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In this episode, we're introducing a new segment called "Can You Solve This Service Call?" using real life examples to test your knowledge as a technician walking into a call. In this example, we've got a compressor running continuously, some key readings, however it's determined the compressor itself isn't the issue. We'll run through critical checks and processes for this common situation, all in an effort to outline things to look for and help techs identify root cause issues faster and more confidently.

In this episode, we cover:

(01:34) Example Service Call

(04:25) Sequence of Checks

(05:25) Key Check: Filter Drier

(09:30) Think Restriction First

(10:06) Service Call Checklists

(12:09) Building Customer Trust

Helpful Links & Resources:

DOWNLOAD: Free System and Compressor Troubleshooting Guide

Episode 360. Get Curious on Service Calls (For Faster Troubleshooting)

Episode 181: Ways To Be More Efficient As A Technician And How To Reduce Your Troubleshooting Time with Jim Marsen

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this conversation, we sit down with longtime refrigeration technician Tim Homan to discuss his path from casino in-house work in Las Vegas to "hardcore" supermarket rack and CO2 service. We love sharing the journeys of fellow techs to motivate and inspire those across the industry. Here, Tim talks about honing strong electrical/refrigeration fundamentals, reading manuals and investing heavily in training and tools as crucial to his diverse industry successes. We also dig into some Tim's real life service call stories, as well as managing workload stress, relationship-building and thoughts about the future of refrigeration.

In this episode, we cover:

(01:00) Tim Homan's Trade Journey

(02:12) Emphasis on Training

(03:44) CO2 Refrigeration and Glycol Work

(05:52) Booster vs Cascade Systems

(08:35) Liquid Line Fixes

(12:12) Following Mnaufacturer Specs

(17:57) Realities of Refrigeration Maintenance Checks

(25:24) Reading Schematics Faster

(27:59) Skills Refrigeration Techs Need Now

(29:12) Refrigerant Law and Codes

(29:32) Evacuation and Hose Purging

(30:37) Future of CO2 Tech

(32:42) Propane and Micro Systems

(34:44) Investing in Tools

(37:33) CO2 Gauges and Safety

(39:14) E3 Controllers and Programming

(40:44) Adiabatic Towers

(43:08) CO2 Refrigeration Evolution and Design

(46:01) Advice for Refrigeration Technicians

Helpful Links & Resources:

CO2 Unfiltered

Episode 302. Journey Into Refrigeration with Connor Strickland

Episode 185: Refrigeration is a Journey: Ashley Fuller's Refrigeration Roadmap

Episode 145 - From Small Business to Refrigeration Giant: Adam Knutz's Journey

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, I'm outlining five things refrigeration techs need to check before replacing a compressor to avoid an unnecessessary change out. Between 30-40% of swapped compressors are found to have no real issue, and these checks will help technicians uncover root-cause issues and potentially avoid costly and time-consuming work that might not be needed. This episode details the five checks: oil level and oil management, compressor superheat, electrical health, operating conditions, and controller/sensor accuracy. We also cover key readings and how to better understand failure modes and prevent repeat failures.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:48) How to Avoid Replacing Good Compressors

(03:16) Check 1: Oil Management

(04:27) Check 2: Compressor Superheat

(06:13) Check 3: Electrical Health

(07:14) Check 4: Operating Conditions

(08:19) Check 5: Controllers and Sensors

(09:56) Inspecting a Failed Compressor

(12:14) Documentation and Preventing Repeated Failures

Helpful Links & Resources:

FREE GUIDE: System and Compressor Troubleshooting Guide

Episode 115: Understanding Compressors: What You Need To Know

Episode 329. The Ins & Outs of Compressors

Episode 388. Step-By-Step Compressor Change Out (Service Call Recap) with Andrew Freeburg