Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 814 Air-Conditioning Systems • Repair. Once a fault has been identified, discuss the needed repair and the cost of the repair with the homeowner. If the homeowner approves the work, perform the repair. • Test system for proper operation. After making a repair, restart the system and let it run for at least ten minutes. Then take measurements to ensure that the system is operating properly. In order to execute any troubleshooting procedure, you must understand how the subsystems within the air- conditioning system operate to achieve proper system per- formance. This includes the sequence of operation for the system, Figure 32-27. A technician’s prior experience with the specific equipment will also inform the troubleshoot- ing process. After the customer interview and initial inspection are completed, the system malfunction must be identified. This is accomplished by testing system components and compared measured test results with expected values. A general procedure for testing a central air-condi- tioning system is shown in Figure 32-28. Begin by inves- tigating any potential faults identified in the customer interview or initial inspection. ✓ Please describe the problem you are having with your air-conditioning system. ✓ When did you first notice this problem? ✓ How was the system working before this problem occurred? ✓ Did you do anything about the problem? If so, what did you do? ✓ When is the last time the system was serviced? ✓ Has the system had other problems? If so, what was the problem and when did it occur? ✓ How old is the system? ✓ Have you had any work done on your house recently? ✓ Have you ever performed any repairs or modifications to the system? Customer Interview Questions Residential Air-Conditioning Service Call Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 32-26. Potential questions for use during the customer interview stage of an air-conditioning system service call. 32B: Residential Central Air-Conditioning: Poor Cooling Overview Continuing from Service Call Troubleshooting 32A, Sharon completes the customer interview with Mr. Gonzalez. Initial Inspection Sharon first inspects the thermostat, then the indoor air handler, and finally the outdoor unit. Analyze and Discuss 1. When Sharon inspects the thermostat, what are some things she should be checking? 2. When Sharon inspects the indoor unit, what are some things she should be checking? 3. When Sharon inspects the outdoor unit, what are some things she should be checking? 4. What is the purpose of inspecting the system prior to beginning testing to find a problem? Service Call Troubleshooting 32A: Residential Central Air-Conditioning: Poor Cooling Overview The owner of a 1500 ft2 residence, Mr. Gonzalez, has reported that his split central air-conditioning system seems to be running constantly but is not able to cool the house enough to reach the temperature set on the thermostat. Upon arriving at the residence, the technician, Sharon, identifies herself and verifies that Mr. Gonzalez requested service. Before entering the residence, Sharon puts on shoe covers. Customer Interview Sharon asks Mr. Gonzalez a few questions before beginning her inspection. Analyze and Discuss 1. Based on the information provided, list three questions Sharon could ask Mr. Gonzalez. 2. What is Sharon hoping to learn from the questions she asks? Service Call Troubleshooting