Service Maintenance for HVACR Systems (Outcome 5.3)

Routine Maintenance

Planned, repeated tasks that keep HVACR equipment operating safely and efficiently.

Energy Movers

HVACR systems that move heat; includes air conditioners, refrigerators, furnaces, and boilers.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Safety procedure to ensure equipment is properly shut off and not started again before maintenance is completed.

Evaporator Coils

Indoor cooling coils that must exchange heat efficiently; dirt can reduce cooling and lead to icing.

Condenser Coils

Outdoor AC/refrigeration coils that reject heat; dirt can cause increased pressures and overheating.

Combustion Hazards

Risks associated with heating equipment including fuel leaks and carbon monoxide production.

Airflow and Distribution Components

Parts that affect air movement in HVACR systems and must be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Filters

Components that trap dust and dirt, protecting the blower and coil; must be inspected for loading and damage.

Belts

Components that transmit power; must be inspected for signs of wear, tension, and alignment.

Refrigerant Recovery

The process of removing refrigerant from a system and storing it in an external cylinder safely.

Recycle vs Reclaim

Recycle involves cleaning refrigerant for reuse; reclaim means processing it to meet industry purity standards.

Superheat

The difference between the actual temperature of vapor and its saturation temperature at suction pressure.

Subcooling

The difference between the saturation temperature and the actual temperature of the liquid refrigerant.

Visual Inspection

Checking for visible issues like dirt, blockages, and leaks before using instruments in HVACR troubleshooting.

Low Airflow

A condition that can lead to low cooling performance and system inefficiency, often due to dirty filters or coils.

Safety Verification

The process of ensuring power is off and moving parts are secured before inspecting equipment.

Combustion Issues

Problems associated with burning fuel in heating systems, often related to ignition or combustion air.

Thermostat Call

The signal sent from the thermostat to trigger the heating or cooling system to operate.

Hydronic Systems

Heating systems that circulate hot water or glycol mixtures through radiators or other heat transfer devices.

Equipment Sequence of Operation

The predetermined steps that an HVAC system follows to heat or cool a space.

Pressure Testing

The process of checking system integrity and ensuring there are no leaks after repairs.

Electrical Checks

Verifying voltage and continuity in control circuits as part of troubleshooting HVAC issues.

Safety Controls

Devices that ensure safe operation of heating systems, preventing overheating or dangerous conditions.

Common Maintenance Mistakes

Common errors in HVACR maintenance such as ignoring root causes or failing to perform safety checks.

System Performance Indicators

Measurements like superheat and subcooling that indicate proper refrigerant flow and system efficiency.

Flame Proving Failure

A condition in heating systems where the control board cannot detect flame presence, leading to system shutdown.