REPAIR FAQS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ – Below, you will find answers to common air conditioning, refrigeration and heating problems.

Please keep in mind, these are basic, oversimplified explanations of how these systems work. There are a multitude of potential problems that can affect the performance of these mechanical systems and contacting a Minneapolis refrigeration repair pro is your best bet.

To keep these units running at peak efficiency, have one of our trained and experienced technicians examine your systems and recommend the services needed. Our preventative maintenance program provides for periodic cleanings, filter/belt replacement and systems check FAQ to keep your units operating at their peak efficiency. We offer top quality Minneapolis refrigeration repair and HVAC services.

HEATING 101 > AIR CONDITIONING 101 > REFERIGERATION 101 >
Quality Refrigeration
HOW IT WORKS

HEATING 101

Heating System

There are multiple types of heating systems, including forced air, boilers, radiant, etc.; this example will concentrate on gas forced air systems.

The forced air systems include the following components (and often more): control unit, filters, gas valve, mixing chamber, ignition unit, burners, heat exchanger, blower/motor, and ductwork.

HOW IT WORKS

  1. Upon receiving the signal from the control unit, the gas valve opens allows gas into the mixing chamber where it mixes with the incoming air. The mixture flows to the burners.
  2. At the burners, the mixture is ignited by the ignition system.
  3. After ignition, the flames are fed more air and gas and flow to the heat exchanger. The flue gases continue out through the exhaust portal.
  4. In the heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to a medium (air) via a blower and continues through the ductwork distribution system.

Some suggestions for no heat

  1. Is the thermostat turned to heat and set to 72 degrees F?
    To reset thermostat, turn heat switch off for 2 minutes, then back on.
  2. Is the circuit breaker tripped or off?
    Turn breaker on and/or reset.

If neither of these works, call for service.

Exhaust units typically contain ductwork and a blower/motor. If it is not functioning see if the circuit breaker is off or tripped. Turn breaker ON and/or reset. If unit is still not functioning correctly, call for service.

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HOW IT WORKS

AIR CONDITIONING 101

HOW IT WORKS

Air conditioning units have the same basic components and follow the same cycle as refrigeration units. However, an air conditioner is cooling a much bigger, less enclosed “box”. It is also not trying to reduce the temperature to the level of a cooler or freezer.

Some suggestions if your air conditioning isn’t cooling properly

  1. Is your thermostat set to cool?
    Make sure it is no lower than 70 degrees F
  2. Is unit iced?
    Turn cooling OFF and turn fan ON for 2 hours and restart.
  3. Is the circuit breaker tripped or off?
    Reset or turn breaker to ON.

If these remedies do not resolve the issue, call for service.

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HOW IT WORKS

REFERIGERATION 101

HOW IT WORKS

Refrigeration systems are closed loop operations, and maintain the colder temperatures since they are within a closed, insulated box. Low temp refrigerants are used for freezers and medium temp refrigerants are used for coolers. They contain at least (and usually many more) components: a compressor, a metering device, a hot (condenser) coil, a cold (evaporator) coil, fans (for the condenser and evaporator coils) and a control unit (thermostat). The cycle is as follows:

  1. The compressor receives refrigerant from the evaporator. It compresses the refrigerant, which cause it to become a hot, high pressure (a couple hundred pounds per square inch) gas.
  2. The liquid refrigerant then passes through a metering device where it evaporates, resulting in a low pressure, cold gas.
  3. This low pressure gas circulates through the evaporator coils, absorbing the heat and cooling the box.
  4. The gas returns to the compressor, starting the cycle again.

Some suggestions if your refrigeration unit is not functioning correctly

MAKE TABLES AND REACH IN UNITS
  1. Check the unit for power – are the fans coming on and/or the box lights on?
    If no, check and make sure the unit is plugged in correctly.
  2. Is the inside coil iced?If yes, unload the unit and deice. In addition, you may want to unplug the unit for 24 hours to deice thoroughly. If unit ices up again within a short time, call for service.
  3. Is the thermostat turned on?
  4. Is the condenser coil area free of debris and dirt?
  5. If the make table has a cold rail, make sure the rail switch is on.

If none of these work, call for service.

WALK IN COOLERS
  1. Is the circuit breaker tripped or off?
    Reset or turn breaker ON.
  2. Is the switch inside the box that operates the fans turned to “operate or ON”.
  3. Is the inside coil iced up?
    1. If yes, then turn the thermostat up to 90 degrees F for 2 hours. If unit is not equipped with a thermostat, turn the power off to the compressor for 2 hours.
    2. In both cases, deice the coil with the fans, leaving them in the ON position.

If these remedies do not work, call for service.

WALK IN FREEZER
  1. Is the circuit breaker tripped or off?
    Turn breaker on and/or reset
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