Technical Tips

As temperatures rise, the phones of HVACR businesses start ringing with customers scheduling their annual AC tune-ups. That seasonal surge is exactly when inconsistency shows up — and costs you. A well-built AC maintenance checklist keeps every visit thorough, documented, and consistent, regardless of which technician is on the job. 

Do you remember when people used to say, “We don’t get weather like we used to?” Living in the Mid-Atlantic gateway to the Northeast, specifically New Jersey, I can relate. It had been quite some time since we experienced a “real winter.” That changed this year when temperatures dropped below design conditions for an extended period of time and 18 to 24 inches of snow fell within a few days. It was a powerful reminder that weather is not consistent; it operates on cycles and long-term averages.

Part 1 and part 2 of this series covered defrost diagnostics and electrical testing. You’ve checked voltage, tested resistance, and listened for clicks on a heat pump’s reversing valve. If the valve still isn’t working properly, it’s time to examine the mechanical side and check for internal leaks.

Safety shutdowns in gas furnaces are meant to protect homeowners, equipment, and technicians. Yet every heating season, contractors across the country lose money, time, and customer trust because safety faults are misdiagnosed as failed components instead of the warning signs they truly are.

When it comes to heat pumps, few topics stir as much debate as inverter compressors.

As we head into the colder months, HVACR technicians need to understand the fundamentals of defrost control board operation. While there are many types of defrost control boards on the market, they all function similarly. Let’s break down the basics so you’re prepared to handle this common cold-weather issue.

Skipping the manufacturer’s instructions during installation may result in a furnace that fails within six months or less. For example, heat exchangers can crack from improper venting, and gas valves can clog and malfunction by skipping essential piping steps. This happens all the time when installers rush through jobs.

Part 1 in this series covered defrost cycle problems in heat pumps. Now, let’s discuss the second major winter issue: heat pumps stuck in one mode.