Do any homeowners want a do it yourself HVAC thread to check out your unit for spring

[gofshn]

Question for a HVAC Pro.

I have a Gas forced air unit and the tenant is saying the room temparture differential has become very noticeable in the last two months, what could be causing this? Assuming air is flowing through each register could the thermostat be bad? Something in the unit? Etc?

Thanks.

what type and size of unit, package, or split system, what type of building, does the unit have an economizer, is your filter clean. is your fan turning the proper rpm, is it a belt driven supply fan.

[Team Temptation]

Great, but coil cleaning (the correct way) requires freon recovery and usually welding. Coil cleaning as a band aid requires water in close proximity to electrical components nice combination. I can see where we all want to save a buck in these difficult times, but comparing turning on a computer and servicing a major appliance is a stretch. JMO that it would be less expensive and safer to get it serviced by a certified tech specially on the gas fired furnaces.


Armando

[tunatamer4]

Dude, all power will be off, and if someone can't pull 5 hex head screws out and spin a condenser fan blade then I don't think they will figure out how to use a computer to log on and read this thread. When I get back, I plan to do some pictures on this. I will be showing the simple stuff, like coil cleaning and checking fan motors for bearing wear.

LOL! Don't assume anything dude. I got a call from an old customer of ours who is an orthodontist. Pretty educated guy right?

He needed a lightbulb changed on his deck and couldn't figure out how to get the cover off the light.( 4 phillips screws)

[Proheat]

Great, but coil cleaning (the correct way) requires freon recovery and usually welding. Coil cleaning as a band aid requires water in close proximity to electrical components nice combination. I can see where we all want to save a buck in these difficult times, but comparing turning on a computer and servicing a major appliance is a stretch. JMO that it would be less expensive and safer to get it serviced by a certified tech specially on the gas fired furnaces.


Armando

Gofshn is just trying to help the average homeowner save some money since times are tough. As far as "the correct way to clean a coil" by your description of refrigerant recovery is way off with what is trying to be accomplished here. Other than some large commercial units, I have never had to remove a coil to clean it. With a home unit that we are talking about- after the power is turned off, it is as simple as spraying a degreaser or mild soap solution on the condenser coil and letting it soak and loosen the dirt that has accumulated. Then use the water hose with a flat spray and rinse thoroughly until clean. I use a pressure washer turned on low pressure with a flat nozzle, but am very careful as to not bent the fins over.

Also, in regards to your other comment about using a water hose to rinse near electrical components..........first thing is to turn the power off, but another thing is that these units are designed to sit outside in the rain and all the other weather to begin with, so a little water on the coil isn't going to hurt anything.

[Team Temptation]

Gofshn is just trying to help the average homeowner save some money since times are tough. As far as "the correct way to clean a coil" by your description of refrigerant recovery is way off with what is trying to be accomplished here. Other than some large commercial units, I have never had to remove a coil to clean it. With a home unit that we are talking about- after the power is turned off, it is as simple as spraying a degreaser or mild soap solution on the condenser coil and letting it soak and loosen the dirt that has accumulated. Then use the water hose with a flat spray and rinse thoroughly until clean. I use a pressure washer turned on low pressure with a flat nozzle, but am very careful as to not bent the fins over.

Also, in regards to your other comment about using a water hose to rinse near electrical components..........first thing is to turn the power off, but another thing is that these units are designed to sit outside in the rain and all the other weather to begin with, so a little water on the coil isn't going to hurt anything.

When coil cleaning is mentioned I took it to mean evaporator coil which does need to be removed and is usually the one that needs the cleaning as opposed to the condenser coil. To get to the fan motor on either the condenser or the air handler the service panels must be removed exposing the electrical components of most units so a major risks exist. Its great that we all try to help each other in times of need, take my help as trying to keep most out of the emergency room.

Armando

[gofshn]

Dude, the evaporator coil does not need to be removed for cleaning. This is why they make a no-rinse evaporator cleaner. Trust me, I should know.

[tynmissy]

on 99% of the residential units i've worked on to PROPERLY clean it, it needs to be removed. any hack can spray no rinse cleaner. i think the difference in opinions is coming from a commercial vs residential mindsets