HVAC Compressor Failures Caused by Airflow, Charging, and Installation Errors - Matthew Waxer Part 3

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Matthew Waxer, HVAC/R Mechanic at Kilmer HVACR Services Inc, about the key factors that impact system performance and compressor life. In Part 3, they focus on the importance of proper maintenance, airflow, and system setup from installation through operation. Matthew explains how correct airflow, refrigerant charge, and fluid mixtures like glycol all play a role in system efficiency and reliability. They also discuss common field mistakes such as poor airflow around equipment, incorrect glycol ratios, and refrigerant loss during servicing. The conversation wraps up with practical tips on maintenance practices, using probes instead of gauges, and avoiding contamination to keep systems running properly over time.

Gary and Matthew discuss the key steps needed to keep HVAC systems running properly, focusing on maintenance, airflow, and correct setup. They explain how proper airflow across indoor and outdoor units is critical for system performance and how poor installation choices can lead to long-term issues. Matthew highlights the importance of correct refrigerant charge, coil sizing, and fluid flow in systems using glycol, including how improper mixtures can reduce efficiency or cause freezing problems. They also cover common service mistakes like refrigerant loss and contamination when using gauges. They finish by sharing practical tips such as using probes, checking airflow, and following proper maintenance practices to protect system life.

 

Expect to Learn:

• How proper maintenance helps extend the life of HVAC systems and prevent costly breakdowns.

• How correct airflow across indoor and outdoor units affects system performance and reliability.

• Why proper refrigerant charge and coil sizing are important for efficient operation.

• How glycol mixtures impact heat transfer, flow, and freezing protection in fluid systems.

• How using probes and careful service methods can reduce refrigerant loss and system contamination.

 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:42] - Intro to Matthew Waxer in Part 03 

[02:13] - Why maintenance matters for compressor life 

[03:30] - Airflow setup: Indoor coil sizing & outdoor obstructions 

[05:32] - Glycol systems: Mixture %, freezing point, refractometer use 

[10:07] - Manifold vs. probes: Refrigerant loss & contamination risks 

[15:33] - Outro & next episode 

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Matthew Waxer: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-waxer-b4a62360/  

Kilmer HVACR Service Inc - Website: https://kilmerservice.com/ 

Follow the Host on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ 

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

Follow the Podcast on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce 

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455