Refrigerant Leak Search on Cooling System in Frederick, MD
A commercial cooling system in Frederick, MD was showing signs consistent with a refrigerant leak — the kind of problem that quietly drives up energy costs and accelerates wear on compressor components if left unaddressed. The indoor air handler presented an additional challenge: difficult access made the diagnostic work more involved than a standard leak search.
Shawn performed an electronic leak search using a multi-halide detector to locate the source of the refrigerant loss. Because the leak wasn’t visibly evident at the unit, the electronic search was the appropriate tool — it can detect refrigerant concentration at levels that a visual inspection would miss. To support the process, nitrogen pressure was added to the system to boost pressure in the refrigerant circuit, helping confirm the leak location. The indoor air handler’s restricted access added time and complexity to the work, which factored into how the job was scoped.
With the leak identified and the diagnostic complete, the system is positioned for the next step — whether that’s a targeted repair or a broader refrigerant circuit service. Catching a refrigerant leak at this stage prevents the compressor from running in a starved condition, which is one of the more common causes of premature cooling system failure in commercial applications. The property is also enrolled in a commercial rooftop maintenance plan, which keeps the system on a regular service schedule going forward.
Indoor Evaporator Coil Repair on Air Conditioner in Frederick, MD
A homeowner in Frederick, MD reached out to BPM after their air conditioner stopped cooling effectively. With summer heat putting real demand on the system, getting the unit back online wasn’t something that could wait.
Shawn diagnosed the problem and traced it to the indoor evaporator coil — the component responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside the home. When an evaporator coil fails, whether through a refrigerant leak, physical damage, or corrosion, the system loses its ability to transfer heat and cooling capacity drops off sharply. Shawn replaced the evaporator coil and recharged the system with refrigerant as part of the same service, restoring the refrigerant charge to the manufacturer’s specified level. Replacing the coil and recharging in a single visit avoids the common problem of a system that appears to be running but is still underperforming due to a low charge.
With the new evaporator coil in place and the refrigerant properly charged, the air conditioner was back to delivering full cooling output. The homeowner can expect consistent temperatures and normal humidity control — the two things an evaporator coil failure tends to knock out first. If the existing system is otherwise in good shape, this repair extends its useful life without the cost of a full replacement.
Failed Contactor Repair on Air Conditioner in Frederick, MD
A commercial property in Frederick, MD — Quinn Chapel Christian Life Center — had an air conditioner that had stopped running. The failed component turned out to be the contactor, a small but critical electrical switch that controls power delivery to the compressor and condenser fan motor. When a contactor fails, the system simply won’t start, regardless of what the thermostat is calling for.
Larry replaced the contactor with a 2-pole, 30-amp, 24-volt unit and brought the system back online. After the swap, he ran operational checks to confirm the system was performing within spec — the compressor drew 9.5 amps against its rated load, and the fan motor came in at 1.1 amps. Both readings landed where they should, indicating the rest of the system was in good shape and the contactor was the sole cause of the shutdown.
With the new contactor in place, the air conditioner was back to full operation. Contactors are a wear item — they cycle on and off every time the system runs — so catching a failed one early prevents the kind of extended downtime that can be disruptive for a facility in active use. The amp draw readings Larry documented give the property a clean baseline for future service visits.
Refrigerant Recharge and Filter Drier Repair on Air Conditioner in Frederick, MD
A homeowner in Frederick, MD had a straight cooling system that needed refrigerant work — the unit was low on charge and required attention before the warmer months arrived. Because accurate refrigerant charging depends on ambient conditions, the repair was scheduled with the outdoor temperature constraint in mind: a minimum of 65°F is required for the system to be properly charged.
Shawn replaced the liquid line filter drier as part of the refrigerant work. Any time a refrigerant system is opened, this component needs to be swapped out — it absorbs moisture and contaminants that would otherwise circulate through the system and cause damage downstream. With the drier replaced and the system open, Shawn added seven pounds of R-410a to bring the charge back to the correct level. Timing the visit around adequate outdoor temperatures ensured the charge reading would be accurate rather than skewed by cold ambient conditions.
With the refrigerant restored to the proper level and a fresh filter drier in place, the air conditioner is set up to run efficiently through the cooling season. Addressing the drier replacement alongside the recharge protects the system’s internal components and helps prevent moisture-related failures from developing further down the line.
