aligning cooling tower debris management and water treatment procedures is key to a company’s worker health and safety, the company’s reputation, and operational efficiency.