Tag: HVAC

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting A/C Systems

Posted on April 6, 2021 - 1News, Air Conditioning 101

Proper A/C system performance is achieved with many components working together to provide cab comfort for the driver and passengers. The item that receives the most attention is the Compressor. The compressor operates as the “pump” of the system, keeping the refrigerant circulating and increasing the refrigerant’s pressure.

All compressors have two sides: Suction and Discharge. The refrigerant is drawn into the compressor’s suction side as a cold-low pressure vapor and then is compressed, thus raising the refrigerant pressure and temperature. The high pressure-high temperature vapor refrigerant is then pumped out of the compressor’s discharge side to the condenser.
As the compressor moves the refrigerant through the system, the refrigerant oil also moves with the refrigerant.

AC System - Replacement HVAC Parts & Supplies - ATC I 1-800-295-4156


Why are compressors removed?

1) Loss of a refrigerant charge – Cold refrigerant entering the compressor on the suction side coming from the evaporator provides cooling to the compressor. With a loss of refrigerant, the compressor overheats. Also, with a loss of refrigerant, the oil is not returned back into the compressor and eventually the compressor will run dry. AC Compressors - Replacement HVAC Parts & Supplies - ATC 1-800-295-4156

2) Contamination – Particles found inside the system will cause internal damage to your system. These particles can cause blockage at the condenser, expansion valve or damage to the internal parts of your compressor. Contamination must be removed from the system by using the correct flushing procedures.

3) Misdiagnosis – Change the wrong part is a common procedure in repair A/C failures. The system must be properly diagnosed before changing parts and pieces.

What are the most common causes of compressor failures?

1) Low Refrigerant Charge AC Compressors - Replacement HVAC Parts & Supplies - ATC 1-800-295-4156
2) Leaks with the System
3) Contamination in the System
4) Lack of Lubrication
5) Clutch Failure due to System Failure
6) Blockage or Restriction within the system
7) Insufficient Condenser Cooling

What happens if a compressor continues to run under a low refrigerant charge?

1) Overheating of the compressor occurs. AC Compressor - HVAC Replacement parts & Supplies - ATC I 1-800-295-4156
2) Refrigerant oil circulation slows down and returns very little back to the compressor
3) Without proper lubricant and refrigerant charge, the compressor will “lock-up” and destroy the compressor.
4) The critical low charge point is reached when the system has 50% or less of the recommended refrigerant charge.
5) Disabled or Malfunctioning switches that allow the compressor to run in a low charge situation.

With mechanical reliability at all-time highs, heavy-duty A/C components rarely fail. In fact, components mainly fail because of the contaminated refrigerant oil and general lack of preventive maintenance. Proper maintenance increases operating time and saves money by identifying concerns before they become problems.

More Pre Season maintenance tips

A/C Preventative Maintenance
A/C Systems – How a simple inspection can save, 
How To Inspect an A/C Compressor
A/C Compressor Check Up
How To Troubleshoot your A/C Electrical system

Best selling mobile HVAC parts by Make. 


Completing the A/C Best Practices on our Youtube channel ATCTV, we feature
Basic Troubleshooting, 
How To and Which Components to Inspect
Examining Compressor Failures
Thermistor Kit for Navistar

Arctic Traveler Canada is always focused on the application of Air-Conditioning, Heating, Pressurization and Refrigeration of cabins and cargo areas of mobile vehicles, both on-road and off-road. As a Master Stocking Distributor, ATC offers Air Conditioning systems and replacement parts for any heavy duty vehicle. Call 1-800-295-4156 or visit www.atc.ca for more information.

Recycling HVAC – World Environment Day

Posted on June 4, 2019 - Did You Know?

World Environment Day - June 5
Recycling paper, cardboard, glass and aluminum amongst other things has become part of our daily routine. Whether it is separating waste, or composting our kitchen scraps, the environment is at a point where this is no longer a choice, but a necessity. However, no longer are these the only things that need to be recycled. So, this World Environment Day, let’s make a pledge to not just properly recycle our daily waste, but also learn what else can be recycled and how.

As tempting as it would be to put it out for regular pick-up or dump it in a landfill, HVAC unit have a proper disposal and recycling method associated with them. This is important for one to follow as not doing so might violate local regulations. There are a number of steps that you need to take to ensure the proper disposal of their HVAC units that are no longer in use.

  • Recycling:

Regardless of the type, all air conditioners contain some amount of refrigerant which can contain an ozone-depleting substance. Even if they do not, they generally add to greenhouse gas emission which affects the environment adversely. According to the law in many countries, it is mandatory that a certified HVAC technician handles the refrigerant, be it installing it in a new system or removing it when a unit is being discarded. It is best to go onto your local government’s website and find a list of scrap yards and/or recycling businesses and locate the one closest to you. The services that the facilities provide vary – some offer pick-up, some charge a fee, some remove the refrigerant, and others require it to be removed before pick-up. Sometimes, it is also possible that they end up paying you some scrap.

Crossed out wheelie bin
If you see this symbol on your electrical items, do not throw them out with regular everyday trash. For more information, visit the WEEE website. 


  • Landfill:

Most municipal landfills require the units to be delivered to them with the refrigerant already removed. The regulations vary from country to country. It is best to contact your local landfill and get the information from them directly. Once the landfill has the unit, they will go ahead and disassemble the unit to separate the recyclable and non-recyclable components of it. Plastics and metals in the unit can be easily recycled or reused while the non-recyclable components are disposed into the landfill. 

  • Sell:

Another great option is to sell your old HVAC unit when you are looking to upgrade. People who are on a budget are always on sites like Craigslist and Kijiji looking to find affordable second-hand options. All you have to do is make a listing online and your ad will reach hundreds of people in seconds. The only downfall with this is that the unit needs to be in proper working condition. Most buyers would first test the unit to make sure of it before buying it. However, there are small businesses that buy and refurbish HVAC units for resale. If your unit has some minor faults, it is better to go to a business focused on refurbishing rather than going for the final customer directly.

  • Donate:

There are always some thrift stores, donation centers and charitable organizations in need of air conditioners. Some of them even specialize in building material or home improvement items and would take any HVAC units.

  • Retail Exchange:

Before you upgrade, check with the retailer you are buying your new HVAC unit from to see if they would take your old model from you. Some retailers might take it and dispose it on your behalf, which may be a part of the sale transactions. Some retailers might also offer some discount on your purchase in exchange for your old HVAC unit.

All of us need to contribute towards the betterment of the world, not just for us, but for the future generation as well. Go onto the World Environment Day website to find out how you can help. Every little bit counts.