FIX IT YOURSELF Air Conditioner, Appliance,Plumbing, Heat and Electric!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Very typical case where your central AC does not turn on or the water from the central AC is backing up inside your house. You must check the pvc drain pipe for clogging. The best method is to use compressed air to blow out the Pvc pipe. Images http://inspectapedia.com/aircond/ACCondensate79DJFs.jpg This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your air conditioner, appliances, electrical repairs, and even health information made available by licensed professionals. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix, make repairs, or other reconfigure your appliances, electrical work, and the like.The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and methods to ask questions, should you have a quick question or need a little help from a professional without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Leak in Copper line causing R22 /410A leaks

It is worthy to note, that The most common problems with refrigerant lines are mechanical damage, leakage and corrosion. Each can cause damage to your air conditioning system and that is why a semi annual inspection is essential to conserving your system. Refrigerant lines are frequently damaged where they pass through the house wall. Leaking refrigerant lines are usually identified by oil deposits on the line. The oil will continue to build up and may have a slight odor. It is essential to have a leak check performed annually to ensure your not losing refrigerant.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

BROKEN COMPRESSOR BUT NOT BROKEN ENTIRE OUTSIDE UNIT

It is critical that you pay particular attention to the signs of when your ac compressor may be broken and what steps you need to take in order to replace it. A good rule of thumb, is when you NO LONGER HEAR THE COMPRESSOR which will make a distinct sound when you turn the ac on and off, then it is either one, completely out of refrigerant, or two completely shorted out and you will need to replace only the compressor and not the entire outside unit. The cost of the compressor can differ from one unit to the next, but keep in mind that most major distributors will have that part in stock, all you will need to do, is contact a distributor and ask if they sell to the public, and go from there, some locations may only allow an HVAC party to purchase the needed part. Email me with any questions that you may have.

R22 Required refrigerant levels

The required refrigerant levels on the air conditioner outdoor unit within the compressor are normally in the 80PSI range for most residential units. The refrigerant level is extremely important if you desire to maintain the required cooling , and especially during hot times of the year. When an HVAC technician arrives at your location and before anything is started, ensure to ask him or her what the pressure is. If you are not achieving the cooling that you want and no blockages are present, then you very likely have very low refrigerant levels. Do not be alarmed if you find that your copper lines are frozen solid with ice, this is normally a sign that your refrigerant levels are very low. Email with questions that you may have. thank you

Contactor On External unit or compressor unit

A magnetic starter (also known as a heater) is a coil setup to provide an amp "kick" for the capactitor(s) upon startup for high torque applications such as compressors. The "reset button" is similar to a circuit breaker but is hyper sensitive to what the maximum amps are dialed into the magnetic starter coil(s). They are made in various configurations to suit individual units requirements. If your motor has a 36.5 amp rating and lacks internal thermal protection anything much over that 36.5 amp draw could end up cooking the motor field/armature/brush windings and destroying it. The contactor is normally black in color and is seen as a form of HUB for most cables to interconnect at. Each cable will have their specific location on the contactor. Further, the contactor is essential to ensuring a certain level of voltage is reaching each cable line.When weak voltage is present, you will need to either refer to replacement of start capacitor or loose connect on or within the contactor. Email any questions you may have.

ELECTRICAL CONTACTOR ON OUTSIDE UNIT FOR AIR CONDITIONER

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Cool Window/wall Unit AC 15,000 BTU HIGH ENERGY use

This unit is capable of cooling a larger room area but the electricity involved is much greater than a standard mini split unit. Remember that a mini split unit has the compressor and air ventilator separate while this unit is this photo is ALL IN ONE, where all that really needs to be done is a simple hold in the wall, or window install, and the unit is set to operate. If you calculate the costs associated with the repair of a window unit and the repair of a mini split unit, you will rapidly realize that the costs associated with the repair of a mini split is much less than that of a window unit. Why? Well they are much easier to work on, they are more cost and energy efficient, and they require a smaller space and DO NOT require a large hole in the wall. Mini Splits units are also much quieter, require less maintenance with the only difference being, more work to install them. The hardest part of a window install unit, is ensuring that the space around the AC unit, is properly insulated, and that the AC has enough breathing room to ensure that the internal compressor does not burn out from a lack of respiration space. It is very common that many owners cover the compressor areas with a plastic bag, paper back, or even bags bunched together thinking that this will be a good way to insulate the areas around the compressor. This is actually a terrible idea as it leads to a smaller life span of the compressor. The internal fan may continue to turn, but if the compressor goes out, then the HVAC or cooling capability is no longer functional then all you have left is a large fan. There are several steps that should be taken when installing a window or wall unit, the wiring is critical, and a leak test MUST BE done in order to ensure that your warranty is honored in the event that the compressor goes out before a 5 year time frame. if you need information regarding an HVAC leak or vacuum test, you can fill in your question below and send

This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your air conditioner, appliances, electrical repairs, and even health information made available by licensed professionals. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix, make repairs, or other reconfigure your appliances, electrical work, and the like.The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and methods to ask questions, should you have a quick question or need a little help from a professional without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

HVAC copper line set connections to Compressor 1 ton

In this photo you see two large copper lines going straight into the rear side of the compressor. These lines are required if your HVAC unit is to properly function, and provide cool air to your Mini split or even Central Air systems. Many home owners are now switching over to mini Split systems as their ability to cool large spaces is becoming widely popular for many different reasons. The HVAC system for a Mini Split unit is identical in functionality of a much larger central air system. A central air system for a standard 1800 square foot home is very close to the 2 Ton Mini split system capacity, BTU, and cooling capability. The installer of a Mini split system also has the option to install MORE THAN one single air ventilator to the same compressor. This places a substantive advantage to the entire situation as now home and business owners are able to circumvent a once highly dependent central air system with a Mini split system. The electric costs are lower, the costs to maintain a Mini split system are lower, and the cost of total system replacement is less than half that of a Central Air system. So why would anyone not want to switch over? I have your answer, depending on who runs your copper or line set tubing between the air ventilator and the compressor, it may end up looking like the below:

There are several ways to reduce the cosmetic impact that the line set may have. You may purchase a long sheet of sheet metal and have it bent into shape to cover up the entire line set, and you may also have a long wooden panel built specifically to cover the areas where the line set rests. Most HVAC specialists will recommend other methods for covering the line set that are strictly within regulation and would not impact the performance of the HVAC system. If you would like to determine the best way to manage the HVAC line set, feel free to enter your question below

This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your air conditioner, appliances, electrical repairs, and even health information made available by licensed professionals. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix, make repairs, or other reconfigure your appliances, electrical work, and the like.The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and methods to ask questions, should you have a quick question or need a little help from a professional without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

Central Air NOT getting cold enough? HVAC digital Pressure Meter

Here you see a digital HVAC meter designed to assist with the proper check, and servicing of HVAC system tied into either a Mini Split System with or without Heat. This meter is both expensive in cost and in quality. Only trained and certified HVAC technicians are aware of how to use this gauge to property service both a system refrigerant, perform leak checks, and system vacuum. Several things are checked with this gauge to include pressure, system fluid levels and each gas much be serviced accordingly. It is illegal to handle, distribute, or otherwise provide for system refrigerant for cooling purposes. Please ask a CERTIFIED HVAC TECH for assistance with this by using the box below.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Mini split ac and heat exchange unit AIR FILTER

This photo shows a typical mini split ac and heat exchange unit AIR FILTER, this filter is designed to clean the air before it exists the air vents and into your lungs. There are some very important concepts related to this air filter that should be taken into consideration, everything ranging from how often to change the filter, what type of filter to use, and the impact of leaving in the same filter without cleaning it for months at a time. On average, most mini split unit owners do not change out their air filter for about 5 months. The impact on lungs is immense, and should be consulted with a lung expert. If you feel that your lungs have suffered in any way because of dirty air from a mini split unit, you can easily have a small to moderate lung infection, and you believe that the problem is sinuses. If you have experienced difficulty in breathing, or have found yourself needing to turn off your mini split unit, then you may have a small health concern that should be addressed with a health professional. If so, then fill in your health concern below, and send away to get a quick response to your concerns.

Wireless Security 24/7

Looking at the top area of the window in this photo, you will see a small wireless camera. This camera can capture images both day and night 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The advantage of this camera is not only the day and night recording, it is the fact that all images are recorded onto a DVR system avg cost $175 that is capable of recording images months at a time. If something were to occur against a business or private residence where this device is installed, the client stands to pay little to no insurance deductible in the event of a claim, receive monthly 15-30 percent insurance premium deductible, and catch the bad guys who attempted to steal property, break-in, and break the law. A wireless security camera can mean the difference between protecting a business assets , and preventing a break in which can a times cost the insured hundreds of thousands of $$$. The wireless security system is installed using a special DVR system that an experienced, and licensed home and business alarm specialist can consult you on for a fee of several dollars and depending on your urgency with the matter. You can contact a licensed wifi security professional with the box below by entering your question and being connected with one

This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your system. This guide focuses on the Trane and other similar style electric and electrical systems. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix your own air conditioner. The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and contact information for the author should you have a quick question or need a little help in getting your Air conditioner fixed without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

Money Saving Lightening Resisting device!

Off to the left side of this breaker box, you will see a lightening resistor designed to resist the onset on lightening strikes. Lightening can completely destroy any system in one single bolt! The cost of this device is average $85 and is capable of resisting lightening to the installed areas for years at a time with one single installation! Most insurance companies do not tell you that if your solar energy , electrical producing , turbine hybrid or any other system is struck by lightening, your NOT covered! Because the chances of lightening are so rare but very possible with any electric generating system, it is the installers responsibility to install the device when installing the system. If money is not available to pursue the install of this device, then it is critical to install it when funds first come available again. The install of this device plus part costs can be from $150-200 and will save the owner thousands of dollars in potential lightening strikes. If you do the math, your standard electric generating STARTER system can cost anywhere from $8000 to $25000 and for a cost of as little as $150 including install, you can protect the expensive system. Not a very hard decision to make when wanting to protect your prized assets. Several VERY IMPORTANT things to consider prior to installation of a lightening resisting device, 1. size of your system 2. Ability of system to withstand lightening strikes 3. Voltage input and regulation into and out of the device. Each of the factors must be analyzed and consulted with a licensed electrician in order prevent total system loss! and to ensure that any warranty provided with the system is not rendered NULL AND VOID because you decided to save a few dollars by not consulting an electrician. Several years ago, the cost of paying an electrician and hourly wage was about $200. Now you can ask and get an answer for a few dollars! Just use the box below

Monday, July 25, 2011

Is it Legal? Slow your electric meter

This is a Kilo-Volt Amp Regulator KVAR. This devices is built and designed to redistribute the energy lost from the starting and stopping and restarting of motors both at the business or home location where the device is installed. This device is capable of redistributing anywhere from 100 to 1000 watts per day, based on the amount of electricity lost. This device ties directly into the grid-tie Electric system as requires that the person installing it, mount it in a specific manner. Failure in the correct wiring and installation of this device may lead to fire, total location loss, and even personal injury. The KVAR device is essential for anyone wanting to lower monthly electric bills, lengthen the life-span of appliances, and even slow down an electric meter based on cost realized savings post installation of the device. The individual installing this device should understand electric current, have installed the device before, and consulted an electrician prior to installing the device. You may consult a Licensed Electrician by using the box below.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Choosing the correct Breaker, Breaker Panel, and Electrical Cables for your AC and Heating System

Your breaker panel is one of the most important aspects of your air conditioning and heat system. The breaker panel consists of single and dual pole breakers which are designed to prevent block against many different types of electrical faults. Of most important is too ensure that your using the coverage amperage breaker for the system that you have installed. For example, many 1 ton 12k BTU systems require that you use a 20 amp breaker single pole in order to sustain the needed electric current and to prevent against many different forms of electric shortages. In the event that the new AC or heating system fails, it may pop your breaker instead of bringing down the entire electrical grid for the location where the system was installed. Avoiding the use of any breaker at all, is probably the worst thing anyone can do, and nearly promises the appearance of a future electrical fire. Several important factors need be considered when positioning a new breaker box, breaker amperage, and electrical cable size used. These are all critical to ensure the smooth operation. In order to ensure that you prevent an electrical fire, ask a licensed electrician next to nothing by typing in your question below and hitting ask an expert.

Running your Copper Connections for HVAC functionality

Here you can see the clear connections for the two copper lines which transfer the moisture and refrigerant back and forth between the compressor, condenser, or air ventilator unit/s. These are extremely important to the air cooling and heating process as they are the reason why your able to attain a lower or higher output temperature. The copper can not be bent in any 90 degree angle , if you accidently bend it to a 90 degree extreme, you risk breaking the piping in any of the internal copper areas and creating a leak which will normally break your complete HVAC system within several days. A special tool is needed when making certain bends in the copper and it is best to ask any expert "where" bends should and should not be made. Depending on where you have laid your copper, will tell the expert where you should make additional bends. Keep in mind if you take matters into your own hands and create your own bends where you believe they should be, you risk having to replace a complete copper line-set which could easily cost anywhere from $150 - $400 depending on the girth and length.

Mini Split 1 Ton compressor COOL and HOT

This is a standard Compressor Unit 1 Ton capable of handling Two air vent Mini Split Units. When these units are initially purchased, they are not capable and setup in terms of configuration for Two Mini Split Units at once off the same compressor. In order to use Two Mini split units off the same compressor, you will need a very special configuration which you can determine after sharing your square footage in the box below then you can get the correct configuration required for your particular mini split unit/s

This compressor unit and associated Mini split units are capable of providing cool and heat whenever needed! You may also daisy chain these units to where you can benefit from dual ventilation capable of cooling a home up to 1200 square foot in size and REPLACING YOUR EXISTING CENTRAL AIR UNIT! Yes that is correct, you can replace your central air unit with the correct mini split configuration but you must be careful when you decide to choose either a 1 or 2 ton unit. Choosing the incorrect configuration may mean the difference between your office or home space cool off period and not achieving cooling enough to withstand temperatures above 100 Degrees. You will need specific configuration information that only a HVAC certified tech can consult you on. Never attempt to do any HVAC work yourself without the proper certification, this is Mostly to do with damaging the HVAC units and then you will render your compressor and mini split units unusable and VOID your warranty so its very affordable to just ask an HVAC professional the correct way to do things.

Mini Split Cool and Hot Unit

This Mini Split Unit is designed to extract humidity and provide cool air and heat. This particular units mounts on virtually any wall bu it is recommended to mount this close to a wall that faces the outside portion of the business or home location. One must consider the requirement to run the copper pipes and electrical cables when positioning these units. The farther away the unit is placed from the compressor the more work will be required to run all needed lines, clear water extract tubes, and thermostat control unit cables. These units are capable of cooling and heating areas of up to 800 square feet based on their postioning, run times, and ability to extra any existing heat from the given area. It is recommended to place the mini split unit no less than 1 foot from the ceiling mounting areas. There are several other important factors to consider when placing these units when it comes to "How the copper will connect into your 2 valves. This process is extremely important as the copper can be broken if not inserted, placed, and mounting in a certain angle. "Type your questions in the question box (above and below) so that you can get an quick answer"

Monday, July 18, 2011

Ask yourself these questions, and find out why your unit no longer works!

HAS YOUR COMPRESSOR UNIT OUTSIDE STOPPED TURNING?

DOES IT NOT SEEM LIKE YOUR AC NO LONGER GETS COLD ENOUGH?

DOES IT SEEMS LIKE A TERRIBLE IDEA TO CALL THE AC COMPANY AND PAY ANYWHERE FROM $1,000 -$5000 FOR A REPAIR?

DO YOU JUST NEED FAST HELP TO GET YOUR AC UNIT WORKING AGAIN WITHOUT IT COSTING YOU A FORTUNE?

DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FIX YOUR BROKEN CENTRAL AIR UNIT OR EVEN WINDOW OR PORTABLE UNIT YOURSELF?

WANT TO MAKE EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY LOOK AT YOU LIKE YOUR A MIRACLE FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE, OR EVEN GRAND FATHER?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, THEN YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT SITE TO GET YOUR AC UNIT WORKING AGAIN, WITHOUT IT COSTING YOU MORE THAN A FEW BUCKS, PARTS AND YOUR LABOR!!!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

START CAPACITOR WIRING CONFIGURATION

USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES TO ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your air conditioner. This guide focuses on the Trane and other similar style air conditioners. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix your own air conditioner. The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and contact information for the author should you have a quick question or need a little help in getting your Air conditioner fixed without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

LOOKING at this photo, you will see that three different lines run into the large capacitor. THESE must NOT be interchanged. If you can not remember where the cables go, then its worth the money to call an HVAC tech to hook it up correctly for you. The terminal FACING CLOSEST to you as it is viewed in the photo is the FAN terminal this cable looks like a cross between brown and a red color and sits closest to the eyes on the capacitor. The terminal that sits on the BACK, AND LOWER portion of the capacitor is normally the spot for the compressor. It is difficult to mix these terminals up as the terminals are labeled. Ensure to take a photo of the proper cables orientation before you remove and cables. This portion can not be stressed enough therefore you were forewarned. USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES TO ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

A look from the side of the entire compressor assembly

USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES TO ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.This information should as a guide in assisting you to fix your air conditioner. This guide focuses on the Trane and other similar style air conditioners. As always, before you attempt to fix your unit DISCONNECT POWER. The author of this blog is in no way responsible for injury sustained when attempting to fix your own air conditioner. The information provided includes guidelines to follow, and contact information for the author should you have a quick question or need a little help in getting your Air conditioner fixed without having to pay a thousand dollars for a simple repair.

In this photo, you see all the critical components of the backyard , sideyard, etc, compressor unit. If you look in the TOP , LEFT MOST corner, you will see a metal can which looks round in appearance and has three terminals at the end of it. NEVER touch the terminals of this device. The device is the START CAPACITOR which believe it or not, handles a large amount of electric current. It plays the role of Kick starting the FAN portion of the compressor and IF YOUR FAN NO LONGER TURNS then you need to go after this part and replace it. There are THREE areas where POWER must be disconnected. You have your main breaker panel, CUT OFF, you have your compressor UNIT breaker CUTOFF, and you have your INDOOR, air conditioning unit breaker CUTOFF, each of these must be disabled, disconnected, or switched off, BEFORE you take the side panel off of the compressor unit outside.USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES TO ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

Why does my AC Compressor Outside not start?

USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES, and get a quick answer to any question you may have. This information should serve as an aid in assisting you to fix your air conditioner, appliance, or other electrical devices.

WHAT YOU SEE IN THIS PHOTO IS A BULGING CAPACITOR , YES IT FITS RIGHT INSIDE YOUR COMPRESSOR UNIT, AND YES ITS EASY TO CHANGE OUT, BUT NO DO NOT HAVE YOUR CHILDREN CHANGE IT OUT FOR YOU , THERE IS SOME LEVEL OF DANGER INVOLVED WITH EACH OF THESE TASKS. IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOP LEVEL AREA OF THIS CAPACITOR, YOU WILL SEE A BUBBLE APPEARANCE. THAT IS A SIGN THAT YOUR CAPACITOR IS BAD!! SO WHAT? SO GET A NEW ONE, AND YOU CAN COMPARE YOUR PART NUMBER ON THE CAPACITOR TO ONE THAT YOU MAY NEED. AVOID USING A CAPACITOR THAT HAS LESS OR MORE CAPACITANCE AS IT COULD COMPLETELY DAMAGE YOUR COMPRESSOR AND THEN YOUR OUT ABOUT $2K DOLLARS! USE THE ASK A HANDY MAN OR EXPERT BOXES TO ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.