Maintenance should pretty much just be washing the coils checking caps , contactor , belt , drain , loose connects , changing filters. Anything else is a service call
For demonstrating the value of your service I recommending greetings 1st doing the maintenance and taking readings after so you can show the improvement that the maintenance has created for the customer. Creating value oftentimes means you can charge more. It also helps to reduce resistance when you make recommendations that the customer will have to pay for. They've seen a track record of what you are doing and the improvements you are making. It also helps you to understand what are the items that will get you the best result for the customer so if you have to give them a budget option you can get the biggest Bang for the buck
Man, you should check a drain regardless. I've been to way too many homes where the drain is clogged and the pan is perfectly clean. You have a hose right there, go through the breather on the u-joint! If it's a heat pump just uncap and go from there. Wont hurt a fly and doesn't take any time at all. Could save thousands and thousands in damages just from checking a drain properly.
Good video. I will give you a Pro tip, NEVER stand in front of a disconnect while energizing or de-energizing a disconnect. Always off to the side while facing away.
Thanks for the tip, so many things to cover it is easy to miss some detail. hell, if we can get guys just to pull out the hose and wash coils we have achieved total success. lol
@@boxingodds2508 yeah, the arc flash will blow outwards when it blows the door off. There are some videos floating around showing it. But be careful what you watch as some were incidents with people involved who didn't make it. I think there is a 20 amp service disconnect that they tested on a dummy so look for that.
If you're new technician, stick with old school gauges over the smart probes. Smart probes are for EXPERIENCED techs. Only reason I'm typing this is bc all the responses to the probes. It's not a good choice for a beginner. Learn your pressures. Learn txv. Buy shutoff valves. You'll release hardly any refrigerant and it's equalivant to the probes, no difference. Be fast. You'll also have to send the probes in to get recalibrated and pay for it.
I don't agree that smart probes are only for the experienced techs. If your are truly interested in learning the trade, the learning curve is much faster with the newer equipment than the old. I can't even imagine going beck to a micron gauge that I couldn't plot on my phone. What a learning tool that is for a new tech to actually be able to see the difference in a leak and refrigerant or water gassing off in the system. Unlike analog gauges, smart probes allow the tech to easily think in saturated temperature rather than pressure from day one! That's priceless! New refrigrant comes along there's no difference in the saturated temperatures. How many new or old techs are going inside to sling a sling psychrometer, when charging a piston? The problem isn't the new technology! It's employer's that don't want to put any training into their employees. An apprentice needs a year or two following an older tech in the field and then support for a few years after that. If he can give me good measurement's over the phone we can walk through most any refrigerant problem. Then to top it all off the manufactures are cutting back on tech support at at time when their equipment is getting more and more complicated for new and old techs alike. Apps like MQ can give the newer tech confidence in their diagnosis, if it is used after they make an attempt at diagnosing the system first. If it doesn't agree then they need to dialup a senior tech and get advice . There's place for analog gauges like when diagnosing a TXV that is hunting or setting the cut in and cut out on a refrigeration system,. Other than that I don't really see the need for them.
agree on the smart probes, i use Testo myself. for the average PM guy, it is difficult to purchase such a pricey tool, not many techs can afford it especially starting out. Often times they forget the fundamentals that is why we stick to mechanical gauges and PT charts.
I find that false. Shut off fittings and you'll release hardly nothing. The only thing smart probes are good for is, time. For people starting off, especially doing PMs then you should learn the gauges first and the pressures. BecUse guages do things the APP won't tell you unless you're an EXPERIENCED Tech. TXV is a main reason for guages Here the other issue, You have to send them in to have it recalibrated. I can recalibrate my Brutes with my thermostat screwdriver. Guess what. I have all three pairs. When you second guess the probes you go back to ol trusty... So no, smart probes are not worth it and it's horrible advice to give to new people
I’m going to start my first hvac job doing commercial residential. I even don’t apartment maintenance 14 years. We only had residential type hvac systems 2 ton. Any suggestions or tips starting to n field as a tech ? I would appreciate any advice. Really great videos by the way
I liked the video and definitely worth while to do all these things on a pm as long as your company is allowing the time. However I dont think its worth while to put gauges on the system unless you suspect there is an issue with the cooling performance just cause always pull a small amount of refrigerant out of the system everytime you put them on, that will definitely cause a problem after a while especially if you do that every quarterly pm
Always put refrigerant that’s in the hoses back in through suction side to prevent refrigerant loss. Or use pressure fishes with no hoses to check, this will prevent it also 👍
Nice work. Not that I do it personally but a lot of belt companies and engineers recommend not rolling the belts on or off due it allegedly tearing fibers. My work changes filters and belts every quarter no matter the condition so it’s not as big of a deal to us. Nice video
Whoever is filming needs to get really close to what your hands are doing. Sometimes someone is watching the video that doesn’t know anything about HVAC and wants to learn.
@@Fryloc87HVAC belt tension tool will set the belt's deflection. amp draw will tell you the motor's performance at any given deflection. check with the manufacturer. don't take my word. the manufacturer will provide the required specifications.
some motor you can't reach especially with the door off, safer not to put your hands where there are moving part regardless of what the manufacture says. they don't pay you for workman comp, some of the customers dictated where they want this done. Thanks for your input.
If the amp draw is good, and the belt is flopping like a fish, what are you going to do, leave it? Don't be a hack. If the amp draw is good, you may improve it by adjusting the belt properly, and that would be a job well done.
@@petersplat6164 the amp draw would never be ok with a flopping belt. amp draw and belt tension are one and the same. check the manufacturer's specification.
Fans moving to slow- bad capacitor. When you check anything on the unit the door must be on some what on for real readings lol 8/10 video thanks for sharing
If the fan is moving too slow the motor itself could be failing as well. But we could ignore all that, the speed youre seeing isn't accurate due to frame rates. Can even hear how choppy it is in the audio.
Most of the customers we serviced when i was at this company had energy management services. we often would contact that service to force all the units on so that we could check operation. Also, some EMS companies will allow you access via app on your phone so that you may cycle on and all stages of heating and cooling. In larger supermarket operation, you will have EMS units such as Danfoss, E2, Novar etc that your able to graph and read logs that give you alot of important information. Most PM's are set at a low cost to the customer or they are not charged. This allows the contractor to service a customer and produce found on work. Meaning, if you show up, run the unit and find the Condenser fan motor not running, you would quote it out. Every customer has different rules especially with large Box stores and large retail chains. I always recommend for everyone to understand your companies goals and processes. understand the customers contract so that you can play within their rules. be very descriptive with your information and detail your report with high accuracy. take tons of photos this way you can show your customers exactly what they need and build that trust with you and your work. best of luck hope you found this to be helpful.
Do all of these AC function the same way and have the same components if so it this stuff sounds really technical however I assume in time its repetitive.
Thank you for the question. For the most part a Basic AC unit, split system or a package unit is usually operates in the same manner with same or similar components. Some manufactures may have some complex electronics, Variable speed drives or de humidification that may be a bit more advanced. Overall, you work on a few at the start of your career and they become easier. Attend seminars that manufactures have, this helps you in some ways understand and also gives you the opportunity to ask questions. My main type of work is supermarket refrigeration, i will be posting some vids soon.
No super heat or sub cool . I personally like to see it . S-man 4 will help you out alot man . I have learned sometimes installers leave it on 240 when it's 208 I didn't notice it .
Great points you make Nathan, unfortunately the average new tech struggles enough to understand super-heat or Sub-cooling or even read a PT chart. the S-man and other similar digital gauges are great to use, but when the simple things such as cleaning coil or identifying how to test a unit are missed by your average PM guy, The S-man may be a bit too much tool for him or her. As i get the opportunity to create more content, we will definitionally use more advanced tool on things like start up where they can be really useful.
I always check pressures just because ive seen some units with a 20° differential between return and supply,,, but with a higher than normal head pressure and superheat, usually causing a higher amp draw as well,, caused by either a restriction in the metering device or in the filter drier.. either way its just good to always check
im thinking of going to school for hvac . done construction and at 29 im over it and want a career change. is it too late? is it worth it? difficult? opinions and such is more then welcome.
@@JulianPardenilla i jumped the gun and decided to get my epa licenses took two tries but i got universal and enrolled in a hvac trade tech school program my city has. really want to apprentice
@@JulianPardenilla how does the whole union thing work. never joined one out of stupidity on my part. i want to make as much as possible and get as far as a can because i have every intention to submerge my time and money on getting set up. im only getting older and my kids are too ya know how that goes
im 35 with a nine year old, no job at the moment, already 23+ hrs into the 600 hr. course . will be done in 5 3/4 months. Just get it done. Sacrifice now to have a job paying 30+an hour later.
I strongly recommend when replacing belt that you should loosen the motor first then install belt then tighten as needed. DON'T SNAP BELTS ON. Snapping a belt on can stretch belt and cause internal damage to the steel belting and shorten the life of the belt. The only time I don't do that is on critical running units where down time is critical.
Thank you for your feedback, Time is of the e sense on a PM. It is definitely a point worth making but for the sake of time we did not cover this on this video. we will discuss this on larger units such as build ups on a three, four or five groove pulley with larger turbines such as forward curve blowers etc.
Perhaps, but how much stretch & stress was inflicted on the drive belt by installing with that method? And by how much does it really shorten its life? There is no way a technician will have time to loosen every motor. These drive belts are manufactured to sustain such stress before fully failing
Video is informative but wrong off the bat. You DO NOT take pressures during a PM. One you can remove refrigerant from another system, and you aren’t vacuuming down you’re gauges every time to make sure no contamination. Thank god you’re not in the medical field. You check if the split is off. Rookie rookie rookie. Come on dude. You didn’t check the indoor blower bearings, you need to clear the drain every time and drop in you’re tablets. You add pan tabs to avoid build up. I can’t watch past 6:25 the hackery there. Please tell me you put the panels back on, NOPE damn dude
Funny how everyone talking bout what he should had done or should not do when In the midst of summer y’all probably don’t even do a quarter of that
I would
Sorry for the late reply, but I completely agree. its easy to be a know it all, but not anyone knows it all.
Your forgetting crap boss always trying to rush it. “ I want a 3hr job done in 15min” lol
@@chriswhalen5711 Yes sir , They want you do all the of that and you have to up sale .
Maintenance should pretty much just be washing the coils checking caps , contactor , belt , drain , loose connects , changing filters. Anything else is a service call
thank you for an organized step by step pm check. Im actually gonna write down the sequence. Nice job
For demonstrating the value of your service I recommending greetings 1st doing the maintenance and taking readings after so you can show the improvement that the maintenance has created for the customer. Creating value oftentimes means you can charge more. It also helps to reduce resistance when you make recommendations that the customer will have to pay for. They've seen a track record of what you are doing and the improvements you are making. It also helps you to understand what are the items that will get you the best result for the customer so if you have to give them a budget option you can get the biggest Bang for the buck
Man, you should check a drain regardless. I've been to way too many homes where the drain is clogged and the pan is perfectly clean. You have a hose right there, go through the breather on the u-joint! If it's a heat pump just uncap and go from there. Wont hurt a fly and doesn't take any time at all. Could save thousands and thousands in damages just from checking a drain properly.
tech trades show how smart a person can be. i love it!
Good video. I will give you a Pro tip, NEVER stand in front of a disconnect while energizing or de-energizing a disconnect. Always off to the side while facing away.
Compensation totally agree I’ve burned once
Thanks for the tip, so many things to cover it is easy to miss some detail. hell, if we can get guys just to pull out the hose and wash coils we have achieved total success. lol
Facts
Why off to the side and facing away ? In case it blows up ?
@@boxingodds2508 yeah, the arc flash will blow outwards when it blows the door off. There are some videos floating around showing it. But be careful what you watch as some were incidents with people involved who didn't make it. I think there is a 20 amp service disconnect that they tested on a dummy so look for that.
Definitely awesome explanation in the steps of doing maintenance on an air conditioning unit
Keep uploading!!
Thanks for the info man , I’m a new tech here fresh out of school and new to the commercial side so I’m new to all this . Your been a big help .
How you doing in commercial? Those controls look scary af
I graduated school struggled to find a job and 2 years later finally found a job in commercial HvacR and Tommarow I am bout to start pms
Great video very detailed on the preventative maintenance
If you're new technician, stick with old school gauges over the smart probes. Smart probes are for EXPERIENCED techs. Only reason I'm typing this is bc all the responses to the probes. It's not a good choice for a beginner. Learn your pressures. Learn txv. Buy shutoff valves. You'll release hardly any refrigerant and it's equalivant to the probes, no difference. Be fast.
You'll also have to send the probes in to get recalibrated and pay for it.
I don't agree that smart probes are only for the experienced techs. If your are truly interested in learning the trade, the learning curve is much faster with the newer equipment than the old.
I can't even imagine going beck to a micron gauge that I couldn't plot on my phone. What a learning tool that is for a new tech to actually be able to see the difference in a leak and refrigerant or water gassing off in the system.
Unlike analog gauges, smart probes allow the tech to easily think in saturated temperature rather than pressure from day one! That's priceless! New refrigrant comes along there's no difference in the saturated temperatures.
How many new or old techs are going inside to sling a sling psychrometer, when charging a piston?
The problem isn't the new technology! It's employer's that don't want to put any training into their employees. An apprentice needs a year or two following an older tech in the field and then support for a few years after that. If he can give me good measurement's over the phone we can walk through most any refrigerant problem. Then to top it all off the manufactures are cutting back on tech support at at time when their equipment is getting more and more complicated for new and old techs alike.
Apps like MQ can give the newer tech confidence in their diagnosis, if it is used after they make an attempt at diagnosing the system first. If it doesn't agree then they need to dialup a senior tech and get advice .
There's place for analog gauges like when diagnosing a TXV that is hunting or setting the cut in and cut out on a refrigeration system,. Other than that I don't really see the need for them.
I f****** love this video. Thank you dude I'm a rookie technician inland Empire California.
This was very helpful, good job 👍🏽
Great video!! Thank you for sharing !!
Love this man, good job.
Great video!!
Thanks Jason!
Fools a straight up G, thanks for the help brother 🙏
Solid video, very informative.
Thanks,great video-just what i was looking for
Good stuff! Very professional. subscribed.
great video the will help me as a tech
awesome video! best video on youtube
Great video very detailed 👍🏼
You should use Fieldpiece smart probes to do maintenance check since your LONG gauge hoses will remove a lot refrigerant from this system
agree on the smart probes, i use Testo myself. for the average PM guy, it is difficult to purchase such a pricey tool, not many techs can afford it especially starting out. Often times they forget the fundamentals that is why we stick to mechanical gauges and PT charts.
I find that false. Shut off fittings and you'll release hardly nothing. The only thing smart probes are good for is, time. For people starting off, especially doing PMs then you should learn the gauges first and the pressures. BecUse guages do things the APP won't tell you unless you're an EXPERIENCED Tech. TXV is a main reason for guages
Here the other issue,
You have to send them in to have it recalibrated. I can recalibrate my Brutes with my thermostat screwdriver. Guess what. I have all three pairs. When you second guess the probes you go back to ol trusty... So no, smart probes are not worth it and it's horrible advice to give to new people
Is there another way of checking the refrigerant charge without putting on the gauges? Like a temperature difference delta t type method?
I’m going to start my first hvac job doing commercial residential. I even don’t apartment maintenance 14 years. We only had residential type hvac systems 2 ton. Any suggestions or tips starting to n field as a tech ? I would appreciate any advice. Really great videos by the way
Nice training video 👍
Great video
I just started Hvac, there going to put me as a PM tech, I'm excited good pay
its a great trade, you can never stop learning. Learn as much as possible, do good work and your reputation will carry you to a great career.
Learn more = more overtime
How long was the course?
I'm also going to be starting in the trade of HVAC in a few weeks. How have you been doing so far?
@@4oh4n0tf0und I start on on the 18th😝
Thank you for this video 🙏 I am 20 and will in a few months study for this career
Bravo!
I liked the video and definitely worth while to do all these things on a pm as long as your company is allowing the time. However I dont think its worth while to put gauges on the system unless you suspect there is an issue with the cooling performance just cause always pull a small amount of refrigerant out of the system everytime you put them on, that will definitely cause a problem after a while especially if you do that every quarterly pm
Always put refrigerant that’s in the hoses back in through suction side to prevent refrigerant loss. Or use pressure fishes with no hoses to check, this will prevent it also 👍
Fieldpiece smart probes would fix this issue :) Or any type that does the same thing without hoses.
Artic as in articulated like a truck or arctic as in cooool af
That's a thorough exam!
Good video...
You should’ve release tension on the motor and retention after putting the belt on
Good job
Overall good video 👌
Amazing
I recognized the gloves smart move
Great example.
nice!
holding a hose about 15 inches down is just showing off water pressure, we should all be so lucky
What ??
Very good
this would have been a great presentation if the camera angle was right.
Can you leave a link so I can buy the thermometer that you used to check the temp on the return and vent?
Nice work. Not that I do it personally but a lot of belt companies and engineers recommend not rolling the belts on or off due it allegedly tearing fibers. My work changes filters and belts every quarter no matter the condition so it’s not as big of a deal to us. Nice video
What kind of multi meter is that? I’d like to get the same one.
My old company wanted blow and go PMs. In and out, unless you try to sell something
Nice
Whoever is filming needs to get really close to what your hands are doing. Sometimes someone is watching the video that doesn’t know anything about HVAC and wants to learn.
Why gauge up on pm u can check by coil temp supply an return temp threw heating Nd cooling with splits
Thanks for the video, how often you need to do the PM ?
Thanks
amp draw taken from the blower motor is the proper method to determine belt tension. consult tech support for further information.
belt tension tool is the proper way. amp draw will tell you a lot of other things though.
@@Fryloc87HVAC belt tension tool will set the belt's deflection. amp draw will tell you the motor's performance at any given deflection. check with the manufacturer. don't take my word. the manufacturer will provide the required specifications.
some motor you can't reach especially with the door off, safer not to put your hands where there are moving part regardless of what the manufacture says. they don't pay you for workman comp, some of the customers dictated where they want this done. Thanks for your input.
If the amp draw is good, and the belt is flopping like a fish, what are you going to do, leave it? Don't be a hack. If the amp draw is good, you may improve it by adjusting the belt properly, and that would be a job well done.
@@petersplat6164 the amp draw would never be ok with a flopping belt. amp draw and belt tension are one and the same. check the manufacturer's specification.
#sir please one video make on hvac compressor part winding cannection cannection.
Hey thankyou
Fans moving to slow- bad capacitor. When you check anything on the unit the door must be on some what on for real readings lol 8/10 video thanks for sharing
If the fan is moving too slow the motor itself could be failing as well. But we could ignore all that, the speed youre seeing isn't accurate due to frame rates. Can even hear how choppy it is in the audio.
I always make sure the system is working first before I start PM. You could be blamed that you unit was working fine until you touched it. 😂
Most of the customers we serviced when i was at this company had energy management services. we often would contact that service to force all the units on so that we could check operation. Also, some EMS companies will allow you access via app on your phone so that you may cycle on and all stages of heating and cooling. In larger supermarket operation, you will have EMS units such as Danfoss, E2, Novar etc that your able to graph and read logs that give you alot of important information. Most PM's are set at a low cost to the customer or they are not charged. This allows the contractor to service a customer and produce found on work. Meaning, if you show up, run the unit and find the Condenser fan motor not running, you would quote it out. Every customer has different rules especially with large Box stores and large retail chains. I always recommend for everyone to understand your companies goals and processes. understand the customers contract so that you can play within their rules. be very descriptive with your information and detail your report with high accuracy. take tons of photos this way you can show your customers exactly what they need and build that trust with you and your work. best of luck hope you found this to be helpful.
How much usually costs maintenance of the same unit for customers?
proper tension of the belt is done by amp draw
@k bone amp draw take a few seconds
Do all of these AC function the same way and have the same components if so it this stuff sounds really technical however I assume in time its repetitive.
Thank you for the question. For the most part a Basic AC unit, split system or a package unit is usually operates in the same manner with same or similar components. Some manufactures may have some complex electronics, Variable speed drives or de humidification that may be a bit more advanced. Overall, you work on a few at the start of your career and they become easier. Attend seminars that manufactures have, this helps you in some ways understand and also gives you the opportunity to ask questions. My main type of work is supermarket refrigeration, i will be posting some vids soon.
👍
You SHOULD NOT hook up service gagues doing a PM.
A clever technician can get all the information they need by reading temperatures.
No super heat or sub cool .
I personally like to see it .
S-man 4 will help you out alot man .
I have learned sometimes installers leave it on 240 when it's 208 I didn't notice it .
Great points you make Nathan, unfortunately the average new tech struggles enough to understand super-heat or Sub-cooling or even read a PT chart. the S-man and other similar digital gauges are great to use, but when the simple things such as cleaning coil or identifying how to test a unit are missed by your average PM guy, The S-man may be a bit too much tool for him or her. As i get the opportunity to create more content, we will definitionally use more advanced tool on things like start up where they can be really useful.
Why would u check Subcool or superheat on a Maintenance package unit call unless u suspect problems.
goat
I don't guage up on the unit unless my delta t seems off
I always check pressures just because ive seen some units with a 20° differential between return and supply,,, but with a higher than normal head pressure and superheat, usually causing a higher amp draw as well,, caused by either a restriction in the metering device or in the filter drier.. either way its just good to always check
You must of shut the main off if you were checking the top side of that disco. Lol
im thinking of going to school for hvac . done construction and at 29 im over it and want a career change. is it too late? is it worth it? difficult? opinions and such is more then welcome.
@@JulianPardenilla i jumped the gun and decided to get my epa licenses took two tries but i got universal and enrolled in a hvac trade tech school program my city has. really want to apprentice
@@JulianPardenilla how does the whole union thing work. never joined one out of stupidity on my part. i want to make as much as possible and get as far as a can because i have every intention to submerge my time and money on getting set up. im only getting older and my kids are too ya know how that goes
Do you always work in shirt?
Uh that garden hose is no match for that double coil
Discharge the capacitor before you touch its connections.
Why is there two contactors in this unit??
Don’t forget LOTO.
Is coil cleaning really involved in a P.M?
Depends on the season. In the spring, for sure. In the winter, not as much.
@@johnstewart2767 I've never once in my life done a coil cleaning when doing a PM 🤷🏼♂️. Here in New York City those are two different jobs.
Any advice for someone thinking about enrolling in an Hvac course versus a plumbing course?
I'm going to HVAC school this fall. I think it'll be worth it. you have to go all in bro if you're going to do it!!!
im 35 with a nine year old, no job at the moment, already 23+ hrs into the 600 hr. course . will be done in 5 3/4 months. Just get it done. Sacrifice now to have a job paying 30+an hour later.
Rick Rodriguez bro so am I. I’m 24. School starts next week aug 19th. I’m excited. I’m doin pm classes
I would ask a plumber personally but it depends on what you want to tolerate as far as hours and outside weather. It's more than $30 an hour....
plumbers have to deal with poopy water on the regular lol. keep that in mind. HVAC has been good to me so far (4 yrs)
Draining lines?
I would have hit the drain regardless of pan condition.
Did he say Jamon Lemis. 😂😂😂
His nickname is tasty lemons
Is this in Rancho?
Greatest Ever artic mechanical is based out of rancho Cucamonga ,Ca
New Foo unlocked. This foo comes with the clear shades for maximum saftey. He forgot his kneepads and elbow pads
I strongly recommend when replacing belt that you should loosen the motor first then install belt then tighten as needed. DON'T SNAP BELTS ON. Snapping a belt on can stretch belt and cause internal damage to the steel belting and shorten the life of the belt. The only time I don't do that is on critical running units where down time is critical.
Thank you for your feedback, Time is of the e sense on a PM. It is definitely a point worth making but for the sake of time we did not cover this on this video. we will discuss this on larger units such as build ups on a three, four or five groove pulley with larger turbines such as forward curve blowers etc.
Perhaps, but how much stretch & stress was inflicted on the drive belt by installing with that method? And by how much does it really shorten its life? There is no way a technician will have time to loosen every motor. These drive belts are manufactured to sustain such stress before fully failing
Turn it back on lol
Forgot to lock it out.
he didn’t check the subcooling???????? no superheat? bruh 💀
You certainly can, having proper pressures and knowing your ambient you can do the math without having to check every single unit.
Can I subscribe lol
Not as good as others. No detail information really visible.
Video is informative but wrong off the bat. You DO NOT take pressures during a PM. One you can remove refrigerant from another system, and you aren’t vacuuming down you’re gauges every time to make sure no contamination. Thank god you’re not in the medical field. You check if the split is off. Rookie rookie rookie. Come on dude. You didn’t check the indoor blower bearings, you need to clear the drain every time and drop in you’re tablets. You add pan tabs to avoid build up. I can’t watch past 6:25 the hackery there. Please tell me you put the panels back on, NOPE damn dude