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Daycool Academy – Week 6: Service & Troubleshooting
Bootcamp focus: Hands-on diagnostics, disciplined workflow, confident communication. Stay Cool with Daycool.
Week 6 Objectives
Diagnose
Identify airflow, refrigerant, and electrical faults methodically.
Measure
Use gauges, multimeters, and thermometers safely and accurately.
Communicate
Explain findings and next steps clearly to customers.
Resolve
Apply corrective actions and verify system performance.
Why Troubleshooting Matters
Protect the Customer
Fast, accurate diagnosis restores comfort and trust.
  • Less downtime
  • Right fix, first time
Protect the Brand
Daycool quality since 2007 demands disciplined method.
  • Consistent results
  • Fewer callbacks
Service Call Workflow (High Level)
Dispatch
Confirm job, notes, and safety.
Arrival
Greet, verify issue, obtain permission.
Diagnose
Safety, measurements, isolate fault.
Quote
Explain findings and options.
Repair
Fix, test, document.
Closeout
Review work and next steps.
Common Issues Overview
1
Airflow
Dirty filters, blocked returns, weak blower.
2
Refrigerant
Under/overcharge, leaks, restriction.
3
Electrical
Failed capacitors, loose wires, control faults.
Airflow Diagnostics
Static Pressure
Compare to rated max. High = restriction; low = leakage.
Duct & Return
Check kinks, crushed ducts, blocked returns, closed dampers.
Blower & Filter
Dirty filter/wheel reduces CFM. Clean and retest.
Refrigerant Circuit Basics
Core Components
  • Compressor
  • Condenser coil
  • Metering device
  • Evaporator coil
Heat moves from indoor coil to outdoor coil via phase change.
Key Readings
  • Suction/Discharge PSI
  • Superheat/Subcool
  • Line temps
Electrical Fundamentals
Power
Verify correct voltage, phase, and polarity before testing.
Components
Capacitors, contactors, relays, and boards fail predictably.
Safety
Lockout/tagout, discharge capacitors, insulated tools.
Using Gauges & Meters
Manifold Setup
Identify refrigerant, zero hoses, purge air, tighten fittings.
Clamp Thermometers
Place on clean, insulated lines; wait for stabilization.
Multimeter
Measure VAC, resistance, and capacitor μF under safe conditions.
Leak Detection Basics
Visual & Oil
Look for oil stains, rubbed lines, and UV dye traces.
Electronic Sniffer
Move slowly around brazed joints, valves, and coils.
Soap Bubbles
Confirm suspected points; watch for steady bubbling.
Diagnostic Flowcharts
Flowcharts reduce guesswork. Start with symptoms, test one variable at a time, and branch based on measured results. Use manufacturer trees when available.
Lab: Staged Faults Overview
In the lab, you’ll encounter planted faults: dirty filter, low charge, failed capacitor, and stuck contactor. Apply Week 6 workflow: safety, measurements, isolate, correct, verify.
Customer Communication During Service
Set Expectations
Time, steps, and access needs.
Plain Language
Translate tech terms into outcomes.
Options & Safety
Present choices, risks, and warranties.
Service Call Script (Daycool Standard)
Greeting
Hello, I’m with Daycool Heating & Air. I’ll diagnose the issue and review options before any work.
Update
I found the cause. Here are the repair choices with pricing and warranty.
Safety First: Non-Negotiables
PPE
Gloves, eye protection, and proper footwear every call.
Lockout/Tagout
Verify zero energy before contact.
Ventilation
Beware confined spaces and combustion air.
Daycool Standard
Airflow: Static Pressure Targets
Read nameplate limits. If observed exceeds rated, find and remove restrictions before charging.
Superheat & Subcool Quick Guide
1
Superheat
Evap outlet temp minus saturation. Protects compressor from floodback.
2
Subcool
Liquid line temp below saturation. Confirms adequate condenser capacity and charge.
Capacitors: Test & Replace
Test
  • Isolate power and discharge
  • Remove leads
  • Measure μF vs. rating
Replace
  • Match μF and voltage
  • Secure bracket
  • Label and document
Contactors & Relays
Visual
Pitted contacts, insect debris, heat discoloration.
Electrical
Coil resistance within spec; verify voltage drop.
Action
Replace worn parts; torque and test.
Thermostat to Control Board Checks
Confirm mode calls at the board: R to Y, G, and W as applicable. Jumper tests isolate thermostat vs. equipment. Document wiring colors and terminals.
Daycool Culture: The Duck Standard
Our mascot reminds us: show up neat, protect the home, and leave systems better than we found them. Pride in craft, clear communication, disciplined methods—every call.
Tools: Week 6 Essentials
Digital Manifold
Precision pressures and temps.
Multimeter
Voltage, resistance, μF.
Leak Detector
Find and confirm leaks.
Charging Methods: Overview
Fixed Orifice
Charge by superheat under specified conditions.
TXV/TEV
Charge by subcool to manufacturer target.
Weigh-In
After full recovery or component replacement.
Airflow Fault Case: Dirty Filter
Symptom
Poor cooling, high static.
Test
Measure total external static; inspect filter.
Fix
Replace filter; remeasure static and temps.
Refrigerant Fault Case: Low Charge
Indicators
  • Low suction PSI
  • High superheat
  • Low subcool
Check for leaks before charging.
Verify
  • Ambient conditions
  • Airflow within spec
  • Weigh-in if needed
Electrical Fault Case: Failed Capacitor
Symptoms
Hard starting, hum, hot motor shell.
Test
μF out of tolerance ±6%; bulging top.
Correct
Replace, secure, and label date.
Documenting the Call
Measurements
Pressures, temps, static, electrical values.
Actions
Cleaned, replaced, adjusted, tested.
Recommendations
Repairs, maintenance, upgrades.
Clear notes reduce callbacks.
Quiz: Read the Clues
1
High head, high subcool.
2
Low suction, high superheat.
3
Normal pressures, poor airflow.
Identify likely causes and first tests to confirm.
Hands-On Quiz Station Map
Wrap-Up: What You Mastered
Measurements
Reliable data collection.
Diagnosis
Structured logic trees.
Customer
Clear explanations.
Safety
Consistent PPE and LOTO.
Preview: Week 7 – Customer Service & Systems
Next week builds on communication, maintenance agreements, and whole-system performance. You’ll practice empathy, option framing, and system optimization.
Pro Tips from the Field
Verify airflow before charging—saves time and refrigerant.
Photograph nameplates and wiring before changes.
Explain findings in outcomes: colder air, lower bills, reliability.
Quality Checklist (Blue-Line)
Safety Cleared
LOTO, PPE, environment safe.
Measurements Logged
Pressures, temps, static.
Work Verified
Operation within spec.
Notes & Photos
Clear, concise, complete.
Brand Standards
Use Daycool colors thoughtfully: primary #1B54DA for action and emphasis; secondary #D2DDF8 for subtle highlights. Keep uniforms clean, truck organized, and documentation professional.
Stay Cool with Daycool
Own the Diagnosis
Practice the workflow. Measure with intent. Communicate with clarity. See you in Week 7.