Spring Central A/C Tune Up — Diagnostics

This Is Part 2 Of a 2-Part Article:  For Part 1 – Click Here: AlsPlumbing.com Central A/C Tune Up — Part 1

This article goes into detail about what is: cleaned, inspected & tested during a spring Central A/C Tune Up.  Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Allen, TX; Frisco, TX; and McKinney,TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel-charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

Looking For Ways To Reduce Cooling Bills?  We’ll Help!

Click Here For 45 Ways To Lower Cooling Costs Without Replacing HVAC:  AlsPlumbing.com 45 Ways To Lower Cooling Costs

Spring Central A/C Tune Up: Diagnostics 

Image Source: DreamsTime

Shown: Central A/C Outside Unit (condenser)

There are many components inside the outdoor unit of a Central A/C.  Each component performs a specific function in the operation of the outdoor unit (condenser).

Example: When the outside unit needs to run, a Contactor (electrical switch) turns power on to the compressor.

Example:  Next, a Capacitor (rechargeable battery) provides an extra boost of electricity to start the compressor running.  A second capacitor boosts the fan motor.   Once they’re running — the capacitors wait until the next start up is needed.  If any of these components fail, the compressor cannot start and no cooling can occur.

Many Items Are Inspected & Tested During A Central A/C Tune Up:

• Check Refrigerant Level, and Refill (if required)

Image Source: ShutterStock

SHOWN: A.C Refrigerant Refill Equipment

• Monitor refrigerant pressure while system is running.

• Check Electrical Supply Volt’s & Amps In ensure the a/c runs properly and safely, the outdoor A/C Unit must receive the correct electrical amps & volts.  If the supply is not adequate, the system can become damaged.

• The outside unit runs on 240 Volts
• The outside unit requires 10 electrical amps for each ton (12,000 BTU’s) of cooling capacity.
• Note: The circuit breaker will show you how many amps are available for the outside unit.

Image Source: Pixabay

SHOWN: Electrical Circuit Tester

• Check & test both capacitor’s ability.  A capacitor is a rechargeable battery that sends a boost of electricity to a motor to start it running.  It’s like pushing a car’s accelerator down farther when you first take off — then backing off on the accelerator once the car is at the desired speed.

• Failed A/C Capacitors Are The Most Common Central A/C Breakdown.  There are 2 capacitors in the outside unit: 1 for the fan (at the top) and 1 for the compressor.  There is a third one inside the furnace for the blower fan.  Like any rechargeable battery, capacitors wear out over time and must be replaced.

• If the capacitor fails, the motor can’t start (because it’s not getting the boost of electricity to start it running).   The system will not cool, and the motor can become damaged if the capacitor is not replaced.  This is because electricity if flowing to motor, that didn’t start running.   Often, the motor will be humming if this is the problem.

Click Here For A YouTube Video Showing A Central A/C With Failed Capacitor. A/C With Failed Fan Capacitor

(When Repairman Engages The Connector Switch — You’ll Hear A Hum)

The fan does not start running because it didn’t get the extra boost of electricity due to the failed capacitor.)

NOTE: Go To Time: 2:11 / 5:12 To See The Tester Indicating Electricity Is Coming Into Contactor — But No Power Is Coming Out (because contactor has failed)

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections.  There’s a lot of vibration in the outside unit that can loosen electrical connections.
• During peak cooling season is when an electrical connection is most likely to come loose – because the A/C is running more.
• Inspect and lubricate outside unit ban blade and fan motor (and clean if required).

The Indoor Portion Of A Central A/C Tune Up

• Check Furnace Filter and replace if needed.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

SHOWN: Dirty Furnace Filter Versus New Filter

• Inspect and lubricate furnace blower fan assembly and motor (and clean if needed).
• Measure blower fan electrical supply amperage & voltage 
• Inspect the blower fan’s capacitor

Even the best furnace filters allow some dust through.  Far worse is if the furnace was ever operated without a filter.  Over time, the blower fan assembly and motor may need cleaned.

A dirty blower assembly reduces air-flow, which in turn causes the entire HVAC System to run longer & harder (year round).  A dirty motor can’t cool itself properly and will overheat.

• Inspect Condensate Lines (and clean if required – often an extra charge)

As your a/c runs, it removes humidity from the air.  The “condensate” water must be drained to outside the home.  It’s common for condensate lines to clog over the years and require cleaning.

With many HVAC systems in attics, a clogged line can end up wetting and damaging the ceiling directly below the attic furnace.

Click Below To See An A/C Condensate Line Cleared With Wet / Dry Vacuum: 

TodaysHomeowner.com Clear A/C Condensate Line With Vacuum

The Complete Spring A/C Tune Up Checklist

1. Check thermostat

Image Source: ShutterStock

1. Check furnace filter
2. Start A/C running
3. Indoor Cooling Coil (evaporator). Check & Clean (if needed)
4. Condensate Drain:  Check & Clean (if needed)
5. Check condensate pan & fittings for leaks
6. Check blower wheel
7. Check blower motor stability
8. Check blower motor amp draw
9. Lubricate motors & bearings
10. Check belts, pulleys and alignment (most central a/c don’t have belts).
11. Check total electricity consumption
12. Inspect components for visible wear
13. Check and secure all panels
14. Examine all electrical connections
15. Check outdoor unit’s outside disconnect switch
16. Check temperature difference across coil in outside unit.
17. Remove debris around outside unit
18. Outside Unit (condenser) Coil — Check & Clean (if needed)
19. Check condenser fan motor stability
20. Check condenser fan motor amp draw
21. Check condenser fan blades for vibration
22. Check reversing valve (heat pump only)
23. Check crankcase heater (heat pump only)
24. Check defrost assembly (heat pump only)
25. Check relays & contactors
26. Check capacitors
27. Check all safety devices
28. Test time delay
29. Check all controls
30. Test refrigeration metering device
31. Measure refrigerant operating pressures with gauges
32. Check noise and vibration levels
33. Check compressor amp draw
34. Make any recommendations to owner

A SIDE NOTE:  Protect Your HVAC System, Appliances & Electronics

From Power Surges

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C & Heat Pumps, and Gas & Electric Furnaces .  Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane),   Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Richardson, TX, and Garland, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel-charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.