An Encounter with Goodman’s HVAC units
Guys, we’re back in a sea of Goodman’s HVAC units, and we have an interesting situation on our hands. We have a unit running the inside, but the outside is not functioning properly, so we need to investigate further. With a couple of simple tests, we’ll determine whether the issue lies in a lack of power, a low-pressure switch, or something else altogether. All the while, we’ll be working in a precarious position, dodging a rather angry wasp in the corner.
Initial Tests and Investigations
Before diving headfirst into our testing, it’s important to ensure that we have all the necessary tools and components available to us. Unfortunately, there seems to be a mysterious set of numbers (40, 50, or 51) that are catching our attention, and we’re not sure of their relevance at this stage.
With our testing equipment on hand, our first order of business is to check for power across the unit’s low-pressure switch. We find that there is some pressure – 2.7 PSI to be exact – in the unit, but we need to carry out further tests to determine whether a leak is present.
Leak Search with Nitrogen
Next, we pump the unit with nitrogen to search for any potential leaks. Our goal here is to hit 200 to 300 PSI and see if the pressure stabilizes. As we reach 274 PSI, we simultaneously try to access the panel to turn off the fresh air supply.
While attempting to understand the relevance of the mysterious numbers mentioned earlier, we discover that they may be related to the installation of the AC unit or the coil inside the air handler.
Diagnosing the Problem: Coil vs Air Handler
After some discussion with the unit’s owner, we find that the problematic coil is part of a poorly functioning air handler. The specific brand, mainstream, is notorious for having issues with leaking coils. As a result, we have two potential solutions: either we replace the coil within the air handler or replace the entire air handler altogether.
Considering that this air handler has already been replaced at least once before, we offer the owner both options. We provide estimates for both a new coil and an entirely new air handler to help the owner make an informed decision on the best course of action.
An Update on the Compressor Situation
In our previous encounter, we dealt with a compressor that was making odd noises and lacked sufficient power to produce high head pressures. After further inspection, it’s decided that the compressor needs to be replaced. However, we’ve chosen to do this replacement at no additional cost to the customer.
Working for Free: A Personal Choice
No one should be expected to work for free, but the decision to do so ultimately lies with the individual. In this case, the customer is a loyal one and has already invested in an air handler repair. We don’t want them to think that we misdiagnosed the problem or are trying to squeeze extra money out of them.
Therefore, in the spirit of maintaining trust and fostering a healthy working relationship, we decide to go the extra mile and shoulder the cost of the compressor replacement ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our encounter with this problematic Goodman’s HVAC unit has presented a couple of interesting challenges. From the diagnostic stage to the decision-making process, we’ve been forced to flex our troubleshooting muscles and communicate effectively with the customer to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved.
Ultimately, as HVAC professionals, it’s crucial to maintain flexibility, adaptability, and empathy in order to provide excellent service and build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients. With our newest repair decisions in place, we look forward to seeing our customer satisfied with their fully functioning HVAC system and better indoor comfort. Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from the world of HVAC, and as always, thanks for watching and supporting our journey.
