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In this conversiotion, we're walking step-by-step through a compressor change-out from a recent service call with guest and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, Andrew Freeburg. Andrew covers covering initial safety steps, plus detailed steps for isolating lines, locking out power, shutting off crankcase heaters, recovering refrigerant, and transferring fittings and oil floats. Andrew also shares installation practices and how he traced back the cause of the issue and used that to efficiently solve the problem. This episode is loaded with tips of what to look for, what to do, and things to avoid on these types of service calls.

In this episode, we discuss:

(02:04) Using AI To Catch Mistakes

(03:46) Refrigeration Compressor Failure

(04:55) Safe Isolation And Recovery

(06:10) Lockout And Removal Steps

(11:09) New Compressor Checks

(14:14) Gaskets And Reassembly

(17:42) Oil Choices And Vacuum

(19:03) Torque Specs And Wiring

(24:24) Startup And Oil Change

(25:57) Copper Plating Evidence

(27:20) Valve Plates

(31:19) Root Cause Floodback

(33:00) Mechanical Controls Limits

(34:05) Oil Change Setup

(35:52) Nitrogen Push Method

(39:23) Draining Compressors

(42:30) Oil Pressure Checks

(49:18) Moisture Removal Filters

Helpful Links & Resources:

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn

Episode 329. The Ins & Outs of Compressors

Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting

Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, I'm sharing five things every refrigeration needs to develop to become a more proficient refrigeration professional and advance in your career. Many supermarket refrigeration technicians get stuck second-guessing, spending too long on calls, and relying on constant phone support from lead techs and managers, leading to callbacks and stress. These aren't just technical skills - they include asking better questions, knowing when and what to call about, building field learning habits, learning fundamentals and developing a mindset of constant review, reflection, and teaching.

In this episode, we cover:

(02:10) Pausing Before Reacting

(03:26) Reading Data Like a Pro

(04:11) Asking Better Questions

(07:21) Building Field Habits

(09:12) Knowing Setpoints and Baselines

(15:08) Refrigeration Fundamentals and Sequence

(17:47) Teaching and Reflecting On Your Work

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 349. How People Develop A "Refrigeration Mindset"

pisode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart

Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, we're breaking down key CO2 piping and installation practices. We cover essentials like correct trapping, suction line slope, proper hanger spacing and planning for expansion on long runs. We also discuss pipe material selection, brazing technique and purging, pressure testing requirements, and installation details across commercial and industrial applications.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:43) Why Piping in Refrigeration Matters

(02:12) Purging and Brazing Lessons

(03:49) CO2 vs HFC Piping Differences

(06:39) Traps Slopes and Supports

(10:58) Velocity Layout and Expansion

(12:45) Piping Material Codes and Alloys

(16:55) Pressure Testing and Compliance

(18:48) Oil Return Over Pressure Drop

(25:17) Piping Insulation Specs and Questions

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 74. Why Understanding Refrigeration Piping Design Is Critical

Episode 20. Refrigeration Piping...Who Knew

Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths