Radiator Fan Motors

A window unit, commonly called a window air conditioner, is great for cooling a single room or a group of rooms that do not have partition walls. A window air conditioner consists of a blower, fan, compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, thermostat and filter.

Internal maintenance to the sealed refrigeration circuit (coils, compressor and motor) should be left to a trained technician. There are minor steps that you can take to keep your window air conditioner running strong.

During the winter months, window units should be removed and stored indoors in a clean, dry area. If you are storing your window air conditioner in the basement, be sure to elevate it to make sure it does not get exposed to water. Always keep your unit in the upright position to prevent oil and refrigerant migration.

Warning: Before any work is done on your appliance, it should be unplugged and discharged. Failing to do so could result in severe, and potentially lethal, electrical shock.

Maintaining Basic Components

(THESE PROCEDURES SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED BY A TRAINED TECHNICIAN)

The filter, power cord, coils, switch, thermostat, drain ports and fan are important to service on a routine basis to avoid serious problems. Typical guidelines for maintaining these parts are as follows (BE SURE TO REFER TO YOUR OWNER’S GUIDE FOR SPECIFICS ON YOUR UNIT):

Filter

Before every cooling season and once a month during the cooling season, the filter should be removed, cleaned and replaced. If you live in a particularly arid climate, this may need to be done more frequently. Most window air conditioners have a washable filter that looks like a sponge.

Clean filters with a mild detergent and water, rinsing well. Let the filter dry completely before replacing. If your window air conditioner comes with a fiberglass furnace style filter, do not wash it; replace it with a new filter of the same type.

Power Cord

If your air conditioner stops working and you suspect that it is not getting power, there could be a problem with the power cord. Power cords may become worn and fail to supply electricity to the air conditioner. To check the cord, remove the control panel. Unscrew the cord terminals and then attach a test wire across the bare lead wires.

Hook the clips of a volt-ohm-millimeter (VOM) set to the RX1 scale to the prongs on the cord’s plug. If the meter reads zero, the cord is functioning. If the meter reads higher than zero, replace the cord.

Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Clean the evaporator and condenser coils the same time you clean the filter; before the start of the cooling season and once a month during the season. If your area is particularly dusty, this may need to be done more frequently. The coils can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner hose. If the fins on the coils become bent, use a fin comb from your local hardware store to straighten them.

Switch

The selector switch, behind the control panel, turns the window air conditioner on and off. If the air conditioner does not run on any setting, and you have already made sure that the power cord is working, you may have a faulty switch. To check, remove the control panel and see if there is burnt insulation or black marks on the terminals. If so, replace your switch with one of the same type.

Thermostat

The thermostat is also located behind the control panel. If you believe you have a problem with your thermostat, here is how to test and replace it:

1) Remove the grille and control panel. There will be a temperature sensing bulb extending from the thermostat to the face of the evaporator coil

2) Carefully remove the thermostat, noting the position of the sensing bulb. It must be replaced in the exact spot.

3) Check the thermostat with the VOM setting on the RX1 scale. Clip the probes to the thermostat terminals and turn the temperature control to the coldest setting. Your meter should read zero if the thermostat is working properly. If the reading is greater than zero, replace the thermostat with a new one of the same type.

Drain Ports

The evaporator coil condenses water vapor from the air and funnels it through a drain port. At this point, the water is blown against the condenser coil, where it is dissipated.

Drain ports can become dirty and get clogged with debris. This results in water leakage, usually through the bottom of the front grille. To prevent clogging, clean the drain with a piece of wire. Do this at the beginning of every cooling season and when your unit starts to leak.

Fan

If your fan is not working or if it is particularly noisy, it is usually caused by loose or dirty fan blades. Follow these steps to repair the fan:

1) Locate the fan inside the cabinet.

2) Use a soft cloth and/or vacuum to clean out any debris.

3) Check tightness of all blades. Vibration can loosen fan fasteners. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to tighten screws that connect the fan hub to the motor shaft.

4) If your fan has oil ports, apply a few drops of 20-weight non-detergent motor oil.

5) If you suspect a faulty motor, test with the VOM on the RX1 scale. Connect VOM probes to disconnected terminal wires.

If the meter reads between 3 and 30 ohms, your motor is functioning properly. If your meter reads zero or it is extremely high, replace the motor.

To remove the fan motor, remove the fan blades, power wires and mounting bolts. Install a new motor by reversing this procedure. If the condenser coil prevents motor removal, do not attempt to remove the motor. Call a professional.

If any other problems occur with the motor, compressor or coils, a professional service person should be called.

By doing simple maintenance and repairs as described in this article, you can significantly extend the life and efficiency of your window air conditioner.

Mike Culletto

Product Specialist

H-Mac Systems, Inc

One of the best professions to consider is AC repair. There are always going to be air conditioning systems that need repaired or replaced. Learning the very latest in how to do this will provide you with a good clientele if you provide great service, they will recommend you to others.

The first thing you should do if you are interested in this type of work is to find out what type of training you will need to be licensed in the state in which you live. Many states require certification for installing air conditioners as well as repairing them.

The classes you take will include the basic types of refrigeration, the components that are used, evacuation and recycling. The voltage used in AC and DC circuits; resistance and power will all be covered. Some prerequisites are required before actually taking the courses. The course that will teach about the piping used in HVAC system may require a class on Construction Industry Standards. The best way to find out what type of prerequisite classes will be needed is by looking at the admissions book at the school you will be attending.

Learning how to maintain the heating and cooling systems is an essential part of this learning process. From motors and compressors to ducts and pipes, learning how all the components in these systems work and relate to each other is one of the main aspects to learning this trade. The design of the systems, building codes, safety when using refrigerants as well as the different classifications, air quality for indoors and out and technology as it relates to this field will all be courses that are required. The importance of keeping up with new technologies will be stressed also because most states require HVAC technicians to renew their licenses from time to time.

One of the licenses the HVAC technician will be required to have is for working with refrigerants. This is a must to be able to purchase the refrigerant as well. Learning about the three types – low pressure, high pressure and small appliance – will be taught and then an exam will have to be taken to receive the license.

Working as an apprentice will help the learning process. Working with a certified technician will give you the experience and hands on training that is needed to advance in this career. When you are ready to become certified, taking the Technician Certification exams that are required by the Environmental Protection Agency will be the next step.

The type of certification that you get will be according to the size of the appliances you will be working on. As mentioned above there are three types. AC repair is a great career choice and the demand for certified technicians is expected to increase.

AirZero offer the most reliable AC Repair Clearwater services around. We also offer our services at prices you can afford. If you are in need of any ac repairs or installation services just contact our Clearwater Air Conditioning Repair Team today. We look forward to serving you. Be sure to visit our website to take advantage of special discounts.

Cooling a home with a central air conditioner will keep your family cool and comfortable, but there are many advantages to using a portable air conditioning unit. They are dual purposed, which is great. During the winter months there is an occasional need for space heaters. This type of air conditioner has a built-in heater, making this air, heater and humidifier unit very useful year round. Not only does it have a heating system it has a dehumidifier, three important elements for one price. This is a good reason to have this system around; there is always a use for it no matter what the weather. Portable air conditioners can be used in storage buildings, garages, automotive shops or other places a conventional system may not be practical.

A portable air conditioner is great for yard sale tents or outside closeout sales. When merchandise is set up on the outside of a building to be sold, this type of cooling unit really comes in handy. These are sold in appliance stores and they are great for college students, people who travel and motor homes. The design looks very much like a portable space heater. This cooling component is barely noticeable and it’s quiet.

The portable air conditioner can cool a large area and is also an energy efficient appliance. Using a portable unit will allow an opportunity to install a more efficient central unit. If a unit is older chances are it is costing a fortune in cooling and heating bills and will then be expensive to update. A portable cooling system will save money and these can be used year round. There is no need to empty water and it is compact and can be placed any where needed.

A portable system is a matter of health for the elderly. The need for body temperature changes requires easy access to an air conditioning unit. At times the elderly need a quick change in temperature or they may need the humidifier. With an all-in-one unit this is easy to do; keep in mind it requires no emptying of liquid and can be placed within reach. After coming in from a hot day there is nothing like the feel of a nice cool home to get away from the heat of the day. Summer is a fun time of year, but not when the home is improperly cooled.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about portable air conditioner, visit http://www.coldair.net.

Space heaters have become a common fare in American homes, even in the South where weather extremes are not as bad as in the North. Given the popularity of the radiator heater, it has become necessary that people take precautions. They have to use space heaters cautiously so as to avoid any untoward incidents. There have been many cases where people lost their lives and property due to lack of safety precautions.

You can avoid any accidents if you follow these instructions while using radiator heater.

Type of heater

You can ensure greater safety if you have given enough attention to the type of heater you have installed in your house. In case of gas heater, you will have to make sure that gas connections are not faulty and there is no leakage. A better idea is to check all the mains and make sure that there is no leakage. Any careless behavior on your part can result in serious damage and loss of life as gas burns are considered the worst in medical professions and gas fires also spread quicker. Gas leakage is also dangerous even if it does not catch fire. It contains hazardous gases that can cause serious health damage and even death if you inhale it in greater quantities.

In case of an electric heater, you will have to be even more careful. Lack of safety precautions can cause serious damage. Although there is no danger of gases emanating from the device but fires can erupt due to short circuit and can cause serious damage. There is also a chance of electrocution if the device is older and does not comply with modern safety standards. You will therefore have to focus on the type and build of the heater to ensure maximum safety.

Space

Space is equally important. If you are installing heaters in closed spaces then beware. You will have to pay extra attention to air flow especially in the case of gas heaters. Accumulation of gas vapors in a small room can spell disaster. In case of electric heaters, you can remove all the fabrics and other items that can catch fire from its vicinity. You can also read the safety instructions that come with the heater to further enhance the precautions.

A focus on these two things will enable you to enjoy great heat and warmth during cold winters month and you will not have to worry about safety.

Visit electric radiator heater or heating vent for more information.