Category Archives: furnace heating repairs

Recommended tools

Engineered RTU, furnace heating repairs, maintenace, Uncategorized 02/28/2013 Comments: 15

 

Fluke 116/322 HVAC combo kit basic multimeter and amp clamp that will do anything in residential diagnostics.

Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter if you are working on any Engineer MUA (Make Up Air) or RTU (Roof Top Unit) you need the percent duty cycle option to set up combustion motor speed sensor properly.

Cooper SH66A Multi-temperature thermometer instrument. Good for measuring temperature on pipe or airflow

Ritchie Yellow Jacket LCD Vacuum Gauge 69075 senses the full range from atmospheric pressure down to 1 micron. I have had mine for 6 years and have never had any problems with it. It will give you exact number read out not just lights to indicate vacuum pressure

D-TEK Select Refrigerant leak detector this leak detector is the best one I have used it is very sensitive and will find the smallest leak. Some people believe it is too sensitive, because sometimes when it is moved fast it will beep. If you use the meter properly by moving it slowly around the leaks it will prove to be the best meter on the market. I would rather have a few false readings then to miss a leak that would cause me to return to the same job site a few times on callbacks.

Fluke Alert Voltage Detector A/C 90-1000 Volts-1AC-A1-II & A/C 20-90 Volts. I always carry one of these detectors around sometimes I can diagnose a problem with it or double-check the power for safety. Always test detector against known power and use meters to insure all power is turned off.

Testo 510 Manometer is the best manometer I have found that will measure differential pressures. The unit has many switchable units of measure. Very accurate as mine is 6 years old and has never required calibration. Only complaint is max pressure 1.5 PSI.

Powers Pneumatic Calibration kit 832-177 comes with Siemens adapters should buy Honeywell and Johnson adaptor kits as well in order to do all thermostats.

Procore Ratchet Wrench 17-9568 only 5 degrees of operation is needed to use this wrench. All wrenches have opened end and ratchet box end, which makes easy work in tight places.

If anyone has a better meter they use please send a comment to me and I will add it. I know fluke has a new one with flexible amp clamp, but I do not have the meter so I can’t comment on it

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topics to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

Climate Master heat pumps trouble shooting

furnace heating repairs 02/16/2013 Comments: 5

On left side of the control board will be the test terminals, short them with screwdriver and the diagnostic light will flash an error code

 

No power

  • Starter or breaker tripped possible faulty compressor start windings, a hard start kit can be used to make unit work but with my experience it only lasts a few months.

 

 

2 Flash high-pressure problems red wires run to HP switch

  • Water Condenser should have 10-degree difference between water going in and water going out.
  • Refrigerant charge could be over charged check subcooling.
  • Faulty high-pressure switch test switch at normal pressures it should be normally closed.
  • In heating mode possible low/no airflow over the Evaporator.
  • Faulty TXV bulb loss of charge or plug/stuck valve

My experience 1
Refrigerant 410a
cooling H-600 PSI L-50 PSI and dropping frost between TXV and air coil, trip on high pressure Heating H-350 PSI L-75 PSI cold between TXV and water condenser, trip on water coil low temperature Found TXV stuck closed I replaced both filter/dryers, TXV, vacuum to 500 microns, new refrigerant system works perfectly now H-350 L-150

My experience 2
Refrigerant 410a
H-350 L-125 high-pressure switch open. Faulty switch need to recover refrigerant replace high-pressure switch (one two red wires run to) and two filter/dryers. Leak test with 150-PSI nitrogen, Vacuum down to 500 microns. Recharge

 

3 Flashes low pressure/ loss of charge Blue & Brown wires to LP/LOC switch

Refrigerant charge lost due to leak

Most leaks will be found at the access fittings where we connect our gauges. I have found leaks at water condenser, Evaporator, and on copper line where they had rubbed against each other until it created a hole. If 0 pressure leak search with 150 Lb nitrogen repair leak vacuum all moisture out of system to 500 microns, recharge by weighing in refrigerant.

When arriving at a system you find it has 0 PSI Refrigerant pressure most likely the leak will be located on the liquid or discharge side of the system. Climate Master leaks are very hard to find in the past I have found them on the evaporator. Pressure tests may seem to hold due to the small leak, But if 0 PSI then you do have a leak. Look for oil stains anywhere on piping pressure test, refrigerant leak detector until you find the leak.

 

4 flashes Water coil low temperature limit grey wires to FP1 sensor

  • Cooling mode reduced or no water flows to water condenser.
  • Bad thermistor click here to see Temp/Ohm chart and compare. Temp/Ohm chart on page 11
  • Faulty TXV bulb loss of charge or plug/stuck valve

My experience Refrigerant 410a
cooling H-600 PSI L-50 PSI and dropping frost between TXV and air coil, trip on high pressure Heating H-350 PSI L-75 PSI cold between TXV and water condenser, trip on water coil low temperature
Found TXV stuck closed I replaced both filter/dryers, TXV, vacuum to 500 microns, new refrigerant system works perfectly now H-350 L-150

 

5 Flashes Air coil low temperature limit Violet wires to FP2 sensor

  • low refrigerant charge
  • faulty TXV
  • cooling mode reduced or no air flow.
  • Bad thermistor click here to check Temp/Ohm chart and compare. Temp/Ohm chart in page 11

My experience

Blower motor seized or low air flow

low refrigerant Refrigerant 410a high-240 low-55 superheat 77 subcooling 0
Found high service valve leaking – replace cores and caps. Recharge unit with 2lb 6 oz high- 320 low-120 superheat 9 subcooling 10

 

6 Flashes Condensate fault Yellow wire to condensate sensor

  • Blocked drain.
  • Always have Trap installed next to heat pump.

 

 

7 Flashes over/under voltage

  • Compare main power supply voltage and 24VAC before and during operation.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topics to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

Combustion air

furnace heating repairs 01/02/2013 Leave a comment

Combustion/Dilution air is required on all gas appliances; always include hot water tanks total BTUH input in the calculation. If hot water tank is the only system requiring combustion/dilution air then it is only required on over 50,000 BTUH units.

Fresh air (make up air) is required on every home with any type of furnace. Fresh air is connected more than 1 meter from the drop of the return air for the furnace then connected outside. If the fresh air is connected closer to the drop than 1 meter it will cause cold air to be brought into the room even without blower motor running.

High efficient furnaces do not use combustion air from the room as they have two pipes to the outside one exhaust air and one combustion air. Sometimes only one pipe (exhaust air) goes outside in this case the furnace will need combustion air brought in to operate properly.

These sizes are to be used at your discretion, as it may be different depending on local codes

Tight structure design

Combustion air inches round duct – total of all appliances BTUH inputs

3-inch – 25,000/50,000
4 inch – 75,000/100,000
5 inch – 125,000/150,000
6 inch – 170,000/225,000

Combustion air pots must be located within two feet horizontally and level to within one foot above the burner of the appliance with the largest BTUH input rating

If you find cold air being drawn in from either the combustion or the fresh air I recommend getting a Hoyme motorized damper that will only open on a call for heat. 
hoyme website
Shell Busey and Cliff Hoyme Explain the Motorized Damper

Combustion and fresh air outside terminations have a mesh that need cleaning annually. Check out picture of fresh air intake under deck

Click here to see my Post on protecting your home “Alarm for Home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topics to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

Cracked heat exchanger

furnace heating repairs, maintenace 12/16/2012 Comments: 2

Heat exchanger can crack for various reasons and should be checked every time furnace is repaired or maintained.

Visually check heat exchanger for cracks

  • You will find most cracks form near the back and where the heat exchanger metal bends, Since this is where it will be weakest due manufacturer weakening the metal by bending it.
    Watch the flames as the furnace fan starts if you see the flames are blowing around or out the front of the burners then you will need to take a closer look at the heat exchanger

Water test

  • This test worked best on the old Lennox G8 and would find cracks or pinholes on the heat exchanger that sometime could not be seen.
    If there is no air conditioning then it will be easy to access above the heat exchanger through the humidifier. Once the heat exchanger cools down spray water on the heat exchanger from the top insuring full coverage and being careful of the electronics and motors. Then watch inside the burners for water to seep through, A good heat exchanger will not let moisture into burner chamber

Using carbon monoxide detector

  • Test for carbon monoxide at return air as well at supply air and compare the two readings or test at supply air with burners on then off making sure furnace is not back drafting and compare.
    If you take reading once and only at supply air you will not be 100 percent sure the problem is with the heat exchanger. You are testing the accumulation of carbon monoxide over a long period of time from other sources like the furnace or hot water tank back drafting also it could be from outside sources like a vehicles near the intake air.

Reasons for cracks

  • If the furnace does not have enough combustion air it will cause the furnace to run hotter then designed. Then with more expansion and contraction in the heat exchanger it causes cracks. The gas pressure must be set as per furnace name plate derated for location altitude if too much gas heat exchanger will run too hot.Blower speeds must be checked by comparing furnace temperature difference to name plate rating if running too hot increase fan speed and recheck temperature supply air minus return air.

.

Any crack in a heat exchanger is dangerous and the heat exchanger must be replaced when crack is found

20121216-143414.jpg

20121222-081333.jpg

20121222-081430.jpg

20121222-081501.jpg

Click here to see my Post on protecting your home “Alarm for Home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

Pressure switch

furnace heating repairs 12/10/2012 Comments: 14

Pressure switch is the safety device that proves the ventor motor is working (motor above burners connected to vent). It has vacuum lines that are connected from the pressure switch to the ventor motor that measure a neg air pressure. All furnaces will have different pressures required to operate properly, most times the pressure will be written on the switch measured in inches water column.

Problems with pressure switches

  • Vacuum lines port plugged
    You will get open pressure switch error code, It can easily be fixed then you should reset the furnace to delete error code.
    Over time moisture will build up in the vacuum line port then dry up causing it the plug off. I have found the build up on the motor side of the vacuum line that was bad enough to shut down the furnace causing no heat. The vacuum line can be removed and the hole cleaned out with a small Alan key or anything small enough to fit in the hole with out breaking off. After cleaning it out you would need to shut power off at the furnace power switch to delete error code.
  • Pressure switch fails closed
    Normally this would indicate a failed pressure switch, The furnace will test to make sure the switch is open before starting the ventor motor. The contacts in the switch are either stuck together or moisture has entered the switched and seized it in the closed position. The switch will need to be replaced then you should make sure the vacuum lines are sloped back to furnace so water will not enter the switch again.
  • Pressure switch fail open
    First and most obvious would be failed ventor motor, check 110 volts to motor and if it has seized.
    The most common problem on high efficient furnaces would be frost or water in the vent. First off the furnace being high efficient will produce water due to low vent temperatures and condensation in the vent pipe. Motor ventor motor has been replace recently then make sure orfice plate after motor is in place
  • Water I do not like horizontal vent pipes on furnace but sometime they must be done. If the pipe sages a little and water collects it will block off the pipe, Very important to have the pipes properly supported. When the Vent pipe is repaired it should drain back to the furnace where the water will be routed to a floor drain.
  • Frost the exhaust on the furnace is warm and moist, sometime the intake which is very close to the exhaust will suck in this warm moist air and mix it with cold air producing frost. Frost will plug up the intake pipe causing the furnace to fail, the exhaust vent should be extended 8 inches past the intake. Also you should be careful of fences and other obstructions the exhaust could rebound back to the intake pipe.
  • Faulty switch

Anytime I am working on a furnace or during maintenance I will test the pressure switch for faulty contacts. I will start the furnace up and when the burners are on lightly tap the pressure switch if it stops the furnace then it should be replaced since contacts are not making a good connections internally.

  • How to test the pressure switch

Pressure switches are on the safety circuit of the furnace so that means it is 24 Volts a/c. Test from common to either side of switch when motor is running you should have 24 volts on each side. Once it is established you have power then you can connect meter similar to the way I have on the picture below. Connect Positive to one side and Negative to the other, when the ventor motor is running the meter will read 0 Volts. If you have 24 Volts, the pressure switch is open and not proving the ventor motor. Or you test any Voltage between 1 to 23 Volts then you have bad contacts and the full power is not getting through causing the furnace to fail. On a few furnaces I have found the ventor motor seams to be running fine and power is good but fails on pressure switch. When this happens it is best to record the Voltage from one side of the pressure switch to the other because the motor could drop rpm for very short time. The short drop in power is enough for circuit board to notice but not enough for you to notice.

20121212-121232.jpg

Click here to see my post on protecting your home “Alarm for Home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

How to test flame sensor

furnace heating repairs 11/16/2012 Comments: 14

<a href=”Lennox 28M97 Angled Flame Sensor For Mpga Cmpe Cmpb 20467102 ” title=”flame sensor amazon”>How to test flame sensor

In the picture you will see a 1/8 inch round rod in the flame, that is the flame sensor. You need a multi meter that measures micro amps which you will connect in series with the flame sensor. The sensor is usually located on left side but on some furnaces it may be on the right side.

How the flame sensor works is by a small AC electrical charge going through the sensor and it uses the flame to carry the electrical power to ground. Burner surface to flame sensor is 4:1 ratio thus causing the AC current to change to DC current. If no flame present, dirty flame sensor, bad flame characteristics similar to flame lifting off or carbonizing there will be low or no micro amp draw and the control board will shut the flames off. After 3 to 5 tries the control board will lock the furnace out for 3 hours, which can be reset by cycling power or thermostat.

All furnaces have different micro amp readings some good at .8 while others need 6 you will need to find out the right micro amp reading for your furnace. The flame sensor has a coating on it to make it last a long time and will get worn off by over cleaning, so it is best to only clean rod when it is needed. If flame sensor requires cleaning more often then once a year it should be replaced, or check for other problems like vent stack temperature, gas pressure, or primary air need to be adjusted.

How to clean flame sensor

  • First find the flame sensor.
    Most furnaces you will find a white wire located on the left side connecting the flame sensor to the circuit board.
    Watch the furnace ignite you will see spark or orange glow in front of one burner and the flame sensor should be on opposite side, but I have seen them on the next burner from the igniter.
  • Shut power off to the furnace while you are working, you will find a light switch high on wall or in the ceiling.
  • Most furnaces have 1/4 inch screw that holds the sensor in place; any multi screwdriver without the bit will be 1/4 inch. Remove the screw(s) and disconnect wire
  • Once removed you can clean the sensor with a scotch brite pad, if you do not have one then just use a clean rag for now. Do not use sand paper or wire brush, as it will remove the protective coating and scratch the rod causing it to fail more often. Some people like to clean every year but I advice not to, It is best to clean only when needed since the protective coating will be removed with over cleaning
  • Once the rod is cleaned reconnect the wire and screws making sure the rod sits in the flame. Some times the burner and any grounding surface will get dirty and need to be cleaned as well.

Click here to see my post “first check thermostat”
Click here to see my Post on protecting your home “Alarm for home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

link in picture to amazon parts

80 MGF & G 24 intermittent issue

furnace heating repairs 11/06/2012 Leave a comment

Lennox furnaces with these two model numbers have a intermittent problem with them in the way that they will run fine for a long time, Then all sudden stop working and give you an error code of pressure switch open . But when a professional shows up to repair the furnace they find nothing wrong . The issue I have found many times is when they manufactured the venter motor assembly they painted it black, Paint chips would flake off make their way to the pressure switch and block off air flow . To fix this problem you would need to replace the motor assembly, pressure switch, and vacuum lines .

Click here to see my Post “first check furnace”
Click here to see my Post on protecting your home ” Alarm for Home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R(Heating, Ventilation ,air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

Next step after t-stat

furnace heating repairs 11/05/2012 1 Comment

NEXT STEP AFTER YOU CONFIRM THERMOSTAT IS OPERATING PROPERLY

All newer furnaces are self diagnosing and will flash an led light in a sequence to give you a one or two digit trouble code . The code is usually published on the door of the furnace, service manual, or can be found online. Try to note the problem code on the furnace before any attempt to reset is made as it will help a professional if you can’t get it fixed yourself. It could be a number code or short and long flashes ie. 3 short 1 long would mean code 31

If the power is off on the furnace check that the power switch is turned on. The switch is located high on the wall or ceiling, It looks like a light switch and can be shut off by accident. Still no power then check the house breaker for the furnace as it sometimes will not fully flip instead just move a little. If breaking has tripped then the problem is short to ground in the furnace, Most times the problem will be in the motor.

One of the most common problems is a dirty filter so start by remove the furnace filter clean or replace as needed. Flat filters should be replaced every month, Pleated filters should be changed every 3 months. Pleated filters will last longer due to the larger surface area since if it was stretched out the filter would be three times as long. The type of filter I use needs the main box professionally installed but yearly changes can be done by home owner, just make sure you can buy the filters without dealer. the filter is about 5 inch wide and it only needs to be changed once a year.

Not every filter will last the specified time since every house is different and get dirty at different rates due to outside dust, inside rugs, animals.

Click here to see my Post “First Check Thermostat”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R(Heating, Ventilation ,air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog

when furnace fails first start with thermostat

furnace heating repairs 11/04/2012 Comments: 9

When a furnace stops heating there are many things a home owner can do to fix the problem before calling in a professional and paying lots of money

first thing you should check is your thermostat and make sure it is set properly

heating

  • heat/cool/heat/off switch is set to heat
  • auto/on does not affect heat call -on fan will run all the time and change speeds with heat or cooling call -auto fan only runs on heat or cooling calls
  • temperature call must be higher then the room temperature where the thermostat is located (when house is cold, by adding heat near the thermostat it may cause the furnace not to come on due to that heat. the rest of the house will be cold
  • digital thermostats will use battery’s make sure they are above 1.5 volts. Do not use rechargeable battery’s, as they are designed for cameras and are only 1.2 volts.some digital thermostats do not require battery to run, because they are getting power from furnace on “C” terminal . Some any time “C” terminal is connected the battery’s are only good if you remove thermostat from wall for programming . Battery’s will leak if left for long time it is still recommended to replace battery’s every couple years. Battery’s should be tested yearly

Cooling

  • similar to heating except heat/cool/off must be set to cool
  • temperature must be set below room temperature

Click here to see my Post “Next step after Thermostat”
Click here to see my Post “Cracked Heat Exchanger”
Click here to see my Post on protecting your home when on vacation “Alarm for Home”

Thank you for visiting my blog I would appreciate any feedback I can get, Please leave a comment on whether my information has helped you. I am always interested in more topic to write about, so feel free to leave a comment asking about anything related to HVAC-R(Heating, Ventilation ,air conditioning, refrigeration).

Thanks for reading my blog
Gary