I was once told by a service tech that they evaluate how well the system is performing based on temperature difference between the the return and supply sides. On our first really warm day (80F+), I measured the temperature in the supply duct at about 50; at the time, the interior temp was about 78, so the temperature drop was about 28F; the air coming off the compressor was about 105F. Measurements were taken with an instant read thermometer, waiting for the reading to stabilize. I don't have reason to believe that the system is not working correctly, but if it's moving toward needing servicing, I'd rather know sooner than later. When the person you spoke to said to measure the "temperature difference between the return and supply sides". What they were talking about, is what's known as Delta T (of the evaporator). It sounds like you took the first measurement in the proper place (or close to it), but not the second measurement. The "supply side" refers to the air just after it passes through the evaporator, while "the return" is referring to the air going in to the evaporator.

You could also measure the Delta T of the condenser, but I'm not sure how useful that is. Simply measure the ambient air around the condensing unit, then measure the temperature of the air exiting the condensing unit. The difference in these values is the Delta T of the condenser. There are three values HVAC technicians typically use to evaluate a system. Superheat, subcooling, and the Delta T (of the evaporator).20 seer rating ac unit This is the number of degrees a vapor is above its saturation temperature (boiling point), at a particular pressure.trane commercial rooftop air conditioning units To determine the superheat of a system:car ac repair sarasota fl Using a gauge, measure the pressure on the low side (suction) line.

Using a chart for the type of refrigerant, convert pressure to temperature [Saturation Temperature]. Using a thermometer, measure the temperature of the low side (suction) line [Line Temperature]. Calculate superheat [Line Temperature] - [Saturation Temperature] At 75°F - 85°F ambient temperature, superheat should be 12-15°. Above 85°F ambient, superheat should be 8-12°. Check manufacturer documentation for recommended superheat values. If superheat is too high, it means that not enough coolant is entering the evaporator. This leads to poor refrigeration, and wasted energy. If superheat is too low, it means the evaporator is being flooded with coolant. This could lead to liquid refrigerant getting back to the compressor, which can be really bad. This is when the liquid refrigerant is colder than the minimum temperature required to keep it from boiling. To determine the subcooling of a system: Using a gauge, measure the pressure on the high side (liquid) line.

Using a thermometer, measure the temperature of the high side (liquid) line [Line Temperature]. Calculate subcooling [Saturation Temperature] - [Line Temperature] Subcooling should typically be around 12-15°. Check manufacturers documentation for recommended subcooling. If subcooling is too high, it means the condenser is flooded. This could lead to the compressor working too hard, and possibly being flooded with liquid refrigerant (which is really bad). If subcooling is too low, the refrigerant can "flash" or boil before it reaches the evaporator. This will lead to the metering device not being able to properly meter the refrigerant, which leads to poor refrigeration. Knowing the change in temperature of the air moving through the evaporator can also be useful. To determine Delta T: Measure the plenum air temperature about 12" from the evaporator. Measure the return air temperature close to the unit. Typically, Delta T should be 15-18°F.

Check manufacturers documentation for recommended Delta T range. Delta T too low This is usually caused by return air bypassing the coil. Make sure the evaporator is properly sealed to the unit. It can also be a symptom of low refrigerant, bad compressor valves, or a leaking reversing valve. Delta T too high This is commonly caused by low air flow across the coil. Make sure the filter is clean, and the fan is set to the proper speed (on multi-speed units). Diagnosis using superheat and subcooling Knowing only superheat, or subcooling is not enough. To figure out what's going on, you'll have to use both values. High Superheat, Low Subcooling This usually means the system is undercharged. High Superheat, High Subcooling This likely means there is a blockage in the system. Low Superheat, High Subcooling This usually means the system is overcharged. Low Superheat, Low Subcooling This usually means too much liquid is being fed to the evaporator.

Likely a problem with the metering device. All values are based on my current R22 system. Values may vary from system to system, always check manufacturer documentation. HVAC Technicians must understand how to take proper measurements for Delta T and ambient temperatures along with the Wet Bulb temperatures. With a little math You really do not have a reason to crack into the refrigerant system. The industry in my area as a whole is quite vocal about moving away from the gauge on every PM approach. It is just time for sharper techs. There is no justifying whether a system is running properly based on just an overcoil measurement. It depends greatly on the enthalpic heat in the conditioned space. Today my split might need to be 20 tomorrow it might need to be ten. 28 degrees seems high to me. Sounds like an airflow issue or lack of refrigerant. Is the filter clean? To the tech that never takes an evaporator split we are in a new era of technology. Our old beercan cold ways are a dinosaur I suggest you embrace a program that will put you back on top of your game ask your equipment manufacturer for classes about prescribed charging methods etc.