American Mechanical Group Inc. is uniquely positioned in the service industry because of our innovative approach to business. Our focus on achieving peak performance and maintaining HVAC systems, rather than replacing them, has motivated us to develop and document superior processes and technology to detect and diagnose maintenance problems. We use the Honeywell  Service Assistant that quickly and accurately identifies system faults in the field based on the data it collects. 

How the Service Assistant Works

The Service Assistant combines the functions of the manifold pressure gauge, digital thermometers and electronic inspection forms using algorithms embedded in the palm pilot hand-held computer. The AMG Inc. technician simply connects the manifold hoses to the high and low side pressure taps, attaches the temperature probes to the suction and liquid lines, and the Palm Pilot gathers the data and performs the necessary calculations to accurately diagnose a fault in the system.  The Palm Pilot quickly converts the data into an accurate, easy to understand diagnosis of the unit.

Some of the diagnostic examples that a technician might see include:

• No service required
• Dirty condenser
• High or low refrigerant charge
• Liquid line restriction
• Reduced evaporator fan speed
• and much more

Hand tool Data(sample)

All information relevant to the refrigeration cycle is obtained mechanically, in a matter of minutes. Data collected by the Hand tool includes: Suction Pressure (SP), Suction Temperature (ST), Liquid Pressure (LP), Liquid Temperature (LT), and Ambient Air Temperature (AMB). The data is then manipulated by mathematical equations that provide the following information: Evaporating Temperature (ET), Suction Line Superheat (SH), Liquid Line Subcooling (SC), Condensing Temperature (CT), and Condensing Temperature/Ambient (COA).

Sample Hand tool Efficiency Report: Single Unit

The data above was taken from a single unit operating under normal conditions in the northeast United States. Using traditional methods, most air conditioning technicians would accept these readings as perfectly normal (Diagnosis: no service required).  Using the additional information provided by the Service Assistant ( EI: 81 ), we see an opportunity to achieve approximately $760 (19% efficiency improvement) in annual energy savings simply by cleaning the unit.

When multiple HVAC units exist across a geographically dispersed portfolio,
opportunities to achieve significant savings from targeted maintenance will
inevitably exist. We have collected data from rooftop air conditioners in the
US. When comparing the costs of energy inefficiency to those of maintaining
the air conditioners to an acceptable performance range, we project that the
use of targeted maintenance could produce an opportunity for energy savings
of $1,000,000 from a $250,000 maintenance investment.

There are a number of ways in which our use of technology and processes are changing the HVAC industry.

• Instant access to all relevant information dramatically increases technician productivity and visibility
• System diagnosis is objective and measurable, minimizing call backs
• Scientifically prioritized service and maintenance schedules optimize maintenance dollars
• Preventive maintenance reduces the incidence of catastrophic failure
• Service data is recorded on the Service Assistant, then downloaded, providing a permanent maintenance history

  HVAC Self-Performed Services Utilizing our Advanced Technology Planned preventive maintenance inspections Seasonal starting and testing of all equipment Time and material, not to exceed service work Pre-construction equipment survey Post-construction verification survey Control system design, installation, and troubleshooting Fault detection & diagnostic building controls Computerized cost/benefit analysis of maintenance options provides maximum energy cost savings

  High-tech service, Old fashion values