Recent content by Rockhead261

While it wasn't convenient, I charged my Mr. Slim via superheat. You need to remove the cabinet by pulling both end caps and lifting the J-shaped cover straight off, a total of 4 screws. 100x easier than dissembling the indoor section for blower cleaning. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

I'd reclaim all the refrigerant and not reuse it since it may be contaminated with moisture; a.freezing system is indicative of poor airflow, a bad charge, or a restriction (ice in the metering device). Once the system is empty, hit it hard with dry nitrogen and soak EVERYTHING with soapy...

I didn't read the full thread so apologies if this is already been mentioned. If you are having trouble finding a leak be sure to check the non-obvious places. Welds around the compressor housing and the epoxy around the electrical connections are frequently overlooked. Also, the system...

Can you tip that furnace on its side, then come off the plenum with an elbow for your coil?

The #1 cause of a frozen evaporator is poor airflow. Is the filter clean? Is the evaporator coil clean? Is the blower scroll clean? Visible dirt on any of the above has an impact on airflow. Despite being an obsessive filter cleaner, I find it necessary to disassemble my Mr. Slim and clean...

How to calculate HVAC BTU requirement 18,368 ft/3 and a desired 40-degree drop with average insulation will require 53,696 BTU/h (4.5 ton). Since there is no such thing as a 4.5 ton unit, go with a 5. Keep in mind, average insulation.

That unit will run just fine down to 0F as long as the low ambient cooling option is present and enabled. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/860578/Carrier-25vna.html?page=6 Anything much below zero is going to require mods (compressor heaters, etc.) My experience with low ambient cooling is...

I set mine on a couple of PT 2x4's placed across a couple of cinder blocks. That was back in '99. Southern NY... heat, rain, snow, the occasional hurricane, and even a bomb cyclone. No problems. Just sayin'.

We hired a helper back in '88 or '89. Good kid, punctual, spent a lot of time with his nose in those Gemline tech books. One day he was over my shoulder as I was finishing wiring up a split-start 3-phase compressor we had just installed and getting ready to start it for the first time. He...

The condensor fan is designed to operate in free air. Most manufacturers specify at least 18" from shrubs and 24" from walls. "Ducting" the unit will cause it to become absolutely filthy in a short time, and will probably entice rodents and reptiles into it. Don't do it.

I was an HVAC tech for more than 20-years, but have been pretty much out of the game just as long. I have installed hundreds if not over a thousand systems, given lots of advice over the years, and I think I've helped most of the time. With that said, this was probably the most helpful and...

Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge vs. etc etc. etc..... The cheapest equipment installed by the best tech will outperform the most expensive equipment installed by a cheap tech. Get a few estimates from reputable contractors and go with what they recommend.

I honestly have no idea what you're ranting about. I provided some real-world figures for the OP to work with, not fantasyland hit-and-run pricing from a hack. You say I didn't check the date before posting? How do you figure?? Somehow I knew my post would be crucified by someone who...

LOL @ the Internet estimates from people who obviously have no clue. I honestly looked at the date of those posts before replying. I retired from the trade back in '97. A furnace/evaporator/condenser swap would take no less than 32 man/hours @ $85/hour, and that was the price in 1997...