AlfaMotorHomeOwners

The following is submitted by Dick Albritton  

A/C OPERATIONAL TESTS

BY

These tests should be run with outdoor temps. above 80 degrees and the

Site Selector Switch in the 50 position. The thermostat should be set

at least 10 degrees below the indoor temperature to be sure both

compressors are being signaled to run and the unit should be allowed to

run without cycling for 10 to 15 minutes with fan speed on high before

taking readings. The thermometers should read within 1 degree of each

other. Place one thermometer or probe at the return air filter

location, place the other in a bedroom floor grill.

Take readings and calculate the difference. The difference should be

19 degrees or more depending on the environmental conditions.

Anything much different from this indicates problems. -- Have system

checked.

To do this test you will need a clip on amp meter. Again, set the

thermostat down at least 10 degrees and let the unit run for 10 minutes

before taking measurements.

Remove the main electrical panel cover. Take amp draw readings of A/C

#1 and A/C #2 circuits. Depending on the environmental conditions, the

readings should be 11 to 14 amps. Also there should be a difference of

1 to 2 amps between the 2 readings due to a difference in the amp draw

of the 2 blowers.

If one the readings is 7 to 10 amps then there is probably trouble with

that section of the unit.

This simple check is probably the 1st one that should be done.

With the thermostat OFF and the A/C unit has been OFF for 5 minutes,

set the desired temperature 10 degrees below indoor temperature. Set

the switch to COOL. Now go directly outside beside the A/C unit. You

should hear the unit running. In approximately 30 seconds you should

hear the outdoor fan motor stop and then restart. This is the 2nd

compressor starting up. If you don’t hear the stop and start of the

outdoor fan then there is a problem.