Professional Documents
Culture Documents
uk
HVAC Troubleshooting
BG 25/2014
2 Refrigeration 3
2.1 Compressors 3
2.2 Condensers 12
2.3 Condenser and evaporator fans 14
2.4 Evaporators 15
2.5 Split systems 16
2.6 Air-to-air heat pumps 22
3 Ventilation 28
3.1 Air handling systems 28
3.2 Air handling unit fans 32
3.3 Heating and cooling coils 34
3.4 Thermal wheels 36
3.5 Air-to-air plate heat-exchangers 37
3.6 Run-around coils 37
3.7 Electrode boiler humidifiers 38
3.8 VAV systems 40
4 Heating 46
4.1 Boilers 46
4.2 Gas burners 48
4.3 Oil burners 50
5 Common items 54
5.1 Pumps 54
5.2 Motors 55
5.3 Variable speed drives 57
5.4 Pressurisation units 58
Appendices
Appendix: A Refrigeration system troubleshooting flow charts 59
Appendix: B Troubleshooting with pressure gauges 68
HVAC Troubleshooting
© BSRIA BG 25/2014
The tasks outlined in this guide are based on the technician having a sound knowledge of the
REFRIGERATION
investigation/check procedures to be carried out. Control systems may need to be shut down during
some of these, either as an individual loop or as a whole. This should not cause problems, providing it is
carried out by someone with a good working knowledge of the system. All control systems should allow
plant to be operated by hand, although it may be involved and require more staff.
This guide has been designed so that it can be used by engineers and managers with different levels of
HVAC knowledge. The troubleshooting procedures have not been presented in a hierarchical fashion,
but instead in order of the affected system or component.
Refrigeration
Ventilation
Heating
Common items
Second, identify specific symptoms that are occurring. These are third-level headings e.g. 2.1.5
Compressor short-cycles. For each symptom, a number of possible causes are given, and an action is
suggested for each of these.
Two appendices are provided, both relating to the troubleshooting of refrigeration systems. The first
provides a number of useful flowcharts, which are cross-referenced to the guide. The second provides
guidance on using pressure gauges as a troubleshooting tool.
Each of the actions in this guide has been assigned a grade of one, two or three stars. These outline the
level of ability required to undertake the action:
* Basic check – can be carried out by anyone with knowledge of HVAC systems.
** System check – can be carried out by a competent member of staff or qualified maintenance engineer.
*** Invasive / intrusive investigation – must be carried out by a legislatively qualified technician with proven
competence and ability to work on the system.
HVAC Troubleshooting 1
© BSRIA BG 25/2014
Capacity control pressure switch set Check switch and reset or replace
***
REFRIGERATION
incorrectly or faulty
Timing relay set incorrectly or faulty Check relay and reset or replace
***
Capacity control system set incorrectly or
faulty
Check individual components and wiring
***
HVAC Troubleshooting 3
© BSRIA BG 25/2014
3.1.2 No air flow - motor runs but fan does not run
Possible cause Action
28 HVAC Troubleshooting
© BSRIA BG 25/2014
System controls faulty Check for voltage, temperature settings and safety switches
***
Control thermostat failed and high-limit
thermostat activated or both controls may
Check temperatures – if higher than high limit setpoint, replace
high limit thermostat
***
have failed
Inadequate air flow for combustion Inspect boiler, chimney and boiler room fresh air intake for source
of blockage
***
Test holes in flue unsealed or flue leakage Cover holes and check for leakage
**
Boiler room fans stopped Check boiler room fans
**
Main burner does not light Investigate loss of fuel to burner, rectify and light
***
No ignition spark Refer to section 4.3.5
46 HVAC Troubleshooting
© BSRIA BG 25/2014