HVAC Techs Battle Broken Equipment
HVAC technicians are frequently frustrated by poorly installed systems, equipment failures (mice!), and challenging recovery processes. They also grapple with unusual issues like refrigerant problems and a lack of accessibility for maintenance.
SOURCES (60)
“Rtu isn't cooling my txv is partially iced up and my coil is starting to ice up these pressure seem off but I'm not sure if it's a plugged up txv or just low on charge submitted by /u/laughtertech89 [link] [comments]”
“Rtu isn't cooling my txv is partially iced up and my coil is starting to ice up these pressure seem off but I'm not sure if it's a plugged up txv or just low on charge submitted by /u/laughtertech89 [link] [comments]”
“Compressor didn’t start before would trip on thermal overload. Slapped a hard start onto her and it to start and this was the result submitted by /u/Curious-Program-8543 [link] [comments]”
“Dealing with a failing condenser (thing is pretty old and hits thermal overload when it gets above 90 outside). I rigged up a simple misting system I bought from home depot and manually turn it on to mist the coils when it gets above 90. I am aware of the mineral buildup and rust potential from doing this from other posts here about it, but this system really just needs to get me through another month/month and a half before being replaced in the winter. Since implementing this 3 days ago it has”
“r-22 with piston metering device. I did wash the condensing coil after I took these picture but there wasn’t much change. Superheat: ~48 degrees Subcool: ~39 degrees Outdoor ambient: ~83 degrees Return air: ~79 degrees Supply air ~58 degrees. Checked both sides of filter drier and temp was the same. Air Filter replaced and evap coil is clean. I’m leaning towards a restriction in the piston but am very green to hvac so help appreciated. submitted by /u/dronk661 [link] [comments]”
“I've been posting about my hvac not cooling. Its been blowing out warm air. The filter included was the wrong size. Thought the drain was clogged. I called they came and here is the verdict. Its near the end of its life but not yet. Edit: Technician noted Evaporator coil is very rusted. Can this be repaired, replaced or when it dies will i have to get a new system? They are adding freon, replacing the capacitor and replacing the fan motor. Didn't offer any service regarding the very rust”
“Anybody got anything to say about mrcool systems? submitted by /u/southern_engineer420 [link] [comments]”
“The installer will be back in 3 days to complete a few minor tasks. In the meantime, I’m trying to educate myself a little beyond the user manual. After the install was complete we had some high heat and humidity here in Indianapolis. The system came paired with a MyHomeComfort CA4 thermostat. Set temp is 74 and fan is set to “auto”. I observed some very different behavior of this system. I realize it’s a very different very variable fancy dan system but here goes. 1) It’s been 2 days and the fa”
“Just installed a new 4 ton R32 unit with a new evaporator coil. The piston is .080. submitted by /u/Intelligent_Mud_6217 [link] [comments]”
“So I had this issue happen twice now. Window Aircon. At 24c It would be perfectly fine then randomly it would start to frost up. The thing is that it's not all the time, the filter is cleaned every other day due to shedding dog. The first time was due to the filter being extra furry and the second time was just random. I have it on eco so it should have kicked off but it didn't. Once I turn it up a degree it not only kicks off but everything just all of a sudden melts so quick. It's”
“Floor guy says that’s how they looked before and that they must have been working fine all that time. Should I have an HVAC tech look at them?”
“Hey everyone, looking for a reality check/second opinion after two separate service calls today. Equipment: 24-year-old York split system using R-22. Initial issue: Thermostat lost power. Turned out to be a low-voltage wiring short at a wire nut near the furnace, which we repaired. Current issue: 24V signal returned, but outdoor unit /compressor short-cycled/shut off. Gauges: System pulled straight into a vacuum on the suction side (-4 PSI) while high side sat around 250 PSI. Low-pressure safety”
“Update I’m not sure if it’s a leak I did call them back out not sure when there going to get out here they are going to call me back. But to the leak part I have a Refrigerant Detection system kit 24v only and it’s not flashing any codes it’s staying solid green so I’m thinking it may be the cfm like some of you where saying submitted by /u/Bloodborn973 [link] [comments]”
“Last Monday, we came home from a weekend trip to the house at 79 (set for 72) and the system running. By the end of the night, the house was at 72. There was no power outage. I measured 62 degrees at the vents, with a house temp of 78, 16 degree delta. Tuesday, the system worked normally most of the day, but in the afternoon, the system was running, but there was no airflow from the vents. I tried cycling the thermostat, trying fan only, but nothing. Scheduled a HVAC tech for Wednesday afternoon”
“Hey guys I got a quote and I want to get your opinions. New construction home in 2022. Carrier CA16NA042 3.5-ton R-410A condenser. Does this seem accurate? Seems very high for Freon. Thanks submitted by /u/Ok_Let1293 [link] [comments]”
“Ac running a lot during the heat wave. Mowers knocked it out of whack. Read the compressors oil will lean to the side and shorten the life. submitted by /u/donewithitfirst [link] [comments]”
“In Oct of 2010 I had a 3 ton Rheem heat pump (RHLL and RPQL036JAZ) installed. Since it was Oct, I don’t believe we ran the AC. When heat was finally called for on Dec 1 and 2, the unit would only run a few minutes. The first time, the unit appeared to be frozen. The temperature that night and early morning was in the low 30’s. They came and replaced the defrost board. With temperatures the next night just below freezing the same problem occurred on Dec. 2. This time, they determine the high-pres”
“So, after getting an absolutely horrendous quote from one company I reached out to another for getting my system looked at and fixed up. The guy was nice enough to look at the outdoor unit, find and replace the PCB ( almost 600 bucks gone but .. okay). Then today/yesterday he gave me this doozie of news that apparently the furnace is a total crap show. So, I know diddly squat about different parts but at the same time the HVAC is about 4 years old. So I want to cross check this assessment with t”
“I had a company install a new HVAC system (two stage furnace and single stage AC) Bryant system today. After they left I noticed it was struggling to get the room air down to 70 (from 76 with outside temp of 79 and sunny). Cold air was coming from the vents but it was just cool air and seemed slow. I did some googling and eventually checked the thermostat wiring. It showed that G was having an error and that C was not being detected at all. When checking C, the clip was not keeping it in place.”
“I’ve got an older Bryant system and a couple days ago the breaker tripped and I can’t get it to work and am at a loss. Here’s what I know: With the thermostat set to ac, fan, and heat as soon as the fan starts blowing the breaker pops in about five seconds. There’s no fuse to the furnace system. The ac compressor will run (and sounds fine) when I press the relay (I think that’s what it’s called?) outside. I replaced the blower motor in December of ‘24. After messing with a bunch of stuff and tri”
“Will re doing the duct work and upgrading to R-8 help my humidity issue? submitted by /u/HVACissuesTX2026 [link] [comments]”
“My A/C started blowing hot air. Our company utilizes Love's or TA, when we are out away from the company shops. (Love's #1) Sandersville, MS told me they couldn't get their diagnostic equipment to work. (Love's #2) Vinton, LA said that their one (and only) mechanic was going out on a 5-hr road call, and wouldn't be back until the end of his shift. This was 1:00 PM. Where are you going for 5 hours in any direction, where there is not another Love's? (Love's #3) Moody,”
“Line is frosty, is there anything I can do without a tech today? What may be causing this problem submitted by /u/gunsgarciabuffalo [link] [comments]”
“New homeowner and I'm troubleshooting my HVAC. The two problems I have are: -HUMIDITY!!! -Temperature difference between main level and downstairs (which is half an unfinished basement and half a finished basement that feels like a normal level of a house due to windows and high ceilings). The downstairs has significant levels of humidity: ~69-70%. The main level is around 60%. These levels have been consistent for a month (without much rain, so I don't know where all this moisture is co”
Hi, One month ago, ice was building up on the liquid line of my AC and it wasn't cooling well. The technician fixed it by flushing the system and recharging the refrigerant.…
“So I came to this and when I started it seemed obvious that it was low on refrigerant. But after I started put in refrigerant and I noticed the suction line wasn't going down so I looked at the coil. Checked and it has a piston, airflow good, no restrictions on duct, filters clean. But, I did notice that the condenser is a 4 ton and the evaporator seems to be based on the model number a 33k BTU A coil. So I think that's why and it also probably has a smaller piston and higher heap pressu”
“AHU1 410a split system Static pressure - 0.45”WC total external static Lowered fan speed to 805 CFM 3 ton condenser 4 ton evaporator 11° sub cooling, exactly what condenser wants 12° superheat 10° drop across evaporator 357psi head 107° saturated 142 suction 49° saturated Liquid line 96° Suction line 60° Space temp 73° Compressor amps 10, rated for 13.6 OA temp 85° Had a 19° drop in 2024 2.37 compression ratio Everything appears good but my temp drop is only 10°, I’m stumped? submitted by”
“Will we cause more damage by continuing to run it until the experts arrive tomorrow? (It's 95 F at 7:20 pm; no AC will make for a miserable night.) submitted by /u/BroadLocksmith4932 [link] [comments]”
“Hello fellow techs, lately I’ve been running into systems with TXVs that have been opening and closing constantly, subcool will have 10 degree swings and superheat is all over the place. It’s impossible to verify charge when pressures are constantly jumping around. What are your methods for troubleshooting a hunting TXV? How can you tell if the problem is non-condensables, undercharge or wrong size valve? Lately I’ve just been just condemning the TXV if I run into a hunting issue pulling a vac r”
“Both subcooling and superheat are low. The pump ratio is also low. The suction line pressure is high. submitted by /u/chankilyn [link] [comments]”
“Please give me any and all evidence that my HVAC employee should absolutely go get check out right now. submitted by /u/ancelstierr3 [link] [comments]”
“Was installed today, 50 gallon heat pump Rheem Proterra. It's dripping from one of the seams. submitted by /u/pbsSD [link] [comments]”
“I'm getting mighty upset with Trane. They're *supposed* to be The Guy ®️. The "Top of the Line." I can't count how many factory caused leaks I've found on these condensers this past summer. What the hell is going on inside their factories? If you're gonna cross your tubes that close to each other, is it really that hard to put some rub protection in there? Is it really that hard to just... Not make the tubes touch? submitted by /u/CuratorXethia [link] &#”
“These recordings were from a 5T package unit with 90F outdoor air temp. I observed the superheat crashing (bouncing/hunting) about every 60 seconds (see graph) when the suction line temp rapidly dropped from around 62F to 49F (see photos). The TXV bulb is secured to the suction line properly with insulation. Suction line temp measured about 12” after evap. Would this indicate a bad TXV? Or, is this normal on a package unit with a very short suction line? Anything else possibly causing this?  ”
“Only 6 degrees temp split, 2 zones when both running air flow is weak, customer has too turn off one just too get stronger air flow. I'm in my 2nd month & stuck on this submitted by /u/SnooOpinions6152 [link] [comments]”
“New occupant to the home, not my install, no known history of the system. My SST is low as hell, high side seems a hair under, TD and wet bulb low as hell. No feeder tubes or sections of the coil are frosting up, no restrictions within the coil. The coil sits close to the top of the plenum with a takeoff on one side. The side WITHOUT a takeoff is holding a pocket of air with an extremely high TD and WB differential. Diagnosis: evap coil sitting too high in the plenum, air flow is creati”
“Im newer in commercial, but I can manage solo somewhat. I got sent this morning to 3 package units that climate control their storage warehouse for customers. These are 2007, R22 units with 3D scroll compressors. I'm considering unit 1 is suffering from compressor failure due to 422D. Unit 2 I feel is non condensables or moisture. Unit 3 I feel is metering device. Temp drop across filter driers was 2 degrees. Any help would be appreciated. Boss is sending us out to flush the circuits. Unit 1”
“Blower was only set for ~1000 cfm for this 3 ton unit as well. Make it make sense. submitted by /u/ApexHerbivore [link] [comments]”
“I'm not sure if I should replace my Gas furnace now or let it run until it dies. I have a 1988 Janitrol GU100. I recently had a maintenance on it and had them clean the unit and it ran fine. It's basically just old and I will probably need to replace the blower motor + capacitor eventually. There was never any co2 reading at all when it ran or any time it was being cleaning (0 ppm and no reading over 0). I got a few quotes for an 80% gas furnace replacement and they were 9k and 10k in th”
“So I spent a bunch of time memorizing how to DIY this properly because I didn't want to break anything or cause environmental harm. As I'm adding refrigerant to the system, gas and dye start spraying out from the manifold gauge connector at the high pressure schrader valve. It looks as though the seal was broken. After I shut everything off I inspected the connectors. The low pressure connector is solid with no play. For some reason the high pressure connector has play. Could it be that”
“Update... Had the wrong wire running from the generator to the Surge Protector/Panel. Had a three wire connection and needed four. One hot line (120) was not enough and caused the overloads. Now running two hot lines (240), added a couple of new receptacles and am up and running...can even run the AC which is nice. Thanks to all for the advice.”
“Looking for some opinions from people in the industry because this has turned into a much bigger mess than I ever expected. About two months ago my geothermal heat pump gave up the ghost as I was in the middle of two other expensive home projects. I got a few bids, a couple of the big guys everyone knows, and couple of smaller family businesses. I went with one of the smaller guys that seemed competent. The quoted system is a 5-ton Trane (RunTru) dual-fuel 17 SEER heat pump/97% gas furnace for $”
“So I’ve ran into this about 3 times in the past 4 days. Newer horizontal Goodman furnaces with the 3 digit led display with the option and menu buttons. You can’t adjust fan speed for AC without going into “ODS” and switching it to “On”. Then you select what time of condenser you have so if it’s a single stage condenser you set it to “AC1”. Then you’re able to change fan speed. What I believe I’ve been seeing is when it’s not programmed that way, the fan runs at the highest speed (F09) at defaul”
“I just installed a, Stealth 3 Ton 16.1 SEER2 High Efficiency Heat Pump Split System - R454B Inverter - Multi-Positional, from HVAC Direct. My brother is an electrician and said he could handle the thermostat hook up and other wiring. So we get in it, turn the thermostat to cool, the airhandler blows, the compressor comes on but the compressor seems to be running rough, kind of chugging and after about 5 mins stops, the copper lines outside at the compressor are warm instead of cool. I shut down”
“I am trying to figure out if its worth it to buy temp pipe clamps to measure suction line temps that I maybe will only use 2-3 times max at this point. Needed to get superheat. This is what I have: 4ton outdoor package air - Piston metering - 30+ old years/never recharged - r22 - 88 degrees dry outside at unit - 80/81 degrees at return grille - 64/65 degrees at nearest supply vent - humidity in and out was somewhere between 42-52% - 70 psi/41f/5c degree saturation @ LSP - indoor wet bulb using c”
“Grounded climatough in a 19-year-old unit. Customer stated that it was the second compressor in the unit. He had nothing but trouble with it from day one . I can only imagine what was going on with it while it was running. submitted by /u/Advanced-Educator-55 [link] [comments]”
“Last night I got home to my house being 85 and I discovered the breaker tripped to my condenser. Giving it a look over I noticed the fan was so hot you couldn't touch it and the compressor was so hot, when water hit it, it instantly turned to steam. So i checked the fan capacitor and compressor capacitor and both read 0. The only option to replace it was a dual 35/5. Now how do I wire the new capacitor in? I tried wiring it like it was with the two separate caps, but the fan wont come on. Iv”
“Unit stopped working. Initial visit was an easy capacitor swap but the pressures and delta T after start up were off . Only got a delta T of 12-13°. The compression ratio was in the toilet and the compressor was pulling 5 amp. RLA on data plate was 10. The txv was tested and it opened and closed with cold and warm water. The unit needed a cleaning but couldn’t do it day off and had to make a return trip about a week later. Cleaned the condenser coils and then started up the unit.. the outdoor fa”
“I recently swapped the PCB on my furnace after getting it diagnosed. I’m hand enough to do so, but my insurance policy was taking a lot of pictures before starting. Since then, the issue I experienced is resolved, but I noticed oddities with static pressure. Pics: 1- equipment in question 2/3 - pre check status of equipment 4/5 - AC Check info showing no static pressure 6/7 -difference in fan set to high vs auto I also removed the filter temporarily and nothing changed. The system still cools th”
“I know this reddit is pretty American. I'm in the UK and I've just taken over maintenance on a site that has been neglected. on most of the evaporator controllers the thermistors have been replaced with resistors and are just running flat out. Never hitting a defrost cycle. Systems started on R404A and now on R449A because apparently the planet was sad. Nobody told the controllers this though. The refrigerant cost for one of these systems is £5,000. Do you guys have to deal with this ove”
“Work out here in Vegas, been crazy hot last few weeks/ days 113+. We’ve been having lots of issues with new package units, Lennox. 454b units that are not cooling, anyone notice same issues? Seems like they just get too hot, just got off of one that compressor 2 was on a lockout, cycled power and came on, seemed to be working fine but suns going down about 104 now still hot, but not 115 hot submitted by /u/cruzr0927 [link] [comments]”
“I had a battery heat up and vent in the house, being woken up at 2AM smelling burnt plastic and acid fumes was almost as unpleasant as dragging the UPS outside at 2:15AM 😆”
“Looking for opinions from some professionals here. I know you guys generally work with commercial and home a/c but I’m not sure who else to consult irl about this. I am not an hvac tech but I hold odp certification and I am a licenced mechanic. I run fleet maintenance for a medium sized fleet of Prévost commuter coach buses. My question specifically relates to the “recommended pressures chart” for r134a and if there is some acceptable amount to be outside of the range? I have pointed out that se”