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

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

July 3, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Gary McCreadie and Jamie Kitchen discuss metering devices in HVAC systems and the impact of a stuck TXV on system performance.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Gary McCreadie

Guest: Jamie Kitchen

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Danfoss

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