Call us at (866) 330-1709 • In Stock & Shipped Fast • All Brands & Products by Quote • HVAC Promotions & Seasonal Specials • Need Help? Contact Support

Manufacturer Technical Bulletin Summary: Carrier

Manufacturer Technical Bulletin Summary: Carrier

Manufacturer Technical Bulletin Summary: Carrier

This comprehensive guide provides HVAC professionals with a detailed summary of critical technical bulletins issued by Carrier. The information presented aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve service efficiency, and ensure compliance with manufacturer guidelines. We delve into specific issues, solutions, and best practices derived directly from Carrier's official communications, including the TechLINE archives and recent service bulletins.

Focus Bulletin: Secondary Heat Exchanger Failures (SMB19-0022)

Carrier Service Bulletin SMB19-0022 addresses a significant concern for homeowners and HVAC professionals: the failure of secondary heat exchangers in specific 90% gas furnace models. This bulletin outlines a policy for replacement options for units experiencing such failures within 15 years of service.

Affected Models

The policy applies to a range of Bryant, Carrier, and Payne 90% gas furnaces. Technicians should verify the specific model numbers against the manufacturer's list to determine eligibility for the replacement program.

Brand Affected Models (Partial List)
Bryant 340A, 340M, 345M, 350A, 350M, 351D, 352A, 352M, 353A, 353B, 355A, 355B, 355C, 355M
Carrier 58MCA, 58MCB, 58MXA, 58MXB, 58MSA, 58UVB, 58MVP, 58MVB, 58MVC, 58MTA, 58MTB, 58MEB, 58MEC
Payne 490A, PG9M, PG9U

Replacement Policy and Procedure

For eligible units (15 years or less in service), homeowners have the option to replace the failed unit with a comparable 90% furnace. Key aspects of the replacement process include:

  • Customer Contribution: An $800 "buy-in" is required from the customer, along with labor and any additional charges.
  • New Unit Warranty: The replacement unit comes with a new limited warranty.
  • Claiming Process: All claims must be filed as a unit exchange under SMB19-0022, accompanied by a 90% Furnace Secondary Heat Exchanger Inspection Certificate. Detailed instructions are available on HVACPartners.com [1].
  • Distributor and Dealer Actions: Distributors are responsible for invoicing dealers for the buy-in funds, and Carrier Corporation invoices distributors. Dealers must refer to SMB 09-0022 / DSB 09-0022 for proper troubleshooting and inspection procedures.

General Technical Insights from Carrier TechLINE

Carrier's TechLINE newsletters provide a wealth of technical information for servicing various Carrier products. These bulletins often cover software updates, troubleshooting common alarms, and maintenance best practices.

Common Troubleshooting Topics

HVAC professionals frequently encounter issues that require precise diagnostic steps. TechLINE issues have historically provided guidance on:

  • Refrigerant Systems: Topics such as CO2 refrigerant handling, transducer troubleshooting, and refrigerant quality awareness.
  • Controller Issues: Alarms (e.g., Alarm 24, XtendFRESH™ Alarms 62,07), controller programming, and battery replacement.
  • Genset Operations: Troubleshooting Tier 4 gensets, dual-speed kits, and startup procedures.
  • Software Updates: Regular updates and their implications for unit operation and diagnostics.

Maintenance Best Practices

Preventive maintenance is crucial for extending equipment life and ensuring optimal performance. TechLINE emphasizes:

  • Evaporator Section Cleaning: Proper procedures for maintaining evaporator coils.
  • Oil Checkout Procedures: Guidelines for checking and managing compressor oil.
  • Filter-Driers: Importance of proper selection and replacement.
  • Safety First: General safety practices for technicians working with HVAC equipment.

Internal Links for Further Reference

For more detailed information on Carrier products and services, please visit the following pages on HVACProSales.com:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary issue addressed in Carrier Service Bulletin SMB19-0022?
Carrier Service Bulletin SMB19-0022 primarily addresses the failure of secondary heat exchangers in specific models of 40-inch tall, multipoise 90% gas furnaces. It outlines a policy for homeowners to replace affected units within 15 years of service.
2. Which Carrier furnace models are affected by secondary heat exchanger failures?
The bulletin lists various Bryant, Carrier, and Payne 90% gas furnace models. For Bryant, this includes 340A, 340M, 345M, 350A, 350M, 351D, 352A, 352M, 353A, 353B, 355A, 355B, 355C, 355M. For Carrier, models include 58MCA, 58MCB, 58MXA, 58MXB, 58MSA, 58UVB, 58MVP, 58MVB, 58MVC, 58MTA, 58MTB, 58MEB, 58MEC. Payne models include 490A, PG9M, PG9U.
3. What is the solution offered for secondary heat exchanger failures under SMB19-0022?
For units with 15 years or less of service, homeowners can opt for a replacement with a comparable 90% furnace. The customer is responsible for an $800 buy-in and labor costs, while the dealer is invoiced for the buy-in funds by the distributor, who is then invoiced by Carrier.
4. Where can HVAC professionals find detailed claiming instructions for SMB19-0022?
Detailed claiming instructions are available on HVACPartners.com. Specifically, professionals should refer to the document at https://files.hvacpartners.com/docs/1010/ChanPart/05/warranty_train_0022.pdf.
5. What are some common technical topics covered in Carrier's TechLINE newsletters?
Carrier's TechLINE newsletters cover a wide range of technical topics, including software release updates, troubleshooting guides for various alarms and components (e.g., CO2 refrigerant, transducers, gensets), maintenance procedures (e.g., evaporator section cleaning, oil checkout), and product updates for units like PrimeLINE® and ThinLINE®.

References

  1. Carrier Service Bulletin SMB19-0022.
  2. TechLINE Archived Issues | Carrier Transicold.