Economizers are in the spotlight as a prime opportunity for energy savings in the commercial HVAC marketplace. It’s said, with little argument from those in the field, that nearly 80% of air-side economizers are non-functional. So if that’s true, opportunity is calling any mechanical contractor willing to step up and take this bull by the …
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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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Anyone who knows me knows my love for science fiction stories. I’ve been reading them most of my life. One of my favorite sub-genres focus on future societies and how technology impacts the lives of people living in them. Some of the most creative authors favor this genre and some of their ideas are taking …
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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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If you’ve been in the HVAC industry for any length of time, you’re familiar with complaints involving dust and dirty equipment. As a result, most technicians target the air filter first when they receive such calls. As you investigate these problems, keep in mind how the following ways reduce filtration effectiveness so you can more …
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Flex ducts could be in imminent danger. A few months ago, I wrote about a recent proposal to severely limit the use of flexible (flex) ducts. Due to poor installation methods, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is proposing to limit use of flexible duct to only five feet in length. How …
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Let’s talk airflow. We live back in the woods on a half-acre with fifteen 100-foot tall oak trees. For years I’ve imagined sharing leaf blowing airflow lessons with my fellow airheads. Let’s take a look at the mad airflow skills you can master while blowing leaves. Fascinating Statistics “If you don’t measure, you’re just guessing.” …
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Flex duct versus metallic duct: for decades many considered duct material the key to how well an HVAC system delivers airflow to the conditioned space. You should start paying closer attention to this discussion. Events unfolding over the next few months could ultimately determine how much flexible duct you will be allowed to use when …
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LEAVE THAT THERMOSTAT ALONE!!!! Staying comfortable in our homes and workplaces has become something of a battleground over the last three decades. OK, let’s not pull any punches — it’s a war! Especially when you think about all the different age groups and generations who live and work together. Each “group” has different comfort needs …
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When it comes to HVAC sales, things can be quite confusing. The rapid pace of technological development means that no manufacturer can maintain a competitive edge for very long. Manufacturers develop a hot new box and, before they can cash their first check, a competitor has produced a bigger, better, faster or cheaper version. As …
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