Consider this: The “Operating System” (programs like Microsoft’s Windows) is the most powerful program in your computer. Without a powerful operating system, your device is just a collection of parts that do nothing but sit there. The first business computer on my desk was an Epson QX-10 that featured the “CP/M” operating system. It was …
Read more
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 …
Read more
When replacing HVAC equipment, better service companies offer duct upsize and system performance upgrades as an option to their customers. These upgrades allow the duct system to perform closer to the level of efficiency claimed by the equipment manufacturer. Let’s take a look at the steps necessary to effectively upsize a residential duct system. Why …
Read more
Changes are coming. If our President-Elect remains true to his campaign promises, bolstered by a business-friendly congress, we could see a very positive environment in 2017 for small businesses — i.e. HVAC contractors. Of course, we should take campaign promises with a grain of salt, as we know politicians will usually say anything to win …
Read more
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.” …
Read more
Twenty-two years ago NCI set out on a mission to help the HVAC industry move towards measured performance. At the time, we envisioned a future where most systems would perform at over 90% delivered efficiency. We believed the industry would fix most of the HVAC systems in homes and buildings once the issue was recognized. …
Read more
Beating the Comfort Commodity Challenge When it comes to comfort differentiation, HVAC manufacturers have it tough these days. The rapid pace of technological development means that no single manufacturer can maintain a competitive edge for very long. Each one invests millions of dollars developing new products and, before they can cash their first check, one …
Read more
Like blood pressure in humans, static pressure impacts HVAC systems, positively or negatively, depending on what that pressure is. We all know that high or low pressure is bad for human health. The same is true when it comes to building static pressure as well. Taking a building’s static pressure lets you “see” the HVAC …
Read more
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 …
Read more
About 10 years ago, a book titled, “Blue Ocean Strategy” was published by the Harvard Business Review Press. When I first read this book I recognized the things that we’d been doing at NCI for the previous 10 years were actually part of a blue ocean strategy. Our blue ocean was, and is, helping our …
Read more
