Mingledorff's

Stock up on the APCO-X

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:14:39 GMT

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Up to $100 in Rebates with APCO-X Purchase and Install

For a limited time, every APCO-X purchased from Mingledorff’s qualifies for a $50 rebate in the form of an American Express gift card. Just provide proof of purchase and submit the rebate form below.

Then, after the product has been installed and registered you can receive another $50 gift card from Fresh-Aire UV by filling out the online product registration form below.

Offer valid October 1st through December 31st, 2021 while supplies last.

Claim your $50 gift card with proof of purchase from Mingledorff's

Click the button below to fill out the PreSeason Kickoff Spiff form and submit along with your proof of purchase to CSR@freshaireuv.com .

Step 1: Submit “2021 PreSeason Kickoff Spiff Form” along with proof of purchase. Must be purchased from Mingledorff’s to quality for this $50 spiff.

Claim an additional $50 gift card after installation and product registration

Click the link below to fill out the product registration form for an additional $50 gift card from Fresh-Aire UV and complete the submittal form. Note: Both steps must be completed.

Step 2: Online Product Registration

Step 3: Submit “Fall 2021 Spiff Submittal Form”

The APCO-X by Fresh-Aire UV is a whole-house air treatment system. Using EverCarbon™ cells, it safely sterilizes biological contaminates, and neutralizes odors and toxic VOCs throughout the entire home. The APCO-X fights mold and bacteria, and reduces pet, cooking, chemical, and smoke smells. For cleaner indoor air, with chemical free disinfection, get the APCO-X today

PreSeason Kickoff Spiff: Offer good on purchases of APCO-X from Mingledorff’s participating stores during 10/1/21 thru 12/31/21. Participating stores include purchases made through Single Source but excludes purchases made through the Ocean Springs, MS; Hattiesburg, MS; and Pensacola, FL stores. Gift cards will be distributed within 60 days of customer’s receipt of purchase. Fresh-Aire UV reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time.

Want a FREE Klein gas leak detector?

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:55:27 GMT

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Purchase $1,500 in qualifying Resideo combustion products and receive a Klein gas leak detector FREE!

Receive a Klein Tools ET120 Combustible Gas Leak Detector when your qualifying purchase totals $1,500! But hurry – your purchase must be made between 12/15/2021 and 1/25/2022 to qualify. Stock up today! Every contractor who orders $1,500 in qualifying product is entered to win Grand Prize $1,000 Bass Pro Gift Card.

Qualifying sku’s include: DB7110U1000/U, Q3200U1004/U, Q3200U2002/U, Q3400A1081/U, Q3451U1000/U, Q4100C9044/U, Q4100C9046/U, Q4100C9050/U, 041 00C9070/U, S8610U3009/U, S8910U3000/U, S9200U1000/U, ST9120U1011/U, SV9501M2528/U, SV9501M8129/U, SV9502H2522/U, SV9520H8513/U, SV9641M4510/U, VR8200A2132/U, VR8215S1248T/U, VR8215T1502/U, VR8245M2530/U, VR8345M4302/U.

Offer valid December 15th through January 25th, 2022 while supplies last. See flyer for full details.

Motor Madness May

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:17:34 GMT

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May is Motor Madness Month!

Motor madness is going on all month long in May! For the entire month of May, you’re going to get 4 additional incentive points* for each Totaline motor purchased.

Offer valid May 1st through May 31st, 2022 while supplies last. See flyer for full details.

*Incentive points are valid on carrierincentives.com or bryantpromotions.com

March Tools and Test Sale

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:26:55 GMT

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Tools of the trade need an upgrade?

Get special pricing on our best sellers for the month of March. Digital manifolds, micron gauges, vacuum pumps, hand tools, and top quality tool bags to keep them all organized and always within reach. See full list of specials below and come shop with us before the heat wave rolls in.

Offer valid March 1st through March 31st, 2022 while supplies last. See flyer for full details.

Bryant Mid-Tier Variable Speed is Here!

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:28:00 GMT

Trusted Brand. One Powerful Platform. Introducing the new Preferred Series 249VAN

When you choose Bryant, you get next-generation variable-speed technology designed to improve comfort, simplify service, and deliver long-term value.

Core Benefits

Smarter Systems Start Here

Powered by InteliSense™ technology.

Built for Better Installs and Faster Service

Long line flexibility up to 250 ft
Hybrid Heat compatibility
Remote diagnostics and system visibility
Faster troubleshooting with fewer guesswork scenarios

Engineering to Last

Designed with advanced protection systems, pressure monitoring, and proven durability features to perform in demanding environments.

Brand Differentiation

Innovation-driven performance with PerfectAdjust™ technology.

Upgrade Your Offering Today

Give your customers smarter comfort and give your team a better system to install and service.

Carrier Mid-Tier Variable Speed is Here!

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:46:00 GMT

Trusted Brand. One Powerful Platform. Introducing the new Performance Series 27VPA9

When you choose Carrier, you get next-generation variable-speed technology designed to improve comfort, simplify service, and deliver long-term value.

Core Benefits

Smarter Systems Start Here

Powered by InteliSense™ technology.

Built for Better Installs and Faster Service

Long line flexibility up to 250 ft
Hybrid Heat compatibility
Remote diagnostics and system visibility
Faster troubleshooting with fewer guesswork scenarios

Engineering to Last

Designed with advanced protection systems, pressure monitoring, and proven durability features to perform in demanding environments.

Brand Differentiation

Innovation-driven performance with ComfortAdjust™ technology.

Upgrade Your Offering Today

Give your customers smarter comfort and give your team a better system to install and service.

Mid-Tier Variable Speed is Here!

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

A Winning Combination for Your Customers and Your Business

Carrier and Bryant introduce a smarter, more efficient variable-speed platform that delivers premium-level performance without the premium price.

The new Carrier Performance™ and Bryant Preferred™ Variable Speed Heat Pump paired with the Carrier or Bryant Smart Thermostat featuring InteliSense™ technology delivers the comfort homeowners want and the technology contractors need to sell, install, and service with confidence.

Why This Product Matters

The Carrier Performance 27VPA9 and the Bryant Preferred 249VAN gives dealers a compelling option for customers who want more than basic equipment but aren’t ready to invest in a premium communicating system.

Variable speed comfort
Excellent value proposition
Easy upgrade conversation
Ideal replacement option
Backed by Carrier and Bryant

Unlock the Full Potential

Pair it with the new Carrier or Bryant Smart Thermostat!

When installed together, the thermostat unlocks exclusive features including:

ComfortAdjust™ Technology: Up to 21 adaptable compressor stages for smoother operation and greater comfort.
InteliSense™ Technology: Connected diagnostics that provide remote system performance insights for faster troubleshooting and improved service.

Why You Will Love It

Easier to Sell

A compelling value proposition between entry level and premium systems.

More Installation Opportunities

A compelling value proposition between entry level and premium systems.

Remote system information helps technicians identify issues more efficiently.

Faster Diagnostics

Performance insights can significantly reduce troubleshooting time.

Fewer Guesswork Service Calls

Differentiate Your Business

Offer technology many competitors aren't discussing.

Carrier and Bryant Performance Reliability

Built on a trusted platform backed by Carrier and Bryant.

Benefits Your Customers Will Notice

Ready to Start Selling? Explore The Product Today!

Everything you need to educate your team, build customer confidence, and sell the new product is available by clicking the buttons below.

Faster & Easier Bill Pay Is Here!

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:33:00 GMT

A single portal for all of your invoices!

What Our New Platform Brings You

To ensure you receive invoices and statements electronically when you request them, please verify that we have the best billing email for your company. If we do not have an email address on file, send your preferred billing contact to creditapplications@mingledorffs.com as soon as possible. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to providing an even better billing experience! If you have questions, please reach out to your Mingledorff’s or Holden and Associates sales representative or contact our credit team.

Unlock the Full Potential

One-stop access: See and pay invoices via ACH or credit/debit card across multiple accounts with a single login.

Fast, flexible payments: Pay an entire statement or select individual invoices in a few clicks.

Exportable data: Download statements and account details to Excel or PDF.

Customizable views: Filter, sort, and search. See only what matters to you.

Direct messaging: Message your credit representative inside the portal for quick answers.

What to Expect

We're ready: Our internal teams are trained and ready on our new platform.

Self-service setup: Register at the button below and check out our quick start guide to get up and running!

What's Needed From You

Earn Double Trip Points With R-410A

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:12:00 GMT

How Can I Get Bonus Points?

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Mingledorff’s is excited to announce a limited-time promotion exclusively for our valued trip program “Participants” (dealers who have completed the Incentive Trip Application Form and paid the required deposits). From July 14th – August 31st , all purchases of qualifying R-410A equipment made by Participants will earn DOUBLE trip points. Every qualifying product invoiced during this window gets you closer to your next incredible destination with Mingledorff’s!

Check out a list of the qualifying R-410A equipment by clicking the button below and view the “Last Chance” section of SingleSource to place your order.
If your order invoices within the promotional period you earn double points!
Check back in weekly for an updated equipment list and ask your Territory Manager about R-410A stock today.

Promotion runs July 14, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Applies to qualifying R-410A equipment only, which is found at the “Last Chance” section of SingleSource and can be accessed by clicking the button below
Product must invoice during the promotional period to qualify
Double trip points exclusive only to Participants
Offer only available while supplies last
Points will be forfeited for non-payment
All other terms and conditions set forth in Mingledorff’s Incentive Trip Terms also apply

Key Details

2025 Rooftop Roundup

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:46:00 GMT

How It Works

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Purchase a Carrier RTU (3 – 27.5 tons) From Mingledorff’s.
For 3 – 12.5 ton units, add an adapter curb; no curb required for 15 – 27.5 ton units.
Submit your claim form and invoice via email to: sales.admin@mingledorffs.com
Get paid! Earn $10 per ton on qualifying RTUs.
NEW FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn double! Between 5/1/25 and 6/30/25, earn $20 per ton instead of $10!

Earn money! Receive cash back for every qualifying unit you purchase and install.
Quick & easy process! Just submit your invoice and claim form.
Wide selection! Choose from a variety of Carrier rooftop units between 3 – 27.5 tons.
Exclusive offer! Only available for Mingledorff’s customers.

Why Participate?

Get paid to upgrade your rooftop units with Mingledorff's Rooftop Roundup!

Earn $10 per ton when you purchase qualifying Carrier rooftop units from Mingledorff’s.

Program Details & Rules

Offer valid from 3/1/25 – 12/31/25
Earn double between 5/1/25 – 6/30/25
Claims must be submitted by 2/2/26
Eligible products are 3 – 27.5 ton RTUs purchased from Mingledorff’s stock
Plan and spec projects are excluded from and not eligible for this promotion

Monthly Promos

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:38:00 GMT

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Terms and Conditions:

Offer valid only on qualifying purchases of [skus above]. Cannot mix/match products. Subject to availability. Limit [6] free product(s) per customer account. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. $0.01 products cannot be returned or exchanged. Promotional period is from 4/1/2025 to 5/31/2025. Mingledorff’s reserves the right to change or terminate the promotion at any time.

April 2025

Honeywell Thermostat Promo Through April!

Buy 10 participating Honeywell thermostats and get 2 for just a penny!
Cannot mix and match products, must purchase 10 of the same SKU and get 2 of that SKU for a penny.
See graphic below for participating SKUs.
Offer valid from April 1st – May 31st, 2025
Available while supplies last!

Spring is here—make sure you have everything you need for the cooling season rush!

February Totaline® Chemicals Promo

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:47:00 GMT

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Buy 3, Get 1 for a Penny – Stock Up Now!

�� Promo Details:

Offer valid: February 1 – February 28, 2025
Limited time only: When it’s gone, it’s gone!

Spring is coming fast—make sure you have everything you need before the rush hits. Take advantage of this deal while supplies last!

For more details, contact your local Mingledorff’s Distribution Center or Territory Manager.

Inclement Weather Store Closures

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:23:00 GMT

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Store Closures due to Inclement Weather

Last updated: Monday, Jan. 26 @ 12:45 PM

Please view the bulletin below and expand the location map to stay up to date with information.

North Georgia Locations:

Monday, Jan. 26:
LTL and parcel freight services will be extremely limited today.
Check in with your local branch for specifics.

Veto Promo

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:11:00 GMT

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Check out the video and resources below to take advantage of our April Veto bag promotion. Don’t miss out – offer available while supplies last!

2023 Veto Best Sellers

Tech MCT
Tech Pac
TP-XXL
MB
MB2
Tech OT-MC
TP-XL
Tech Pac Blackout
TP4B
TP-LC
MB3
Tech Pac MC
TP3B
Tech MC
MB5B

April 2024 Veto Pro Pac Promotion

2024 Mingledorff’s Dealer Meeting

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:49:00 GMT

A Dealer Meeting to Remember...

We thank all of our dealers, vendors, staff, and our sponsors for making our 2024 Dealer Meeting possible! Because of you all we had our most successful Dealer Meeting to date! The partnerships we’ve built over the years have highlighted why, together, we are the most effective HVACR providers in the Southeast. Mingledorff’s extends our sincerest gratitude to everyone who spent some time with us while we mixed business and pleasure with our eyes eagerly on the horizon of 2024 and beyond.

2024 Marketing Guides

Cam Marston

As the founder and president of Generational Insights, Cam Marston, our keynote speaker, has spent decades studying the intricacies of multigenerational workplaces and helping organizations navigate the challenges and opportunities they present.

In his presentation at our Dealer Meeting, he delved into the strategies and best practices that are proving successful in today’s dynamic business landscape. Drawing from his extensive research, real-world experience and hundreds of interviews with business leaders from his radio show, Cam provided invaluable insights into how to attract and retain top talent in an era of high turnover.

You can view his presentation slideshow below as well as a link to purchase his book, What Works, below!

Presentations

Day 1

Day 2

Black History Month

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:10:00 GMT

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Black History Month takes place between February 1st and March 1st every year. It’s a time to celebrate and observe the accomplishments, stories, and the history of the African American community within our nation. It was created in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the previously week-long celebration to a full month in an effort to continuously “honor the accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

We asked our employees what Black History Month means to them, and asked what events in history inspire them.

Ebony Green, Senior Recruiter: Black History Month is a celebration of resilience, strength, and the rich contributions that Black individuals have made throughout history. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our shared journey and highlight the achievements that have shaped our society. The Civil Rights Movement has been a profound influence, showing the power of unity and advocacy for justice.

Sonya Haynes, Senior Accountant: Black History Month is a celebration of where we come from and how we have contributed to society. The work of Martin Luther King Jr. helped shape my life by inspiring me to give back by servicing others in need no matter their background.

Darius Lucas, System and Support Analyst: Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on our ancestors and the voices who led the way as well as what’s happening today. It’s about telling the story of things that don’t always get talked about. The Civil Rights Movement inspires me.

Kevin Fonville, Account Executive: Black History Month is a time to reflect on achievements and accomplishments that for so long were rarely spoken of in history books and early education. My great uncle, Horace, graduated from seminary school with Dr. King. Horace passed away several years ago in his 90’s but he is mentioned in a book called Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63 which is about Dr. King’s legacy.

Dr. King is pictured here in the center of the front row, while Kevin’s great uncle, Horace, can be seen in the back left.

Do you have any sentimental moments growing up or from your family’s history that you’d like to share with us?

Ebony Green, Senior Recruiter: The resilience of my ancestors is a source of deep inspiration. Family gatherings where stories are shared and traditions are passed down hold a special place in my heart, connecting me to my roots.

Sonya Haynes, Senior Accountant: My most sentimental moments are going to church on Sunday and my entire family meeting afterwards at my grandparents’ home for Sunday dinner. Holidays with my family have always been sentimental as our parents spoke of their childhood memories.

Darius Lucas, System and Support Analyst: I coach football and help out my community year round. Something interesting about my family is that my grandmother’s house was built by all her sons and grandsons.

Kevin Fonville, Account Executive: Another fun fact about my family’s history is that my mother went to college and is friends with Joylette Goble, who’s mother is Katherine Johnson from the movie Hidden Figures.

(Katherine is pictured in the bottom center of the graphic at the top of this page.)

NIMs – Network Interface Module

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:40:00 GMT

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NIMs – Network Interface Module

Kevin Livingston

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Recently we have been getting calls from techs about NIMS installations. One caller recently said he had an infinity system with an “infinity” water source heat pump with a no cool call (as told by the homeowner to the tech). The infinity interface was giving a 179 code, or no communicating with the outdoor unit.

This installation was on a 4-story home, and the tech had not yet gone to the basement to troubleshoot the “infinity” water source heat pump, as he was told he by the homeowner. He was in the attic at the infinity furnace above the 4th floor. He was getting his dcv in the proper range on his A and B green plug on the air handler, 3 to 4 vdc. His indoor board ohm reading was in range, 28k to 32 k. The tech ohmed out the A and B thermostat wires on the water source heat pump from the upstairs. His ohm reading was not in range of a normal infinity board. His reading was around 64.4k. The tech then made the long walk to the basement where the “geothermal heat pump” was located. Bingo.

He then found the NIMS installation with a geothermal heat pump. “The infinity” geothermal heat pump is what he was told by the homeowner. But in reality, it was a geothermal heat pump communicating by use of the NIMS installation

He was ohming out the NIMS module. We suggested that he try running new thermostat wire, or using 2 extra wires in the bundle not being used. Once he made the changes to the wires on the NIMS and the indoor infinity furnace, guess what. The code 179 went away. The geothermal heat pump then began operating. Communication was established. So thus, it was not communicating with the older thermostat wires, but operated and communicated with the indoor infinity furnace and UI with the newer thermostat wires.

So, the NIMs installations is definitely a tool all techs could use if needed on certain installations. The Network Interface Module (NIM) is used to interface the following devices to the Infinity ABCD bus so they can be controlled by the Infinity System. The following devices do not have communication ability and the NIM is required to control: • A Heat Recovery Ventilator / Energy Recovery Ventilator (HRV/ERV) (when zoning is not applied). • A non-communicating single-speed heat pump with Infinity furnace (dual fuel application only). • A non-communicating two-speed outdoor unit (R-22 Series-A unit)

More information on the NIMS can be found in HVAC Partners, or on your Carrier or Bryant service app.

So what have we learned from this article?

What is a NIMS? A Network Interface Module
Some equipment can be operated similar to an infinity/evolution system with the installation of a NIMS
Always listen to your customer, and check out all components of the service call before making a repair attempt (could save you a lot of time)
The NIMS must be installed out of the weather.
The full installation of the NIMS application can be found in HVAC partners or the Carrier/Bryant service app

Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion.

September 14, 2023

The Compressor is Not Starting

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:35:00 GMT

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The Compressor is Not Starting

Austin Caldwell

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

With technology advancing more and more every day, the days of relays to contactor style control are behind us. Carrier units with MBB boards have sensors everywhere from the suction pressor to Current sensors on the compressor. This does have a great benefit to having a unit in which you can attach one set of remote contacts then it will run. But this can cause issues once you start getting wear on the sensors. This can cause the codes P.16-P.27 which can cause massive headaches to hunt down.

The potential fixes for this are very simple if you take it step by step. The first step is to verify the standing pressure. Use a set of gauges tied in the service ports next to the transducer. Once the gauges are installed use the Comfort Link to verify the pressures of the Gauges. If they are off more than 10 psi the bad transducer needs to be changed. If the transducer’s reading is good verify the control voltage to the contactors and make sure there is no loss going to the contactors from the MBB. Make sure you have the signal out of the scroll protection module. If those are present and the transducer is fixed the problem is solved.

September 14, 2023

The Code states the Compressor has not started or pressure has not been established. This Fault is read if the compressor discharge-suction did not increase 10 psig in 2 min. This goes back to the sequence of operation for the starting of the compressor. The sensor that makes a technician’s job easier on checking trails is also how the machine knows it’s doing what the MBB commands. This can affect the unit not being able to run at full capacity to shutting down whole circuits. This can come from faulty transducers to faulty current sensors. This will make the MBB Board think the compressor is not operating correctly

Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:40:00 GMT

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Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Jesse Van Atta

VRF Quality Assurance Manager Gulf Coast District

The most current 24 and 26 SEER Carrier GREENSPEED and Bryant EXTREME offer a few upgrades from the original versions. Now, they have a capacity range from 25% to 100% and added a discharge pressure transducer to the ensemble of inputs for more protection and adjustment ability. Similar to the original Greenspeed and Extreme units, they provide a basic 24VAC transformer for power to the primary control module (PCM). Another upgrade is a communicating Bluetooth Module for monitoring performance and updating the components through the Carrier, Bryant, or Replacement Components Service Tech Apps. It is highly recommended to perform this update at the time of system commissioning and later during any service or maintenance performed to the equipment.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to exchange data between devices over short distances, mainly as an alternative to wired connections. It utilizes UHF radio waves with low transmission power, covering a max distance of about 33 feet.

What Apps Can I Use?

Be aware that signing in as a guest will only give you limited ability with the apps.

“Firmware” will search and show current and latest versions for each component.

The System page is a very useful tool to have for working on these machines. No gauges or meters are necessary until you find the need to fact check the information. All input and operational values are displayed here in one cohesive list. In the “Refrigeration System Info” we find compressor and outdoor fan RPMs; outdoor coil and ambient temperatures; suction pressure, temperature, and superheat; discharge pressure, temperature, and superheat; the heating EXV (Electronic Expansion Valve) position, and the vapor injection EXV position (only used on the 5 ton models). In the “Inverter Info”, we find line voltage; AC line current (amp draw); DC bus voltage; PFCM (power factor correction module) temperature of the reactor circuit(s); IPM (inverter) temperature. In the “Operational Status”, we see heat pump mode percentage (demand); a lockout timer counter; low ambient cooling on (if it has been enabled in the UI setup); and curtailment.

Once signed into your account, touch “Connect to Outdoor Unit or Furnace”. This will take you to the “Connect to Equipment” screen. Select “Outdoor Unit (Bluetooth)” and the app will search for equipment.

If no equipment is found, you may need to resync your device.

Verify the Bluetooth Module has a red LED.

Once connected, the LED will turn green.

Tip: Only one device at a time can connect to a Bluetooth Module.

When the unit is found by the app, it will show the Serial and Model. If multiple units are near, it will show all available. Choose a unit and then touch “Pair”.

The app will take you to a connected screen with three choices:

“Faults”, “System”, or “Firmware”. Any active faults or required updates will display.

Tip: “Faults” will show you active and historical errors from the unit, not the system. If updates are required, turn your phone on do not disturb during the process. Any interruptions and you will have to start over.

If any of the details seem suspect, then further investigation is necessary. As these units can change how they operate based on inputs, the information being correct is critical. Use your gauges and meter to compare and contrast versus the data. Compressor RPMs are converted from hertz. The minimum and maximum RPMs varies by ton. This information can be found in the product data under “Sound Power Level (dBA)”. The suction temp, outdoor coil temp, and outdoor ambient temp inputs are all 10K ohm thermistors. The discharge temp is a 50K ohm thermistor. These ohm value charts for both types are readily available online. Pressure transducers take a 5 VDC output from the main PC board and provide a signal return between .5 to 4.5 VDC back to the board. This value is put through a formula to provide a pressure reading between 0 and 620.

Tip: By the math, the formula is trasnducer signal VDC (x) minus .5 times 155. Or 155(x-.5)= pressure. Examples: High 155(4.5-.5)= 620 PSI, low 155(.5-.5)= 0 PSI, mid-range 155(2.3-.5)= 279 PSI and 155(1.3-.5)= 124 PSI.

Validating the position of the EXV(s) is not possible. If it comes into question, you can verify the integrity of the stepper motor by ohming out each of its multiple coil circuits. You can also verify the 12VDC from the PC when commanding a position change. If both of these check out, then the internal valve is stuck or restricted.

The PFCM and IPM temperatures are built into the inverter which is not serviceable.

Curtailment is for when your utility requires a way to interrupt the operation of the unit during peak periods. The UTIL connections must be wired to a normally open set of contacts. When the power utility sends a signal to close the contacts, a curtailment indication can be seen on the Bluetooth app and the Infinity or Evolution Control (UI), and the system will be commanded to shut down.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to use one of the three available Service Tech Apps for connecting with Bluetooth on the 24 and 26 SEER equipment. Stay tuned for next months article, “Communication Is Key – Part 1”, where we will discuss Infinity and Evolution equipment through the years, and provide some insight into the changes as the technology of these systems continues to advance.

September 14, 2023

Pesky P201 Code

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:55:00 GMT

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Pesky P201 Code

Austin Caldwell

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

On 30RA to 30RB, this code can be a massive headache. With all the different options for these chillers can come with this alarm can send you down many different paths. We will break down a couple of basics to look at first to get the chiller back online. If this code still presents the chiller will not run.

The first thing to look at when you have this alarm is to check if the chilled water pump is working. Once that is verified, check and make sure to use either a peach plug or the gauges on the piping. If you use the gauges on the piping, use only one gauge to pull the gauge from one side so you can have a standard. Once verified, pressure drop check the flow switch. Clean the flow switch if it’s dirty.

The P201 Code read out is “Cooler Flow/Interlock Contacts Opened During Normal Operation”. This alarm is from the flow switch losing flow while the chiller has a run command active. This is the main safety for the water side of the chiller. This stops the chiller from freezing the evaporator barrel. This is why you never jump the flow switch on any style chiller.

If the alarm is still present, replace the sensor – especially if it has been in the machine for a few years at least. Once all this has been checked, make sure you don’t have an external flow from the BAC. If that is all good hit the switch and fire the chiller up. These are some good steps to keep when checking water flow issues.

September 14, 2023

CODE 69: System Malfunction

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:13:00 GMT

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CODE 69: System Malfunction

Kevin Livingston

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

You may have seen Code 69 while receiving a service call to a 25VNA8-24VNA9 2 thru 5 ton. Many times we get a call from a tech stating “I think I have a bad board, I just want to verify with you guys!” Many times it is a bad board; or is it? Do a literature search In HVAC partners or your Carrier Service Tech App, for this system and find code 69.

Sure enough the literature is almost always right. The literature does state Inverter/compressor internal fault. As stated above, also stated is overcharged system, phase imbalance/compressor or inverter miswire, flooded start, inverter damage, or compressor damage. But if the compressor isn’t starting, then you can’t check the charge. So lets focus on the inverter and compressor for this discussion. Maybe we’ll all learn something new.

You start thinking maybe the inverter is bad, or maybe the compressor is bad. First you can confirm that the MOC board is good. Ohm out the MOC board across A and B , you should get a good reading between 27K and 32 K ohms. Also the DC voltage on A & B should be around 3 vdc depending on incoming line voltage to the unit.

Then you ohm out the compressor wires from the inverter terminals U(YEL,), V (RES), and W (BLK). . You slide them off, ohm out and you begin getting some odd readings. You should get a stable, equal reading from the chart below, depending on which compressor tonnage you have. You should measure the resistance to ground from each lead. You shouldn’t get anything to ground.

You find the compressor resistance readings to be abnormal. Wow!! You begin to second guess your ohm/voltage meter. You change your batteries, or get a different meter. Having a very good workable meter is vital in this trade. So now you need to measure the resistance at the compressor fusite terminals. You will need to remove the sound barrier, a pain, but never the less, it must be done. During the removal of the compressor fusite cap, do not remove the RTV sealant. Remove the harness plug, measure the resistances, and compare to table 4. Once you remove the cap, you can measure the resistance at the compressor fusite terminals.. Recently, a tech removed the fusite cap, and found this:

If this tech had not removed the compressor sound blanket and removed the compressor fusite cap, he might not have found the melted power harness and melted compressor terminals. He probably would have believed the literature “inverter fault” and had to find this issue later. Then you have an upset customer because you didn’t go the extra mile and find the real issue.

So next time you get a service call, make sure and make the proper checks before making the final diagnosis. So what have we learned with this lesson:

Always follow the fault codes when you get a service call
The fault codes are listed in the literature
Take a look at all the fault codes under the listed code before making the final diagnosis
Make sure you have a good working meter; and a backup meter is not a bad idea
Safety first. Before checking any inverter, cut off your disconnect and give the inverter capacitors time to discharge
Most of the information you will need to troubleshoot Carrier/Bryant systems will be located in HVAC Partners
Code 69 means Inverter/compressor internal fault

September 14, 2023

The Magic Is In The Change

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:45:00 GMT

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Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Jesse Van Atta

VRF Quality Assurance Manager Gulf Coast District

What is superheat? What is sub–cooling? In this article we will review what refrigeration is, how it works, and some of the terminology. Hopefully, it will help you troubleshoot problems within the basic refrigerant circuit, and then apply these skills to more complex systems. For newcomers to the trade, this basic knowledge is critical. For seasoned veterans, a refresher never hurts.

The Basics

Refrigeration is the ability to move heat from a place it is not desired to one where it is unopposed. An air conditioner does not actually cool a space, rather it removes heat from it. This happens by utilizing the changes of state in refrigerant between liquid and vapor to reject and absorb heat. Refrigerants can be many things from water to CO2, or chemicals such as R410A, which is common in current residential and light commercial applications. Some refrigerants work better in specific temperature ranges and environments than others, but regardless of the type, the principles of refrigeration remain the same.

The Four Major Components of Refrigeration

The Refrigeration Cycle in Action

In the graphic, the red refrigerant line represents high-pressure vapor from the compressor. As this discharge vapor flows through the condenser, it rejects heat into the air, gradually changing state to a high-pressure liquid. This change is represented by colors transitioning from red to orange. The refrigerant continues to reject heat, becoming a liquid that is sub–cooled beyond its saturation point, shown in yellow. Then it flows to the metering device (TXV), which provides the drop in temperature and pressure. On the outlet side of the TXV, the refrigerant has transformed to a low-pressure, mostly liquid (mixed phase) state, represented by dark blue. As air is pulled across the coil by the blower, heat is absorbed from the air into the refrigerant causing it to change state from liquid to vapor, represented by the colors transitioning from grey to blue. The pale blue line represents superheated vapor that has absorbed heat beyond its saturation point.

Tips and Tricks: Latent Heat as Humidity

It is important to note that a second process of heat removal occurs in the evaporator when its surface temperature is below dewpoint of the air passing across it. A space with high relative humidity (latent heat) will affect the system’s ability to remove sensible heat from the air. This must be considered when diagnosing an issue or trying to get a refrigerant charge exactly right. As the humidity of a space falls in line, the performance of sensible heat removal will improve.

Why the Magic is in the Change

The HVACR industry almost exclusively uses the BTU (British thermal unit) as its measurement of heat. One BTU is the amount of heat or energy required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This is a constant while the water remains a liquid between 32F and 212F. To transform this water into one pound of 212F vapor, it requires significantly more energy at 970 BTUs. Most of the work happens during the change of state. This principle is utilized in refrigeration by designing a system that can force the changes of state of a refrigerant from vapor to liquid, and then back to vapor again to move heat where we want it to go.

A Review of Terminology

Discharge is the high-pressure hot gas (vapor) refrigerant as it leaves the compressor. It maintains the superheat carried over from the suction. If it exceeds 225F, then the compressor oil may breakdown causing an eminent lubrication failure. Most compressors have an internal thermal switch that will open before it reaches critical temperatures.
Liquid is the sub-cooled refrigerant as it leaves the condenser after it has rejected enough heat to change state from a high-pressure vapor. Also, it is the state of low-pressure refrigerant leaving the metering device before it absorbs enough heat to change to a low-pressure vapor in the evaporator.
Suction is the low-pressure superheated vapor as it leaves the evaporator and travels to the compressor. A TXV type metering device uses a sensing bulb charged with the same refrigerant as the system to open or close, as needed, to keep an optimal amount of refrigerant moving through the evaporator coil.
Saturation is the specific temperature of a refrigerant at a specific pressure when in a resting condition. ***Tips and tricks: Knowing the exact temperature of a refrigerant drum (vs a PT chart) is a great way to calibrate the pressure on your gauges.
Superheat is the heat absorbed into a refrigerant above its saturated vapor point. This measurement tells how the evaporator is performing. High superheat means the liquid has boiled off too soon and the evaporator is starved for refrigerant. Little or no superheat means that the liquid is making it through the coil.
Sub-cooling is the heat rejected from a liquid refrigerant below its saturation point. This measurement tells how the condenser is performing. High sub-cooling means the refrigerant is backing up in the line from the metering device. Little or none means the high-pressure vapor from the compressor is not changing state properly.

If no equipment is found, you may need to resync your device.

The PFCM and IPM temperatures are built into the inverter which is not serviceable.

September 14, 2023

1. Compressor: This is the heart of the system. Named for the job it performs, it compresses the low-pressure vapor into high-pressure vapor (discharge) and pumps the refrigerant through the system.

Compressor

2. Condenser: Half the magic happens here as high-pressure vapor pumped from the compressor rejects heat until it has changed state and condensed into a high-pressure sub–cooled liquid.

Condenser Coil

TXV

3. Metering device: This is where the refrigerant drops from high to low pressure and transforms to a mostly liquid with some vapor (mixed phase) state. Also, it regulates the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator.

Evaporator Coil

4. Evaporator: The other half of the magic happens here as low-pressure liquid absorbs heat and changes state to a low-pressure superheated vapor. This vapor then returns to the compressor through the suction line.

Dirty Evap Coil

What Happens if Air is Restricted through the Outdoor Coil?

The high-pressure refrigerant is hindered from rejecting heat and changing state to a liquid. Suction, head (liquid) pressure will be elevated. Superheat will be high and there will be little to no sub-cooling.

Basic Refrigeration Diagnosis

What Happens if Air is Restricted through the Indoor Coil?

The low-pressure liquid refrigerant is hindered from absorbing heat and changing state to a vapor. Suction and head pressures will be low with little to no superheat and elevated sub-cooling.

How Does a Heavy Ambient Load Affect my Readings?

Suction and head pressures will be elevated. Superheat will vary depending on indoor and outdoor conditions. Sub-cooling will usually be lower than normal.

How Does a Light Ambient Load Affect my Readings?

Suction and head pressure will be diminished. Superheat will vary depending on indoor and outdoor conditions. Sub-cool will usually be higher than normal.

How Can I Tell if I have Non-Condensables in the Refrigerant?

Suction and head pressures and will be elevated. Superheat will usually be high and Sub-cool low.

***Tips and Tricks: The best way to verify if you are dealing with non-condensables is to pump the system down. Once the refrigerant is isolated in the outdoor unit, unwire the compressor and run just the condenser fan for about 10 minutes to acclimate the refrigerant. Then compare your refrigerant pressure against a PT chart. If it is higher than the chart, you have non-condensables.

What Happens when the Refrigerant Charge is Low?

Suction and head pressure will be low because there is not enough refrigerant in the system to complete the changes of state in the condenser and evaporator. Superheat will be high. There will be little to no sub-cooling.

***Tips and Tricks: You can use a thermal camera to see if a condenser is sub-cooling the liquid. In the following photos, the two units on the top have little to no sub-cooling while the two on the bottom have proper sub-cooling, as shown by the banding of color.

What Happens when the System is Over-Charged?

Suction and head pressure will be elevated. There will be little to no superheat. Sub-cooling will be high as the refrigerant molecules stack up on the inlet side of the metering device.

How Can I Tell I have Bad Valves in the Compressor?

Suction pressure will be elevated, and head pressure will be diminished. Superheat will be high. There will be little to no sub-cooling. ***Tips and tricks: Try to pump the system down. If the system will not pump down or stabilizes at a positive pressure, without trying to bypass refrigerant, it is likely the valves will have failed.

What Happens when the Metering Device gets Restricted?

Suction pressure will usually be lower than normal. Head pressure may be elevated. Superheat will be high. Sub-cooling will be high as refrigerant molecules stack up on the inlet side of the metering device.

What Happens when the System is Over-Metering?

Suction pressure will be high and head pressure will be low. There will be little to no superheat and sub-cooling. The causes for this depend on the type of metering device.

How Can I Tell if I Have Mixed Refrigerant?

Suction and head pressures are usually elevated. Depending on the mix of refrigerant, superheat and sub-cool are completely variable.

***Tips and Tricks: This diagnosis can apply to some blended refrigerants that become fractured.

An old, printed copy of the chart below helped me immensely at the beginning of my service career. I hope it can help you the way that it helped me….

How Air Conditioning Shaped Cities Throughout the World

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:04:00 GMT

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Article and photos from The Cultural Tutor (@culturaltutor) on Twitter...

If we couldn’t keep them cool, then glass skyscrapers and megacities in the desert would be impossible. This is how air conditioning changed the world — and influenced architecture everywhere we look.

Carrier realized the potential of his invention — though it was another inventor, Stuart Cramer, who created the term “air conditioning” — and founded a company to mass-produce these climate control machines. The world would never be the same again.

For almost all of human history one of our biggest challenges was to ensure that buildings were suited to their climate. Whether houses, castles, temples, granaries, or anything else, they had to deal variously with scorching heat, freezing cold, rain, snow, and wind.

The Ancient Roman architect and military engineer Vitruvius wrote about this over 2,000 years ago. He explained that it would be impossible to build the same sorts of buildings in every part of the world, because architecture always had to account for local conditions.

Think of Scandinavian churches or German houses with their steep roofs — to prevent snow building up and causing a collapse. We may think they look charming now, but this was architecture and design responding to and developing in accordance with the local climate.

The traditional crofters’ cottages of Scotland were built with thick walls, small windows, and a big thatched roof to keep the rain out and the heat in. This was about staying warm and dry in a region that is wet and cold for most of the year.

In 1901 a New York publishing company needed to solve a major problem: the varying humidity in their factory made it very difficult to print in color. An engineer, Willis Carrier, solved it for them by inventing a machine which controlled both humidity and temperature.

Then you’ve got hotter regions, where the challenge is arguably even greater. For thousands of years people harvested ice from mountains or glaciers and used it to cool their houses, water, or food; in the 19th this became an international industry. How did architects and builders deal with the demands of hot and humid climates? Big windows, high ceilings, balconies, open spaces, and rooms below ground level. Think of a traditional Moroccan house with its large central courtyard, or the subterranean stepwells of India.

The porticos and colonnades of Ancient Greece and Rome provided shade during the day, while Indian jalis — intricately carved, perforated windows made from wood or stone — compressed the air which passed through them and, thanks to the Venturi effect, cooled it down. It was also important to design buildings and cities according to other environmental factors, not least water sources and prevailing winds. Dinocrates, the architect who planned Alexandria in 332 BC, ensured harsh northerly winds wouldn’t blow directly through the streets.

But this doesn’t even tell the full story. In the past people were also restricted by knowledge — it was a less globalised world — and, crucially, by whatever construction materials were locally available, be that pine, oak, limestone, marble, slate, reeds, clay, mud, turf…

And so, all over the world, from region to region and town to town, different styles of architecture emerged as a result of the need to address the local climate, as restricted by available materials and local cultural practices. This is where traditional architecture came from. Things started to change with the introduction of modern construction methods and materials, such as concrete, plate glass, girders, and steel. But the problems of dealing with local climate still necessitated differences in design and appearance. That is, until air conditioning.

In the 1920s a private air conditioning unit cost the modern equivalent of several hundred thousand dollars, but by the 1950s smaller, cheaper units had been invented. Increasingly, architecture and urban design didn’t need to account for the local climate. Suddenly traditional architecture — which first arose from necessity rather than choice — was no longer necessary. We could build the same sort of building everywhere in the world. And, aided by the forces of globalisation, that’s exactly what we’ve done.

Remember what Vitruvius said: once upon a time architecture had to be different everywhere in the world. Without air conditioning it would have been impossible to build the same form of huge concrete tower block in every region and city on earth. But air conditioning didn’t only change how buildings looked; it also revolutionized where they could be built and how big they could become. A city like Dubai could not exist without air conditioning — those colossal glass towers would be unbearable for living or working.

Between 1995 and 2005 the number of residential buildings in China with air conditioning rose from 8% to 70%. Other inventions, from modern plumbing to elevators, have also played a role in these changes. But the global homogeneity of architecture would not have been possible without air conditioning, because it solved the problem which for millennia had forced us to build differently.

The effects of air conditioning extend well beyond architecture and amount to something like a total revolution in the politics and economics of the world. To give but one example, how would server rooms function without it? The knock-on effects are endless.

So that’s air conditioning, which revolutionized the world of architecture and, among many other things, has completely changed how the world looks. And notwithstanding the rise of megacities and a single global style, it’s also responsible for these white boxes everywhere…

My Comfort Link Board is Not Working

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:30:00 GMT

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My Comfort Link Board is Not Working

Austin Caldwell

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Comfort Link controls on Carrier equipment have been around large package units to Chillers for about 15 years. It is a great control system for the ability to read codes and make changes on the machine without the need for computers or extra tools. The problem happens when it fails – you start having issues from burn inputs or outputs or internal shorts. Here are some tips on replacing and working with this board.

September 14, 2023

The Main Base Board or MBB is the brain of the control system. The MBB is the combination between a computer and an electromechanical board. This board holds all inputs from every thermistor to all transducers, it also is the ccommunication circuit between every auxiliary board on the unit. This board will allow you to run the entire machine per spec with just a start signal.

The problem happens with this board from burnt wires shorting the input side, to a simple hardware glitch that can kill the board. A common misconception when you order the board from the counter is it’s programmed to your exact machine. That is not the case. RCD puts out a base file for the serial provided. A very good practice before changing the bad board is going through the old board configurations. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes on the scrolling marquee. When you hit a setting and you don’t know what it is hold Enter and Escape for about 5 seconds and the display will read it out to you. This also works for the navigator which is highly recommended if you work on a lot of these (Navigator Part Number 30GT-911—062). Once you have the settings, swap the Enable/OFF/Remote switch to off and let the machine shut down. Lockout the power and swap the MBB. Once the MBB is swapped return power to the unit. With the enable switch off, go through your configurations and verify there are the same as what you wrote down. Once that is complete set the enable switch to where it was before, and you are ready to go.

A2L Puron Advance (R 454b)

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:12:00 GMT

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NIMs – Network Interface Module

Kevin Livingston

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

It’s coming soon. Below are the speculated dates of the release of Puron Advance, or R 454b in Carrier/Bryant equipment. These dates indicate readiness to ship the Puron Advance product. These are not hard cutover timelines. The speed of R 410a phase out will depend on factors such as demand, availability, and price of R 410a, state codes, etc. Actual first use of R 454b will be determined by the above factors.

In this article, we will cover a few key topics that will explain a few details pertaining to the use of R 454b. This information in this article only covers residential split ducted equipment. It does not apply to ductless, VRF, or commercial. We will cover ductless, VRF, and commercial, and more details on residential equipment in future newsletters. This briefing will give a few important details to prepare you for the change in refrigerants in Carrier/Bryant equipment. As always, safety is of main concern with the A2L refrigerants. A few things are still up in the air, under research and could change as new information becomes available. We will add new research changes in future articles and at our Fall and Spring Updates. But remember, as with anything new, keep yourself educated by reading and asking questions to learn as much as you can about new products. Much of the information in this newsletter is in Partners and My Learning Center.

Now we’ll talk about some primary concerns with equipment containing slightly flammable refrigerants. One of the primary concerns is the ignition of refrigerant leaking during equipment operation. Follow best practices when servicing the equipment to keep yourself safe and lower the possibilities of igniting any leaking refrigerant. One thing is for sure, be prepared and have a fire extinguisher available at all times when installing or repairing equipment with slightly flammable refrigerants. As mentioned earlier, a few things are still up in the air and could change as information becomes available.

Ignition

Most A2L refrigerants are difficult to ignite because they have a high MIE or minimum ignition energy. Many common household items like a cordless drill, toaster, hair dryer, or electric heater will not ignite A2Ls. They require higher concentration levels to achieve a flammable mixture.

Tools and Equipment

So what type of tools will be needed to work with Puron Advance? Well it requires the use of hand tools and equipment with no spark and no ark. Make sure all the tools that you are purchasing and using are UL certified. Your current gauges, digital or analog and hoses used with R 454b can be the same as used today, however, a dedicated set should be used the same as when working on R33 and 410a to avoid cross contamination. Check with the manufacturer to make sure equipment is rated for use with R 454b. 454b cylinders will have a red top and the hose connection will be reverse threaded. As always, before beginning work, make sure equipment is properly grounded.

Now we’ll talk about some primary concerns with equipment containing slightly flammable refrigerants, or A2L refrigerants. One of the primary concerns is refrigerants ignition of a refrigerant leak during equipment operation. We will cover this concern next in the indoor unit operation.

Indoor unit

There will be several component changes from the standard 410a systems. Indoor Equipment Indoor equipment will require an active mitigation board and refrigerant sensor. In other words, if refrigerant is present then equipment operation will be interrupted and the indoor fan will be energized to dissipate the refrigerant and lower its flammability level. The sensor will continually be scanning for R 454 b leaks. It will also have an updated wiring diagram. The indoor unit will have a sensor factory installed for vertical orientation, other location will be clearly identified for different applications. For furnaces only, you will mount the mitigation board to the side wall of the furnace in the blower compartment. 24 volts ac will power the mitigation board and Y/Y1 from the thermostat will connect to the mitigation board. The fan wire ( G ) from the mitigation board to furnace control board will control the fan if leaking refrigerant is detected. When powered up there will be a 10 second sensor warm up delay. After the warm up you can use the mitigation board self-test button to test the connection, this will have a 60 second mode. The mitigation board will have a green LED for normal operation, and a red LED for mitigation mode. When the mitigation board is triggered the safety chain interrupts Y/Y1 to the outdoor unit shutting it off. The blower will stay on for 5 minutes after the sensor readings are below mitigation level. After 15 minutes of mitigation the unit is allowed to heat or cool again. If the sensor over heats it will send the unit into mitigation mode. During this time the blower is always on in this mode.

The TXV will be designed for R 454b. New safety labels will be apparent throughout the indoor equipment.

Outdoor unit

On the outdoor unit, the new compressor will be designed for R454b. It will also have a new A2L design contactor. The new A2L contactor will have a top cover with a small hole to access push button. There will be minimal air gaps inside the contactor to act as a flame arrestor. There will be wire sleeves on some high voltage wiring. It also will be having new safety labels throughout the outdoor system.

We need to make sure the disconnect box is not mounted on the unit.

Pressures

Let’s compare operating pressure vs. saturated temperatures of R 410a vs R 454b. If we have a saturated suction temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The suction pressure of R 410a equals 118.8 psig. With R 454b, the suction pressure will be 113.3 psig . If we have a saturated condensing temperature of 110 degree Fahrenheit, the pressure of R 410a will be 366.4 psig. The R 454b pressure will be 349 psig. So these pressures are definitely not the same, but a small difference is apparent.

Future Research and Development

There is much more information forthcoming relating to R-454b. We are only scratching the surface. This newsletter may bring more questions than answers. That is OK. The more questions we get, the more we can all learn as we get the answers thru solid research and development. Remember as with anything new, research is constantly being conducted to improve the product. Change is inevitable as we find out new information. Stay tuned for much more in future newsletters.

Recap

R 454b will be the refrigerant of the future for residential equipment for Carrier and Bryant
You must have a fire extinguisher within your reach at all times
The equipment will have a mitigation board for safety
There will be a self-test button to check your safeties on the equipment
A set of separate gauges will be needed for A2L refrigerants (but should be common practice anyway for all refrigerants)
The pressures of R 454b are similar to R 410a
Technicians must read the literature before using A2L refrigerants to ensure safety. Go to My Learning Center to view much more information.
Read and learn as much as possible about any new products for safety for all involved
Much more information forthcoming as we learn more thru research and development
And always remember as with any new product, a few things are still up in the air and information could change as more becomes available.

September 14, 2023

The Dreaded P4 Code

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:41:00 GMT

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Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Jesse Van Atta

VRF Quality Assurance Manager Gulf Coast District

Have you ever shown up to a service call on a Carrier/Bryant/WeatherMaker (Midea) ductless system and found it locked out on a P4 or PC04 error code showing on the indoor display? Did the code return after a power cycle? Did the unit attempt to run? This article will help you understand what these codes mean and how to troubleshoot them effectively.

When working on any system, it is important to know the model number. These codes can mean different problems depending on the equipment, and where the error is displayed. In this article, I am referring to the following outdoor models:

(P4) 38MAQ, 38MBR, 38MHR, 38MPRA
(PC04) 38MAR, 38MPRB

Tips and Tricks: The following diagnostics can also apply to P6 and PC00 codes for IPM Protection

What do these codes mean? P4 and PC04 are Inverter Compressor Drive errors. Even though they sound specific, these codes can be generated from a broad spectrum of component failures and operating issues within the system.

Know your Voltage

The graphic above shows the components and the change in the sine wave through the inverter circuit

Check the DC Fan Motor(s)

Does it spin freely? If not, then the bearings have failed. If yes, then ohm the windings from the UVW connector. It will be a much higher resistance than the compressor but should still be balanced between any two pins. It should not be open or grounded. On units with two motors, perform the process with each.

September 14, 2023

Read L1 to L2. What is the actual line voltage vs the minimum and maximum listed on the data plate? Read each leg to ground. Are they balanced? Check the main breaker, next the disconnect, and then the equipment. Was there any drop or difference in the voltage?

Replacing a part may remedy a symptom, but not necessarily the cause. Dirty power issues can be overlooked when components have failed. If left unchecked, voltage that is too high, too low, or imbalanced can make for recurring issues.

Understand the Inverter Components and Their Purpose

The first stop in the inverter power circuit is the bridge rectifier. Its purpose is to convert the AC line voltage to DC. In essence, it flips the bottom half of the sine wave to the top. The formula for DC output is 1.414 x AC line voltage. Next in the circuit are the reactor and capacitors. These components pull tension on and flatten out the sine wave. Then the IPM (Intelligent Power Module) or IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) uses this voltage to send precisely controlled frequency to the compressor and DC fan motor(s).

After you have verified a good power supply to the equipment, perform a visual inspection of the wiring and circuitry. Some issues are more obvious than others.

Lightning prevails over circuitry

Tree frog had a bad day

Example of a reactor

Check the Reactors and Capacitors

These components are integral to the inverter circuit. Capacitors can usually be found bad on a visual inspection. Failures in reactors are uncommon, and they can be easily overlooked. Reactors should ohm very close to zero resistance. They should never be open or have any continuity to ground.

Check the Compressor

Has the sound blanket turned from green to brown? This is a sure sign it has overheated or possibly become demagnetized. Ohm the compressor windings. Remember, this is a three-phase motor. Your measurements should be balanced and less than 2.25 ohms. Nothing should read open or continuity to ground.

Above: Toasted Compressor Blanket

Ohm Values for the Windings of Select Model Compressors

Ohm the Windings from the Wire Harness Connector

DC fan motor wire color and designation chart

If the fan motor windings read correctly, further investigation may be necessary. Turn on power to the unit. Some motors use feedback for speed recognition. During standby, 5 VDC should always be present on the 4 & 5 pins of the feedback connector.

If it is not present, you have a shorted PC board. If it is present, then progress to the next step. Rotate the fan by hand and measure pins 1 & 5, 2 & 5, and 3 & 5. If any negative voltage is displayed, then replace the motor.

Check the Inverter (IPM)

If your meter cannot read Meg Ohms, it will display OL

Learning to find all these check points on the back of a control board takes time and experience. Every board is different. If they do not have to be returned for warranty purposes, save your failed parts for practice and study tools.

Communication is Key

Example of a misaligned connector

Bad communication between the main PC and the Inverter can cause a P4 code. Check the wired connectors for poor alignment. This can happen when components are replaced, and someone pulled on the wires instead of the connector. Loose connections can wreak havoc on a communication circuit.

Review of Possible Causes for P4 and PC04 Codes

High, Low, or Imbalance Voltage
Shorted PC and/or IPM Boards
Problems with the Compressor
Problems with the DC Condenser Fan Motor(s)
Faulty Communication between Main PC and IPM
Miswiring and Loose Connectors
Liquid in the Refrigerant (remote possibility)

Hopefully, the knowledge from this article will take some of the dread out of diagnosing a unit with these error codes and help you be more efficient when working with ductless products.

I Need My Building Back Running Right NOW!

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 20:08:00 GMT

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I Need My Building Back Running Right NOW!

Austin Caldwell

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

With the current world of getting parts and lead times being what they are, sometimes you must improvise to get a machine up and going. This tip will help with bad thermistor probes on 30RB machines with Comfort Link Controls.

We have all been there on a roof from 7 o’clock at night to 3 o’clock in the morning on an after-hours call. The best part of the job, right? Especially this time of the year when Georgia is at its hottest. The machine is pulling Alarm P.97. You go into the current alarm menu, and you hold the enter and escape keys for 5 seconds. The panel reads out “Water Exchanger Temperature Sensors Swapped”. This code has a few different causes but the most common one is a faulty transducer. The others are listed as wiring errors or swapped sensors.

September 14, 2023

This code can hold this chiller from running. A good way to check the temperatures on the waterside is by laser probe or temperature clamp. You can verify the temperature reading with the temperature within the Comfort Link.

Use the following steps to verify the temperature reading:

Go into the comfort link panel under “Temperature”.
It will show “Unit” > Hit enter > EWT (Entering Water Temperature) is displayed > Scroll down once to show the LWT (Leaving Water Temperature). This will show what both sensors are reading.
If they are off, then you have a bad thermistor.

If it happens on the leaving water of the chiller, the chiller will not run for more than 5 minutes. This is because with a bad LWT the system will not process that it’s cooling.

When this happens, you can use the outside air thermistor. They are mounted on top of the control panel box. Verify that the temperature is reading correctly to outside conditions. You can swap this with your leaving water temperature thermistor to get the machine back online. The only catch is to make sure the bad thermistor is not reading cold. If it reads under 35 degrees, the chiller will not start.

This is not a permanent fix, but this will get the machine online. This can be used as well for bad suction transducers if the need comes up.

“FAIL TO PRESSURE” On A 48JC04-06 (Alert A321)

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:26:00 GMT

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NIMs – Network Interface Module

Kevin Livingston

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

So, its Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM. You get a call of no cooling on a 48/50JC 04-06 Ultra High Efficiency Single Package Rooftop Unit with SystemVu™ 48JC04 – this system is one of Carrier’s high efficiency rooftop units. You open the system up and immediately go to the System Vu to check out the alarm. You see “Fail to Pressure”.

SystemVu Overview

Hold on, what is the SystemVu? Let’s check on this first. For the readers who aren’t familiar with System Vu, let’s do a brief review. This unit’s operation is controlled by the integrated SystemVu controller. It has been pre-configured with safeties, default settings and other logic to control all functions including the variable speed operation of the compressor, indoor fan motor and outdoor fan motor. It also controls the operation of factory options if they are provided. The unit can be hooked up to a conventional thermostat or Carrier sensor for operation with simply defining the sensor type mentioned in the manual. The factory default is Thermostat Control. In the manual are all the details to field change allowable settings to fit your application needs. For a quick start process if required, scan the QR Code below or enter the following URL. https://www.carrier.com/commercial/en/us/systemvu.

*IMPORTANT: This literature is in HVACPartners or Carrier Service Tech App, it covers the 48/50JC 04-06 models with SystemVu controls version 3.X. The SystemVu controls is standard on all 48/50JC models. Several SystemVu articles are written in previous newsletters that you may find helpful.

Fail to Pressure Error

So now that we know what the System Vu is (more to come in future newsletters) and where to find out more about the system Vu, let’s get back to our original subject – “FAIL TO PRESSURE”. We know from our experience as HVAC technicians, that “Fail to Pressure” means the compressor is not pumping. We go to HVAC Partners or the app, look up 48/50JC 04-06 and go to controls. Scroll down to alarms. We read “Alert A321 – C. A1 FAIL TO PRESSURE: This alert occurs when 20 seconds after the compressor turns on, the suction did not drop more than suction amount (CIR.A MIN SUC.P) and discharge pressure did not rise more than discharge amount CIR.A MIN DIS.P). This alert causes a strike for the compressor. The alert resets automatically. The cause of the alert is usually compressor wiring causing reverse rotation or a faulty compressor.”

We are thinking “Uh, Oh.” A bad compressor immediately comes to mind for many of us. Or, it could be a bad board. But more often, the board is not the issue. It couldn’t be a reverse rotation issue. Or could it? Let’s explore.

Troubleshooting the Error Code

First, cut the electrical to the system off, tag out and lock it out. Safety first! You can ohm out the compressor and check for good windings and ensure the compressor is not grounded, provided your volt/ohm meter is working properly and you have fresh new batteries in your meter. Follow the fault in the literature. Once you have confirmed a good compressor electrically (hopefully), look back at the literature again. Follow the offerings in the literature under this fault:

“Alert A321: The cause of the alert is usually compressor wiring causing reverse rotation or a faulty compressor.”

Begin asking questions to the owner such as:

Has anything happened recently to the building electrical wiring or system electrical wiring?
Has there been a recent thunder storm which knocked out electrical power in the area?
Have you called an electrician to do some work on your building electrical systems or panel box? Or was a main electrical transformer changed by the local power company in the area?”

Next, what does the literature state?

“The cause of the alert is usually compressor wiring causing reverse rotation or a faulty compressor.”

Now begin checking for reverse rotation of compressor which could happen with one of these episodes described above that could have caused a change of the 3-phase building wiring. So, reverse the line voltage by switching any two leads of the 3-phase wiring of the system at the system. Cycle the system back on, and your system begins operating. After a time delay, the compressor begins operating. Your suction pressure and head pressures are beginning to look normal. You have made the repair. You are the Friday afternoon hero! You repaired the system and it is now cooling down your customer’s building.

So, the next time you get a Friday Afternoon call on a 48JC system, don’t panic. Remember go to HVAC Partners. Look up the literature for this system, find your fault listed on the system Vu, and make the repair.

So, what we learned with this lesson:

The SystemVu is common to 48JC systems
You can work thru your control issues on the SystemVu Control
You can find out and read your system faults on SystemVu
Go to HVAC Partners to find the systems literature
Most of the information you need will be located in HVAC Partners
Safety first: Tag out, Lock out the disconnect to any system you are working on
Always make sure your voltage/ohm meter has fresh new batteries before you start the day
“Fail To Pressure”, means the compressor wiring causing reverse rotation or a faulty compressor
Reversing any two wires on a 3-phase system will reverse rotation, if needed

Source:

https://www.carrier.com/commercial/en/us/systemvu .
HVAC Partners: 48/50JC 04-06 Ultra High Efficiency Single Package Rooftop Units with SystemVu™ 48JC0; page 34
Carrier Service Tech App

September 14, 2023

Why Do Systems Freeze in Cooling Mode?

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:51:00 GMT

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Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Jesse Van Atta

VRF Quality Assurance Manager Gulf Coast District

An undersized return can contribute to a system freezing.

While checking the filter, take measurements to know if the equipment has enough return air. A good rule is 2 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air per square inch. Your local and state codes may vary. Most conventional systems are designed to deliver 350-400 cfm per ton.

For example: A 3-ton system moving 400 cfm per ton provides 1200 cfm and requires 600 square inches of return. For this system, a 20×30 return air opening is ideal. Ductulators, sizing charts, and apps are handy tools for verifying the proper size of ductwork.

What condition is the evaporator coil?

If it is within line of sight when checking the filter, take note of accumulation or damage. If it is not visible from the filter location, put forth the effort to visually inspect the coil. Knowing the condition will assist in your final diagnosis. If it is too frozen over, you may not be able to tell until thawed.

Does the blower motor run? No… Figure out why and remedy the issue.

Is the outdoor contactor stuck closed? Yes… Replace it.

The points below are common causes for an evaporator coil freezing.

Open blower relay
Failed motor and ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) module
Loose or broken belt
Insulation sucked into the coil or the blower
Outdoor contactor stuck closed

Is the cased coil installed correctly?

Many applications will have a furnace that is narrower than the evaporator coil. Always follow the guidelines set in the installation manuals. Pay attention to how air flows through the coil. Make sure all areas are getting equal distribution.

Frozen Coil from Low Refrigerant. Photos Courtesy of Joe Miller

Is there a need for low ambient cooling?

In applications such as server rooms, systems will need to run in the cool mode year-round. If the refrigerant ever falls below freezing, it begins a steady process of forming ice across the evaporator coil. In situations where low ambient cooling is required, it may be necessary to add a freeze-stat to the indoor coil and/or head pressure control at the condenser.

This article has provided a basic understanding of why systems freeze up in cooling mode. Hopefully, it has helped to elaborate on how to understand and diagnose one of the main service calls faced in the HVAC industry.

September 14, 2023

How does the refrigerant charge look? How is the flow?

Before you check pressures and temperatures, make sure the system is completely thawed. Any ice remaining will affect your readings.

Low suction pressure with little to no superheat, and (usually) slightly high subcooling indicates poor airflow through the indoor coil.
Low suction pressure with high superheat and little to no subcooling is a strong indication of low refrigerant charge.
Low suction pressure with high superheat and high subcooling are symptoms of a refrigerant restriction.

These results may vary based on many other factors in the system.

Tech Tip: Never leak search a coil while ice is present. For many leak detectors, the change in atmosphere around thawing Ice can produce a false positive.

Is the metering device restricted?

Metering devices such as pistons and TXVs are a common place for a restriction. Filter driers can occasionally become clogged. Find this issue by measuring the temperature on both sides of the drier. A temperature drop indicates a restriction. The evaporator coil itself can become restricted. Diagnose by eliminating air flow and watching for irregular freezing patterns in the capillary tubes and individual sections of the coil.

Piston

TXV

Do you have a kink in the refrigerant line?

A severe kink in a line can cause refrigerant flash and a significant drop in pressure and temperature. Sometimes, it may be necessary to read temperatures at multiple points across the lines to find this issue.

Kinked Suction Line Found in a Wall Cavity. Photo Courtesy of Joe Miller

They call me Dutch… Photo courtesy of Joe Miller

When troubleshooting any issue, it is always best to start with the most probable cause and work your way to the less likely possibilities. In this article, I will cover some of the basics of why systems freeze up during cooling mode. It might seem like HVAC 101 to some, but for the new talent coming into our trade, this knowledge can be invaluable.

Low air flow and/or low refrigerant through the indoor evaporator coil

It is important to understand that refrigerant pressure and temperature are relative. If the pressure drops, then the temperature falls accordingly. If the temperature falls below freezing, then available moisture in the air will turn to frost and eventually ice. This process usually begins just past the metering device. When left unchecked, it can work its way across the coil and back to the compressor.

How dirty is the filter? This should always be the first thing to check.

A blower motor must draw air in to move it properly. Low airflow because of a dirty filter can reduce capacity and cause a system to freeze. Closed supply vents on a system can also cause airflow to slow down through the indoor coil. However, these may not be the only issues. Make sure to inspect the entire system thoroughly for other potential problems.

Remind Your Customers to Change Their Filters Regularly. Photos Courtesy of Josh Petty

Up Flow Cased "N" Coil Installation

Frozen Coil from a Restricted TXV. Photo Courtesy of Daniel Gaydos

Restricted Indoor Coil Found Using a Thermal Camera

Wiring Tip for Zoning

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:37:00 GMT

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Wiring Tip for Zoning

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

When a house has zoning, it feels like there are wires going everywhere! And if you suspect that some of the wires may be crossed, you already know you could be in for a LONG DAY!!

It doesn’t matter whether its Infinity/Evolution, Honeywell, EWC, April Aire, or any other brand – we have a tip that can save guess work and give you confidence in the wiring.

When pulling new wires for zone installation or simply pulling a new wire for one zone, BEFORE you cut the wire off the spool, decide and announce a color or color combination. Use the SAME color(s) on both ends to be wrapped around the wire casing. THEN, no matter what the device is (thermostat, damper module, outdoor unit, etc.) when you get to the zoning board, where ALL of the wires meet up, you can KNOW what wire is going where.

Can’t remember where they go? Don’t remember what zone #2 wire is which? Pull zone #2 thermostat off and look at the wire color wrapped- now you know what wire is Zone#2 at the zoning panel.

Keep in mind you have to keep the same exact color(s) on BOTH ends of the wire.

The color chosen for my example were for an example, please choose the color combinations that best fit your job.

If you choose a color you later want to use, you could substitute it.

Here is an example of a 3-zone setup to show one possible way to help identify wiring at the zone panel:

The zone thermostats would be identified as #1-Red/ #2- Blue orange/ #3-Orange:

September 14, 2023

The zone damper wires would be identified as #1-yellow/ #2- Blue/ #3-green:

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

38MU/40MU Crossover System

Fri, 12 May 2023 14:08:00 GMT

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38MU/40MU Crossover System

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

In this article, I will explain how to wire the new crossover system for 24V communication or scenario 3 using a 3rd party thermostat.

There seems to be some confusion when wiring this system for scenario 3. Wire the system like any other multistage system. Wire the system for 3 heat 2 cool if you are using heat strips. The most important part of scenario 3 is setting the dip switches in the units.

First, set dip switch SW1 on the indoor unit. Also, SW1-1 and SW1-4 needs to be turned ON. This tells the indoor unit to look for 24V inputs like any other system.

September 14, 2023

The outdoor unit dip switch, SW1-2, needs to be set to ON. This also tells the outdoor unit to look for 24V inputs.

How I explain this to people when installing the systems is make it look like the picture in the install manuals.

Also, follow the wiring diagram in the install manuals and you will not have any problems.

Indoor & Outdoor Coil Cleaner

Fri, 12 May 2023 13:57:00 GMT

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Indoor & Outdoor Coil Cleaner

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

It’s that time again! Summertime is around the corner. Let’s get this ball rolling by checking out this coil cleaner by Totaline that can be used on both indoor and outdoor coils and is concentrated so that it can be adjusted as needed for the job at hand.

September 14, 2023

This coil cleaner (PMB23-054) is nontoxic when diluted and has vast capabilities when the mixture adjusted for the job at hand. For evaporator coils use the 1:8 ratio, 1 part cleaner and 8 parts water. Spray your coil and wait 10 to 15 minutes and rinse. You have a choice to use a hand sprayer to rinse the coil or let the coil rinse with the condensation. If you use it on the condenser coil you use it is a 1:4 ratio, 1 part cleaner and 4 parts water. Spray it and wait 10 to 15 minutes as well. Rinse. They say also that the coil cleaner is non-reactive to the aluminum, so it cleans the coil from dirt and debris and doesn’t hurt the coil. Here is the part number for it. P902-0301

They also have a special 32-oz bottle available only in HVAC TotalClean Kit Part Number P902-9901.

Remember safety first! View the SDS here .

Simplify your job and only carry one cleaner that can do both jobs and avoid confusion when grabbing the coil cleaner out of your van

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Overheated Thermostat

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:36:00 GMT

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Overheated Thermostat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

Have you ever run across an overheating thermostat? Where the thermostat displayed 90 and the room temp was in the 70s or it was a runaway system? Did you know why? How did you fix the problem?

I run into this a few times a year. It is fairly easy to trouble shoot and fix. I see this sometimes with an Ecobee thermostat, but it can happen to any brand. The thermostat will be warm to the touch and will throw off the room temperature reading. This results in causing a runaway system in cooling or a possible no heat situation.

We see this problem with 2 stage Infinity/evolution systems wired non communicating. What causes this is the transformer in the outdoor unit is out of phase with the indoor transformer.

Troubleshooting this is easy:

1) Remove the Y1 wire from the outdoor circuit board.
2) Give a call for cooling, take one meter lead and place on Y1 wire and the other to SEC1 on the circuit board.

If the reading is 40VAC and above, the transformers are out of phase and one needs to be reversed. If the reading is 10VDC, the transformers are phased correctly. 40VDC and above will cause the thermostat to overheat.

September 14, 2023

Carrier/Bryant Service Tech App – Part 2

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:27:00 GMT

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Carrier/Bryant Service Tech App – Part 2

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Last Month I demonstrated the Installation and basic usage of the app which included how to look up Literature scanning the bar. This month I am going to get into a more in-depth view of the Quick Links.

Literature Lookup

The first one is Literature Lookup. When you log in, scroll down to the bottom of your phone screen and you will see this menu.

September 14, 2023

When you type in the model number, the various literature available for that model will pop up and you can choose the one you’d like to view.

My Jobs

In My Jobs you can open create and close jobs.

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Troubleshooting

If you click Troubleshooting and see the screen to the right, you will need HVAC partners credentials to enter this link. This is an awesome tool to troubleshoot certain systems the easy way with Interactive Troubleshooting which is in its Beta Version as seen below.

Parts Cross-Reference

Infinity/Evolution Inverter Units

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:12:00 GMT

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Infinity/Evolution Inverter Units

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

When it comes to working on the infinity/evolution systems, there are several inverter-driven outdoor units. They all have nicknames, different specification, and different diagnostic methods. For the average technician, it would be extremely difficult to memorize all of this data.

How can you tell them apart?

For starters, they all have a different SEER rating, this make them have different model numbers (3 different HP and 3 different AC). Second, the inverters have different manufactures, so they physically look different. I have collected a picture for the electrical section for each different set of models. I will group them with interesting facts about the models along with their nicknames. I like to tell people: we have three at this time, and as each Ac/Hp increases with seer, the number of components in the electrical section increases.

1. The first in SEER sequence is the HP 18 SEER/ AC 19 SEER. It is nicknamed the 5 STAGE . It is recognized by having an “all in one” inverter, all of the components are tucked very tightly into a single kit.

Inverter made by Toshiba
Typically, 25%-100% in “5 stages”
Rotary compressors
Outdoor fan motor is 3 phase
Model numbers: 25VNA8/ 24VNA9 & 288BNV/189BNV

September 14, 2023

2. The second in SEER sequence is the HP 20 SEER/ AC 20.5 SEER. It has two nicknames: Greenspeed/ Extreme & 1st Gen Greenspeed/ 1st Gen Extreme. It is recognized by have the inverter at the top in a black box, with 3 items below it: control board, transformer, and a contactor .

Inverter made by Emerson
Typically, 40%-100% all variable
Scroll compressors
Outdoor fan motor is ECM
Model numbers: 25VNA0/ 24VNA0 & 280ANV/180CNV

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

3) The Third in SEER sequence is the HP 24 SEER/ AC 26 SEER. It is nicknamed: Next Gen Greenspeed/ Next Gen Extreme & 2nd Gen Greenspeed/ 2nd Gen Extreme. It is recognized by have the inverter at the top in a white box. Then several more items mounted below: control board, transformer, filter board, reactor(s).

Inverter made by Samsung
Typically, 25%-100% all variable
Rotary compressors on 2/3/4 tons & Scroll compressor on 5 ton
Outdoor fan motor is ECM
Model numbers: 25VNA4/ 24VNA6 & 284ANV/186CNV

38MU/40MU 18/8 Low Voltage Wiring

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:26:00 GMT

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38MU/40MU 18/8 Low Voltage Wiring

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

This month, I will be covering how to properly wire a 38MU/40MU for 24V operations and setting up the DIP switches.

I hate to say this, but the install manual is poorly written and many people get confused on why the unit does not operate on start up. Most of the confusion is understanding the DIP switches.

Many contractors are using this equipment with an Ecobee or similar type thermostat. The system can be configured several ways. When you wire this system for 24V, wire it like any other multi stage system using 18/8 wire. The part that trips people up is properly setting the DIP switches.

The indoor unit has 2 DIP switches that will need to be set and the outdoor has one.

The indoor DIP switch SWl-1 and SWl-4 will need to be turned on. The wiring diagram shows the correct location.

The outdoor unit has 1 DIP switch which needs to be turned on, SWl-2. Turning on the DIP switches tells the unit to look for 24V inputs instead of the communications RS-485.

Set the switches correctly and you should not have any problems making the system run on 24v.

September 14, 2023

Voltage Drop on Contact Points

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:11:00 GMT

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Voltage Drop on Contact Points

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

Most technicians know about checking capacitors under a load while a motor is running, but did you know that you can do the same thing with contact points!?

That’s right, on contactors you can actually inspect the points for quality BUT you cannot verify that the points are making good contact. Furthermore, you cannot see anything about relay contacts at all.

*** Before checking anything, please touch your leads together using ohms to verify the meter reads 0.0 (zero). Anything that the meter reads above Zero is how off the meter is. ***

One method that is time consuming for checking contact points: Unwire everything on the line voltage and to energize the coil. Use an Ohm meter to verify the resistance of the points. Anything reading greater than (1) one ohm is considered a bad connection.

One quick method for checking contact points is using voltage drop . This will be tested while everything is properly wired, and the relay or contactor is energized (for normally open contacts). With a voltmeter, you place the leads in parallel with the contacts. This means that the leads will be in contact with both terminals/wires that feed the contacts. This test will be performed on the same side of power. If you know that the proper voltage is being applied, then the voltage drop should be (0.0) zero. Anything that exceeds 5% (five percent) of the voltage being applied to the contacts is considered excessive and would require replacing.

I have taken pictures of a 2-pole contactor, 2 different relays, and a sequencer; these are commonly seen devices in the HVAC industry. The meter leads in these photos represent examples of checking in parallel with the contacts. Again, the method described in this article is for checking Normally-Open (NO) contacts while the devices are energized. This test is not limited to the devices listed but rather a test that can be utilized across the industry. Anything that is a “switch” likely has contacts in it, if so, then this can be utilized to verify that contact points are making good contact.

MATH EXAMPLES for Voltage drop:

If the voltage to your contacts is 236 Vac:
236 Vac Multiplied by (0.05) = 11.8 Vac
8 Vac or higher is considered excessive.
If the voltage to your contacts is 118 Vac
118 Vac Multiplied by (0.05) = 5.9 Vac
9 Vac or higher is considered excessive.
If the voltage to your contacts is 26 Vac
26 Vac Multiplied by (0.05) = 1.3 Vac
3 Vac or higher is considered excessive.

September 14, 2023

Inverter made by Emerson
Typically, 40%-100% all variable
Scroll compressors
Outdoor fan motor is ECM
Model numbers: 25VNA0/ 24VNA0 & 280ANV/180CNV

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Carrier/Bryant Service Tech App

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:54:00 GMT

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Carrier/Bryant Service Tech App

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

When I instruct Nate Classes, I typically suggest the Carrier Service Tech App to techs that have not used it. I have them download it and install it. Then, I have them open it and they have a couple of things to input. Once they begin to use it they love it, just as I did!

I will go through logging in and the My Jobs Quick Link in this article. In subsequent articles, I will demonstrate the use of other quick links. This app is a powerful tool for technicians in the field.

Download and Install the App

Search for the Carrier Service Tech app in the App Store or Play store. Click to download & install the app. Once installed, open the app.

September 14, 2023

Signing in to the App

Once you open the app, you will have to agree to terms & conditions and set your location preferences. Then, you will reach the Sign In screen. Enter your HVACpartners account information.

The app will prompt you to set your favorite store. Once completed, you will access the home screen.W

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Barcode Scanner

The barcode scanner button allows you to scan the model number barcode for easy access to information on that particluar model.

Feel free to explore the app and all the different information it provides.

2023 Gulf Coast Kick-Off

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 17:42:00 GMT

2023 Gulf Coast Kick-Off

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Mingledorff’s – Gulf Coast organized a gathering for Bryant and Carrier Dealers at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. The event provided an opportunity for dealers to network and receive industry updates. The highlight of the event was an awards luncheon to recognize the dealers’ outstanding performance. Additionally, a new product overview was presented, giving attendees insight into the latest products and technologies. Overall, the event was a great platform for dealers to connect, learn, and celebrate their successes in the HVAC industry.

How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:58:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

We all know how complicated Infinity and Evolution systems can be; wouldn’t it be nice if you could see operation data and fault codes without you actually being at the house? This is a real achievement that could be done as long as the homeowner has Wi-Fi and you (technician) are registered in HVACpartners under a Carrier or Bryant account. This remote monitoring center is called the “Dealer Portal” and/or “Connected Portal”.

Why would you need to see operation data and error codes remotely, and how could this be useful?

The data that will be shown on the Dealer Portal is dependent upon what type of equipment that customer has. For example, if it is a non communicating outdoor, you would simply see if it is being commanded on/off and you would see faults pertaining to an indoor unit only; whereas if the outdoor was a communicating unit with an inverter, then you would actually see refrigerant pressures, compressor RMPs, line temperatures, superheat, and basically everything the wall controller would tell you if you were on the job standing in front of it.

You would have access to see the last 10 fault events, the units running CFMs and possibly even the running pressures. The model and serial numbers are viewable for all communicating equipment that is installed at the customer’s residence. This information could help you diagnose what may be the problem and give you enough information about the units to take the needed part with you to the job.

Lastly, in the event that the unit acts up or faults out while you are not on the job, or has a pattern for faulting at night: you could use the Dealer Portal to monitor the system and see what it is doing at the time the unit malfunctions. If the unit is registered in the Dealer Portal, then you could call on a Mingledorff’s Technical Service Manager to access it and review how it is running. Configurations can be changed in the unit (if needed) through the portal, but only by the dealer.

Let’s get the customer on the portal:

Have the customer sign in with their credentials here:

www.myinfinitytouch.carrier.com

www.myevolutionconnex.bryant.com

September 14, 2023

Once logged in, click on “My Locations” shown below. This will populate any locations/ homes registered to the account.

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Below is the view after clicking details:

You can see the list that can be expanded which I have circled in purple.

I have cropped some screens, and modified the serial numbers to keep certain dealer and customer’s information private. Setting the customers up on the portal is an easy process and could reap many benefits. Carrier and Bryant are going to begin utilizing this portal more with new upcoming equipment.

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

When you click on your portal, the following screen should appear. If you click on “customer” (in the orange square) a list of customers who have chosen you as their dealer will appear. To view the information about their system, click the “details” tab in the red square.

Within the locations, Click the location you want to add to the portal on the drop arrow circled in purple . This will open up the units registered to their account for this particular location. From here, click on the unit drop down arrow circled in blue . This will reveal loads of information about the system. Go ahead and scroll down to the bottom of the system information and look for Dealer information for the next step.

If the customer has never had a dealer connected it should say “confirm your dealer” or either “select a different dealer”. I have circled this in yellow. Click on it. A popup screen will appear for an “edit system” screen.

On the “edit system” popup screen you will need to click the text again that will read either: “confirm your dealer” or either “select a different dealer”. I have this located with a red circle. When clicked another popup will appear for a screen labeled “select an expert”.

On this “select an expert” popup, enter the zip code, and search. Local Carrier/ Bryant dealers should populate. Find your dealership and click select, I have shown this with an orange circle. When pressed, the “select an expert” popup will go away and you will be back on the “edit system” popup.

When you return to the “edit system” popup screen, scroll all the way to the bottom. I have put green squares around 3 checkboxes that need to be checked. After checking the boxes, you must click the “saved” button shown in the red square.

At this point the unit has been registered to the Dealer Portal. Please allow 24-72 hours for the servers to sync with new changes. The servers will then show the added unit under the dealer’s name within the portal.

How to get into the portal

After the allotted time has elapsed. Go to:

www.hvacpartners.com and sign in.

I show the pathway through the drop-down menus in the following picture:

Marketing/ Dashboards & Portals/ Connected Portal. Click the connected portal.

If you are a dual branded dealer, then both Carrier and Bryant will appear. If not, you will only have your brand. Click on the needed portal to continue.

From here you can see the entire communicating system and all associated software versions along with model and serial numbers. In this example you can see by the two green boxes for the wall controller, that this customer only checked 2 or the 3 check boxes. To view more in-depth information about the equipment you have to click one of the blue “details” tabs

Late Friday Night

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:52:00 GMT

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Late Friday Night

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

It’s late one Friday night and you are on a call with a bad OFM (outdoor fan motor). The OFM has seized bearings and you don’t have a replacement on your truck. What do you do? How can you get the customer going?

As field technicians, there isn’t always a by-the-book solution to solve a problem. I want to encourage all techs to think outside the box when solving problems in the field. There is an emergency temporary solution to this; HOWEVER, I caution to only use this as an emergency solution. If you receive a call regarding a bad OFM which is seized and need to buy a day or two to get the correct OFM, here is a trick that may help the customer and you.

Most likely the bearing has dried out and seized. You may be able to do this without completely removing the OFM. Start by removing power from the unit. Next, remove the OFM from the unit. Drill an 1/8” hole in each bearing cap on each end of the motor.

September 14, 2023

Take your favorite oil/lubricant and spray in the hole you just drilled. This part may take a few extra minutes. Slowly start rotating the fan shaft back and forth until the shaft spins free. You may need to use a small adjustable wrench to help rotate the shaft making sure not to damage the shaft in this process.

Lastly, reinstall the OFM in the unit and turn the power on. I highly recommend taking amp readings from the motor to ensure the motor is not over amping. After all this is done, please visit your local Mingledorff’s to get the correct OFM.

Dual Inlet Backward Curve Fan Installation

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:58:00 GMT

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Using Bluetooth on 24/26 SEER Carrier Equipment

Anthony Coker

Technical Service Manager North Georgia District

The models listed at the end of this newsletter are designed to meet federal Fan Energy Rating (FER) requirements and are scheduled to be released into production. These furnaces use a dual-inlet backward curve fan wheel. The installation of these wheels into the blower housing and onto the motor shaft during service or replacement varies slightly from current standard field installation practices.

If no equipment is found, you may need to resync your device.

The PFCM and IPM temperatures are built into the inverter which is not serviceable.

September 14, 2023

Dirty Evap Coil

What Happens if Air is Restricted through the Outdoor Coil?

What Happens if Air is Restricted through the Indoor Coil?

The low-pressure liquid refrigerant is hindered from absorbing heat and changing state to a vapor. Suction and head pressures will be low with little to no superheat and elevated sub-cooling.

Technical Information:

Typical installation of traditional blower wheels requires you to slide the wheel on and center it into the housing. For the new wheel and motor design, the installer, after completing installation of the motor to the housing, will slide the blower wheel to the stop mechanism designed into the flat of the motor shaft per Carrier’s Specifications.

Carrier’s Installation instructions for the blower wheel are as follows as per TIC 2019-0012.

Installation of the DIBC wheel:

Lay blower housing on non-motor side
Insert DIBC wheel into blower housing
Place blower housing orifice onto blower housing, aligning motor mounting holes
Install motor shaft into hub of DIBC blower wheel
Align motor mounting arms and install 4 motor mounting screws. Tighten motor mounting screws to 40 in-lb.
Upright blower housing assembly
Align set-screw with flat on motor shaft
Push blower wheel toward motor until wheel hub bottoms out on the motor shaft and tighten set-screw to 160 in-lb.
Spin blower wheel and check for interference. Adjust as needed.
Install blower cutoff in housing
Install green ground wire from motor harness to sheet metal of housing
Reinstall blower housing mounting brackets to blower housing and install into furnace

Models Affected

Carrier

59SC5B040E141110
59SC5B060E141112
59TP6B040V141110

59TP6B060V141112

Bryant

915SB30040E14A-A
915SB36060E14A-A
926TB30040E14A-A
926TB36060E14A-A

Payne

PG95ESAA30040AAA

PG95ESAA36060AAA
PG96VTAA30040AAA
PG96VTAA36060AAA

Flame Simulator

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 20:31:00 GMT

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Flame Simulator

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

You go on a no heat call on a gas pack/ furnace. All the burners ignite, but then go out followed by the furnace showing an ignition failure code. After cleaning or replacing the flame rod, the furnace gives the same trouble. So, what now? What is the faulty component? The sensor, sensor wire, ignition board, or grounding?

There is a tool that can be used to verify the circuitry for the flame sensor. This tool can help you troubleshoot the components involved, which can prevent replacing parts that are not bad. We call this tool a “Flame Simulator”.

Safety First:

THIS TOOL SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT IN A UNIT BEYOND THE PARAMETERS OF TESTING. DOING SO WILL DIRECTLY VOID THE UNIT’S UL SAFETY LISTING.

What does it look like?

September 14, 2023

This tool is homemade and is a fraction of the cost of a store-bought simulator. There are a couple brands out there that can be purchased, but they are hard to find. It is customizable in the sense that you can add a small amount of wire to it or even an alligator clip to the bare end.

How is it made?

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Below is the view after clicking details:

You can see the list that can be expanded which I have circled in purple.

How to use it

Remove the female crimp connector from the flame rod within the unit.
Connect the female connector to the male spade of the simulator.
Call for heat on W1 with gas on or off.
When the gas valve receives 24vac, touch the other end of the simulator to ground in the unit. If you have spark ignition, it will be sparking at this time. If you have Hot Surface Ignition then there will be a short period after it glows before the board is supposed to send 24vac to the gas valve.
If you touch it to ground too early, the unit will give an “abnormal flame-proving signal” meaning: flame is proved while the gas valve is de-energized.

Results

If the unit repeats the ignition failure when using the Flame Simulator:
First: Verify that all of the ground wires are intact in the unit, primarily on the gas valve and the ignition board.
Second: Try the same test with a new wire from the board to the simulator.

Lastly: replace the control board.

If the unit does not give an ignition failure code while using the simulator but does when connected to the flame rod:

1st- clean the flame rod again

2nd- verify the DC Microamps while in series with the flame rod (Carrier is typically 4-6)

3rd-replace if out of range or in the bottom of the range (less than 5)

The items needed to make the Flame Simulator are best bought in multiples, so you should make your HVAC buddies one as well. Always remember, this is a tool and not a part.

It is best to solder the connections to ensure they do not come loose.

This will tell the board that the flame exists.

DUCKT-STRIP Wiring

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:25:00 GMT

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DUCKT-STRIP Wiring

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

DUCKT-STRIP wire is a great product for ductless units when used properly. The wire is used to power and communicate between the indoor and outdoor units. It also can be used to solve E1 fault code problems, which I covered in previous article.

September 14, 2023

The wire is designed to not have interference on the “S” wire or the 3 wire depending on how the unit is labeled. They do this by spacing the S wire away from the L1 and L2 with the ground wire in between.

When the wire is stripped back, you will see a black wire, white wire, bare copper wire and the red wire.

L1-black, L2-white, bare copper wire is earth ground and the red is S or signal wire. Depending on how the unit is labeled it could be 1 2 3. 1-L1 2-L2 and 3 is S or signal.

If wired wrong, and some people do, you can get an E1 fault code. E1 is communication failure between the indoor and outdoor unit. Some people think the red needs to land on L2 or 2 terminal and white wire on S or 3 terminal. If this happens the S wire is right next to a high voltage wire and could possibly induce a volts over on the signal wire causing the communication to scramble and get the E1 fault.

Follow this wiring and you should not have any problems.

Terminals for the indoor unit:

L1-BLACK WIRE

L2-WHITE WIRE

GROUND-BARE COPPER WIRE

S-RED WIRE

Totaline Slime Prevention & Removal

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:08:00 GMT

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Totaline Slime Prevention & Removal

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

TIC2021-0006 states that a slime has been detected in condensate lines, traps, drains and pans. From TIC: “The slime is what is called a biofilm and it is a natural defense mechanism of many microorganisms or bacteria. The slime forms around bacteria and acts as a protective armor for the bacteria. Nutrients and moisture can pass through the biofilm but many chemicals that can harm the bacteria have more difficulty passing through the biofilm. Air Conditioning coils cool the air passing over it and dehumidify the air creating condensate. Airborne bacteria can collide with condensate droplets and become entrapped inside of the droplet. The droplet can then transport the bacteria through the entire condensate management system. Bacteria will accumulate in any area that does not dry out and has very slow-moving condensate.”

It also says “The ideal habitat needs to be absent of extreme temperature swings, UV light or harsh disinfectants. A consistent supply of moisture ensures that the bacteria will not dry out and die. These condensate management systems include all field installed piping are not unique to Carrier, and thus can be considered an industry wide issue.” There is not a solution at the moment to fix this but it is in the works.

Further testing shows that UV lights reduce growth in close proximity. However, when the light is out of sight, the heat from the UV light makes it grow faster. Also, using “antimicrobial impregnated materials have limited effect on the rate of microbe growth because either the antimicrobial material leaches out of the system and becomes ineffective, or a layer of dead bacteria forms on the surface protecting future bacteria growth.” They ask you not to use bleach because it breaks down some components and becomes neutralized as quick as it attacks the biofilm.

A combination of a cleaning method below along with regular monitoring for system blockages or backups will be needed. Each application will have a different amount of time required to block the drain lines, but the methods below will help minimize regrowth rates of the biofilm.

September 14, 2023

Carrier’s Recommended cleaning method:

Remove as much water and biofilm as possible from coil and pan with vacuum.
Flush with large quantities of fast-moving water.
Optional – Use one of the cleaning chemicals listed below in order to delay regrowth.

Directions for completely blocked drainage systems with accessible drain terminations:

Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
Optional – Pour 2 quarts of Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101 and let sit for 10 minutes.
Fill drain pan with clean water.
Attach vacuum hose to outlet of the drain termination and vacuum all liquids out of drain pan.
Flush system with either 5 gallons of water or with a hose. For maximum effectiveness when using a bucket, be sure to fill drain pan as much as possible without overflowing.

Directions for completely blocked drainage systems without accessible drain lines:

Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
Optional – Pour 2 quarts of Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101 and let sit for 10 minutes.
Insert a hose to the inlet of the drainage system in the drain pan and turn on faucet. Allow system to build pressure to dislodge blockage and then allow ample water to flow once blockage is removed.
If blockage does not come free before drain pan fills with water, remove hose, run a long, small wire brush through the drainage system to mechanically dislodge the blockage and then repeat previous step.

Directions for drainage systems that have been partially blocked:

Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
Flush system with either 5 gallons of water or with a hose. For maximum effectiveness when using a bucket, be sure to fill drain pan as much as possible without overflowing.
Optional – Use Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101, add slowly allowing chemical to interact with biofilm in drainage system and then flush with large quantities of water.

Directions for a continuous disinfectant method between preventative maintenance:

Use Totaline® Condensate Pan Strip P902-38003 through P902-38007 based on size of the cooling system.
Place close to the drain pan outlet. Testing has shown to delay the growth of biofilm downstream of the pan strip.
This product is currently available in the following states: AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, HI, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. Certifications for additional states are currently being pursued.
Strips will need to be replaced and a new strip inserted on a regular PM schedule.

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Adaptive Heat

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:37:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

If you have a 2-stage performance furnace, you have a heat mode called adaptive heat . Adaptive heat can be controlled with a single stage thermostat on a 2 stage performance unit with a call for heat on W1. The furnace control CPU determines what stage (low or high stage heat) is required based on stored previous run time.

September 14, 2023

The furnace will start with either low or high heat. If the furnace starts in low heat, the CPU will determine the time before switching to high heat. The time is 0-16 minutes. After 16 minutes, high stage will come on and stay on for the remaining of the heat cycle.

This can be very useful if there are not enough thermostat wires for 2 stage heating or a simple single stage thermostat is needed. Having a 2-stage furnace controlled from a single stage thermostat is a handy feature to have.

Pressures Not Reading Right?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:05:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

Have you ever put your gauges on a unit and notice that the pressure reading rises slowly, shows Zero but only on one side, OR while trying to add refrigerant, it just doesn’t seem to be going into the unit?

At this point you know that there is a flow or connection issue with the unit. Here are a few steps you can follow to get accurate pressures from the system to the gauge and get refrigerant to flow faster:

For starters let’s discuss the two MAIN types of valve connections:

1) The standard shrader which has an internal replaceable valve core:

This is a Carrier residential Liquid Line Service Valve and the core within it.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

2) The CoreMax which is mostly seen on Packaged Units:
This Valve is an all in one and shouldn’t be disassembled any further

In the center of the gasket within your hose connector there is a device called a “Depressor.” You can use the slotted top of your Tstat screwdriver to raise, lower, or remove this depressor from the hose connector.

As you move throughout your day, moving from unit to unit, take notice that some valves allow the “valve core” or stem in the CoreMax to sit LOWER than normal (resulting in them not being depressed when you gage up to the unit) or HIGHER than normal (This can push the depressor further into your hose connector)

It is a good idea to regularly check on the depressor height in your gauge connector to ensure that the pressures brought to your gauges are right. Looking at them also ensures that you’re looking at the gaskets so you know when they need to be replaced.

Now get out there and keep your depressor height right!

Both of these valves work with the same process. “Something” pushes on the STEM circled in green which then pushes down on and separates and opens the gasket- pointed out in blue. If these stems are not depressed then the gaskets will not be released.

Now that we have covered what has to happen, let’s figure out why it isn’t happening.

If you look at your hose connector:

Mingledorff’s Business System Upgrade

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:32:00 GMT

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Our goal at Mingledorff’s is to be the easiest supplier to do business with on a daily basis. For almost 85 years, we have focused on making sure our customers are the most prepared HVAC professionals in the industry. In today’s world, that means having the best enterprise software system in the supply chain industry. Thus, with the New Year approaching, we are updating our current system and transitioning to the SAP platform.

To make this transition with the minimal amount of disruption as possible, our entire software enterprise system will need to be offline. Starting at 6PM EST on Thursday, December 29th we will be pausing our current operations to complete the migration. Our system will be brought back online at 8AM EST on Tuesday, January 3rd (please note we will be closed Friday, Dec 30th). We have taken steps to ensure that our teams will be available through our normal after-hours access if needed.

We have crafted a plan to ensure this causes minimal business impact to our customers, vendors, and internal teams.

What is the new Mingledorff’s SAP system?

SAP is an ERP (Enterprise Retail Planning) system that ties together many major business systems and enables the flow of data between them. SingleSource and SteadyStock are examples of customer facing systems that this ERP will affect. Additionally, our Inside Sales Professionals, Warehouse Staff, Sales Teams, and Inventory Departments all use the ERP to enter orders, transfers, and procure inventory.

Who will this new system affect?

The transition to SAP will primarily impact our internal teams during the shutdown period. During the scheduled downtime, normal business with Mingledorff’s may temporarily be interrupted.

When is the downtime happening?

In an effort to minimize the negative impact on our customers, the shutdown of our business systems will occur over the New Year’s weekend.

Downtime will begin Thursday, December 29th at 6:00 p.m. EST, and will last until Tuesday January 3rd at 8:00 a.m. EST.

How can I purchase from Mingledorff’s in the event of an emergency during the scheduled downtime?

We have taken steps to safeguard our ability to serve customers in the event of an emergency. Distribution Centers will still be available through our emergency on call services. Please reach out to your local Mingledorff’s location ahead of time to get their emergency contact information if you do not already have it.

How can I prepare my company before the Mingledorff’s downtime period?

We strongly encourage you to analyze your current inventory and asses what your product needs are prior to the shutdown. Once you identify any gaps, reach out to your local Mingledorff’s distribution center and/or salesperson to place your orders ensuring you have enough product to help you through the downtime.

2023 Industry Changes

Learn more about the new minimum SEER rating and the new SEER2 rating standards that go into effect on January 1, 2023.

Native American Heritage Month

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:32:00 GMT

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November is Native American Heritage Month

November represents a time to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions as well as acknowledge the important contributions of our Native peoples. Native American Heritage Month serves to educate the general public and raise awareness about the challenges that Native people have historically faced and continue to face in the present. It is a time to recognize and honor their triumphs and conquests. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is the oldest bureau in the Department of the Interior established in 1824 and provides services to 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. There are currently 574 recognized tribes in the United States.

Historical Timeline

The first “American Indian Day” is declared on the second Saturday of May, 1916 by New York Governor Charles S. Whitman
President Gerald Ford declares October 10-16, 1976 “Native American Awareness Week”
Congress issues Proclamation 5577 on November 24th, 1986 which declares November 23-30 “American Indian Week”
In 1990 Congress pass and President George H. W. Bush sign into law a joint resolution designating the month of November as the first “National American Indian Heritage Month”
In 2008 the language is changed to include Alaskan native

What does Native American Heritage Month mean to you?

Join us as we sit down with our very own graphic designer, Mitch Parker, who is of Native American decent as he explains what makes the month of November so special, how his culture has shaped his career, and what he thinks everyone should know about Native Americans.

Additional Resources

Because I was Inverted

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:35:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

For this article, I will explain how to replace the main control board on a 38MARB ductless outdoor unit. The boards are inverted or upside down in most ductless outdoor units.

The 38MARB board has a heat sink under the board that you cannot see with a refrigerant loop running through the heat sink. At first glance, it looks easy to replace, and it is; however, if you do not know about the hidden screws you could damage the refrigerant loop when trying to remove the board.

Start by removing power to the unit and confirming with a meter. Remove the top cover and the fan side cover exposing the board, fan, and compressor section.

September 14, 2023

Then remove the wires from the board (this will help when it is time to flip the board over). Next, find the pigtail for the compressor harness and disconnect.

Next, locate the wiring diagram on the board. Once located, take your finger and move it around the board feeling for round holes under the diagram. There are four screws holding the heat sink to the board and three are under the wiring diagram. It is best to insert a #2 Philips head screwdriver through the thin wiring diagram and remove the screws.

Once all four screws are removed, locate the small plastic clips on the front and back of the board and gently release with a flathead.

Simply lift straight up off the heat sink and lay it to the side where the copper and electrical are located. Finish removing the remaining wires and start the new board installation. Remember to add new heat sink paste to the heat sink. If this is not completed the new board may not last long.

Install the new board, assemble the unit, restore power, and check for normal operation.

Cleaning Coils

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:17:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Fall is the time for the leaves to fall and with the mixture of rain and wind tends to stir up debris that can cause your outdoor coil to get dirty along with all the natural elements that cause deposits to attach to the coils. With that said, we want to make sure that we are cleaning the coils properly and to Carrier specifications to extend the coil lives longer.

The most important thing to remember is safety first. Always wear the proper PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when working with chemicals and always be aware of the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) as to be aware of what steps to take if ingested, inhaled, or if it gets on your skin and the things to do for protection along with precautions that you might be or not be aware of!

Now that we are past all the boring stuff, let us get down to the good stuff!

Coil cleaners come in a variety of strengths and concentrations that need to be taken seriously. An example would be: if you washed your clothes with pure bleach what would happen? Nothing good I can guarantee that! You will want to read the labels on the containers to make sure you have the properly mixed solution. You will have a label on every container size that tells you the proper ratio for mixing the cleaners with water to dilute it to the specified ratio required to do the best and safest cleaning job possible. If you go over it, it can do more damage than good by eating or breaking down the elements that make up the coil. Too little and you don’t have a clean coil.

Just a few part numbers of the variety of coil cleaners available!

P902-0101, P902-0301, P902-1001, P902-1801

Below are photos of coil cleaners and their labels so that you can see the mixing ratios and instructions of use.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

When you use any coil cleaner, you should clean out all debris from cabinet before using so that it can drain properly. Proper drainage can increase efficiency. Rinse thoroughly and always use safety!

Furnace Rapid Flash

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:55:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

This article is in reference to non-twinned furnaces. Pictures are shown of a Carrier 58STA110-13122

The manual and stick for CarrierBryant/Payne furnaces show the following:

September 14, 2023

At first glance, this seems simple. Just swap the two incoming power wires, right? But the furnace has been running for years at the home with no issues and swapping the wires produces the same rapid flash situation…. What gives?

Let’s tackle how to attack this fault:

FIRST , trace the wires or read the schematic to determine where L1(black) and Neutral(white) land on the board- Pointed in green. Use a voltmeter to Verify the follow:
L1-N= 120vac
L1-Ground=120vac
N-Ground=0vac
This will verify that the ground to the equipment is good and that L1 is the HOT wire and not N. ***If L1 to Ground is 0vac and N to Ground is 120vac then simply reverse the two wires as they wire nut to the furnace power in the Junction Box highlighted in Purple.

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

Second , Use the Voltmeter to check AC voltage from R (on the screw terminal strip) to L1. This test SHOULD read mid-90’s, my test produced 93.4Vac shown here:
This picture is an actual reading with my meter as well as a layover of the schematic showing the terminals that I am checking.

This test will verify that low-voltage R is truly the hot wire. IF this test produces roughly 145 Vac then this means that the transformer low voltage is out of Phase. *** The easiest way to correct this is to swap SEC-1 & SEC-2 on the board. (this is commonly seen when people replace transformers on furnaces)

Third , if the high voltage and low voltages have been checked for proper phasing and they are correct, and the board is still showing a rapid flash, at this point it is recommended to replace the furnace control board.

Lastly , If everything above checks good and the board is changed and the unit produces a rapid flash then you could (temporarily) try wiring the furnace to an extension cord and plugging it into a receptacle within the home. After ensuring the L1 and N are correct once more, if this corrects the rapid flash then the issue is with the breaker feeding the furnace.

There will/can always be a “one in a million” situation but for the vast majority this guide will assist in finding the reason for the furnace rapid flash.

Schematic Reading Basics

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:39:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

For those new to the field, do you find it intimidating when you have to rely on the wiring schematic on a unit to figure out what a device is or what it should do? Or do you sometimes get confused looking at all the endless lines, weird symbols, and acronyms?

I’ll be first in line to tell you I shared those same feelings when I started my HVAC career. I am going to share some basics to reading Residential Wiring schematics with you in the article. The cool thing is almost all symbols are the same across all brands, and TYPICALLY the details within the symbols have a meaning, but every now and again the symbol will be generic and you will have to add in context clues to determine what they are.

Let’s dive right in… Typical Residential Carrier wirings diagrams resemble this:

September 14, 2023

Drawings in this article are from two Carrier manuals:25HNB9---2W & 50VR---07SI

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

This symbol is for an equipment ground- almost any time you see three lines parallel either horizontally or vertically- they will mean earth/ ground.

The Connection Diagram is best used when you need to know exactly where the high voltage wires are terminated, the Ladder form is best when trying to figure out how power flows from L1 to L2 through the devices- I have added two arrows to indicate L1 & L2.

Legend –ANYTIME you have an acronym (which is where a word or group of words are shortened into just a few letters) the full meaning can always be found here.

Notes – Periodically you will see “see note x” on a diagram, refer to this area for details pertaining to the area dictating the note.

Symbols

Okay, now let’s break down some common symbols:

Here is an O utdoor F an M otor where you can see it contains two windings, Start and Run. Also, in green is another symbol for ground

This is a D e F rost T hermostat. This zig-zag line means temperature. TYPICALLY, if you look at the right bubble on limits: if the line lands on top then it means “close on drop and open on rise” and if it’s on the bottom then it would mean “close on rise and open on drop” Remember this!

This is a C rank C ase H eater- According to the description above: it will open on temperature rise.

Let’s add more to this same rule

Without looking up the acronyms I want to break these down.

Anytime you see these half circles they mean pressure. With this known, we can now see that the top switch will “open on pressure rise”- this is a H igh-Pressure S witch and the bottom will “open on pressure drop”- it is a L ow-Pressure S witch.

Lastly, if you see a backwards “C” next to a straight line like is presented here, then it is a capacitor. Some drawings will rotate this symbol so it will then look like a “U” and a flat line. This particular one is a S tart C apacitor.

Now, keep this basic knowledge memorized and build onto it. Take a look at the close-up diagrams below and look for the symbols we just discussed and see how they interact with the electrical system.

ABB VFD ACH580 Drive App

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:10:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

The ACH580 will be the new norm and it’s better to prepare now than later. With doing so, you will be familiar with its presence as well as it operation. The ACH580 ABB VFD’s have a regular keyboard which will need a kit to install the keypad behind plate. It comes with a standard and/or a Bluetooth keypad that can be purchased separately. With the Bluetooth keypad, you can use your phone to see vital information.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Link to Manuals that pertain to the ACH580

To use the Bluetooth, all you have to do is download and install the app for your phone to connect with the Bluetooth keypad. Then, you will have access to the drive information, firmware version, drive type, panel firmware, drive status, and last fault. It will show the fan condition of the main fan and the second fan as well. It will show motor usage in days and amount of time powered on.

Go to Play Store for Android or

Go to APP Store for Iphone

Type “Drivetune” in your search but without the quotation marks.

Drivetune App icon

QR Code for Sample Drive

Does the Defrost Board Have 24VAC?

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 19:57:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

The heat pump works in heating and cooling mode but it simply will not go into defrost mode.

Why won’t the heat pump go into defrost mode? I find this question quite often in the winter months after the tech has changed multiple defrost boards. This is a very simple problem to check and troubleshoot. Does the unit have 24VAC? Do not say yes because the unit will operate. Yes, the heat pump will work when the “R” or 24VAC is missing. The “R” powers the defrost circuit and the unit will run without it. Much like a straight cool unit, all that is needed to run is “Y” and “C”. Start by checking 24VAC at the defrost board on “C” and “R”.

I highly recommend using needle point leads so as not to damage the wiring harness. Start by checking 24VAC at the defrost board on the plug. 0VAC will be read when this problem occurs. I recommend starting here and working backwards towards the 24VAC source, for example, the transformer in the indoor unit. Working backwards will lead you to the source. This could include a broken wire under a wire nut or a broken thermostat wire.

So, to recap, 0VAC between “C” and “R” = 0 defrost. The unit will run in both heating and cooling modes.

September 14, 2023

Install the new board, assemble the unit, restore power, and check for normal operation.

Fire Safety Awareness Month

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:13:00 GMT

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Did you know?…

3 out of every 5 home fire deaths result from buildings with no working smoke alarms, with the leading cause of home fires relating to cooking accidents.
Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan in case of emergencies.
Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States.
60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly.
Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their homes at all.

We can help you mitigate fire danger for your customers.

October is Fire Safety Awareness Month, and for a very good reason.

Visit your local Mingledorff’s distribution center or login to SingleSource to view pricing and availability on homeowner safety products like carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and more. Start stocking up for the winter season today.

Would you like to learn more about field installed smoke detectors?

Check out this article from our Technical Services Team.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 21:38:00 GMT

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Hispanic Heritage Month takes place between September 15 and October 15 every year. It’s a time to celebrate and observe the accomplishments, cultures, stories, and the history of the Latin American community. The significance of the celebration starting on September 15 instead of the beginning of the month pays respect to the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala in 1851.

We asked our employees what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them, and asked what they wanted others to know about the culture.

Elizabeth Bogardus: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and diversity of our extensive family culture, with mine being both Mexican and Spanish. Growing up I learned the value and importance of family. I’d like to educate others that diversity is what makes this country great. Since beliefs are learned and shared across groups of people, I want to be a positive influence on people’s view of the Hispanic community.

Joshua Melendez: It’s the celebration of our ancestry, of our people, our culture, taking pride in the roots we all came from. We can be miles away from our motherlands – some gave up everything to come to the United States, coming here with little to no money and not knowing the language, but still making the best out of life even with all the obstacles thrown at us. I never forget where I come from and remember to stay humble even when you’re put in high places. I thank God for everything in life. People are quick to assume every Hispanic is from Mexico, but there are at least 33 other Latin Countries in the world.

Junior Rico: During Hispanic Heritage Month, pretty much every news outlet tries to give attention to what most of us do not care for. We know we are the backbone of what most take for granted. We work hard and don’t expect praise. Our off button doesn’t work and we work from sun up to sun down every day to give our families the best life we can. I am lucky enough to have been born and raised farming and ranching in West Texas so I am extra proud of that work ethic. Hispanic Heritage Month highlights a lot of things that most people do not know. For instance, most people still think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it is not. Also, a big holiday for us is Dia de Los Muertos which is a day we celebrate all of our family who have passed on.

Andrea Jones: Throughout my childhood, my Mexican culture has blended with the need to assimilate, and I am now a very proud Mexican-American. Family and hard work are the twin pillars of Hispanic culture that were deeply engrained in me and my siblings by our mother. My mother’s choice to bring us to America have pushed me to make her sacrifices worth it. I was able to receive a college education and am raising a family of my own. I hope to one day be able to take care of her the way she takes care of her own parents back home in Mexico. Mexican culture is rich and worth researching and learning about, at one’s own pace. I encourage all who are curious to look into it!

Jacob Desantiago: It is a time to take an even greater pride and appreciation for one’s own culture and cherish it with family and friends. I value the togetherness the culture brings. During time of festivities or small occasions you can always expect the Hispanic community to show support for each other. The one thing I truly would like people to know is about the different types of delicious foods that the Hispanic culture brings. Each cultural dish offers a never ending variety or new twists.

Jonathan Mendoza: Hispanic Heritage Month means the remembrance of my roots and my ancestors as well as the influence of Hispanic people in American society. Cultural values that important to me are family, respect for the elderly, honor, work ethic and good manners. The Hispanic culture is friendly and caring. It is also very sport driven (soccer for the most part).

Irvin Sierra: It’s an opportunity to educate myself on Hispanics that made a contribution to society. Having a good work ethic, a connection to God and family, and large gatherings with plenty of food are important cultural values to me. Being first generation Americans, my parents showed me the struggles they had growing up and how having an education can make a difference. When you meet someone in the Hispanic culture, it is custom to shake hands at a minimum, and to kiss the check of a woman even when you meet for the first time.

Of course in the spirit of cultural sharing, we had to know what everyone’s favorite foods were as well…

What We Have Here… is a Failure to Communicate!

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:09:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

Have you ever found a communication fault or failure on an Infinity or Evolution system? Did you get a fault code 178 indoor coms fault or a 179 outdoor coms fault? Or have you seen a code 16 coming from the indoor board?

The cause of a communication failure could be a circuit board failed dragging down the com bus or the thermostat wire has failed. The thermostat wire may have high resistance in the wire causing coms loss or the wire has shorted killing the com volts.

This is how I explain to people in the field trouble shooting a 178/179 coms fault code.
Anytime we are checking the coms bus, we check A&B or green and yellow depending on how it is labeled.

Start by checking the communication volts on A&B or green and yellow on the green plug at the indoor board. Good coms volts are around 4VDC. If the volts are below 3.2VDC, you will see coms failure. If the coms volts are low, my next step is to check the volts at the board without any wires connected. Good coms volts on the board without thermostat wires should be 4.5VDC. If the coms volts are low coming out of the board, then the board is bad.

Next, I ask the tech to remove the wire for the outdoor unit leaving the thermostat connected to the indoor only and recheck coms volts. If the coms volts come up and the thermostat can communicate to the indoor unit, we will then know to check the thermostat wire going to the outdoor unit and the board for the outdoor unit. If the coms volts are still low then we need to check the thermostat or thermostat wire. I recommend checking coms volts on the thermostat base plate. Does the coms volts come back with the thermostat removed? If yes, then I recommend checking the ohm value on the thermostat. A trick we use in the field is taking the thermostat off the wall, attaching a short peace of thermostat wire, and connecting direct to the indoor unit.

Reconnect the wires after this step is completed.

Lastly, I ask the tech to remove the green plug from the outdoor unit board and check the coms volts on the green plug. Does the coms volts come back up or stay low? If the volts stay low, then most likely there is a wire problem and the wire needs checking. If the volts come back up, then we will check the board. I ask the tech to reattach the green plug, recheck coms volts, and see if the volts dropped. If yes, then we will proceed to check resistance on the board. Remove power to the unit and the green plug to ohm the board on A&B or green and yellow.

All of the communicating components may be checked by checking the ohms on A&B or green and yellow.

September 14, 2023

Install the new board, assemble the unit, restore power, and check for normal operation.

Testing Capacitors

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:56:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

First, let us start by saying there are a variety of capacitors in various shapes, sizes and colors. For the purpose of this article, we will just be talking about run capacitors, dual capacitors and I’ll offer a brief explanation of start capacitors. We will not go into how capacitors work because this is strictly for testing purposes only when you are out in the field.

Please, before ever attempting to do these procedures, be safety conscious about what you are doing. Always discharge the capacitors with a discharging tool, which can be found online. Never touch a capacitor until you have done so.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

You might say: the system is running, so the capacitor must be good! That is not 100% true. Now let’s see why.

A capacitor has a voltage rating on it such as 370 vac or 440 vac. So, anytime you exchange it with a new one, make sure you get the voltage that matches or is greater than the one you are replacing. Also, remember to get the manufacturer rated capacitor for the motor. Do not replace with a different size microfarad.

Capacitors are used on motors to make them more efficient by increasing the RMS (Root Means Square) of the sine wave. Capacitors increase efficiency by taking the load off the windings and they have a range for tolerance. For example, a 5 microfarad capacitor with a +/- 5% tolerance means that 5-microfarad x .05 (which is 5%) = .25 tolerance. You can add 5 or subtract 5 and that will be your range. In this example, it would be a range of 4.75 to 5.25 microfarads. If you put your meter on microfarads and measure the capacitor from one side to the other and it reads 4.25 or 5.75, it will be out of range. This makes the motor less efficient and should be replaced. You should also check the new one as well because you can get one out of tolerance right out of the box.

Start capacitors are usually made of a composite material. They are usually black or brown but they can be other colors as well. They are rated in ranges such as 150 to 275 microfarads. That is how you can tell that they are start capacitors because they are only used for a moment to boost the starting of the compressor.

A run capacitor is in the circuit the entire time the motor is running. Typically, they are in a metallic shell and they come in various shapes. For example, it can be a round canister looking object or it can be oval looking cannister. Run capacitors can have either two or three terminals to put wires. Each terminal can take 1-4 wires. The capacitors with just two terminals are called run capacitors and the ones with 3 terminals are called dual capacitors. The only difference between single vs dual capacitors is that dual capacitors internally share one point – which they call “common”. The other two terminals are called herm and fan. Herm for the compressor and fan is for the fan.

Testing Without Power

As a reminder, you have to read the tolerances of the capacitors each time you use one and remember that some manufacturers make the plus and minus tolerances different. For example, some might have a tolerance of +10%/-5%.

When you test a dual capacitor, always remember to discharge it before continuing. You have to measure from the common to herm and the common to fan and determine the tolerance for both. This would be like testing two single capacitors but this one shares one terminal – the COMMON!

You may see μF on your meter or MFD. They both stand for “microfarad”. Learn your meter with no power before you learn with power. Again, safety first!

Testing With Power

Capacitors

Round 2 terminal capacitor

Round 3 Terminal Dual Capacitor

Oval Capacitor

Start Capacitor - Brown

Oval Dual Capacitor

Start Capacitor - Black

Remember this is live and to use extreme caution during this process!
NIn the picture, the top meter is measuring the amperage or amps of the herm wire which is the compressor side of the capacitor. The bottom multimeter is reading the voltage from the herm wire to the common. The formula to calculate microfarads is shown with values from the example

MFD = (Amperage x 2652) / voltage

Simply measure the voltage from the herm to the common on the capacitor and write it down. Then measure the amperage of the herm wire coming from the capacitor to the compressor and write it down. Plug the numbers from your readings into the formula to find the microfarad reading

38AUZ/D with Twin Furnaces

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:44:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

One popular combination of Carrier equipment is twinning 2 residential furnaces together with a 6-10 ton commercial outdoor A/C unit. When this is done, it can get complicated very quickly because residential and commercial controls are different and yet they will have to be merged together for proper operation to occur.

What's different between Carrier residential controls VS Carrier commercial controls?

For the purpose of this article, the main difference is that on residential systems the transformer used to operate the system is located in the indoor unit whereas on commercial systems the transformer used for system operations is in the outdoor unit. With that being said, this combination has two furnaces each with their own transformer as well as the commercial outdoor unit with its own transformer. This gives us a total of at least 3 transformers.

On commercial buildings, it is not as simple as combining all the R (24v) wires because these buildings typically have 3 phase power. With three different incoming power combinations for the three transformers, there is a good chance that the transformers will not be “in phase”. Yes, there is phasing on low voltage 24 too (not to be discussed in this article) …. If the transformers are out of phase then R to R on two different transformers will read roughly 45vac when it should be 0vac.

So, what is the solution to this dilemma?

1st, Plan ahead- determine how the system will be controlled for furnace operation. This will be critical to the thermostat setup. The options are A) single stage furnaces acting as two stages, B) single stage furnaces acting as one single stage unit, C) two stage furnaces setup for “adaptive” heating or setup to operate traditionally with W1 & W2 inputs.

2nd, Install twinning kit- use an approved twinning kit to tie the furnaces together. When the twinning kit is installed there will need to be a “main” and a “secondary” furnace setup. These kits can be installed differently Depending on the selection from the first step. (please follow the installation directions for the appropriate twinning kit)

3rd, Install relays- there are wiring diagrams with the twinning kits for wiring residential outdoor units. Since the Carrier commercial units have their own transformers, the wiring will be slightly different. The best way (recommended way) is to utilize isolation relays to ensure that the two different low voltages (furnace vs outdoor unit) never cross paths.

Wiring the outdoor unit

The twinning kit should be used to determine how to wire the furnaces so I did not show wires for the heat side. I want to show clarity on the outdoor unit alone. Please take a look at the way the relays are used to separate the two different control voltages.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

The Infamous E1: Part 2

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:15:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

E1 fault code on Ductless equipment is communication fault between the indoor and outdoor units.

When the E1 code shows up on the indoor display board, the coms have failed and the systems have stopped working. Until this problem is fixed, the system will remain off.

Start trouble shooting this problem at the outdoor by taking a DCV reading on L2 and S or 2 and 3 depending on how the unit is labeled. Take a DCV reading on the terminals for the indoor unit wires. Good coms volts look like + to – 50 volts fluctuation.

September 14, 2023

If you see a fixed negative or a small amount of fluctuating volts staying in the negative, the indoor board has failed.

If you see a fixed positive volt reading or a fluctuating positive reading the outdoor board is bad.

The reactor also needs to be checked. Check the reactor with the wires off and ohm it out. The ohm reading should be .1-1 ohm and should not be grounded.

Common Explained

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:04:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

When you’re still green with experience or if you just entered an HVAC apprenticeship, there will be terms or sayings that you will not understand. One of these things will be the term “common” when discussing wiring. I’m going to cover what common is and give examples.

The word Common in the HVAC field is used everywhere, it can be almost anything. Almost every electrical device has a common. Common for each device is the same BUT its meaning is only local. What I mean by that is: the definition for what “common” is, changes with each item or device.

Confused yet? Let’s break down some items within the system for a better understanding:

Single Phase Motors & Capacitor

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

*Wiring diagrams highlighted with colors chosen for high contrast- not for wire color designation*

For the motors, I have highlighted the L1 & L2 power wires through a basic Carrier 25HCB condenser unit as they feed the compressor and condenser fan motors. The fan motor’s terminals are not labeled but are the same as the compressor’s. I circled the “commons” in purple. For the motors, there are two windings within the motors: Run to C and Start to C . The two windings come together at a “common” terminal as this meeting spot is what they both have in common.

For the capacitor in the center—the capacitor has one input and two outputs. One is (F)Fan and the other is (H)Hermetic (compressor). These two outputs have the same terminal for their input- common.

Relay Contacts

Relay contact terminals are labeled (C) Common, (NO) Normally Open, (NC) Normally Closed. When the relay is not energized C will be closed to NC and C open to NO. When the relay is energized, both will be reversed. Now it will be C closed to NO and C open to NC. Each terminal (NO & NC) have a relatable contact: (C) Common.

Catching on? Let’s discuss a more complicated “Common”:

Carrier Residential Packaged Unit Low Voltage

*Wiring diagrams highlighted with colors chosen for high contrast- not for wire color designation*

Low voltage starts in the red box at the transformer, 24vac goes to the Indoor Fan Board (IFB), through a fuse and on to the thermostat. Depending on what the thermostat calls for, 24vac will be sent down a different wire(s) to turn on/off the multiple devices in the system. The other low voltage wire (C) has an unbroken path to EVERY component in the unit. I have highlighted the pathway in blue and circled each component in purple. This wire/path is something each device has in “common”—it is the common wire. In layman’s terms, the common wire is the return pathway for voltage to come back to the transformer since it left out on the 24vac side.

The Common wire/terminal is always the one thing that is relatable or in common with the surrounding wires/terminals. Relays, motors, control boards, and even transformers all have some type of common wire/terminal. Common for a relay isn’t the same as common on a motor, but within each given device they carry the same meaning. Now go back and reread the second paragraph above—it will have a deeper meaning now.

Challenge: Check out the high voltage side of the Transformer. It has a COM terminal…. it’s not low voltage common. What is it?

That’s all.

Mingledorff’s to Acquire McNellage & Associates

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 05:27:00 GMT

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Mingledorff’s, Inc., Peachtree Corners, GA to acquire McNellage & Associates, Inc., Daphne, AL

July 20, 2022

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA – July 20, 2022 – Mingledorff’s, Inc. (“Mingledorff’s”) is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to acquire the assets of McNellage & Associates, Inc. of Daphne, Alabama (“McNellage & Associates”). The parties hope to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2022. Commercial HVAC customers and stakeholders throughout the Gulf Coast should benefit from the synergies gained through this acquisition. “McNellage & Associates has a decades-long, strong reputation with HVAC contractors, end users, engineers and architects in the Gulf Coast region. Their substantial industry knowledge and rock-solid customer relationships have established them as a leading provider of commercial HVAC equipment in the Gulf Coast. We are excited about combining McNellage & Associates’ best-in-class relationships and expertise with our industry-leading equipment lines and corporate resources,” said David Kesterton, Mingledorff’s Inc. President & Chief Executive Officer. The president of McNellage & Associates, Bubba McNellage, added, “The combination of Mingledorff’s long tradition of customer satisfaction and McNellage’s engineered systems market leadership will make Carrier the pinnacle of the applied HVAC market on the Gulf Coast.”

McNellage & Associates was founded in 1986 by Walter S. McNellage, Jr. and his son, Bubba, to serve as the manufacturer’s sales representative for York applied HVAC systems in South Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Bubba assumed leadership of the company in 1992 after his father’s passing. In 2007, the company relocated from Mobile, AL to its current location in Daphne, AL. Over these years, McNellage’s team forged relationships in the commercial HVAC market and grew to become a market leader in the Gulf Coast for the last 20 years. As such, they have been recognized as one of JCI/York’s top sales agents in the country multiple times. After the close of the transaction, McNellage & Associates’ team will be moving into the Mingledorff’s Gulf Coast District Headquarters in Loxley, Alabama to join the Gulf Coast Commercial Team.

About Mingledorff’s, Inc.

Mingledorff’s ( corporate.mingledorffs.com ) is the largest independent Carrier Air Conditioning distributor in the United States. Mingledorff’s operates through 41 distribution centers located in five states throughout the Southeast United States. Additional subsidiaries include George Holden & Associates, Inc., headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA and Commercial Controls Group, Inc. (“CCG”) also headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA.

Soldering, Brazing, and Welding

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:47:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

In this article, we will go over a few differences between the types of metal-joining processes used to connect pipes together. Without these processes, we would not be able to move refrigerant to any components such as steel pipes on a chiller or copper pipes on a residential air conditioner. We may have to make field modifications to attach them together in the field or just to replace an item such as an evaporator coil. That is why it is important to know the various techniques used in today’s industry. Remember: safety is first and foremost. Always wear safety glasses or a face shield when brazing or soldering. Gloves should always be worn to protect your hands. If you are in a confined area where there are a lot of fumes or smoke, then use a respirator.

Soldering

Soldering is the process of joining two pieces of metal together. You will need solder, flux and a heat source for soft solder. For this example, we can use a propane torch. This is what a lot of plumbers use to plumb your house for water.

You will need to clean both pipes on the outside ends and deburr the inside of them to make sure there are no objects that can break free in the pipe and cause clogging or issues with the operation of the refrigerant cycle. Now we clean the inside of the fittings as well, typically using an emery cloth or sand paper. After cleaning all surfaces by sanding, you will want to wipe them with a cloth to remove any residual debris. Then, you will need to put the flux on the areas you cleaned and connect them together with the coupling. Now that they are together we can solder them.

Flux paste cleans and assists in the bonding of the solder to the pipes. When you solder you will need to heat the fitting in the middle as to draw the solder into the fitting. The fitting has to be hotter than the pipe. If they are the same temperature, the solder will not flow inside or wick into the fitting between the pipe and the fitting; it will just drip onto the ground. If that is the case, cool the pipe down with a rag that has been wet with water and then try again until it is right.

Applications for solder are as follows: Refrigerant lines that will not exceed around approximately 200psi when using 50/50, which is 50% tin and 50% lead. This will work for low pressure refrigerant and non-potable water (not drinkable).

95/5 solder is 95% tin and 5 percent antimony and can be used for drinking water applications. 95/5 is stronger as well for HVACR applications which can handle pressures up about 275psi. Now there is a lot more involved than this. This is just an informative view. Other variables include pipe strengths, tensile strengths and types of copper you are using. “Example: type k, l or m which is a rating of copper pipe for wall thickness changes the maximum pressure each can handle. The lowest of the three is M and the highest is K. But it even has an annealed version and a drawn which changes the pressures as well.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Welding

Welding is the process of melting the two metals together and is the strongest of all joints. It can be used on various metals and there are several processes that go along with this as well but we will stay within the HVACR industry needs.

Welding comes in various forms such as MiG, TIG and Stick Welding. There are others but these are the main ones.

MIG is a form of wire welding. TIG is a form of a high frequency welding which melts the metals together or melts the filler rod to the metal to fill the void between the two pieces of metal. Stick welding uses a flux coated rod that comes in contact with a grounding clamp from high current. It produces an arc, which starts the melting process of the fluxed filler rod in the midst of the two pieces of metal.

In the HVACR industry steel pipes are used for industrial equipment with large pipes such as chillers. The pipes are welded together at the factory but if there was ever a leak in one you would have to weld it. Not your typical daily function, but it can be done. It is probably the least used metal-joining process from a technician’s point of view but it is still used.

Brazing

Brazing is the process of joining two metals together without the wick effect that solder has.

It consists of two similar metals or dissimilar metals being joined by a brazing rod that melts before the metal being joined will. This will help assist in the bonding process. You can butt the two pieces together and braze them and it will be stronger than a soldered joint. The copper pipes can get red and silver solder will already be melted at this point.

Now a few other terms we must be aware of:

Liquidous temperature is the lowest temperature at which a metal is liquid.
Solidus temperature is the highest temperature at which the metal is completely solid.
The temperature at which metal melts is called its melting point.

Brazing uses a higher temperature to melt the rods than soldering. Gas torches such as MAPP gas or oxy acetylene could be used depending on the environment and the size of pipe. MAPP gas works well in non-windy areas for up to ¾ inch pipe. Anything larger than that would push the limits of the heat.

In brazing, the components that make up the rods is determined by the metals you want to join. For the HVACR industry, we typically use silver solder containing different percentages of silver. This will determine the fluidity of the rod on the metal being joined, the cleanliness of the joint for aesthetics, and the strength of the joint.

Flux can come in various forms such as a paste or a coating on the rods. In the example for the HVACR purposes we will use 15% silver solder. An example composition of 15% Silver Solder is: 15% Silver, 80% Copper, 5% Phosphorous. In joining copper to copper, none of these phosphorus/silver/copper rods need flux or would even benefit from it. The phosphorus allows the rod to self-flux on copper. So, if you use the silver solder it has phosphorus in it and does not need flux. It is the flux!

Example: Two pipes cleaned and placed inside a coupling. Heat the pipes until the 15 percent silver solder melts and spreads smoothly along the metal joint between the pipe and the coupling. Then do the other pipe at the joint at the coupling as well. Then stop and allow to cool. Or use a wet rag to cool it down.

The Infamous E1: Part 1

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:25:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

First, what is an E1 fault code? E1 is a ductless system communication fault between the indoor and outdoor units. Are you having a nuisance E1 after you replaced the circuit boards? Did you retro fit a ductless system using the existing wire and line set and received the infamous E1?

E1 from an induced voltage will cause communication problems with your new ductless system whether it is a brand new install or a retro fit change out. The problem is the wires inside the sheathing are twisted together causing an induced voltage on the “S” wire or signal wire. A 20 VAC and above will kill or scramble the signal causing a communication fault between the indoor and outdoor unit.

The way we check for this is to turn power off to the system, disconnect the “S” wire or the number “3” wire from both units. You may see the “S” wire or the number “3” wire depending on how the unit was labeled. Make sure the “S” wire does not touch anything when disconnected! Then turn power back on. I want to ensure you are cautious and aware: you are working on LIVE equipment! Set your multimeter to Volts AC with an alligator clip on one lead connected to the “S” wire and the other lead to ground; measure the induced current. It is preferred the reading is 0 volts, however, anything under 20VAC is acceptable. This problem has occurred due to using the wrong type 14/4 wire as well as using 18/8 wire. The use of the 18/8 wire is incorrect and dangerous!

The way to correct this problem is by replacing the indoor unit wire with the correct 14/4 wire. It is recommend using Duckt-strip brand wire due to its flat 4-wire design. Also, the Duckt-strip will not self-induce voltage into the “S” wire. Something to remember when installing a ductless product: it is best not to run the wire next to other high voltage wires. This can cause an induced voltage as well.

September 14, 2023

If you see a fixed negative or a small amount of fluctuating volts staying in the negative, the indoor board has failed.

If you see a fixed positive volt reading or a fluctuating positive reading the outdoor board is bad.

The reactor also needs to be checked. Check the reactor with the wires off and ohm it out. The ohm reading should be .1-1 ohm and should not be grounded.

What’s Your Resistance?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:06:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

When assisting with field calls, I ask this question in reference to electrical devices several times a day. The answers that I receive back ranges from: 75, none, a lot, nothing, 237K, and many more. I would like to help you better understand what you are checking and how to “read” it.

Electricity wants to flow! This is a fact. What keeps electricity from flowing? Resistance. Resistance is a force that opposes the flow of electricity and is measured in Ohms. The symbol for Ohms looks like an upside down “U”. When checking resistance there are no negative numbers. It starts at Zero and goes up from there and goes into the millions.

Whatever you are checking, whether it’s compressor windings, relay contacts, reversing valve coil, etc. if the meter reads 0.0 then this means electricity can flow with absolutely no trouble where as OL means the opposite that electricity will not flow at all. I recommend checking your meter for integrity periodically. This can be done by putting your leads together. This test should result in 0.0. Anything above 0.0 should be added to your reading when testing something. If the meter is reflecting anything higher than one or two ohms then the test leads and/or battery should be replaced. This ensures your readings are accurate.

Sometimes the meter will not show a number but instead “OL”; this represents Open Line which more or less mean infinite ohms. OL can be tricky, though, because the meter being used will show “OL” when the resistance being checked is higher than the meter can check. For example, if a meter that is rated for 100 ohms is used to check something that is 120 ohms this meter will show OL.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

With all these possible large numbers it is impossible to put them on a meter’s tiny screen. To make the numbers fit, abbreviations have been made. K for Thousands and M for Mega. Mega means million. Things get misdiagnosed due to the two mentioned letters being overlooked. If a meter reads 1.1, 1.1 K, or 1.1 M these are not the same thing. The first is literally 1.1 and the second is 1,100 and the last being 1,100,000. For example, let’s say you’re reading a compressor’s resistance to ground and you are looking for it to be greater than 2 million. If you misread 2.1M for simply 2.1, then you have misdiagnosed the compressor as being grounded.

If there’s resistances there’s an ohm value. Get out there and ohm something out!

*Wiring diagrams highlighted with colors chosen for high contrast- not for wire color designation*

Challenge: Check out the high voltage side of the Transformer. It has a COM terminal…. it’s not low voltage common. What is it?

That’s all.

Some meters are auto ranging, meaning you simply put it on resistance and take your reading. If the meter is equipped with a “Range” button then you likely have to select which range you want to check. As you push the range button it will move the decimal which allows for different number arrangements. Each meter should be looked at individually for the exact specs but as an example the meter may start with 60 ohms range so anything over 60 would show OL. Pressing the range button one time changes it to 6,000. Here is an example from fluke

Range values

600.0 Ω

6.000 kΩ

60.00 kΩ

600.0 kΩ

6.000 MΩ

60.00 MΩ

Honeywell Generator Giveaway

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

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Feeling Lucky?

From June 1st to August 31st, each Honeywell generator purchase will enter you in a drawing to win a 24kW Honeywell generator!

Offer valid June 1st through August 31st, 2022 while supplies last. See flyer for full details. Terms and conditions apply.

No purchase necessary. Qualifying orders must consist of in-stock product only and ship complete by August 31, 2022. No split shipments. Promotion excludes clean energy products, discontinued product, and generators above 60kW single-phase. Invoice total and value used to determine promotional tier. Must place orders manually. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. For no purchase entry email Marketing@mingledorffs.com.

CADM Fault Code 3

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 19:22:00 GMT

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Adaptive Heat

Jonathon Pullen

Technical Services Manager Gulf Coast District

What is fault code 3 on the Comfort Alert Diagnostic Module (CADM) and why am I getting nuisance trips?

CADM Fault code 3 is a short cycle alarm and lock out meaning the system did not run for a minimum of 3 minutes. This could be due to a no load or low load application, like a church. When no one is occupying the building, the system ran in cooling mode for under 3 minutes then cycled off. This has to happen four consecutive times, then the CADM will lock out on fault code 3. To reset the fault you simply power cycle the outdoor unit.

If you are receiving a code 3 and it is not from a lack of run time, then you need to look into a possible charge problem or blower problem.

This information can be located in the installation manual that comes with the unit. This is the definition from the install manual:

Yellow “ALERT” Flash Code 3 Short Cycling Compressor is running only briefly (four consecutive cycles of less than three minutes each) LOCKOUT 1. If low pressure switch is open: a. Low refrigerant charge b. Evaporator blower is not running c. Evaporator coil is frozen d. Faulty metering device e. Condenser coil is dirty f. Liquid line restriction (filter drier blocked if present) 2. If high-pressure switch is open, go to Flash Code 2 information 3. Intermittent thermostat demand signal four. System or control board defective.

The system needs a minimum run time for oil return. The way we fix this is with the correct type of thermostat.

I recommend two different thermostats for this application to help resolve fault code 3 due to short cycle.

Carrier Part Numbers 33CS2PPRH-03 and 33CS2PP2S-03 commercial thermostats with built in 3 minute minimum on time.
PRO1 T855 is a commercial programmable thermostat. You have to enable this feature and I recommend setting to a minimum of 5 minutes.

By using one of these thermostats, with a minimum on or run time, fault code 3 short cycle problem will go away.

September 14, 2023

If you see a fixed negative or a small amount of fluctuating volts staying in the negative, the indoor board has failed.

If you see a fixed positive volt reading or a fluctuating positive reading the outdoor board is bad.

The reactor also needs to be checked. Check the reactor with the wires off and ohm it out. The ohm reading should be .1-1 ohm and should not be grounded.

Condensate Pump Replacement

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:33:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

We are finding ourselves with more and more VRF components that will require maintenance periodically. Example: a 40VMF

Below are the procedures of handling one of the components mentioned above. As always, please take your time and use precautions in all work you perform.

12 Steps to replace a Condensate Pump on a 40VMF

1) This is the location of the condensate pump in relation to the control compartment

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

2) Remove all screws from the four corners indicated by the arrows

3) Remove the 3 screws to remove wire routing cover.

4) Remove the felt tape covering the wire route

5) Trace the pump high voltage wiring harness to the control compartment

6) Unplug the 2 black wire connectors from the pump connector on the control board and unscrew the green ground wire from the control compartment

7) Trace out the pump float alarm cable. Notice that it runs under the control compartment and will require taking the control compartment screws out. Let it hang down so you can access the wire all the way over to the wire bundle on the right side of the control compartment.

8) To remove the control compartment first cut the wire tie holding the wire bundle together.

9) Next unplug the red and black 2 wire plug from the water connector on the control board

10) Once you have both cables disconnected remove them from the wire route in the bottom of the foam drain pan.

11) Next you pull the drain pan down about 2 to 3 inches all the way around the unit. You will then be able to pull the condensate pump side down about 10 inches.

12) You will then be able to access the pump Assembly which can now be removed by removing the 3 mounting screws.

To complete the replacement, install the new condensate pump assembly and reverse the previous steps.

Alerts vs Alarms on the Comfort Link

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:24:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Tanner Stinson

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Disclaimer- This article does not detail on how to reset alarms because a previous article was done on this already. You can view that article here .

When using the comfort link to check out alarms and alerts you might wonder: is there a difference or are they the same? Which one shuts down the whole unit and which one will leave it running or partially running? I will get into that here and clear up some of the confusion with how the Comfort Link controller dictates all of this.

There is a difference with alerts and alarms. In the controls manual it defines these as follows:

T — Alert: Part of the unit is down, but the unit is still partially able to provide cooling or heating.
A — Alarm: The unit is down and is unable to provide cooling or heating.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Let’s start with the alert or code that begins with the letter T. Usually, this is not a full shut down alert code. In this mode the circuit with the problem code will not run and the secondary circuit takes the lead and attempts to condition the space. So, if you were to check alarm history you would see alerts starting with a T for a specific circuit depending on how many are available to the unit.

Now let’s go over when the Comfort Link controller has an alarm light indicated on the unit. It is in an alarm state and will not run without technician intervention. The controller has to be reset and the responsibility falls on the technician to troubleshoot the issue.

Where do alerts or alarms start? In the manual it states they start as pre-alerts. This is defined below :

P — Pre-Alert: Part of the unit is temporarily down. The alarm is not broadcast on the CCN network. The alarm relay is not energized. After an allowable number of retries, if the function does not recover, the pre-alert will be upgraded to an alert or an alarm

For both alerts and alarms they start out as pre-alerts. They get upgraded after a certain amount of startup has been tried. These usually follow a three-strike system or something similar. On the third start if the issue persists it will either go into alert or alarm depending on what it is.

Depending on what code the unit is indicating it can lead you in the right direction. Confirm the controls manual when you can to ensure that the right error code is being defined. Not all Comfort Link manuals are the same nor alarm and alert codes are the same. Each unit differs.

10) Once you have both cables disconnected remove them from the wire route in the bottom of the foam drain pan.

HVAC Safety

Mon, 02 May 2022 18:26:00 GMT

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NIMs – Network Interface Module

Bubba Moore

Technical Services Manager Southeast District

Safety is something we should think about and practice in almost everything we do. We get comfortable in our everyday lives and don’t think of the dangers in doing the work that we are accustomed to doing or paid to do. For example, just picking up a box off the floor to put it on a counter could injure your back. Let’s look at and review some of the safety equipment and procedures used by HVAC technicians. Before we get started, I’d like to remind you that only trained and qualified persons should service or install HVAC equipment. On the job safety is your responsibility to keep you and others around you safe. Also, the information given here is general in nature and not to be used as a substitution for the manufacturer’s instructions.

A lot of on the job injuries happen because personal protective equipment is not used. Here is a list of common personal safety equipment: a Hard Hat to protect your head, Safety Glasses or Goggles to protect your eyes, Gloves to protect from burns, chemicals, cuts, etc. Ear Plugs, Safety Shoes, and Safety Harness or Lanyard, just to name a few. Safety equipment needs to be taken care of inspected often and used properly.

September 14, 2023

When working on HVAC equipment with the electricity turned on, we should remember to remove rings, watches, bracelets, etc. that are metal that could come in contact with electrical components that could cause electrical shocks and burns. An HVAC technician will work with equipment that will have AC voltage that ranges from 24v to 575v. With the new inverter equipment, there is DC voltage ranging from 5v to over 300v. So, remember to always observe the safety tags and labels on the equipment and the instructions. When working on the equipment, LOCK OUT / TAGOUT the disconnect or electrical panel to make persons aware that the equipment is being worked on. Never take for granted that the equipment does not have electricity; always use a meter to verify it.

Safety is used to keep you and others from injury or death. Please follow a manufacturer’s instructions and instructions that come with the safety equipment. We will discuss next time safety around refrigerant and pressurized gases that are used in the HVAC industry.

Sources:

HVAC Servicing Procedures

Safety labels from:

safetyculture.com ( PPE )

The Unknown Soldier

Mon, 02 May 2022 18:12:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

Wondering why the VFD is called the Unknown Soldier? It is because it does a lot of work and goes unrecognized. It is one of those things that does its work behind the scenes and doesn’t get recognized until it stops working. Well we are going to give the recognition to this one and maybe by doing so it will have a long and productive life!

VFD

Maintenance of the VFD is critical and can be detrimental when not maintained at specified intervals. The dust can cause overheating and possible damage to the VFD as well causing a shortened life span to the device.

All this information can be found on HVAC Partners under VFD-08SI

VFD Maintenance

If installed in an appropriate environment, the VFD requires very little maintenance.

Table 1 lists the routine maintenance intervals recommended by Carrier

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Table 1 - Maintenance Intervals

Figure 1 - Remove Cover on the (ACH550 VFD)

Figure 2 - Remove Cover on the (ACH550 VFD)

Figure 3– Remove Cover on the (ACS320 VFD)

Heat Sink Cleaning

The heat sink fins accumulate dust from the cooling air. Check the heat sink annually and if the dust is heaver than usual increase the frequently of cleaning.

Use the following procedure to clean the heat sink on the (AHC550 VFD)

1. Turn off power and (lock out/tag out) unit for your safety and others.

2. To remove the drive cover. Remove the captive screw. (See Figure 1)

3. Press together the retaining clips on the top cover and lift. (See Figure 2)

4. Blow clean compressed air (not humid) or dry nitrogen from bottom to top while simultaneously using a vacuum cleaner at the air outlet to recover the dust.

5. Replace the cooling fan.

6. Replace the drive cover.

7. Restore power.

Use the following procedure to clean the heat sink on (ACS320 VFD)

1. Turn off power and (lock out/tag out) unit.

2. To release the top cover, insert a small straight blade screwdriver into the slot and press it in to release. (See Figure 3)

3. Blow clean compressed air (not humid air) or dry nitrogen from top of ACS320 while simultaneously using a vacuum cleaner at the base to recover the dust.

4. Replace the top cover.

5. Restore power.

9) Next unplug the red and black 2 wire plug from the water connector on the control board

Using the Navigator Tool

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:23:00 GMT

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Cleaning Coils

Tanner Stinson

Technical Services Manager North Georgia District

The Comfort Link Navigator is a great option for Comfort link products with faulty or non-responsive controllers. A lot of times the sun will fade the screens and you can’t see the LED readouts. The control buttons will also fail and get stuck so you can’t control anything.

So how do we fix these issues?

That’s where the Navigator comes in. You can do all of the same functions as the Comfort Link controller with a plus. It has a four-line read out screen. You can still force certain points on or off with the same authority as the Comfort link. It is universal so you can plug it into any Comfort Link with confidence.

September 14, 2023

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Setting Up the Navigator

Only plug into the LEN port, do not plug into the CCN because it could damage the hand-held unit.

On every Comfort Link product there are two modular telephone style (RJ14) connector. They are labelled LEN which is Local Access Network. The other is labelled CCN which is Carrier Comfort Network. You will plug into the LEN port of the unit. All the power and data are done through the one LEN jack. No batteries or chargers are needed. It is a self-contained unit. It is also equipped with two large magnets on the back to ensure it stays on the unit while you are using it.

Accessing the LEN Ports

On some units, you can access the LEN port through means other than opening the electrical cabinet. See table below for locations:

10) Once you have both cables disconnected remove them from the wire route in the bottom of the foam drain pan.

Part Number 30GT-911---062

Once you have located the plug locations and connected to the LEN port, the Navigator tool will start up.

You can use all the same functions as the Comfort Link controller mounted to the unit. However, with the Navigator tool, you have more than one read out screen, and no longer have to press escape and enter for every screen. Your local Mingledorff’s will be able to help you find one if you decide to purchase one.

Source: All information came from Form 30/48/50-6SI Installation Instructions

April Preventative Maintenance Sale

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 13:42:00 GMT

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A little maintenance goes a long way!

April is maintenance month! For the month of April, we’ve got 10% off all Totaline coil cleaning chemicals, browning belts and filters.

Offer valid April 1st through April 30th, 2022 while supplies last. See flyer for full details.

M#25VNA8 Troubleshooting Tips

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:25:00 GMT

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NIMs – Network Interface Module

Bubba Moore

Technical Services Manager Southeast District

The M#25VNA8 communicating unit has several devices that aid in the operation and protection of the unit. These devices are the suction pressure transducer, outdoor coil thermistor, outdoor air thermistor, suction thermistor, and the discharge thermistor. Sometimes these devices can start to fail, but not completely fail. When this happens the M#25VNA8 unit tries to correct the operations or protect itself with the info it is receiving from these devices. The info the unit receives can cause the unit to shut down on a safety or run inefficiently.

The suction pressure transducer allows the unit to monitor low pressure cut-out, loss of refrigerant charge, compressor protection, lubrication and oil circulation. It also aids in the control of the electronic expansion valve in the heating mode. The outdoor coil thermistor provides the outdoor coil’s liquid line temperature to the heat pump board in order to allow the unit to operate in the low ambient operation, defrost initiation, and defrost termination, with the assistance of the outdoor air thermistor. The suction thermistor is used to assist with the control of the electronic expansion valve and monitor the suction line temperature to the compressor. The discharge thermistor is used for protection against over temperature of the compressor. Now that we have a description of what the devices do and assist within the unit, we can look at ways to check and determine if the devices are defective and causing problems.

The suction pressure transducer receives 5 volts DC to it and sends 0 to 5 volts DC back to the control board, which is interpreted into pressure. At the connector on the control board, you can confirm that the suction transducer is receiving the 5 vdc on the ground pin and the supply pin. There is a formula that you can use once you read the output voltage between the ground pin and output pin on the control board. A formula is used to calculate the DC voltage in to pressure. You can also use the graph in the service manual. Once you get the pressure from the graph or formula, compare these calculations to your refrigerant gauge readings and compare for accuracy.

Pressure DC Voltage Formula

For example, if the measured output voltage is 3.0 VDC & Pressure is 50 psig:

50 X (3.0 — 0.5) — 50 X 2.5 = 125 psig.

The temperature thermistors are electronic devices which sense temperature. You can check these thermistors with an ohm meter. As the temperature increases, the resistance of the thermistor decreases. The outdoor air, outdoor coil, and suction thermistor are all 10K ohm thermistors. There is a graph that is in the service manual to compare the resistance of the thermistor to temperature. See below.

September 14, 2023

The discharge thermistor is a 50K ohm thermistor, which also has a graph that is in the service manual to compare the resistance of the thermistor to temperature also. See below.

There is one other way to check the accuracy of these devices. With a communicating wall control, you can go into the service information of the wall control and look at the system while it is in off mode. After the unit has been idle for about 20 minutes, you can compare all the thermistors readings to each other. The readings will be close if there are no failing thermistors. The discharge thermistor can read a little higher due to the heat from the compressor if it was previously running, or the sump heater was on. While the unit is still off, or if it is running, you can compare the unit pressure from your gauges to the reading on the wall control while still in the service info screen.

The info discussed from the service manual is to get a more accurate picture of the device that may be in question, but use the communicating wall control for a quick reference if these devices are in question. With a little understanding of what a device does in a unit, it can help determine why the unit is not operating efficiently or shutting down on a safety.

Sources: Service Manuals For

25VNA8 Infinity 18VS Variable Speed Heat Pump

24VNA9 Infinity 19VS Variable Speed Air Conditioner with Puron Refrigerant

288BNV EVOLUTION V VARIABLE SPEED HEAT PUMP

189BNV EVOLUTION V VARIABLE SPEED AIR CONDITIONER

WITH PURON REFRIGERANT

Ductless Line Set Sizing

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:14:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

When installing Carrier/Bryant Ductless (mini splits) units please refer to the installation manual for the particular model of the unit you are installing or servicing. If you don’t have the needed manuals, they can be found on HVACPartners.com where you can also register for an account. You can also reach out to a Mingledorffs Technical Service Manager who would be glad to send them to you.

I will be referencing charts or tables from the manuals. In older literature, it is under “System Requirements”. In newer literature, it is under installation titled “Refrigerant Piping.” On multiport units it is under “Piping Requirements.”

Indoor and outdoor manuals should always refer to the same pipe diameters needed but, in the event that they differ, please refer to the install manual of the indoor unit when determining the lineset pipe sizing.

BEFORE installing a ductless unit, the information discussed in this article should be taken into consideration to ensure that the parameters are followed. If the wrong size lineset (according to the manual) is installed then then our recommendation would be to replace with the correct size.

April 7, 2022

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Get out there and get connected to the portal!

These units are more complex and have more variables to consider.

*to keep things simple, we typically round close decimal numbers*

Min. Piping Length per each indoor unit- This is the minimum allowed amount of lineset for each indoor unit

Standard Piping Length per each indoor unit- this is the amount of lineset that has been “reserved” for each indoor unit for refrigerant charge purposes.

Max. outdoor-indoor height difference- how far you can separate the indoor from the outdoor vertically. Two labels are shown- IU indoor unit above OU outdoor unit and vice versa.

Max. height different between indoor units- if the indoor units are on different levels, then they should not exceed this amount of vertical separation amongst themselves.

Max. Length per each indoor unit- no indoor unit should have a lineset longer than this number. Do not exceed this number for any indoor unit lineset.

Max. Piping Length with no additional refrigerant charge- add together all of the lineset lengths for all the indoor units. If your lengths are above this number, then additional charge is needed.

Total Maximum Piping Length per system– when adding together all the indoor pipe lengths, this is the total length that the unit can support. Pipe lengths greater than this are not approved nor recommended.

Additional refrigerant charge- if your total lineset length is over the “Max. Piping Length with no additional refrigerant charge” amount, this is how many ounces per foot should be added to the unit for proper operation.

Pipe sizes: these show the pipe sizes with an asterisk (*) and then the quantity of those ports.
For example: from the 36K– 1/2 *2+3/8*2
This means 2 at ½ and 2 at 3/8.

In the event that the correct line set size is ran and it is not the same size as the hookup of this unit, use the factory supplied adapters to make the connections.

*Wiring diagrams highlighted with colors chosen for high contrast- not for wire color designation*

Challenge: Check out the high voltage side of the Transformer. It has a COM terminal…. it’s not low voltage common. What is it?

That’s all.

Pulled from an indoor ceiling cassette 40MBCQ

The chart/table on outdoor units have loads more of information so I will assist in clarifying.

Pulled from an outdoor heatpump model 38MARB

*to keep things simple, we typically round close decimal numbers*

Min. Piping Length- This is the minimum allowed amount of lineset. Nothing less than 10 Feet.

Standard Piping Length- this is how much lineset the unit is precharged to handle. Do not remove charge to compensate for linesets that are shorter than 25 feet.

Max. outdoor-indoor height difference- how far you can separate the indoor from the outdoor vertically, two labels are show- IU indoor unit above OU outdoor unit and vice versa.

Total Maximum Piping- this is the maximum allowed pipe length. Installations beyond this lineset length will not be approved nor recommended.

Additional refrigerant charge- if your lineset is over 25 feet but not longer than the MAX, this is how many ounces per foot should be added to the unit for proper operation.

Suction Pipe- the suction hookup size at the outdoor unit.

Charge amount- how much charge the unit has from factory to cover 25ft of lineset.

Pulled from Multiport outdoor unit 38MGR

HVH8 Compressor Troubleshooting

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:51:00 GMT

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How to Set Up and Access the Dealer Portal

Kevin Thigpen

Technical Services Manager North Alabama District

The HVH8 compressor operates with 3-phase variable frequency Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). To troubleshoot a fault related to the code use the following steps.

1. Disconnect compressor power leads from the inverter (MOC Board) terminals, U (Yellow), V (Red), and W (Black).

2. Measure the resistance between yellow to red, yellow to black, and red to black. Then check the values with table 7 in the installation
book. Each value should be equal.