This Compressor Looked Dead, But a Stuck TXV Caused High Pressure & Bypass - Jamie Kitchen Part 2

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jamie Kitchen, an HVAC expert, Training and Account Manager at Danfoss about how metering devices control refrigerant flow in cooling and refrigeration systems. Jamie explains how simple restrictions like cap tubes and orifices work, then breaks down how an automatic expansion valve (AXV) holds a steady evaporator temperature and pressure for ice shavers and frozen drink machines. The conversation explores how thermostatic expansion valves (TXV) adapt to changing loads, how the sensing bulb and superheat spring balance each other, and internal versus external equalized valves. Gary and Jamie also discuss why a refrigerant distributor needs an external equalized valve, a service call on a stuck TXV at a restaurant rooftop unit, and how mentorship helps new technicians learn what textbooks miss.

Gary and Jamie discuss how different metering devices control refrigerant flow in cooling and refrigeration systems. Jamie explains how simple restrictions like cap tubes and orifices create a pressure drop, and how an automatic expansion valve holds a steady evaporator temperature and pressure for ice shavers and frozen drink machines. The conversation covers thermostatic expansion valves, how the sensing bulb and superheat spring work together, how superheat is adjusted, and the difference between internal and external equalized valves. They also talk about why a refrigerant distributor needs an external equalized valve, a real service call on a stuck TXV, and how sharing field knowledge and mentorship helps newer technicians. 

Expect to Learn:

• How AI can help HVAC and home service businesses automate repetitive daily tasks.

• Why maintenance agreement scheduling can become a major challenge as a business grows.

• How AI tools can improve customer communication across phone, text, email, and social media.

• Why it is important to evaluate AI solutions based on ROI, integration, and long-term value.

• How business owners can use AI to save time, improve customer experience, and focus on growth.

 

Episode Highlights: 

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

[00:42] - Intro to Jamie Kitchen in Part 02 

[02:18] - What is an AXV & where it's used

[05:58] - How a TXV works & adjusting superheat

[07:52] - Internal vs. external equalised TXVs

[11:55] - Real service call: stuck contactor & overheated scroll compressor

[15:27] - Diagnosing a stuck TXV & getting it running

[19:07] - Filter-drier location & recommendation to replace

[21:52] - Mentorship, non-textbook fixes & closing

 

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: