Today's short episode covers five things residential techs need to consider when tasked with doing maintenance on a commercial system. We mostly talk about light commercial package unit maintenance in this episode. If you come across fresh air filters, be sure to wash those. Some commercial units have economizers that bring in fresh air, but not all fresh air is high-quality. Wash those filters to avoid pollen and other types of outdoor gunk buildup. Then, you'll want to check and adjust belt tension. Make sure you adjust the belt in each direction correctly; don't get them too tight. Otherwise, you might break or stretch the belt. You may also wear out the bearings or cause higher amperage on the blower motor. In general, you want the belt to be tight enough not to slip off and no tighter. We recommend using the Browning belt tension tool. You may also consider replacing the belt if need be. You'll also want to align pulleys. Don't just align the edges; align the entire pulley. If you're dealing with sheaves, you can adjust those to tweak your CFM rate. Make sure the motor mounts are square, too. The next maintenance step is familiar with residential techs: properly wash the condenser coils. However, you may have to "split" the coils; you'll pull them apart and put them on a piece of wood as you separate them. Even though it sounds difficult and time-consuming, splitting the coils is the only way to do a thorough cleaning. Lastly, you'll want to check the phase balance on three-phase equipment. Phase imbalance can lead to the death of a motor; more than 2% of imbalance can cause issues, and 4% indicates a severe problem.   Check out Refrigeration Technologies HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Lee Andrews with Andrews Filters talks about the complicated and important topic of air filters and filtration. He also explains why they should matter to you and your customers. As indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes more important in HVAC work, air filters will become even more important than they already are. We classify air filters by MERV ratings. MERV ratings describe the ability of filters to capture finer particles; a MERV 11 filter will catch a lot more particles than a MERV 6 filter. Most air particulates are an average of 0.4 microns large, but most air filters only catch 5-15% of those particulates. The filter industry aims to catch smaller and smaller particulates to improve indoor air quality, protect equipment, and keep consumers healthier. However, MERV is not a comprehensive value for efficiency. The actual filter media is also important for a filter's efficiency. Higher-quality, finer fibers will have a higher probability of catching smaller particulates. Having a greater surface area (more pleats) also increases performance. The media has a small charge, which helps a filter collect particles. Humidity, particulate insulation (dirtiness), and alcoholic pollutants (such as diesel) can discharge a filter and reduce efficiency. Many people use MERV 8 filters, but very few understand the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 8A filters. The addendum of the MERV test (A) uses an alcohol-type product to remove the charge. So, MERV-tested filters without the addendum test can actually perform at a lower-rated level. For example, a MERV 8 filter could perform more like a MERV 5-6 filter. Bryan and Lee also discuss: Electrostatic charge and airflow MERV 8 vs. MERV 8A Loading and unloading Board materials Filter design and sizing Talking to customers about filters Energy savings   Check out Andrews Filter's website at andrewsfilter.com. Check out Refrigeration Technologies' chemical products HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Have you ever struggled to repair a leak in an all-aluminum coil? Lance Robinson with SolderWeld talks about his product to do just that and makes a convincing case for aluminum repair. We've been using aluminum for several decades before the shift to copper; unlike copper, aluminum is corrosion-resistant. However, copper is typically better for brazing due to its heat transfer properties and ductility. If we can get to a point where we can use aluminum for the same uses as copper, we will probably see a shift to aluminum due to its durability. SolderWeld has recently made an aluminum repair product. Alloy-Sol is a solder, meaning that it works below 840 degrees Fahrenheit, and it gives techs plenty of time to work without worrying about melting the aluminum. Alloy-Sol works with a powdered flux, which goes on in a white paste that bonds to the aluminum and cleans it. When the flux turns clear, you can begin applying the solder to join the surfaces. You can melt the rod into your repair so long as you have that bond. You can use Alloy-Sol to perform COMPLETE aluminum repairs, not just temporary repairs. When applying heat, make sure you apply heat perpendicularly to the repair. Repairing aluminum requires perhaps a bit more focus and finesse than copper brazing, but it is still a relatively easy process. We may not have considered aluminum repairs in the past, but they are worthwhile with the correct solder products. Bryan and Lance also discuss: Aluminum's low melting point Torch usage and heat application Working with microchannel coils Training techs to repair aluminum Cleaning aluminum Fittings for aluminum piping Aluminum repair limitations Alloy-Sol in the auto body industry SolderWeld's history   Learn more about SolderWeld HERE and Alloy-Sol HERE. Check out Refrigeration Technologies HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

This short podcast episode covers the most misunderstood portion of Ohm's law explained masterfully from 1921: when resistance goes up, amps go down. The American Electrician's Handbook (1921) contains a lot of electrical knowledge that holds up in the present day. (The electrical testing methods don't hold up quite as well, though...) One of those principles that hold up is the idea that amps go down as resistance goes up. Amps refer to current (electrons). The ohm is the unit of electrical resistance, and it is NOT the same as mechanical resistance, such as in a compressor with locked-up bearings. The common "water" analogy for electricity works quite well for helping us see how voltage enters the equation. Electromotive force (EMF) is comparable to water pressure, which pushes water in a hydraulic piping system. So, you can compare voltage to PSI. The current (amps, I) is comparable to the flow of water. So, if you have more pressure inside a hydraulic system, more water will flow out; as voltage (V) increases, amperage also increases. That analogy also explains why you can have volts without amps; there can be plenty of water pressure behind a closed valve, but there will be no flow. Additionally, a smaller pipe has more resistance than a large one. So, less water (amps, I) will flow through a pipe with greater resistance (ohms, R). When resistance goes up, amps go down; the water analogy illustrates that principle very clearly in terms that we are familiar with. With all these in mind, you can yield the three following equations that make up Ohm's law: I = V/R V = I x R R = V/I   Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies chemical products HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Jamie Kitchen talks about refrigeration controls and applications. He also tells us about the Danfoss ERC 213 universal digital controller. Electronic refrigeration controls tend to have greater accuracy and flexibility than traditional electromechanical controls. These electronic controls also allow you to perform many more tasks than traditional ones. Electromechanical controls also wear out and lose their accuracy over time. When you deal with applications that require various temperature, humidity, and defrost requirements, you can use electronic controls to choose between several options for the defrost method, defrost stop temperature, fan delay after defrost, etc. You can also put voltage and head pressure protection measures in place. You can optimize defrost and box temperature with electronic controls, but you can't control evaporator coil feeding. However, EEVs work well with these refrigeration controls and can adjust evaporator coil feeding. The ERC 213 has temperature and defrost sensors, but you can also configure it to work with other sensors, if you prefer. The ERC 213 has seven different application settings (0-6). In cases where a preset option will suffice, choose between Apps 1-5. (Consult Resources for the ERC 213 installation guide, which explains each application.) However, you shouldn't assume that the electronic controls will have the same settings as mechanical controls. If you want to learn the full functionality of the ERC 213, you can use Apps 0 & 6 to customize parameters. Just remember to supply the correct voltage to the controller (120v). Bryan and Jamie also discuss: Customizable settings Superheat controllers and EEVs How defrost requirements change seasonally Controlling compressors Ice machines and restaurant refrigeration equipment   Resources Find out more at Danfoss.com, and check out the ERC 213 installation guide to learn more about the ERC 213. Check our Refrigeration Technologies HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this episode, Adolfo Wurts from Arbiter comes on and debates why a tech would want to use a manifold over wireless probes and vice versa. In our industry, we are likely to see a trend of moving towards wireless equipment that connects to a single device. Wireless connections and digital displays may save us money on tools and allow us to store and interpret data more efficiently. However, a manifold can help you recover refrigerant, whereas probes cannot. Manifolds also have sight glasses, which help you check for overfeeding; probes do not offer you much help on that front. Manifolds can also fit into tight spaces a bit more easily than probes, but probes have already come a long way and will continue to get better. Manifolds may feel heavier and seem more durable, but wireless probes are actually light yet hardy, and you don't have to worry about cracking screens. Probes and manifolds are probably similarly hardy, but probes are lighter and have fewer components to damage. Probes also have a massive edge over manifolds in the area of contamination prevention. Using your phone with probes has its advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, you expose your phone to situations that may damage it. However, you can access all of your readings in real-time from the phone. Your phone also has more processing power, and some apps can perform advanced calculations. You can avoid exposing your personal phone to field damage by using an older, cheaper phone just for field usage. So, as our society and industry become more tech-savvy, probes will continue to improve. Probes that have an edge now will still improve, and you may want to consider using probes over manifolds. However, you may want to have additional hoses and a sight glass. Adolfo and Bryan also discuss: UEI Hub kits Tool misuse and damage through improper storage Software in HVAC/R apps K-type thermocouples Using probes in ductwork Dehumidification   Find out more about the UEI hub kits HERE. Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this podcast episode, Phil Barr joins Bryan to explain sizing for wires and breakers in HVAC/R work. You will be able to select breakers, conductors, and fuses properly and without confusion. Phil Barr is the leader of the electrical division at our business. HVAC/R equipment may have hermetically sealed motors. Unlike squirrel-cage motors, hermetically sealed motors have an outer shell that makes it impossible to access the inner components. Semi-hermetic equipment, such as some compressors, look like hermetic equipment but can open up. Wire sizing varies between hermetically and non-hermetically sealed motors, and the NEC explains the wire sizing requirements, but YOU need to know the context for those requirements. Once you know your equipment type, check the nameplate with a rating, such as MCA, RLC, branch circuit selection, etc. The manufacturer will establish that rating, and you will use it to look up the correct wire sizing requirements. Wire insulation and conductor type also dictate the sizing and installation requirements. Conductor length and voltage drop also affect wire sizing. Fuses or circuit breakers prevent shorts. Shorts are undesigned paths with little to no resistance, so fuses and circuit breakers protect equipment and buildings from overcurrent due to shorts, NOT thermal overload. So, you use MOCP as a guideline for sizing your breakers. Thermal overload protection keeps conductors from melting under overload conditions. If you want a breaker that is under the MOCP value but it exceeds the MCA and the terminations are rated correctly, you can typically use a breaker between the MCA and MOCP. However, you will still want to follow manufacturer recommendations and check with your AHJ. Phil and Bryan also discuss: MCA (minimum circuit ampacity) "Undersized" conductors in new constructions Reducing voltage drop MOCP and related terms Inrush current Adjustment factors   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Johnathan Jones from Clean Comfort, Ultra-Aire, and Therma-Stor talks to us about humidity, dehumidification, and ventilation. Relative humidity (RH) is a moisture content ratio that depends on temperature. Hotter air can hold more moisture, and colder air can contain less moisture. You can increase or decrease the temperature to change the relative humidity, but the dew point stays the same. The safest humidity range is between 40-60%. It is typically harder to add humidity to an arid place than to remove humidity from a tropical place. We work to control the dew point (keeping it below 55 degrees). When we keep our indoor temperatures well above the dew point, we don't have to deal with condensation and moisture, which leads to microbial growth. We encounter two conflicting schools of thought: reduce the fan speed to control humidity or raise the fan speed to keep the ducts warm enough to prevent "growth." However, a dedicated dehumidifier takes care of the space without requiring fan speed changes. A lot of indoor moisture comes from our bodies, such as by breathing and talking. Local ventilation, especially during cooking and showering, helps reduce moisture ONLY if it sucks in quality outdoor air. Ventilation strategies can be balanced or imbalanced. Balanced ventilation helps us avoid negative ventilation; mechanical ventilation brings the building under positive pressure. When a building is under positive pressure, air gets pushed out to maintain balance. Additionally, pollutants tend to stay out. However, positive pressure can cause condensation to occur in colder climates and works best alongside a dehumidifier. We also discuss: Moisture units (pints, pounds, grains) Infiltration Encapsulated attics ERVs in coastal states Ventilating dehumidifier setup Comfort differences based on humidity alone Latent and sensible capacity Hot gas reheat applications Dehumidifiers and energy efficiency   Check out Clean Comfort HERE, and check out Therma-Stor HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE. Check out Refrigeration Technologies HERE.

In this short episode, we replace a dirty "M" word (mold) with another "M" word (moisture) that gets to the root of the problem. "Mold" and "mildew" can freak out your customers. For years, I've refrained from saying "mold" at my own company and trained my techs to avoid it AND "mildew." Instead, we have called it "biological growth" or "organic growth." Those still aren't great. Just recently, my friend Joe Medosh suggested referring to fungal growth as a "moisture problem" instead. "Moisture problem" is a fact-based and less disgusting term. We can focus on solutions with indoor air quality (IAQ) to address the overarching issue that causes the growth, not just the nasty growth. In some cases, parts of the home may hit the dew point in colder temperatures. So, drywall is particularly vulnerable to falling to dew point if the building envelope has been poorly sealed. So, we have a practical means of reducing relative humidity below 55%. We can also seal the envelope better and address potential issues related to infiltration. A duct with poor or compressed insulation may also be prone to "moisture problems." We can address those "moisture problems" by properly strapping the duct. In cases when air handlers sweat by an improperly sealed duct, we seal the duct correctly to nip the problem in the bud. In the case of sweating vents, we must analyze the supply air, check the blower fan speed, and look for restrictions. Make sure all components are clean and that you seal up any leaky areas. Remember, "moisture problems" do NOT occur because hot meets cold! The moisture content and dew point are the key factors, not just a temperature differential.   If you have an iPhone subscribe to the podcast HERE and if you have an Android phone subscribe HERE.

Here is part 2 of the discussion with Trevor Matthews about the causes and prevention of air conditioning and refrigeration compressor failure. Slugging occurs when the compressor attempts to compress oil or liquid refrigerant. A telltale sign of slugging is valve plate damage. On a semi-hermetic compressor, you can remove the screws on the head to access the valve plate. Wrist pin wear occurs during slugging the wrist pin is between the rod and the piston; you should test the wrist pin to see if it makes a knocking sound before you dismiss all other possibilities and replace the valve plate. Overheating occurs when there is a system-related issue. Compression ratio is an indicator of overheating, but few technicians check it often enough. A requirement for external cooling and dirty condenser coils can cause overheating. Overheating also causes oil issues; when a compressor gets too hot, oil breaks down and loses its ability to lubricate the bearings. Oil loss is a tricky cause for failure; it is hard to notice without a sight glass. Short-cycling can lead to oil loss over time, and bearings will begin to wear when there isn't enough oil to lubricate them. Contamination usually occurs when moisture corrodes the copper plating and introduces acid to the system. Acid and sludge are the most common contaminants. Proper reaming practices also keep copper out of the system and reduce the risk of acid contamination. Trevor also discusses: Slugging in scroll compressors Sight glasses and oil measurement System load and suction pressure Maintaining design compression ratio "Blow by" Oil separators Replacing line dryers Components to troubleshoot and inspect Verifying System Operation Sheet from Emerson http://hvacrschool.com/Emerson Verify Diagnosing Compressor Failures from Emerson http://hvacrschool.com/CompFailures  

In this short podcast, we start the conversation about "Energy? Compared to What?" and explore several energy comparison examples. When we think about energy, we can confuse some terms. For example, temperature and heat are related but NOT synonymous. Temperature is an average measurement of heat energy; when many molecules move at a bunch of different speeds, the temperature represents the average speed of those molecules. Temperature does NOT measure total heat content. Voltage and amperage are two more confusing terms, and they get even harder to understand and differentiate when you throw "power" around. In most diagnostic cases, we usually measure things to compare them, such as using a voltmeter to measure a difference in electrical charges. We could compare the usage of a voltmeter to a temperature difference between two rooms. The wall between the rooms presents resistance between the temperatures of the two rooms (R-value, which affects energy transfer), and the voltage is analogous to the potential difference between the rooms. In the HVAC industry, we can witness energy differentials in temperature, charges, and pressure. Resistance gets in the way of these differentials reaching equilibrium and must be accounted for in our readings. Resistance affects the rate of energy transfer; that resistance can show up as friction, R-value, and other values that affect the total amount of energy transferred. Many techs also go wrong when they assume that a 120V blower motor draws twice as many amps as a 240V blower motor. In truth, the 240V blower requires twice as many amps to hit the same work target. In a 240V motor at 120V, it would draw far less amperage and result in less than half the usual horsepower.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast, we talk with Trevor Matthews with Emerson. He tells us about the causes and prevention of air conditioning and refrigeration compressor failure. Most compressors don't die a natural death... they're murdered. Of course, that's to say that installation and maintenance play a major role in the compressor's operation and lifespan. Electrical and mechanical failures are the two broad causes of compressor failure. When it comes to electrical failures, Trevor often sees single-phase compressors fail early when their electrical components don't receive proper inspections and care. For example, contactors may go too long without inspection or replacement. Three-phase compressors are also prone to phasing issues and may run backward. Common mechanical failures deal with oil in the system. Oil lubricates the bearings inside the compressor. Unfortunately, that oil can mix with liquid refrigerant, become diluted, or experience acid contamination. Some oil-related failures include floodback, flooded starts, slugging, overheating, oil loss, and contamination. Compressors cannot compress liquids, so many of them fail when the refrigerant condenses to a liquid inside the compressor. Many failures occur because technicians don't think they have enough time to troubleshoot or inspect the whole system. Trevor recommends setting up a checklist with all of the tests you need to perform. Trevor also discusses: Service replacement compressors vs. OEM compressors Megohmmeter usage Causes of floodback/flooded starts Compressor superheat Suction accumulators Bearing wear Temperature control and pump cycles for controlling flooded starts Verifying System Operation Sheet from Emerson  http://hvacrschool.com/CompFailures 

In today's podcast episode, we talk with system and duct design educator Jack Rise about ACCA Manual J load calculation and Manual S system selection. Many people know about Manual J, but relatively few techs follow it properly. When people attempt to do Manual J calculations, many of them go wrong when they overestimate the difficulty of the equations in Manual J. However, many of these techs do better when they can use software like Wrightsoft to help with their load calculations. The best way to approach load calculations is to develop confidence in software programs and field experience (sizing equipment and sealing ductwork); you are more likely to make mistakes if you put all of your confidence in one or the other. Some techs also don't take the time to measure buildings properly if they are either over-reliant on technology or too confident in their field skills. Manual S is all about equipment selection after the load calculation. However, much of the manual is not useful for fieldwork. The rules are also not as regionally thoughtful as they could be, especially regarding furnace sizing and the consequential heat loss. Manual S is only useful if you perform a Manual J calculation first and use that result as a guide. Rise does not believe that Manual S is bad, but he thinks it gives installers way too much leeway on sizing as it stands. Jack and Bryan also discuss: Wrightsoft Manual J practices in different types of buildings Envelope leakage in retrofit applications Most important chapters of Manual S Accounting for sensible and latent heat load New ventilation requirements Odors, cooking, and building design Increasing airtightness in building construction Encapsulated attics   Learn more about ACCA standards and codes at acca.org. Learn more about Wrightsoft HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this podcast, Bill Johnson shares his practical tips to make low-voltage electrical diagnosis easier in HVAC work. Bill is one of the original authors of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology manual. A common issue that techs have in low-voltage diagnosis is that they overcomplicate the issue. Techs should take the time to trace out the system and see where all the wires lead. The techs can be more effective if they know a system's components and those parts' relationships. During diagnosis, some techs also don't allow themselves to use their hands. Bill recommends using an alligator clip on the system as you "walk your way" through the whole circuit for diagnosis. "Short" is a commonly used term. A true "short" occurs when the current takes an undesigned path with almost no resistance. Some of the things that we casually call "shorts" are actually open-circuit issues where the current doesn't make it all the way through the circuit. Real "shorts" include shunts on the load and blown fuses. If a fuse blows but everything else in the low-voltage circuit seems to be operating fine, check the amperage at the transformer outlet. Electronic boards give techs a lot of trouble because they seem complicated. But, in the end, these boards are just switches where a hot wire goes in and a hot wire goes out. (The common wire goes straight through the board.) The board is nothing more than a distributor of voltage, and the best way to work on them is to simplify them. You can simplify electrical boards by figuring out the inputs, outputs, and sequence of operation. Bill also discusses: Grounding on one leg Connecting to ground "Probing" the hot side Measuring amperage on a thermostat "Spark-tricians" Commercial vs. residential low-voltage electronics Stripping wires   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this podcast episode, refrigeration tech Eric Mele talks us through some common characteristics of walk-in freezers and refrigerators. Eric recently discussed reach-in refrigerators on the podcast, and you can listen to him talk about those HERE. Common walk-in applications include coolers, freezers, and wine rooms. You may even see some package units. Condensers typically go on top of the box or the roof, and evaporators are inside the refrigerators. Many of these refrigerators also have pump down solenoids on their equipment. Thermostats mostly control the opening or closing of the solenoid valve. To cycle the unit, you shut off the liquid line and let the system pump all the refrigerant into the condenser. Evaporators tend to come in the side-discharge or pancake-style varieties. Wine rooms may also have ducted evaporators. Some older evaporators may not have fans; we call these gravity evaporators. Heaters are components that you'll see quite often on walk-in equipment. Drain pan and drain line heaters are critical for walk-in coolers, especially freezers. You can test them by touch or by using a thermal imaging camera. Freezers also have door heaters. Walk-ins also have low-ambient controls. Fan cycling is a low-ambient strategy, but commercial walk-in refrigerators may also have a headmaster. When you first start working on walk-ins, you may feel overwhelmed if you don't have all the parts on you. However, if a unit has multiple fans and only one is not working, you can typically still run the equipment if you cover the faulty fan and seal up the opening in the shroud. The goal is to get (or keep) the equipment running to save consumable products. Eric and Bryan also discuss: Pressure switches Defrost controls Troubleshooting equipment (sight glasses, etc.) Adjusting charge Superheat values Patching coils   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basic best practices for wire routing and wire connections in HVAC work. When it comes to electrical work of any kind, the wires must have proper protection. For example, the wires must be in the proper conduits. They must also work on appliances that they are rated for. HVAC technicians must also understand their qualifications against local codes to ensure they have been authorized for electrical work. You also NEVER want to route the wire through an opening you can't shove your finger through. If you can cut your finger on an opening, then that opening will probably cut the wire. If you need to run a wire through one of those difficult places, use a grommet. In any case, make sure you properly strap the wire, such as with zip ties. Do NOT trim wires to make them fit a connection. When routing wire, you WILL be making connections inside the appliance. Make sure you know your connectors and their ratings to make the best, safest connections possible. Check if there is any tension at the connections and disconnects; if there is tension AGAINST the terminal, check your wire angles and adjust them until they sit still or have a little tension towards the terminal. The goal of creating a good connection is to avoid melting, arcing, and other unsafe conditions. Replace melted plugs and leads entirely if you come across them. When you make a crimp connection, make sure you give them a good tug to check their tightness. Make sure there are no exposed wires by your crimp connections. Soldered connections are usually excellent connections, especially with heat shrink over them. Bryan also discusses: Using torque screwdrivers Terminal crimping (insulated terminals, indentations, using ratcheting crimpers) Lineman splice "Doubling over"   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In the second part of this podcast series, Jim covers the basics of furnace commissioning in more detail with some common-sense practices. (Listen to Part 1 HERE.) Even though installers set up a furnace system, the technicians help with the equipment startup and commissioning. That way, two parties can ensure that the installation is proper. The technician is perhaps better equipped to check the electrical connections. As technicians, we can also check the polarity of the power supplies (ensuring that the sine waves are in sync). If the polarity is backward, sometimes the hot wire has been switched with another wire, or you may have to switch the primary or secondary on the transformer. Flame rectification also ties directly into the electric components of a furnace. Inspection is also a critical component of furnace commissioning. As such, our eyes and ears will be our most important tools during the commissioning process. During the inspection, we should check over the original factory parts to ensure that everything is in order and that the furnace will operate safely. After we've calculated the temperature rise and set the blower speed, we must evaluate our static pressures. The static pressures let us know how our motors and ductwork are doing. The goal is to get our static pressures as close to 0.5" wc as possible. Be sure to perform a flame disruption test to ensure that the flame does not starve. Many technicians also fail to check the high limit cutout. When techs fail to check that cutout, the heat exchangers can break from stress. To check that high limit cutout, we can use a piece of cardboard to block the filter; that blockage raises the temperature, and it's our job to make sure that the limit cuts out and shuts the burners down. Jim also discusses: Grounding screws ECM motors Home insulation and furnace/ductwork sizing Furnace switches/safeties Flame rod microamps   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about blower taps in furnace systems. He explains how to set up their fan speeds and repair them. Before you even look at the blower taps in a system, you must know a bit about the system design. Is the system supposed to remove high amounts of sensible heat? What is the capacity? How quickly should the thermostat drop? When a system is supposed to move lots of heat and has a high capacity, it needs high airflow; to run optimally, the system needs higher fan speeds to move more CFM per BTU. Moreover, a Manual J calculation can tell you how much sensible and latent heat the system must move. Also, keep in mind that system tonnage does NOT always indicate the amount of BTUs a system is actually moving. Conversely, to calculate the airflow needed for heating, you must look at temperature rise. Ideally, your temperature rise should be near the middle of the temperature-rise range. So, how do you set the airflow and know how much you're producing? That's where you measure your static pressure and look at fan tables. Remember to make sure the blower is clean and to factor in additional resistance from components like heat strips or filters. Alternatively, you can measure airflow with a duct traverse or by using an airflow hood. Then, you set the fan speed accordingly. Overall, to set the blower taps, you need to be able to measure your airflow and read fan charts. If you're merely commissioning a new system, measuring airflow becomes less important; instead, you must ensure that the manufacturer's fan charts are correct. Remember, the airflow needs to be different for a customer's heating and cooling needs.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Jim Bergmann covers furnace commissioning, including setting up furnace input, clocking the meter, setting temperature rise, and much more. The goal of commissioning is to optimize a furnace's efficiency; we want to make sure we correctly engineer the intake/exhaust system to extract as much heat from the flue gas as possible. The commissioning process for an 80% furnace is pretty similar to that of a high-efficiency furnace. Checking gas pressure, setting temperature rise, and combustion analysis are critical procedures when commissioning both furnace types. Moreover, you must know the heat content of the fuel and the amount of fuel going into the furnace before you can determine the correct input. There is an acceptable range for gas pressure, typically within 10% of the specs (usually 3.5" wc, so the acceptable range is 3.2-3.8" wc). Both the gas pressure and heat content let you know how efficiently the furnace is firing. When checking the input, you must clock the gas meter; you do that by timing a single revolution of the gas meter and determine how much fuel goes into the appliance during that time period. You can't have the water heater on at the same time that you are clocking the meter. When you clock the meter, you can start with a gas pressure of 3.5" wc and go up to 3.8" wc. When clocking the gas meter, you may realize that the orifices are incorrectly sized. Ideally, you want your temperature rise to be in the middle of the manufacturer-specified range. For example, if the range is 40-60 degrees, you would want your temperature rise to be close to 50 degrees). Jim also discusses: Weighing condensate Primary vs. secondary air Excess air Changing/resizing orifices Other gas lines in the home Ductwork sizing for temperature rise/CFM Filter considerations   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

This short podcast episode is about saturation and what it means. Bryan covers related topics, including boiling, evaporation, and condensing. Saturation refers to something that is "full" of something else. In science, "saturation" refers to a substance being in the middle of a phase change. (For example, boiling water stays at 212 degrees until it all boils off and becomes water vapor.) In HVAC, we often use the term to refer to refrigerant with liquid and vapor are present at the same time. The refrigerant is typically both liquid and vapor in the evaporator and condenser; phase changes occur in those two components as refrigerant changes from a liquid to a vapor and vice versa. Refrigerant tanks are contained systems, so the liquid-vapor mix remains at equilibrium, and the temperature and pressure will change at a predictable rate. That is why we can use the P-T chart to determine the refrigerant type; a given type of refrigerant that is changing state at a given pressure will always be a certain pressure. The process of changing state is where we can utilize so many more BTUs of heat. When a substance is at saturation, that substance will not increase in temperature so long as it remains in its current state. However, that substance will continue absorbing heat until it fully changes its state. We call the added heat that does NOT contribute to a temperature change "latent heat." Evaporators are so effective at absorbing BTUs of heat because refrigerants have relatively high latent heat of vaporization values; it takes a lot of added heat to make a refrigerant change from liquid to vapor. However, evaporation can occur WITHOUT boiling. Temperature is only the average heat content, and some faster-moving liquid molecules can still break free and become gas.   If you have an iPhone subscribe to the podcast HERE and if you have an Android phone subscribe HERE.

In this discussion with Bill Spohn from TruTechtools.com, we cover the practical steps and tools for YOU to start measuring airflow today, if not sooner. There are several ways to measure airflow; when measuring airflow, start with the "why" rather than the "how." Understand what the goal of the airflow is before you begin taking measurements in random places. You can take a bulk measurement at a return, but you have to be prudent to avoid human error. The best way to avoid error is to use a TrueFlow grid, which replaces the filter and uses a pitot array to measure airflow in the return. Another relatively easy way to get a bulk measurement is to use a flow hood. However, it can be easy to mess up the positioning of a flow hood (or not have enough room for it). Many techs misuse tools like vane anemometers and collect poor data. Vane anemometers can gather information throughout the duct (mini vane) or over the supply or return (larger vane). You want to pick up the micro-transitions in air velocity to get quality data; you can use either point or traverse measurements and average those readings to come up with your average CFM. We can take measurements INSIDE the duct with pitot tubes (although we have our reservations about using those), hot wire anemometers, and mini vane anemometers. In-duct measurements require multiple measurements and consistency during testing. A common system airflow measurement doesn't measure CFM at all; that measurement would be static pressure. However, you need to have the correct tables and understand all of the load requirements to measure static pressure effectively. Bill and Bryan also discuss: Pitot tubes vs. static pressure probes Air movement metaphors Point vs. traverse measurements Static pressure drop Total system airflow setup Ventilation airflow   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Today, Bryan discusses delta T (evaporator air temperature split) what it is, what it means, and how to avoid some common pitfalls. Delta T is NOT the air temperature rise on a furnace, and it is NOT the design temperature difference (DTD). Instead, delta T refers to the temperature split between return air entering the evaporator coil and the supply air leaving the unit. Typically, 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) is a desirable split, but there is still a range based on relative humidity, enthalpy, and airflow. The range can be as high as 24 degrees. To measure delta T properly, you need high-quality probes. (Don't use cheap dial probes if you don't want an inaccurate measurement.) Whenever you expose a probe to another probe via an air gap, they can affect each other's temperatures. Radiant heat transfer occurs between them, and you can get incorrect readings. In general, you want to keep your supply probe downstream of the coil. Do NOT use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature split. Infrared thermometers are inaccurate and may also pick up duct gains. Delta T is not a fixed value, but it is still rather predictable. You can use our calculator to help get an idea of the measurement you're aiming for. Some factors that reduce the temperature split include high airflow, high relative humidity, and low capacity (and all of its possible causes). High temperature splits typically occur due to poor airflow. Dirty filters and coils are the main culprits of poor airflow and high temperature splits by extension. Dehumidification mode and lower relative humidity may also result in higher delta T values. (However, dehumidification mode is usually intentional and is rarely a cause for concern.)   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this simultaneously heavy and lighthearted discussion, Bryan Orr and Andrew Greaves discuss ego, Dunning-Kruger, insecurity, and apprenticeship in the trades. In the early days, apprenticeships were quite different from the way they are today. One-on-one mentorship used to be a much more significant component of early apprenticeships, but that style of training is uncommon for today's apprentices in all sorts of trades. As a result, many young technicians enter the field too quickly and don't have the training to perform a job skillfully. As such, many inexperienced techs become confident with bare-minimum work because nobody points out their mistakes. Moreover, many green techs also don't have the self-awareness to recognize their lack of skill. We call that disconnect between confidence and skill the "Dunning-Kruger effect." Another common scenario is when techs understand that they don't know something but are too embarrassed to admit it. Unfortunately, a tech's ego can get in the way and make them stick to their guns for no good purpose. However, old-timers are also part of the ego-ignorance equation. Many of them fail to explain the "why" behind their practices. Some old-timers share bad practices without knowing what they're doing. Moreover, when leadership breeds a culture of ignorance, the younger technicians will be set up for ignorance and ego problems. The way to move past the Dunning-Kruger effect and check your ego is to think about what you're thinking about. Question the validity of your OWN thoughts and ideas, and accept that you could be wrong or have a flawed understanding. Bryan and Andrew also discuss: Techs' behavior on social media Cognitive bias Metacognition Organizations that breed ignorance and ego issues   Check out AK HVAC on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/akgreaves If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this short episode, we review the basics of the refrigerant circuit. The standard HVAC refrigeration circuit has four main components: compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator. The compressor squeezes refrigerant vapor into a smaller volume by applying lots of pressure. It simultaneously moves and compresses gaseous refrigerant. The more a compressor has to compress a gas, the less gas it moves. The more gas a compressor moves, the less gas it compresses. Then, the refrigerant leaves the compressor via the discharge line. The discharge line is very hot because the temperature increases with pressure. The hot vapor feeds into the top of the condenser. The condenser brings the gaseous refrigerant back down to a liquid. Condensers come in all shapes for various applications, but all condensers' main goal is heat exchange. Condensers desuperheat, fully condense (change vapor to liquid), and subcool. Subcooled liquid refrigerant leaves the bottom of the condenser via the liquid line. The liquid line leads warm, subcooled liquid refrigerant to the metering device. The metering device's goal is to drop the refrigerant's pressure. That pressure drop facilitates boiling in the evaporator coil. The evaporator absorbs heat from the space. Fans blow warm air over the coils, allowing that heat to come into contact with the refrigerant. The refrigerant boils when it absorbs enough heat. The last few rows of the evaporator are where superheating occurs. Superheat is the temperature above the saturation point; superheat indicates that the refrigerant is all vapor, no longer a liquid-vapor mix. Then, the vapor refrigerant travels back to the compressor via the suction line; the refrigerant circuit restarts. The suction line is rather cool; we use some of that cool refrigerant gas to cool down the compressor.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Jon Bennert from Air Oasis teaches us about PCO and Bi-Polar air purification and how it improves indoor air quality through ionization. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a technology field that uses catalyst metals, hydration agents, and lights to help remove pollutants from the air. These technologies shine a light source on a photocatalyst metal that reacts with pollutants in the air. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), viruses, mold, and other unwanted particles in the home. Some bacteria that are good for you in your gut are NOT good in your respiratory system. Bi-polar ionization causes reactions to occur with the pollutants. Ionization could potentially break down molecules or genetic material in VOCs and viruses, respectively. Other biological contaminants, including mold and bacteria, also have their proteins broken down and become unable to replicate or reproduce. Larger particles, like dust, are forced to clump together and become so heavy that they fall out of the air. The air motion in the Bi-Polar product line is the mixture of positive and negative ions that are splitting water vapor molecules. So, you can tell if the Bi-Polar products are working if you can feel airflow; you can tell that the product is generating ions. These ions work to break down harmful particulates in the air AND eliminate odors. Bi-Polar products that use ionization are desirable for people with allergies or homes with lots of shedding pets. Bi-Polar products are small and easy to install. They simply fasten to the shroud with magnets. These products also come in some voltage ranges, and they have a small energy footprint as well. Jon also discusses: Ionization history Petri dish tests Bi-Polar products and PCO usage Outdoor air standard qualifications Servicing Bi-Polar products Ice machine contamination   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Eric Mele comes on to talk about reach-in coolers (refrigerators), freezers, and wine coolers with some mindset and technical tips. We mostly discuss self-contained equipment. Coolers are medium-temperature applications, while freezers are low-temperature applications. Wine coolers vary from normal coolers because they have slightly higher temperatures and controlled humidity. The cooler must control humidity to preserve the wine quality and prevent the cork from swelling. Metering devices vary with the size and type of equipment. We typically see capillary tubes in smaller reach-in coolers and TXV in larger ones and blast chillers. We typically use automatic expansion valves (AEVs/AXVs) for wine coolers. An AEV controls suction pressure in conjunction with a TXV, which controls superheat. Hooking up gauges is typically a last resort. We can chalk up most reach-in cooler problems to restrictions, which usually indicate cleanliness issues that are easy to solve. For example, dirty condenser coils can cause cap tube restrictions. Control strategies vary by size, application, and complexity. For example, simple reach-ins rely on manual defrost only. However, even higher-end blast-chillers recommend manual de-icing (although they DO have defrost controls). The main defrost types are manual, fan, and electric. Smaller reach-ins have a "cold control." Cold controls are relatively simple dials that stop the compressor when the evaporator coil reaches a set temperature. Most reach-in refrigerators are ONLY intended to hold products at temperature. With the exception of blast chillers, most reach-ins cannot bring a bunch of hot food down to temperature. These situations will result in poor performance, so customers should be aware of the refrigerator's appropriate usage. Eric also discusses: The troubles of charging reach-in cases Creating your own access ports Electric defrost in reach-in applications Thermal imaging cameras in diagnosis Manual defrost strategies Pump down   Check out Eric Mele on YouTube HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Stephen Rardon and Neil Comparetto join the podcast to talk about their headfirst dive into building performance as HVAC techs. They discuss jobs they do, how the transition has been, and important HVAC principles in building performance. Addressing duct leakage can help with indoor air quality and home performance overall, but it can also even help reduce noise. Building performance and HVAC both require the serviceperson to give the customer options and inform them of their specific situation. In both cases, you would give the customer a chance to improve their living situation by offering a personalized set of offerings. However, building performance allows us to give the customer control over their comfort. The main selling points of building performance solutions are health, comfort, and efficiency. Customer health is important because they want to make sure asthma, allergies, and other conditions won't be aggravated in their home. Comfort is important for many people, and efficiency is typically important for those with a green ethos. If contractors and technicians want to get into building performance, it pays to take time to learn the business. It's even better if contractors put training programs together for their technicians. However, technicians need to be able to care about the material; otherwise, the investment in training may not be worth it. You must care about why we need building performance before you enter that side of the industry. Stephen, Neil, and Bryan also discuss: Bringing building performance into HVAC business Blower door testing Sales packages System performance inspection Challenges of growing a company Precision manometers and other building performance tools Zonal pressure diagnostics Creating service departments within companies Thinking of the building as a system Expertise to combat automation   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Dick Wirz, author of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians, talks to us about refrigerator and freezer defrost strategies. Check out Dick's book HERE. In commercial refrigeration, we deal with much lower evaporator temperatures than residential HVAC. Although an evaporator temperature of 40°F may be commonplace in residential HVAC, you can expect evaporator temperatures from 25-30°F in refrigeration. Even though having ice on the coil is a negative thing in residential HVAC, it is perfectly normal in refrigeration. The purpose of defrosting is to bring the evaporator temperature above freezing to melt off the frost. We can defrost a coil in a few different ways, including a mere off-cycle defrost in medium-temperature refrigeration. When the system shuts off, the evaporator coil can start defrosting. However, if too much heat is introduced to the system, more frost can accumulate on the evaporator coil. As such, a planned defrost may be in order. These defrosts occur on a timer and turn the system off overnight. Alternatively, these defrosts may use electricity or hot gas to remove ice from the coil more rapidly, especially in low-temperature applications. Electric and hot gas defrost are common defrost types. The hot gas method generally reverses refrigerant as a heat pump does; hot discharge gas runs through the evaporator coil and melts the ice off the coil. However, hot gas is an expensive method and can negatively impact system longevity if used improperly. The electric method is cheaper than the hot gas method; this method relies on electric heat outside the coil to melt the frost from the outside. Dick also talks about: Warm air infiltration Coil-sensing thermostat controls Defrost failsafe Defrost termination "Snowing" in the box and fan delays Drain pan heaters and drain complications Paragon timers Demand defrost setups/clocks   Check out RefTech HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this episode, Bill and Bryan recap the 2018 AHR conference with what they learned and what you can expect to see in the HVAC/R trade in the next year. There were 2100 exhibitors who gave demonstrations and discussed products. AHR shows the real scope of the HVAC/R industry, and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the trade and do some networking. At the AHR conference, there were some demonstrations that may indicate a paradigm shift in the industry's best practices. For example, the AccuTools booth projected the rate of evacuation through three hoses of different diameters, including the mythical 1" hose. The visual representation of those evacuation rates showed the trend towards faster evacuations with larger hoses. More tool manufacturers may jump on the trend to make larger hoses that assist technicians and lead to better evacuations. The technology on display at AHR also testified to the fact that many more tools are integrating with our cell phones, including the CPS IAQ monitor. AHR also had a treasure trove of new technologies, including BluVac's Bluetooth-connected combustion analyzer. BluVac's branding is very science and engineering-focused, and they also fine-tune their technology to support techs in the field. Overall, AHR was a fantastic forum for people to spread information about products. In turn, Bill and Bryan had some of their product research validated and built upon. Bill and Bryan also discuss: Attaching micron gauges at the pump Professional branding Industry education Surge suppressors and melting issues The time Bill called Bryan out Engagement with HVAC educational materials Testo precision manometers and additional heads Filling the HVAC/R skills gap Increasing your value as an individual technician in this industry Building performance in the HVAC industry Internet of things (IoT) The commercial HVAC market   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In today's podcast episode, Bryan talks to west-coast commercial tech Jim Loring about pneumatic controls and variable air volume (VAV) systems. People sometimes confuse pneumatics and hydraulics. Hydraulics use liquid to provide pressure; conversely, pneumatics use air to provide pressure. Pneumatic controls use a bit more energy than other controls, but they are less costly all around. Nowadays, direct digital controls (DDCs) provide greater energy savings than pneumatics. However, pneumatic controls were a precursor to the DDC technologies we use on actuators today, and they are still a prevalent technology. The air compressor is a critical component of pneumatic controls. That is because pneumatic controls require clean, dry air. Air compressors have an auto-drain and auto-dryer to help purify the air for peak performance. However, while air compressors are basic, their maintenance practices are often overlooked. Variable air volume (VAV) units vary airflow throughout the building via zones. Each zone has a damper and a thermostat. The thermostats control the dampers, which control airflow to the zone and move via actuators. In a pneumatic control system, the air pressure release or gain at the thermostat moves the dampers. Thermostats also have to bleed off some of that air via direct or reverse-acting controls. Bypasses help regulate static pressure when dampers close. Thermostats can help modulate the dampers; they don't merely open and close. The modulation occurs within a certain pressure range on a VAV system. (For example, 8 PSI would close the damper while 13 PSI would leave the damper wide open.) In addition to damper modulation, velocity controllers help control the air velocity based on signals from the thermostat. Jim also covers: Common air compressor problems Pressure-reducing valves (PRV) Restrictor tees Direct-acting vs. reverse-acting controls Heating and cooling in VAV systems Damper position   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Jeremy Smith goes over floating suction and floating head refrigeration strategies. He also talks a bit more about low-ambient equipment operation. Floating suction controls developed when we started using low-pressure controls on rack refrigeration. As the electronics advanced, we developed controls that could control temperature, which impacts pressure as well. Nowadays, controls can cross data and be much more effective at controlling pressure and temperature. Suction pressure is the greatest contributor to a system's compression ratio. The higher the compression ratio, the less efficient a system is; a high compression ratio can be costly for grocery business owners or managers. Therefore, floating suction controls set the temperature exactly to what it should be based on the system's load, not lower than what the suction temperature should be. Floating head controls attempt to minimize the compression ratio from the high side of the system. The floating head attempts to maintain head pressure by matching condenser fans closely with ambient temperatures. Ambient temperature controls the floating head control's set points. These floating head controls can set the condensing temperature as low as 68 degrees (F). The main factor that prevents the temperature from getting any lower is the expansion valve. It is possible that EEV usage could enable even lower temperatures, but they have been quite problematic so far. Jeremy recommends taking advantage of natural subcooling to get the most out of your floating head strategy. These controls have to decrease capacity before they hit their targets. As such, these floating head and suction controls can be erratic and "swing" from extremes upon startup. Jeremy also covers: Energy and monetary savings Pressure differentials caused by floating head controls Expansion valves in refrigeration Superheat "floating" "Drain" leg or regulator   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Bryan talks with Jesse and Nathan about setting up dehumidification for residential equipment in general. They also discuss some of the required and recommended settings on an Ecobee thermostat. On typical single-stage residential equipment, dehumidification works based on CFM per ton. We control humidity by dropping the CFM across the indoor coil and extending runtime. However, as you cool the air, you reduce its ability to hold moisture. So, you increase relative humidity through cooling. When we have achieved the desired humidity but not the desired temperature, the thermostat reduces the fan speed. Thermostats should vary the fan speed based on the call for cooling and the humidity in the air. Some systems have a dehumidification terminal; when there is a call on that terminal, the fan speed gets maxed out. Some older thermostats would display relative humidity but did not have a dehumidification terminal; these systems would merely overcool instead of removing the humidity. These systems would be very prone to freezing. Nowadays, freezing still occurs on occasion, but our newer thermostats can control their CFM per ton much better to prevent freezing. Ecobee thermostats work to integrate many different accessories. So, Ecobee thermostats try to solve every problem on a system, even on systems with supplementary humidifiers or dehumidifiers. These thermostats don't have a dehumidification terminal, but they have ACC- and ACC+ terminals for accessories, including dehumidifiers. Many technicians become confused when they think that the fan is a core element of dehumidification. Instead, the ACC terminals should be set as single-transformer, and you can choose the dehumidification option (which should NOT have the fan on). When wiring the Ecobee for dehumidification, connect the DH terminal to ACC+, remove the jumpers, set up the single-power source, do NOT dehumidify with a fan, and set "Dehumidifier Active" to "Open."   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this episode, we cover the skills and traits needed to be the best residential service techs you can be. We follow up on the last episode's tips for getting a raise and discuss how to become more valuable as an employee. All good service techs clearly have to be able to repair and maintain systems well. Commercial and residential techs need to demonstrate mechanical aptitude. However, soft skills are what separate the good residential service techs from the excellent techs. Observational skills are imperative. Residential techs need to take a wide-narrow-wide approach to diagnosis. They must also utilize their senses to observe the ENTIRE piece of equipment. Observant techs are quite good at catching potential issues before they spiral out of control. Resourceful techs make the most of the books, manuals, and other resources they have. If they don't have a resource, they find it. Since residential service techs deal with customers, it pays for them to be pleasant with people. These people are still honest with customers, but they're positive and empathetic. The best techs are organized and keep their tools in order for maximum efficiency. Efficient techs increase their value as employees with every task. They become quicker as they become more confident with tasks. Great techs are also conscientious. They are aware of their surroundings and considerate of the customer's property and feelings. Excellent techs are also self-aware about their knowledge. They understand that they don't know everything, and they know what they have to study or search for. Finally, the best techs are all neat, clean, and communicative. Residential service techs are our industry's ambassadors, and it is important that they communicate well AND project a good image of the industry and company to the customer.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

As we ring in the new year, this episode focuses on how people in the HVAC/R trade can get a raise, promotion, or bonus without facing rejection or sounding selfish. Before you think about asking for a raise or promotion, evaluate your company. Is your company pragmatic? Does the company refuse to address conflict or let tempers run high? Do your leaders care about making decisions logically and promote people who will truly help the business? A pragmatic company makes logical decisions and respects the employees who keep the business alive. Many people want to ask for a raise when they find out that someone earns more than them or feel as though they haven't had a review in a while. People in these situations feel as though they are OWED additional pay. Here's Bryan's advice: DON'T ask for a raise, promotion, or bonus unless you have a written salary agreement that hasn't come to fruition. When you ask a leader for a raise, you make your leaders put their guard up. In general, it's not a good idea to make someone else put their guard up when communicating with them. If you want to talk to a leader about a plan to earn more money in the future, try to explain your vision of the future for the company; solve a company problem, or contribute to a leader's solution. Avoid self-assessments; talk about a plan or vision where YOU play an integral part in improving the company. Tie YOUR pay to the company's success, whether your solution addresses revenue, callbacks, or training within the organization. Overall, you have to show that you're willing to accomplish a task to earn more pay. A pragmatic business will see the value in your ideas and will be more willing to give you a raise, promotion, or bonus after you execute your plan.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In this podcast episode, we discuss power distribution and some practical tips about three-phase, single-phase, and split-phase power. The power company generates three-phase power; a power pole transformer typically has three current-carrying conductors. Each phase of power runs at 60 Hz and generates a sine wave. That sine wave peaks and valleys in a wavy formation. Power is generated in a rotating magnetic field, so it is helpful to think of a sine wave as a variation of a circle. Transformers take high voltage and bring it down to 120V split-phase via a winding on the left, a winding on the right, and a neutral tap. The split sine waves are exactly 180 degrees out of phase; they are direct opposites, and they will intersect and both be "off" at the same time. The center is neutral. This 120V split-phase power results in 240V total; therefore, we can use them in 240V applications. Split single-phase motors require a capacitor. Three-phase power uses all three legs of power, and the sine waves are 120 degrees out of phase with each other. In three-phase power, only one wave will be "off" at any point in time. Three-phase power is a more efficient means of running motors; split single-phase power is relatively inefficient and requires a capacitor. However, reverse-phasing is a possibility and may run motors backward, causing damage. The most common type of three-phase transformer uses the wye configuration and works for 208V applications. Bryan also discusses: Wye vs. delta configuration Delta configuration high leg Start assistance and capacitors Residential vs. commercial applications Capacitor failure 277V and 480V applications Replacing single-phase with three-phase power or vice versa Three-phase condensers with single-phase air handlers   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Learn about large-scale desiccant dehumidification from the expert, Tom Peterson. Tom works with CDI (Climate By Design International). Dehumidification has several different methods and applications. Cooling is the most basic of those methods, but it has its limitations. For example, dehumidification by cooling may leave moisture on the coil and lead to freezing. Desiccant dehumidification can remove water from the air without the possibility of freezing the unit. Desiccants are crystalline structures with pores, and they remove moisture via adsorption. Water has a pressure that pushes other water molecules into those pores. Partial pressures also help force the pressures from high to low. Moisture will only come out of the desiccant upon heating the air around it. Heat excites the water molecule that has been trapped in the desiccant pore, so that molecule breaks the bond between itself and the desiccant (desorption). Commercial/industrial dehumidifiers make use of desiccants. Desiccants fit into rotors or wheels, and air passes through the desiccant rotor. The goal is to dehumidify and only dehumidify. So, no heat transfer occurs as air passes through those desiccant rotors.  About 3/4 of the rotor works to adsorb moisture, and about 1/4 of the rotor works to desorb moisture. We measure moisture in a unit of weight called grains per pound of dry air (simplified to "grains"). Grains refer to moisture rather than a humidity percentage, but grains and humidity are indeed linked. Even though we attempt to reduce grains per dry air, we cannot have negative grains of moisture; it is an impossibility. Tom also discusses: Sensible vs. latent heat Grain depression Dew point   Learn more about desiccants at the CDI website at cdihvac.com and their YouTube channel HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Carter tells us why compression ratio is important, what it means, why it changes so much on heat pump systems, and the effect it has on system operation. We also talk a bit more about heat pumps and their unique challenges beyond compression ratio. Compression ratio is a comparison of discharge pressure to suction pressure. A ratio of 3:1 indicates that the discharge pressure is three times higher than the suction pressure. The higher the pressure difference, the less gas you move and the less efficient your system is. The compressor has a fixed volume, but the gas's actual mass varies based on density and pressure. So, lower suction pressure results in less gas being moved. Dirty filters, coils, and other means of clogging the system can drastically increase the compression ratio. Heat pumps are especially sensitive to compression ratio changes because they move varying amounts of refrigerant depending on the operating mode. As such, charging heat pumps can be a challenge. Some heat pump manufacturers use a charge compensator to help make charging a slightly less difficult task. Heat pumps may also have coils with smaller surface areas, which can drive up the compression ratio. Heat pumps have highly variable evaporator temperatures, and refrigeration systems have highly variable condensing temperatures. Both of these highly variable conditions may indicate systems with susceptibility to high compression ratios. In the case of refrigeration systems, the metering devices are critical components for reducing keeping the compression ratios at bay. If you cannot find manufacturer literature or are working on an old heat pump, Carter recommends using airflow and temperature difference to determine how much heating the system is accomplishing. Carter and Bryan also discuss: Rheem and Ruud heat pumps Centrifugal blowers Plenum placement New inverter-driven compressors   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.  

In today's podcast, Bryan talks about voltage (volts) and resistance (ohms), specifically using a voltmeter and an ohmmeter for diagnosis. We also discuss voltage drop. In many cases, Ohm's law is impractical for field usage because of the additional resistance from inductive reactance. We also don't typically measure impedance and only care about resistance on the windings. However, Ohm's law is still a valuable concept because it teaches technicians the relationship between voltage, amperage, and resistance (ohms). Ohm's law states that volts equal amps multiplied by ohms (E = I x R). Therefore, if the volts stay constant, ohms will increase as amps decrease and vice versa. We distinguish lines from loads in circuits; we say that loads are the parts that "do" something due to resistance in a circuit. There are two kinds of loads: inductive and resistive. Inductive loads generate expanding/collapsing magnetic fields, which can also cause rotational force or activate a solenoid. Resistive loads generate light and heat, so heat and resistance are related. Of course, the diagnostic tools we use (multimeters, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, etc.) also have their limitations. A voltmeter merely determines a difference in charges between two points. When using a voltmeter on a low-voltage circuit, try to plant one of your leads on the common side and take readings throughout the circuit with your hot lead. Ground is also NOT a reliable reference point for diagnosis. The point of measurements is to prove what we suspect to be true; we must understand what our data mean for system operation and what our tools' diagnostic limitations are. For example, when we ohm out contactors, we check to see if they're open. Bryan also discusses: Fixed wattage or resistance Reading between wires Meter lead placement Amperage (dynamic current/electrons) Undiagnosed shorted circuits Contact points Voltage drop and resistance Infinite ohms Wire length   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss talks all about variable-speed motor technology. He discusses why those motors exist, what they do, and how to think differently about the future of HVAC/R. Most techs think about variable-speed motors as the X13 and ECM blowers in residential applications. Those motors can adjust their performance based on ambient temperatures and moisture levels. So, variable performance may result in better comfort and efficiency. ECM motors adjust airflow based on sensor inputs, especially dehumidification calls. The sensors may pick up both sensible and latent heat content. Sensible heat is what we can feel (dry-bulb temperature). Latent heat refers to moisture in the air (humidity, wet-bulb). ECM motors adjust their speed based on data from both, which is highly beneficial for greater comfort in the home. Human comfort is a lot more complex than feeling satisfied with a single number on the thermostat; ECM motors help control humidity and give you more leeway over selecting an acceptable dry-bulb temperature of a space. Variable-speed motors exist on the commercial side of the HVAC industry as well. Commercial HVAC equipment brings in more fresh air and is overall less restrictive than residential. A variable-speed motor can help manage the latent heat of fresh air and work as a form of air treatment. Variable-speed motors compare indoor and outdoor conditions to treat the fresh air and maintain the indoor conditions. These motors account for sensible and latent heat loads, just like the residential ECM motors, and they adjust themselves constantly. Jamie and Bryan also discuss: Capacity and heat profiles X13 motor controversy Having multiple variable-speed components in a system (compressor, blower, etc.) Sensible heat ratio (SHR) and heat load matching Complex human comfort Reheat coils Air treatment requirements   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Jack Rise returns to the podcast to share some duct design facts with us and talk about his Manual D book on the ACCA website. Before we can even start thinking about duct design, we need to think about the total effective length; even before that, we also need to think about finding the critical path. The critical path is the path with the greatest resistance to airflow (from the return to supply); the fittings in the critical path contribute to the duct's total effective length. Flex duct is a controversial and somewhat complicated building material. It's common in Florida, but Jack doesn't use it in his duct designs; he can't depend on others to install it properly. Very few people tend to install flex ducts as tightly as they probably should. Noise is a problem for ducts, and takeoffs on the plenum are a significant contributor to noise issues. Instead, Jack suggests having a takeoff from the collar that goes straight into the appropriately sized duct for the desired airflow. (It's also worth noting that noise is subjective and is difficult to measure.) It's also unwise to position two takeoffs directly across from each other, as noise travels across those. The rise of indoor air quality (IAQ) products also requires us to look at duct design facts. Filtration improves IAQ but increases static pressure and can impede airflow. We need to be able to plan for IAQ products when we design ductwork. Jack and Bryan also discuss: Selecting the equipment location and position Balancing damper placement and leakage Radial systems and symmetry Plenum sizing Why panning is not great (and illegal) Why bay jumping is a bad idea Duct design vs. truss positioning Airflow in the occupied zone   Check out Jack's book, Understanding Manual D, HERE. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Nate Adams joins the podcast to describe the method behind his madness of removing gas meters and installing heat pumps in Ohio. Nate is in the home performance business, and he focuses on its intersection with the HVAC industry We typically find heat pumps in milder climates, so removing gas meters and replacing them with heat pumps is a bold move in cold climates. However, high-performance heat pumps have inverter technology, which allows them to run in colder climates without freezing over in the snow. Nate predicts an eventual switch to heat pumps from fossil fuels. Heat pumps that rely on geothermal, solar, and other renewable energy sources will be much better for the environment than natural gas and oil. Backdrafting and CO issues are also nonexistent in heat pumps. However, we also have to consider domestic hot water and other appliances that use natural gas when we switch homes over to heat pump technology. When colder climates embrace electric heat pumps, they will have to prepare for increased dehumidification needs due to the moisture in the air during the spring and fall. According to some tests run by Nate, fully electric systems model nicely and perform on par with gas furnaces in his Ohio climate. However, some people may object to heat pump installations because they prefer the comfort of gas furnaces. When you look at mean radiant temperature (MRT), surface temperature contributes most to human comfort. In that case, BTU output and load matching are what really matter, not the system type. Nate and Bryan also discuss: Equipment sizing for load conditions Split systems and backup heat Being theoretical vs. using real data ACH50 vs. CFM50 High-efficiency furnaces and combustion air Determining surface temps and MRT Startup and commissioning of high-performance heat pumps Dehumidification and reheat systems   Learn more at energysmartohio.com and natethehousewhisperer.com. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Bill Johnson is one of the great educators and writers of our time in HVAC/R. In this podcast episode, he shares some information about his career and some of his top tips on keeping systems leak-free. Bill began his work on leak-free solutions by using Glyptal on centrifugal compressors. The Glyptal would harden around leaks and seal them up. Nowadays, this is an ineffective approach to sealing leaks in higher-pressure systems. Bill got the idea to start manipulating pressures to minimize leaks with a standing pressure test for 24 hours at the highest test pressure recommended by the manufacturer. That is Bill's best practice, though it is not always feasible. Bill's rationale is that leaks become much more evident under those testing conditions. (Remember, pressurize the line set. Pressurizing the system can be a bad idea.) On top of that, Bill recommends pulling a deep vacuum and performing a standing vacuum check according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Fitting inspections are also critical; fittings may be sealed imperfectly, and they are common leak points. Check fittings with a mirror and a good light to look for imperfections and cracks. Leaks generally occur in piping, not the equipment itself. Moreover, vibrations and corrosion generally cause leaks. Begin a leak inspection by leak-checking the gauge ports BEFORE attaching gauges. In general, inspect the entirety of the equipment with your senses before attaching gauges. When leak-testing with soap bubbles, make sure to use one that doesn't need to be washed with water, as water can lead to corrosion. (We recommend Refrigeration Technologies Big Blu.) Most of all, don't leave a job until you find a leak or confirm that the system is leak-free! Bill also discusses: Being an HVAC teacher Critical charge leak detection Pressurizing with nitrogen Misleading leak detection equipment Torque wrenches   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Jim takes us all the way through the history of furnaces, from the Stone Age when he was a child to modern modulating condensing types. The goal of a furnace is to move heat, so a furnace uses heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer. Furnaces have primary and secondary air. The primary air goes through the burner, and the secondary air goes around the flame and is pulled in around the heat exchanger inlet. So, the flame's heat creates a draft that pulls air in. Natural gas and oil (LP/propane) furnaces are common nowadays, but we initially burned wood and coal in furnaces. The first gas furnaces came into existence by modifying coal, not from the gas lines we see nowadays. Long ago, the flue gases were also exhausted to the basement; CO poisoning was less of a concern back then, as combustion was usually complete. Burning the building was a much more severe risk. The first "gas crisis" in the 1970s forced us to focus on gas furnace efficiency. In that time, we developed spill switches and retrofit kits that converted furnaces over to spark ignition. In the 1980s, we came out with the draft-induced 80% furnaces we see nowadays. We also eliminated standing pilots and draft diverters. Even though the appliances became more efficient, we didn't actually burn the gas any more efficiently. So, despite the technological advancements we've made over the years, we don't actually burn gas any more efficiently than we did in the 1930s. However, our modern furnace technology has eliminated standby losses, controlled ignition, and focused on the role of latent heat in combustion. Jim also discusses: Flame color and types Draft hoods and diverters Products of complete combustion Excess air: a double-edged sword Natural ventilation Efficiency percentages Furnace testing and ratings Turbulators Modulation   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

This podcast episode on electrical circuits is a class recording. In it, Bryan discusses transformers, ground, common, and line vs. load sides of a circuit. Transformers use induction to pass alternating current signals to electrical appliances. Alternating currents (AC circuits) are tricky because the current switches direction each time. Therefore, the current flow is difficult to visualize because the direction keeps changing. Electrons naturally want to go to the other side of the transformer, not to ground. So, we have to connect both sides of the transformer to ground to send electrons to ground. (In this case, ground refers to the metal body of equipment, not the earth.) A "short" is an undesigned path, typically taken at high current due to low resistance. The high current can blow fuses and cause equipment failure. Therefore, we connect to ground to prevent that high current from taking paths that will cause equipment failure. The part of the circuit that we call "hot" is on the line side of the switch. That part is the line that goes into the switch. The part of the line that leads from the switch to the load is called the load side. After the load, we have "common" or "neutral." When common is connected to ground, it will be electrically the same as ground. However, it's worth noting that "common" can mean several different things in electrical. (Typically, we call common "L2" in high-voltage circuits with multiple phases, "neutral" in 120v circuits, and "common" in low-voltage circuits.) Bryan also discusses: The downsides of memorizing wire colors for making connections "Common" misconceptions Switch types in electrical circuits Thinking of connections as a switch and load Various terminals and wires    If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

In HVAC work, we deal with quite a few electrical components. But where does electricity come from? Why do electrons move? In this podcast episode, we talk about differential charges, sine waves, and some voltage measurement basics. A large chunk of electrical theory is centered on electron movement. We get electrons to move with differentials in charges or energy states. Nature tends towards equilibrium, so electrons will move to restore a state of balance. A battery or transformer does not create energy; they create energy imbalances that cause electron motion to occur. Alternating current (AC) creates a differential by reversing the direction of current several times per second. Transformers and motors use AC power and inductance to drive HVAC systems. When testing with a voltmeter, you're looking for a difference in charges. So, the probe placement matters. When you have no difference in charges, no electrical work is being done. Most of the power we use comes from power plants. At these power plants, rotating magnetic fields generate the power we use. Power generated through magnetism creates a sine wave. A sine wave is a variation of a circle; the wave goes up and down in a cyclical pattern. So, you can look at sine waves and determine exactly how legs of power are out of phase with each other. For example, single-phase power comes in and splits at the transformer, creating an opposing sine wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the power leg (when one wave peaks, the other valleys). There is also some confusion surrounding "neutral" and "ground." Ground is merely a conductor for safety reasons and has nothing to do with electrical operations; the ground does not generate electron movement. Neutral is NOT the same thing; neutral is a circuit conductor, but we usually connect it to ground.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Do you think of the building envelope as a duct? Do you test it? In this podcast episode, Joe Medosh talks to us about envelope testing and why it’s the future of building health and comfort. The building envelope is the largest duct in the entire home. However, so many HVAC techs forget about it; they attempt to optimize comfort in the HVAC system and ducts, not the home itself. Techs use Manual J and S, but they don't use the infiltration rate in their calculations. Infiltration in the envelope is a major culprit of discomfort in the home, especially through and around windows. We use blower doors to determine leakage. During the blower door test, we depressurize the home by a pressure difference of -50 Pa, and we can then calculate the air changes per hour by taking the CFM, dividing it by the volume, and multiplying that number by 60. The pressure pan is another tool that we use to determine leakage. Pressure pans are semi-quantitative tools that help you figure out where leaks are coming from; you won't find out how much CFM leakage you have, but you will find out if there is CFM leakage. The commercial HVAC industry has already used "fresh air" in buildings via economizers. However, the residential HVAC industry does not bring fresh air in via the HVAC system. Joe proposes solutions to seal homes but allow fresh air to enter the home in a controlled manner; when we bring that fresh air in, we could implement dehumidification measures to avoid fungal growth. Joe also discusses: Windows and energy savings myths Measuring volume in the home Common sources of leakage in the home Gas appliances and combustion/CO risks in tighter homes Outdoor air and retrofit applications Backdraft Balancing ventilation   Check out Retrotec at retrotec.com or purchase Retrotec products from TruTech Tools at trutechtools.com/retrotec. (Use the code "getschooled" at checkout for a discount!) If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Ductless expert Jesse Claerbout talks about his best maintenance practices for ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. This episode is part 2 of the two-part series.  Ductless outdoor units tend to have clean condensing coils. The only real issues are grass clippings (and cottonwood, in some locations). which typically don't affect performance too sharply. Jesse likes to clean outdoor units with plain water; he does not use cleaners. Drain cleaning is a little more involved than condenser cleaning. When cleaning a gravity drain, Jesse uses a shop vac to get rid of standing water. He does not run water through the drain line until after he begins reassembling everything after cleaning. Three main lines need to be insulated: the suction line, expansion line, and drain line. A proper ductless maintenance procedure will include checking the state of those lines' insulation. Condensate pumps can be a necessary evil in ductless unit maintenance. The cleaning procedure is straightforward, but it requires a lot of work and leaves plenty of room for techs to cut corners. Much of the difficulty comes from exposing the reservoir, which is the component that truly needs cleaning. You can clean it from the poly-tubing, but you must use a shop-vac to clean it thoroughly. When you finish, make sure that the blower wheel sounds right and that no parts are rubbing against each other. Let the unit run for 15-20 minutes before taking line temperatures so that all the parts can dry. Check the charge (preferably without gauges), air temperature split, and your amperage to make sure that the unit works as it should. Overall, the most important goal of ductless maintenance is to establish a cleaning regime that works for your business and the customer.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Ductless expert Jesse Claerbout talks about his best practices for maintaining ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. This episode is part 1 out of 2. Ductless maintenance can be a bit more extensive than regular split system maintenance. Ductless filters are plastic; they are not high-MERV and can simply be washed off with water. Customers can clean their own filters with nothing but water from a hose or sink. Blower wheels are a bit more challenging than filters; the blower wheels are long, have small cups that are prone to buildup, and carry an electrostatic charge. Due to the blower wheels' challenging nature, technicians require special training to deal with the additional labor, and customers require special education. As such, we at Kalos charge for special blower wheel maintenance. We pull the blowers from the systems and clean them (though the process of getting a blower wheel off the blower shaft is complicated). You can wash the blower wheel outside with a safe cleaner; make sure the wheel is dry when it goes back inside. Removing the blower wheel gives you full access to the drain pan. During a ductless maintenance procedure, remember to clean out the drain pan thoroughly with a safe cleaner. If you clean ANY component indoors, use a drop cloth, especially if you're cleaning on carpet. We clean evaporator coils and the housing with spray bottles (preferably) or pump sprayers. Clean WITH the grain, not against it, and use only water or mild, non-toxic cleaners. A botanical cleaner works well, especially for customers who may have allergies. Rectorseal also has a cleaning kit (Desolv) that comes with a good coil cleaner, a cleaning bib that surrounds the ductless unit, and a pump sprayer.   If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.