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Ductless Split System Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps
- What are the components and controls for ductless or split system air conditioners & heat pumps? A guide to operation, diagnosis, repair, & maintenance for split system air conditioners
- Questions & Answers about split system air conditioner operation, installation, maintenance, & repair
- References
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
Guide to ductless split-system air conditioners: This article describes split system air conditioning & heat pump systems. We review the major system components, switches & controls, and typical applications for split system cooling systems, and we discuss use of the remote thermostat control, where to find and how to clean the split system air filters, how condensate is disposed-of, and what to check first if your split system air conditioner is not working properly.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Split System Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Systems: controls, operation, diagnosis, repair & component parts guide
A split system or "ductless" air conditioning (or A/C & heat pump) system dispenses with duct
work entirely, using a wall-mounted indoor evaporator/blower unit and a separate outside compressor/condenser (below left and right). In this
split system air conditioning design, one compressor/condenser may serve multiple wall-mount indoor units.
The ductless or split and mini-split system air conditioners used in our illustrations are Sanyo brand, but there are quite a few split system and split system mini air conditioners currently on the market, including models by Carrier, Friedrich, Frigidaire, Goodman, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Samsung. The basic components, installation, and maintenance procedures here apply to all types of mini split system or ductless A/C and heat pump units, but of course you should also read the manufacturer's installation and users' guide for your unit as well.
This website discusses these air conditioning and heat pump terms and problems: Air Conditioners: Central Air Conditioning Troubleshooting & Repair Guide: How to Inspect, Diagnose, & Repair Central Air Conditioning: Defects in A/C compressors, air handlers, duct work, and controls. We explain how to inspect & repair central air conditioning systems and for homeowners we also answer basic HVAC questions such as what are the basic air conditioning components? We provide guidance in determining air conditioning cooling capacity & energy efficiency, Troubleshooting air conditioning compressor problems, Diagnosing air conditioning air handler problems, Air conditioning condensate problems, Duct system inspections, defects, repairs, Cleaning air conditioning equipment & A/C refrigerants.
Split System (Ductless) Air Conditioner Thermostats & Operating Controls
 Split system air conditioners and heat pumps may use a remote control device to turn the equipment on or off and to set the desired temperature. You will also find some operating switches and controls on the indoor wall-mounted cooling unit air handler, for most split system cooling units and heat pumps, the user is expected to use the remote control.
Remote control thermostats such as the unit shown at left are usually used with air conditioning or heating split systems using an outside compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor wall-mounted cooling or heating units..
The thermostat controls in the hand-held remote control communicates with a wall-mounted air conditioner or heater using infra red signals. The open finned area at the bottom of the remote A/C control (at the left in our photo) permit ambient air to enter the control for purpose of sensing the air temperature.
A control such as this Sanyo (TM) unit can be quite sophisticated and include automatic set back temperatures, timers, etc.
On the remote control for a split system A/C or heat pump unit there are typically two levels of operating controls or settings.
- On the outside of the remote control device you'll see just three buttons: an on-off button and an UP and DOWN button that change the set the desired indoor temperature.
- Opening a hinged cover on the remote control for your split system air conditioner (or heat pump) you will see more extensive array of buttons and switches that allow setting the device clock, controlling the fan speed, setting an automatic setback or night time program to save energy, and for the operation of special features such as an ionizer.
- Below in this article at SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS-FAQs we describe troubleshooting and fixing the remote control for an air conditioner
Also see THERMOSTATS. And at A/C - HEAT PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES we describe all of the controls and switches found on residential and most commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems. Other controls that affect a split system air conditioner or heat pump will include
- Main power switch, fuse, or circuit breaker in the main electrical panel or sub panel, feeding the cooling system. Often that circuit delivers power to the outdoor compressor/condenser unit and from there power is routed to the indoor wall-mounted cooling unit/air handler.
- A service switch or fuse, located outdoors at the compressor-condenser unit
You can see the outdoor service switch (circled in red) in our photo at left. Depending on the installation, this box may contain fuses, a circuit breaker, or a simple pull-out that can kill power to the unit.
If your split system A/C unit is not cooling, remember to check this switch to be sure that power is being delivered to the unit.
Watch out: at installations using aluminum wire to bring power to the outside compressor/condenser unit the electrical connections between the aluminum wire and the lugs inside the service switch can fail, leading to overheating, loss of cooling, repeated cooling outages, and even an electrical fire. Extra care in making aluminum wire connections such as using an approved antioxidant and proper connection torquing significantly reduce this hazard. Details are at ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS.
Split System Air Conditioner Air Filter Maintenance - How to Clean a Split System Air Conditioner Filter
Wall-mounted split system air conditioners as well as window air conditioner units include one or more removable air filters that are designed to be simply rinsed clean using cold water.
 At left you can see the author replacing the left-hand air filter of a wall-mounted split system air conditioner after having washed it clean.
You can wash these plastic mesh filters in the kitchen sink using a dish sprayer but I prefer to perform the operation outdoors (shown below). Outside avoids messing up the kitchen and eliminates any risk of drain clogs.
Watch out: We have read of washable air filters that can be sent through your dishwasher. We do not recommend this step - as you risk clogging the dishwasher or its pump with dust and debris that wash off of the air filter. |
We took two photos (shown below) of a pair of washable air filters pulled from the indoor cooling unit of a wall mounted split-system air conditioner used in our lab.
Holding up the two washable air filters and trying to peer through them, even in the dim afternoon light, that the clean filter (on the right) is almost transparent, while the dirty air filter (at left in our photo) is completely opaque.
This simple visual test can confirm the state of a washable air filter.
Watch out: these washable filters are pretty tough, but we offer these additional care recommendations:
Take care not to tear or damage the filter screen. Torn, the air filter will allow dust and debris to accumulate in the cooling system - leading to reduced cooling, frost or ice formation, and eventually the cost of a professional cleanup job.
The plastic filter is much thinner than the larger pleated paper or fiberglass filters used in the air handler of central air conditioning systems or heating furnaces. That means the filter should be inspected and cleaned with diligence - monthly during a season of daily use would be smart.
Additional ultrafine particulate filters on some Split System A/C and Heat Pump Units
Some split system air handlers include an extra internal filter intended to reduce ultrafine particulates such as from tobacco smoke. These filters are optional and might slightly reduce the air output from the unit. Fujitsu advises as follows:
The polyphenol catechin air cleaning fi lter uses static electricity
to clean fi ne particles and dust in the air such as tobacco
smoke and plant pollen that are too small to see.
The fi lter contains catechin, which is highly effective against
various bacteria by suppressing the growth of the bacteria adsorbed
to the filter.
Note that when the air cleaning fi lter is installed, the amount
of air produced decreases, causing a slight decrease in the
indoor unit’s performance. [10]
Watch out: if you take a look at this filter you'll see it looks like fragile cardboard - it is not washable but rather is a disposable filter that is replaced as needed.
Some split system air handlers also include a negative ion generation feature also intended to remove some odors and ultra fine particulates from the air flow. Quoting:
[The negative air ions feature] comprises pottery super micro particles which can produce
negative air ions having the effect of deodorizing and can absorb
and remit the peculiar smell at home. [10]
The negative ions system includes an internal filter sheet that should be replaced every few years. (Say 3 year intervals). [10]
A/C Condensate Disposal for Ductless or Split System Air Conditioners
 Proper slope is important for split system in-wall condensate drains
Our photo (left) shows a white flexible tube used as condensate drain tubing for a split system air conditioning system being installed in a New York Home. (click photo to see an enlarged, detailed version). Photo courtesy Galow Homes.
Even now the drain is not perfectly sloped (note it's a bit high at that second cripple stud from left) but it was much worse before we re-routed the drain. The air conditioner installer had the drain line sloping up-hill in the area I've circled in the photo.
Having already had condensate drain line clogs and backups and leaks from the indoor air handler into the building wall at another split-system air conditioner where the condensate drain was improperly sloped and clog-prone, I was not going to let it happen again at this installation.
The installer thought I was being unreasonably demanding. But then, he was ignoring the plumbing code (1/8" per foot slope for condensate drain lines) and apparently didn't recognize the potential costs in rot, insect damage or mold if we simply let the condensate drain clog (due to an improper slope and dust that will enter the line) followed by leaks into the building wall up at the air handler.
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 The condensate drain line and refrigerant tubing (black-insulated in the photo) were installed and the wall was prepared for blown-in insulation. Once the wall was insulated and drywall was installed, repairing an improperly-sloped drain line would have been much more costly and disruptive.
You'll see that we also installed nail plates (Nail Stops) to protect the condensate drain and refrigerant tubing from being punctured by screws or nails to be used when the drywall was installed.
A closeup of Simpson Strong-Tie's NS2 6-inch nail stop (Protecting Shield Plate Nail Stoppers) is shown at left.
We use nail stops to protect electrical wiring (see ELECTRICAL OUTLET, HOW TO ADD & WIRE) as well as plumbing piping from nail or screw punctures. [6]
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 Our photo at left shows the termination of the condensate drain line for this spit system air conditioner.
The white plastic flexible tubing ran through the building wall, was tied to the refrigerant lines behind the Sanyo inverter unit (compressor condenser unit) and then allowed to fall freely onto the rubber roof where condensate drains off the roof and into a gutter and downspout system for final disposal.
Since this system is a cooling-only unit, it does not operate in winter and we were thus not worried about the risk of freeze-up of the condensate disposal drain line.
At Installing Insulation on Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Refrigeration Lines we describe how insulation should be installed on the refrigeration lines both inside the building (and in building walls or other cavities) and outside at the compressor/condenser or A/C inverter unit.
For A/C compressor/condenser (inverter) outdoor units that are mounted above ground on the building wall, also see Proper Support for Wall-Mounted Exterior Air Conditioner / Heat Pump Compressor/Condenser Units |
Installing Insulation on Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Refrigeration Lines & Condensate Drains
Avoid gaps and missing insulation along the refrigeration lines
Proper placement and securing of insulation on air conditioner or heat pump refrigeration lines is important to avoid condensation leaks into the building. One, or on some systems both refrigeration lines can be cool or cold under some operating conditions.
The cold copper tubing in contact with warm humid air causes moisture in the air to condense onto and then drip off of the refrigeration lines.
The result can be leaks into the building, as our photo at left illustrates. The drip stains on the attic floor may well indicate a point at which leak stains or even mold appear on the ceiling below.
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Our photograph illustrates the importance of not compressing refrigeration. In our photo at below left, see the drip stains below the condensate lines at each location where the insulation was compressed by a too-tight plastic tie.
That same accumulation of water in a wall or ceiling inside which the dew point may be reached on the refrigeration lines is asking for a costly mold, insect, or rot damage problem later on.
Missing insulation on the refrigeration lines outdoors is not a catastrophe - at least for a short un such as at this split system compressor/condenser unit. Perhaps a little loss in efficiency of the system operation in some weather conditions.
On a long refrigeration line run, say between an attic air handler and a ground level compressor/condenser, the effects may be more significant.
Details about refrigeration piping insulation are provided at REFRIGERANT PIPING INSULATION
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Interior Leaks On & In Wall Below a Split System Air Conditioner Wall-Mounted Unit
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 Watch out: The same split system air conditioner installer we described above at A/C Condensate Disposal for Split System Air Conditioners violated the manufacturer's recommendations against compressing the insulation on the refrigerant lines not just outside or in the walls, but also inside the wall-mounted unit itself. During the first season of use of the newly-installed Sanyo split system air conditioner the building occupants noticed water stains and rippled wall paint extending down the wall below the indoor air handler cooling unit.
Our photo (left) shows where the refrigerant lines rise in the wall to enter the wall-mounted half of the split system air conditioner (that larger white area below the left end of the unit) and the blue tape marks where we first saw condensate water dripping from the unit.
We found that there was no insulation whatsoever on the refrigeration lines that ran horizontally along the rear bottom of the unit. The result was condensation on the refrigeration lines that did not drip into the unit's condensate tray but rather fell into the plastic bottom where water leaked out onto and into
The "fix" for this condensate leak was the installation of foam insulation along the refrigerant lines inside the unit, from their point of exit from the building interior wall surface to their point of connection to the cooling coil.
Details about how we found and fixed this condensate leak from the air handler are at at REFRIGERANT PIPING INSULATION. |
Support for Wall-Mounted Exterior Air Conditioner / Heat Pump Compressor/Condenser Units
Watch out: inadequately-supported outdoor window air conditioners or inadequately-supported wall-mounted outdoor compressor/condenser units (referred to as the "inverter unit" in some literature) pose a potentially fatal hazard should one of these units fall from the building onto someone below.
Details about the need to support window, through wall, or wall-mounted air conditioning & heat pump equipment are found at WINDOW / WALL A/C SUPPORTS
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How to diagnose & fix weak air flow from a split system air conditioner or heat pump
Fujitsu provides some helpful advice about troubleshooting weak air flow from the indoor wall-mounted component of a split system air conditioner or heat pump. The following are adapted from that source: [9]
Causes of no air flow or very very weak air flow from the A/C - heat pump unit
- Air flow may stop completely under some circumstances. For example, when Heating operation is started, fan speed is temporarily very low, to allow internal parts to warm up.
- During Heating operation, if the room temperature rises above the thermostat setting, the outdoor unit will stop, and the indoor unit will operate at very low fan speed. If you wish to warm the room further, set the thermostat for a higher setting.
- During Heating operation, the unit will temporarily stop operating (between 7 and 15 minutes) as the Automatic Defrosting mode operates. During Automatic Defrosting operation, the OPERATION indicator lamp will flash.
Causes of weak air flow from the wall-mounted split system A/C or heat pump
- The fan may operate at very low speed during Dry operation or when the unit is monitoring the room's temperature.
- During SUPER QUIET operation, the fan will operate at very low speed.
- In the monitor AUTO operation, the fan will operate at very low speed.
Also check
- For dirty air filters in the wall mounted unit. See Split System Air Conditioner Air Filter Maintenance in the article above. You'll have to pull out the air filters to see their condition.
- For dirt and debris blocking the wall unit's air intake grille or outlet grille. You will see this problem by simple visual inspection.
How to diagnose poor or inadequate cooling or heating from a split system air conditioner or heat pump
- If the split system air conditioner or heat pump wall mounted unit is operating but air flow output is weak check the symptoms and fixes listed at How to diagnose weak air flow from a split system air conditioner or heat pump
- Check that there is no open window or door to the room where the unit is mounted
- Check that the room thermostat or remote control thermostat is calling for cooling (or heating) - that is, the thermostat or remote control must be set below the current room temperature for the unit to cool, or above the current room temperature for the unit to deliver heat.
- In cooling mode, is there a lot of solar gain in the room - say from much direct sunlight through windows? The heat gain may be exceeding the unit's cooling capacity. If you feel air output from the unit is flowing freely and is cooler than room air (by 10 degrees or more) we suspect this may be the problem. A room occupied by many people may also be overloading the system as may something really foolish like running a separate heater (check for electric baseboard heat being left "on" for example).
- If the unit is in SUPER QUIET mode (or equivalent for other manufacturers) then the unit's fan will be operating in slow mode and may be unable to keep up with the cooling or heating load in the room. Return the system to full AUTO mode instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about split system A/Cs or heat pumps
Click to Show or Hide FAQs
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Question:
it looks as if smoke or steam is coming out of our wall-mounted split system air conditioner/heat pump
We saw smoke or maybe it was steam (since it didn't smell) coming out of our wall-mounted split system air conditioner/heat pump - is this dangerous? - Anon.
Reply:
Fujitsu has pointed out that at least on their mini split system heat pump/air conditioner wall mounted units a white steam coming from the air handler indoors may be perfectly normal. [9]
- During Cooling or Dry operation, a thin mist may be seen emitted from the indoor unit. This results from the sudden cooling of room air by the air emitted from the a/c, resulting in condensation and misting.
- During Heating operation, the outdoor unit's fan may stop, and steam may be seen rising from the unit. This is due to Automatic Defrosting operation. [Sizzling noises from a split system air conditioner / heat pump may be heard at the wall mounted unit when the system is in heating mode. [10] ]
Question: how do we replace a remote control thermostat for our air conditioner?
With regards to the Remote control thermostats, can you show us how to replace the thermostat in such a remote control? - Leanne 8/29/12
Reply: How to fix or replace a remote control thermostat control for an air conditioners or heat pump
Leanne,
A remote control air conditioner thermostat (like the one in our photo) control communicates with a wall-mounted air conditioner or heater using infra red signals. The open finned area at the bottom of this Sanyo control (at the left in our photo) permits ambient air to enter the control for purpose of sensing the air temperature. A control such as this Sanyo™ unit can be quite sophisticated and include automatic set back temperatures, timers, etc.
About how to diagnose and fix an air conditioner remote control unit:
Replacing the hand-held remote control for an A/C system:
If you mean that you need to replace the hand-held portable remote control for your air conditioner, a new unit is best bought from the manufacturer themselves as that assures complete compatability with all of your air conditioners features.
How to troubleshoot & fix an air conditioner or heat pump remote control
If you mean that you think the remote control problem is inside of the wall-mounted A/C of a split system air conditioner or heat pump then I have some different advice. Basically, since the problem is usually in the hand held control unit, start there with these diagnostic and maintenance tips:
Before digging into the air conditioner itself to troubleshoot a remote control problem I'd want to make sure that the problem was not in the remote control device itself.
Check the remote control batteries: Start with replacing the remote control's batteries, then turning it back on and testing it's ability to control the A/C unit.
Watch out: a simple mistake like putting the batteries into the remote control with the (+) and (-) ends pointing the wrong way is enough to keep the control from working.
Check power to the A/C unit: Make sure that the wall-mounted AC unit has electrical power and is on.
Next check that the off/on/auto switch on the wall-mounted A/C unit itself is in the proper run position. Usually this switch is located at a bottom corner of the unit. If someone turned the system off there, you'd think the control was inoperative.
Check remote to wall unit communication: If the remote control is wall-mounted in a bracket (as many are), be sure that the bracket is located where the control and the A/C unit can "see" one another - by line of sight. Typically we find that when we change the set temperature on the remote control downwards, there may be a delay of several seconds before the wall unit responds, usually with a small electronic beep, an LED there may blink, and then you'll observe the blower or fan operation.
Watch out: don't cycle the system on and off rapidly in any case - the compressor can have trouble starting against a head pressure. So let the system stay "OFF" at least 3 minutes, better 15, before cycling between "off" and back "on". Some A/C systems such as the Fujitsu units will automagically prevent the system from turning back on for three minutes following any power interruption. This measure is intended to avoid rapid on-off cycling that can damage a compressor motor or blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker.
Check internal settings on the remote control: Make sure that you didn't accidentally set the remote control to operate the A/C system on a timer or clock control basis - or turn that feature off. (Most remote controls have simple operating buttons exposed but more detailed settings are accessed by opening the cover on the remote control device itself).
Check the air sensor port on the remote control and the control resting location: if the remote control seems to communicate with the wall unit but temperature response is not what you want, check that the openings that allow room air to enter the remote control are not blocked with dust or debris. Also consider where you are leaving the remote control. If you place the control directly in the cool air path of the A/C unit it will be "satisfied" sooner than you may wish. If you place the remote control too far away, out of the room, or in a dead air space or under a magazine, clearly it's not going to be able to respond well to the actual room temperature.
Also see THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING.
Don't disassemble the wall unit to fix a remote control: The manufacturer (using Fujitsu as an example) does NOT recommend opening the A/C unit itself to mess with the remote control sensor or hardware. The wiring and components are not generally intended for field replacement. And frankly we've rarely found that to be the location of the problem with an air conditioner or heat pump. So if none of our suggestions above worked for you, I'd call an HVAC service tech for more help.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
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 Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
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Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
- HVAC brands discussed here include but are not limited to: Lennox, American Standard, Amana, Everrest, Goodman, Frigidaire, Coleman and Gibson. Brands of related air handling equipment
include Honeywell, Aprilaire, White-Rogers, Broan. Nutone, Fantech, Venmar, Arzel, Hi-Velocity, Vanguard, Wirsbo, Weil McLain, Unico, Heat Link, A.O. Smith, Water Furnace, ClimateMaster, Geo-Excel, Command Aire, Friedrich, LG, Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Hart &
Cooley, Munchkin, Superstor Ultra, Lochinvar and Knight HVAC equipment.
- HVAC Employment: U.S. Department of Labor website describes HVAC jobs and the employment outlook for HVAC technicians.
- HVAC Education, Training Accreditation agencies: Quoting the U.S. DOL HVAC website above::
After completing the programs below, new technicians generally need between 6 months to 2 years of field experience before they are considered proficient. Three accrediting agencies have set academic standards for HVACR programs:
- HVAC Excellence. 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20006 Tel: (800) 394-5268. Quoting:
HVAC Excellence is a not for profit organization that has been serving the HVACR industry since 1994. It is our goal to improve competency through validation of the technical education process. By setting standards and verifying that they have been met, we inspire the industry to excel. We know that all of the challenges that face our industry are achievable by continuous improvement in the way that we prepare technicians.
- National Center for Construction Education and Research, 3600 NW 43rd Street, Bldg. G, Gainesville, FL 32606, Tel: 888.622.3720, Quoting:
NCCER is a not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials and help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry.
- The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation, (PAHRA)
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201-3001
(703) 524-8800, Quoting: The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) is an independent, third party organization that is a partnership between heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) educators and the HVACR industry that will award accreditation to programs that have met and/or exceeded industry validated standards. This programmatic accreditation program is the only one that is supported by the major industry associations.
Licensure. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are required to be licensed by some States and localities. Requirements for licensure vary greatly, but all States or localities that require a license have a test that must be passed. The contents of these tests vary by State or locality, with some requiring extensive knowledge of electrical codes and others focusing more on HVACR-specific knowledge. Completion of an apprenticeship program or 2 to 5 years of experience are also common requirements.
In addition, all technicians who purchase or work with refrigerants must be certified in their proper handling. To become certified to purchase and handle refrigerants, technicians must pass a written examination specific to the type of work in which they specialize. The three possible areas of certification are: Type I—servicing small appliances; Type II—high-pressure refrigerants; and Type III—low-pressure refrigerants. Exams are administered by organizations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as trade schools, unions, contractor associations, or building groups.
-
HVAC Training Courses, Schools: HVAC Technician Training Schools [http://technicianschool.net/hvac-technician-training-schools/], lists the following schools offering technical courses may offer specific training programs for potential careers, including HVAC technicians. Among HVAC schools that website lists are
- Everest Colleges [http://www.everest.edu],
- Florida Career College
7891 Pines Blvd
Hollywood, FL 33024
http:// www.careercollege.edu/,
- Lincoln Institute
2299 Vauxhall Road
Union, NJ 07083
http:// www.lincolnedu.com/
- NOTE: when considering an HVAC training course or school, check the HVAC education accrediting associations listed above.
- [1] "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair course attended by the website author]
- [2] Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, A. D. Althouse, C.H. Turnquist, A. Bracciano, Goodheart-Willcox Co., 1982
- [3] Principles of Refrigeration, R. Warren Marsh, C. Thomas Olivo, Delmar Publishers, 1979
- [4] "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 5th Ed., William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson, John Tomczyk, Cengage Learning, 2005, ISBN 1401837654, 9781401837655 1324 pages
- [5] "Falling Air-Conditioners Rattle Tenants", Chris Palmer, The New York Times, 2 July 2012, p. A12.
- [6] Ratib Bakera is member of Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), an International
training organization for the HVACR industry provides educational and certification programs to HVACR professionals of all experience levels. www.rses.org provides information on the organization and its training materials. Independent testing and certification of HVAC technicians is provided by North American Technician Excellence - NATE - see www.natex.org.
NATE is supported by ASHRAE, the US EPA, and a host of other trade and professional associations.
- [7] Singer brand HVAC equipment brand history: Singer was bought by & became the climate control unit of Dallas-based Snyder General Corp. (founded by a former Singer HVAC manager) in 1982. The name Singer was dropped in 1984. In 1984 Snyder General operations included Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, and McQuay. In 1991 Snyder General sold Arcoaire & Comfortmaker to Inter-City Products. In 1994 Snyder General was acquired by Hong Leong Group Malaysia. Snyder General is at 2001 Ross Avenue Dallas, TX 75201.
- [8] Lennox air conditioning and heat pump owners manuals for air conditioners, air handlers, furnaces, heat pumps, indoor air quality systems, packaged units, water heaters, zone controls and other controls such as thermostats, are provided by Lennox at http://www.lennox.com/support/manuals.asp
- [9] Troubleshooting Split System A/C or Heat Pump Noises, Fujitsu General America, Inc., 353 Route 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004, Tel: (888) 888-3424, Tel-Service hotline: (866) 952-8324, Email: hvac@fujitsugeneral.com, Email service: servicehvac@fujitsugeneral.com , retrieved 8/30/12, original source: http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/troubleshooting.htm [copy on file as Troubleshooting Fujitsu Ductless Mini-Splits.pdf]
- [10] Fujitsu Room Air Conditioner, Wall Mounted Type, Heat & Cool Model (Reverse Cycle) [Heat pump units] Operating Manual, Models: ASU18RLXS
ASU24RLXS
ASU30RLX (indoor & outdoor units).
Fujitsu General America, Inc., 353 Route 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004, Tel: (888) 888-3424, Tel-Service hotline: (866) 952-8324, Email: hvac@fujitsugeneral.com, Email service: servicehvac@fujitsugeneral.com , retrieved 8/30/12, original source: http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/PDF_06/OperationManual/%28OM%29ASU18-24RLX-30RLX.pdf [copy on file as FujitsuASU18-24RLX-30RLX.pdf]
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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