Air filters create resistance to airflow that can reduce a fan’s ability to move air by up to 50%. You can evaluate the filter’s impact on airflow by measuring the pressure drop over it. It takes less than a minute to do. It is often the diagnostic test that identifies the problem in nearly one …
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What makes modular or two-piece different from their single-piece cousins when it comes to measuring total external static pressure (TESP)? In this article we’ll examine the differences and discuss how to measure TESP correctly. “As-Shipped” The “As-Shipped” idea is helpful when measuring the TESP of two-piece air handlers. So, what do you find when you …
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I hear a lot of reasons for taking static pressure measurements on every service call. One of the most common is that it takes too long — there isn’t enough time on a call to do it. Let’s face it, technicians have a lot of responsibilities and measuring static pressure adds to them. What if …
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Many technicians who work on fuel-fired equipment will admit they’ve singed their eyebrows when watching a burner light. It’s a rite of passage among most seasoned technicians. What if there was a safer way to check ignition instead of sticking your face in front of a burner? Fortunately, there is, and it involves using a …
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Chances are high that you’ve encountered disastrous equipment replacement jobs you’d love to forget. Whether it’s the customer who now has high humidity issues, or the system that can’t maintain temperature anymore — we’ve all experienced them. Indeed, in many of these occurrences, attention to detail and avoiding bad industry habits helps prevent the occasional …
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Many homeowners across the U.S. live in uncomfortable conditions. Sadly, most are convinced it’s normal. As an HVAC contractor, there are some common steps you can take to deal with their discomfort, and make conditions much more bearable. If you know what to look for, you can easily see the signs. Let’s look at the …
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Measuring static pressure on air handling equipment that has variable-speed fans can be a challenge to both new and experienced technicians. By addressing a few details, your readings will be consistent when you encounter this blower type. Let’s look at three tips you can use the next time you measure static pressure on a variable-speed …
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Many technicians get distressed when they measure draft pressure in the flue and discover the reading is zero. Let’s look at three common reasons for zero draft pressure in a flue. We’ll also determine what defect you’re dealing with. Reason #1: Zero Draft from Building Depressurization Building depressurization is probably the most common reason for …
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The use of energy is what drives an HVAC system. Many of us remember learning about potential and kinetic energy in high school and wondering, when will we ever use this stuff? The truth is potential and kinetic energy are both forces we either ignore or apply in our professional and personal lives. Let’s examine …
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Safe operation of any fuel-fired equipment requires adequate combustion air supply. To provide this essential system component, technicians typically install openings constructed of metal ducts or fixed grilles. This provides air from the outside or from an adjoining part of a building. Since combustion air openings are ducts, let’s look at the variables affecting airflow …
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