Recommend good HVAC diagnostics books

[snorky18]

Some background:

I’m an engineer who has a good understanding of thermodynamics. I’m comfortable with 240 Volt Wiring, plumbing, working with pressurized piping, taking all the proper safety precautions, etc.

I do almost everything myself, time permitting. Carpentry, car repair, electrical, plumbing, etc. Sometimes this requires doing a lot of research up front, more time than it takes to do the repair, but in the end I know it’s done right, and the next time a similar issue comes up, I already have the knowledge to work on it.

I’ve diagnosed and repaired car A/C systems. Successfully. And no I don’t mean I added 2 cans of refrigerant and it started working again.

I live in the middle of nowhere. It’s hard to find anyone to come out here to repair anything. When I find someone, they’re generally expensive. Then they get here, and generally know less than me about any of the technical details of what they’re here to work on. Which is frustrating to me. So besides the fact that they’re presumably epa certified to handle the refrigerant, what am I paying them for a big chunk of cash for?

Most of them seem to be the “well it must be a couple pounds low on refridgerant, let’s add a couple that you may or may not need in there and see how it goes” school of thought. I can only assume that the unit that’s giving me issues was originally installed using this same level of skill.

Note that I’m certainly not knocking all HVAC techs as there are certainly some who are very knowledgeable and skilled, just not any that come out here.

Also, there are no building codes enforced here, save a septic permit.

Whether I do some or all of the work, I want (need) to understand what’s going on. So any recommendations on good diagnostic books / online info sources for HVAC work?

Topics I’d like covered:
Determining proper charge through superheat and subcooling (is my unit overcharged currently?)
Component descriptions (function and appearance, pics would be nice)
General troubleshooting and diagnostics
Is my ductwork and airflow adequate?
What temperature differential should I see across supply and return sides?
How much temperature drop is acceptable in a long run of ductwork through unconditioned spaces?

Thanks much for the Help.

 

[mustachio]

modern refrigeration and air conditioning is the industry standard for everything hvac. covers residential systems commerical systems, ice machines, refrigerators freezers. most schools use this book, i am a refrigeration specialist in the army and i have this book in my toolbox it really is everything you need to know about refrigeration

 

[Basskiller]

Look into Carrier. They are big on education and put out all kinds of materials and vidoes. They really are topnotch as far as manufacture education.

Superheat or subcooling. You will only use one of those methods, based on if the type of metering device. Fixed or expansion. Expansion valves maintain a constant superheat and need to be charged via subcooling. You can tell if the unit has an expansion valve by checking the output of the evaporator and seeing if a "bulb" is attached.

Temp differential is ideally 20. 17 or so, no need to split hairs.

AHRI- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute has a book "Fundamentals of HVAC/R" Carter Stanfield and David Skaves. I used to carry that book in the truck. Then I went to a Kindle and just keep downloaded manufacture information and charts.

 

[Milton Shaw]

You might check into a local Johnstone Supply as they often have the certification classes so you can buy refigerant from them. Doesn't cost much and the class is taught to tell you how to pass the test.

 

[39portlander]

Your state probably has a few tech/trade community colleges. In Maine, we have southern/central and other tech college. Any one looking for HVA/C book's will find them @ the book store. The course guide shows the required texts book's for the courses.

In my case, as a licensed tech I would talk with someone @ the book store and let them know my intensions to just buy a ref. manual or book as a non-student. It's never been a problem. I'm also a prior student.

Johnstone, Trane, Carrier and Bryant are others I have found that carry Tech troubleshooting/Ref manuals. 410A should be your focus due to R22 on the way out.

Check out Dan Holohan's web site, heatinghelp.com. As far as steam heating this is the go to guy.

 

[gc427]

Lots of good videos on YouTube