![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
CGN's Best Threads (Limited Posting) This forum is for storing and or easy accessing useful or important threads. |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
I noticed my A/C has been running more than usual this year, and not cooling the house as fast. HVAC companies want about $75 just to come and look, and $100-150 just for a regular "servicing", which is basically a heat exchanger cleaning. So I decided to do it myself, here is how.
Tools used: 5/16ths nut driver, shop vac, garden hose. Here is my unit: ![]() 1. Turn off your thermostat 2. Pull out your service disconnect switch and replace it in the off position ![]() ![]() 3. With a 5/16ths nut driver remove the screws around the very top perimeter of the unit and those holding the cover to the electrical components. ![]() ![]() 4. The wires that go to the fan that is mounted to the top of the unit need to be loosened and fed into the unit so that there is enough slack to take off the top portion of the unit. You may have to cut a ty-rap or two. Then pull off the top of the unit and place it next to the unit, be careful not to damage the wires. ![]()
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
5. Then remove the screws around the bottom perimeter of the unit and remove the vented side walls. Be careful not to damage/bend the fins of the heat exchanger while removing the side walls.
![]() This is what my Unit looked like disassembled. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Very dirty as you can see, a combination of dog hair, vegetation debris, and dirt. 6. vacuum up the large debris inside and out, move the vacuum hose up and down on the heat exchanger so you don't bend the fins. Also be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp fins. ![]()
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
7. This is over kill, but I like to do it right and do it once. I took a soft bristle brush (which became a dog chew toy a while back), and gently brush up and down the heat exchanger. It was amazing how much dirt came out, I had to stop a few times just to get some fresh air there was so much dust in the air. This is even after vacuuming with a 6hp shop vac very thoroughly. After brushing I vacuumed again and then brushed again. I know, I'm anal...
![]() 8. With your hose wash from the inside out the entire heat exchanger. ![]() Here is the final product. ![]() ![]() ![]() Should be good for another 5 years now. Reassemble in opposite order: 1. Put side walls back on, screw in base screws (do not tighten completely until entire unit is back together) 2. Put top with fan back on and get screws started. 3. Pull the slack out of the wires feeding the fan back into the electrical enclosure and secure them (ty-rap, tape, twisting, etc.) 4. Put electrical enclosure cover back on. 5. Now tighten all screws on the unit. 6. But service disconnect back into on position. 7. Turn thermostat back on. Done!
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
So how's it running now? Reminds it's prolly about time to go check mine. Fortunately it's been a mild summer down here so far and I haven't had to use mine yet.....but the summer is still young.
Although the one thing that an A/C would do also as part of a normal service is check/top off your refridgerant charge if it needed any.
__________________
"Freedom begins with an act of defiance" Quote for the day: Quote:
|
#6
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
Very much worth the effort.
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Inside between the supply and the return registers, ideally you are looking for an 18-22 degrees temperature split. on a 70 degree day or warmer.
AWESOME write up!
__________________
![]() Quote:
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Lancear I may name the next island I conquer in honor of you.
Saving this thread for this weekend when I get home.
__________________
Quote:
|
#12
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
Sticky for the summer months mods?
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#17
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Yes, I change the return air filters very regularly. I figure most people do too, that's why I didn't put it in the write up.
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#19
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
I agree, Posted in the calguns open letter 1.5 hrs ago,
__________________
![]() Quote:
|
#20
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
I second the how to forum!
__________________
Quote:
![]() Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Man that was some great Kool-Aid.......... hmmmmmm theres a hint of something metallic. Oh well guess I will get on with the voting. |
#22
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Absolutely. I third the motion.
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#24
|
||||
|
||||
![]() ![]() http://www.yellowjacket.com/HVACRPro...l=5&c=34&p=322 But you can do a bunch with a thermometer, that way you dont cause potential leaks by getting into the refrigerant side
__________________
![]() Quote:
|
#25
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Sorry for my ignorance, but is there always a filter next to the blower? I have a cold air return filter that I replace regularily, and will be preforming this cleaning thanks to this wonderful thread, but not aware of any other filters. I assume that it would be in my attic as that is where my furnace and blower are.
|
#26
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
|
#28
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Ya, I have 2 filters in parallel, both the same size. I buy the 3M 1000 filters and replace regularly. I also have two Honeywell HEPA air filters from coscto running whenever I'm home. I like clean air, my wife and I both feel we sleep better since getting the HEPA filters.
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
#29
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Thank you! I'll revisit this I'm sure.
__________________
It's not about guns, it's about Freedom. -Mark Vanderberg Quote:
![]() |
#31
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Freon is just a trade name that was picked up on and is used as a description for different refrigerants.
As for the type of refrigerants, your A/C will either contain R22(currently being phased out) or R410a which is what we use today. It should tell you on the service plate along with the serial and model numbers. They are not compatible and cannot be used together. You need to be EPA certified to purchase or even handle any refrigerants. epatest.com/ In order to test your pressures, you will need a set of Manifold Gauges, made to match either R22 or R410a. You will also need at the minimum, a pressure temperature chart to verify your pressures. Having a clamp on thermometer to get your temperature differences and calculate superheat and subcool will also be a plus.
__________________
|
#32
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Thanks for helping members out.
Out here in the 909 I hose off the fins and insides every spring. We get a lot of wind and they get dusty every year. Every 5 years would cost me a lot of money. The other thing to save on AC bill is silicone off any air leaks in your window frames or door frames. Add weatherstripping to door and window frames too if they don't already have it, about $5 for one door.
__________________
~Jesse Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors (JHO) Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors (JHO) Youtube Channel San Bernardino East Valley & Mtn scanner feed |
#33
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
There often are 2 filters in the return air duct. One is sometimes in the filter grill and the other can be located within the furnace from the factory. You should tale a good look.
Also when you wash your condenser it is advisable to turn off the power to your furnace. Your compressor contactor can be engerized during the cleaning process and result in a burned out control transformer. Most furnaces in California are plugged into the wall but if it is hardwired either find the circuit breaker or just remove the door the the fan cabinet and usually there is a safety switch that will disconnect the power. |
#35
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
ummm......... go back to tech school. A dirty CONDENSER will NOT cause floodback. In fact it causes the exact oposite problem, not enough liquid to the evaporator coil. If the coils are dirty, it runs hot and the freon doesn't condense to a liquid. However, a dirty EVAPORATOR coil will cause liquid refrigerant to slug the compressor by not allowing enough airflow (through the coil) to boil off the freon to a vapor. So avoid that problem by changing your air filters regularly! Last edited by Clinton; 07-11-2010 at 9:45 PM.. |
#36
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
My a/c was not working well last night, I woke up at 2am and it was still running. Usually its off by midnight or so. I hosed it all out but the fins were so thick I couldn't go inside to out. Water would not make it through. I just angled the nozzle so it would blow the junk to the groud not deeper into the fins. Worked well, thanks!
I think I might need some more coolant though, we shall see tonight how well the cleaning worked. |
#37
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
Quote:
do a temp split test
__________________
![]() Quote:
|
#40
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
93 out right now, it is forecast to be 105
![]() ![]()
__________________
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even on Calguns. NRA Life Member USPSA Member IDPA Member |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |