Failed Compressors - Don't JUST REPLACE IT

Bert teaches a class about failed compressors and what you should do when you encounter one; he also explains why you don't want to "just replace it."
Acid can kill a compressor, and it is one of the most common causes of compressor death after replacement. Moisture contamination in the system mixes with POE oil to form acid, which degrades the oil's ability to lubricate the compressor and leads to premature failure. High heat and electrical burnout may also cause acid formation in the system.
When you diagnose a compressor, you will want to follow an extensive diagnostic process, not just replace it. A thorough diagnosis will help you figure out if the system has acid. Some common signs of acid in the system include positive results on an acid test kit and a pungent odor when you remove your hoses.
When addressing an acid problem, you will want to replace the compressor AND accumulator, do an acid flush or other form of acid treatment, and install a suction line filter drier (being mindful of the one-way flow and appropriate installation practices). You can either remove the contaminated line drier after 10-14 days or replace it with a fresh one after 10-14 days.
Be mindful of system and condenser airflow when you diagnose a compressor; watch for inappropriate or multiple filters, damaged or improper ductwork, inappropriate blower settings, a dirty or clogged evaporator coil, a dirty blower wheel, or a dirty and impacted condenser. Poor airflow can cause high temperatures and pressures, which strain the compressor. Airflow issues at the evaporator can also prevent refrigerant from fully boiling off, which can lead to liquid going into the compressor and causing premature failure. It is important that you quote for these issues so that customers can make educated decisions.
You'll also want to be mindful of the refrigerant charge and how it may contribute to early compressor failure. Low refrigerant charge can cause the superheat to be higher than usual; coupled with longer runtimes, a low refrigerant charge can be a problem when we're dealing with refrigerant-cooled compressors. We can use a P-T chart, do a standing pressure test, or weigh out the refrigerant to check for a low refrigerant charge. Leak detection can help you find a leak, which is a common cause of low refrigerant charge. It's also a good idea to be prepared to complete a full test after installing and starting up the new compressor.
Electronic issues may also be involved in compressor failure. Failed capacitors, especially on hard start kits, can cause the system not to run; you will want to make sure that you have tested all of those accessories. If a compressor has a factory hard start kit, you will want to replace the hard start kit with the compressor; an aftermarket hard start kit may just need to be removed, not replaced. Pitted contactors, switch problems, poor connections, and wire damage can also cause the compressor to run continuously or short-cycle the compressor, both of which lead to early compressor failure.
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[@aleckofunk7564]

This man just can’t miss! Thanks for the cheat sheet gentlemen. I’ll be sure to send it to all my boys. Amazing amazing work.

[@Dunkdamonk]

Bert 1 button away from a GQ front cover

[@Garth2011]

Agreed...todays HVAC systems are not built as well as the older stuff thats 20+ years old. So, it's not the best idea to suggest a bundled system replacement when a compressor or evaporator part will restore an older rig. Most of those older R22 systems were built for the long haul unlike todays cheap 10 year life span units. Aluminum vs. copper, chineseium contactors and capacitors vs. USA, control boards galore...in the air handler, the condenser and other components all ready to fail due to cheap manufacturing processes. I have seen a few new condenser control boards that act as the contactor...high voltage wires connecting directly to them ! There is a design that will fail everytime too soon and not $30 to fix but $500 if you are lucky to source the part.

[@TheKurtis96]

Love this video. My dad has 45 years of experience in the industry. He is training me, and we need more honest technicians in this industry. There are too many companies that are training technicians just to be salesmen. Not about the money or problem, just make the customer happy👍

[@BayouRepairGuy]

Copeland and LG are making poor quality compressors causing a lot failures as well

[@HVACRTECH-83]

Sorry if I missed it if you did mention this, I think it's critical to make sure people know that after a burnout assume you have acid always and do a test on the oil in the crank case, test-all is a great kit to stock on your truck. You can test poe or mineral oil w that kit. If your test fails, best practices are to use r11 flush or similar and then add a suction line filter drier made for cleanup but do not leave on the system, I think you did mention not to leave on system but it's important to remove that drier after a couple days and re test with the quick tests you showed while the system is running. Read directions on your test kit. It makes a difference. If you still have acid you need to install another suction and liquid line drier all over again, and do this however many times that's needed till you can pass a test. I will even reflush with the r11 and in extreme cases even add a scavenger and that works really well, then remove suction drier permanently and install fresh liquid drier and you're done. Install flare driers and add ball valves even to make life easier. Many times it will take multiple rounds to be acid free. It's just what it is but if you leave any acid, you'll be back,or a different company

[@emmanuelmcdermott]

Liked for acid taste 😂

[@derekmc9580]

Great class. A way to get around the possible failed txv issue is just to install a new txv with the compressor. The system is already flat and it really doesn’t add to much labor or cost to the job.

[@matthewh9585]

Try to stop me 😎

[@johhnyzmokistizsaxa4519]

had one show up at my house said nothing was wrong with the ac had the electrician over 5 times cause the ac when it engaged it would blow the breaker he finaly at the last day takes the ac apart and the wireing assemble is burnt to crap you figured the ac guy woulda looked for this in the first day

[@jericosha2842]

You brought up some stuff I haven't considered for compressor failure. Thanks for graciously sharing.

[@holychopstix]

This is exactly the topic I've been needing help with. Thank you!

[@jamesfitzsimmons381]

Good job Bert

[@christalbert4217]

Thanks for this important information. I appreciate it tremendously!!!

[@edlauren9434]

Thank you! Very good class. I am a licensed HVAC/refrigeration contractor. Love your way of easy talking about important issues! Will definitely watch more of your videos!

[@ApartmentMaintenancePro]

Great info Bert!

[@DonaldDucksRevenge]

Thank you for this very informative content. I am an amateur from a different discipline (IT) however I am learning a lot from these videos. It helps me know what to look for in my own application (residential) and informed some of the prior repair work.

[@arthuraucar3696]

👍a very instructional and professional video..!

[@performancehvac6059]

Great video. Diagnosis of a compressor is a “Who done it”? game. Got to know what killed the compressor. I always offer replacement as an option, but with rising costs, it’s really hard to see the value on a system out of warranty.

[@gr8gmblr]

Good video! As a seasond commercial tech I've learned these tactics along the way. I work on my hearing and visual alerts. But, why did I feel like this meeting was because of me?? 😂