by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |
Hot Water Boiler Reset Control - Richard, We are looking at replacing our boiler with a new hot water boiler. The HVAC contractor, I suppose he is the salesman for the HVAC contractor, is trying to sell us what he refers to as a reset control for our boiler. He tells us it will save us more money by making our boiler more efficient. I think I understand how it works but my wife is not entirely sure about it. Can you tell us what you think about a boiler reset control and how it works?
Thanks, and we have learned so much from High Performance HVAC. And keep up the good work.
Brent (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
Refrigerant Alarm Control for Chiller Room
This refrigerant alarm serves two chiller rooms and alerts operators and other staff that refrigerant has been released into the mechanical room. Chillers have a built-in pressure relief valve that will release the refrigerant in the event too much pressure builds up in the system. This prevents a possible explosion from too much pressure and also protects the equipment from a catastrophic failure that would make the chiller unusable. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Gas Furnaces |
Trane 90 Plus High-Efficiency Gas Furnace – This is a Trane High-Efficiency gas furnace. It is also called a Trane 90 plus gas furnace because it offers efficiency ratings up to 90 percent plus. Gas or oil furnaces generally cannot achieve efficiency ratings over 95% because of impurities in the fuel including moisture. This is the reason why no fossil fuel furnace sold to the general public has a rating of more than 95% efficient.
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by High Performance HVAC | Commercial HVAC |
The dampers straight across are outside air dampers or make-up air coming from an energy recovery unit. According to the mechanical code, commercial buildings require a certain amount of fresh air from the outside to maintain good IAQ for the occupants.
An energy recovery unit allows it to be conditioned before being introduced into the building. Other methods include using enthalpy calculations to open economizer dampers and/or CO2 control of the dampers. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Commercial HVAC |
Economizer Systems and HVAC Control - Direct Digital Controls Systems in HVAC control have taken leaps and bounds in the last few years. Especially so in being user-friendly, ease of designing systems, troubleshooting system problems, and increasing efficiency over the older energy management systems. When discussing the increasing efficiency of systems the idea of economizing always comes up.
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by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice |
Electronic Ignition vs Standing Pilot - Modern gas furnaces use electronic ignition systems to light the burner’s modern furnaces. One can still purchase a gas furnace or water heater with the old standing pilot ignition systems. These systems have been proven reliable and safe over time.
However, why would someone want to purchase a gas furnace or water with a standing pilot ignition system rather than purchase a gas furnace or water heater with an electronic ignition system? Let’s define the two different types of gas furnace or water heater ignition systems. Then we will surmise based on that why someone would purchase a standing pilot gas ignition system over an electronic ignition system.
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by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
R-410A versus R-22 Refrigerants - R-22 is a refrigerant that has been widely used in air conditioners and heat pumps for many years. It has been deemed hazardous to the environment and it will begin phase-out by law in the year 2010. The replacement refrigerant for R-22, R-410A, is being produced to meet the rising demand for new air conditioner and heat pump systems. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Technical Reference |
The NEC and HVAC Chapter Two - Chapter Two of the National Electrical Code (NEC) covers Wiring and Protection and starts at Branch Circuits, Feeder circuits, GFCI requirements and protection. An HVAC installer may want to pay attention to branch circuit requirements. Article 220 in Chapter two of the NEC includes calculations for branch and feeder circuits including service calculations. (Table 220.3) (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Air Filters |
HVAC Furnace Filter Basics | Indoor Air Quality - Pollen, molds, and dust are common in any household and can be reduced by using an air filter.
To maximize the benefits from the cleaner indoor air you should use electrostatic furnace filters and air conditioner filters along with a high-efficiency air cleaner. Electronic Air Cleaners (EAC’s) can also offer you high-quality clean air over the typical cheap air conditioner and furnace filters on the market today. Clean the air in your home and breathe easier. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |
Boiler Stainless Steel Exhaust Flue Stack: This is a photo of a boiler stainless steel exhaust stack. It is used for venting corrosive boiler combustion gases. As the flue gases leave the boiler they cool and depending on the dew point of the gas, the gas will experience a change of state. It will change from a gas to a liquid. This liquid is highly corrosive and only special flues like stainless steel vent can be used when this occurs. Stainless steel prevents premature failure of the boiler vent.
There are many considerations to consider with a new installation of a heating system in comparison to the type of vent to be utilized. The venting system used to vent the gases from the boiler or furnace safely outdoors. It is imperative that safety guidelines be followed when installing any type of venting system for furnaces or boilers using fossil fuels. For detailed information concerning code requirements for installation of venting systems see the IFGC or International Fuel Gas Code. Chapter 5 and Appendix C of the IFGC offer detailed requirements for the installation of venting systems.
Never sacrifice safely, consult a professional when in doubt. There are many rules to follow. A professional will know these rules and apply them as they install the system. They will also, have the system inspected by the code official in your area to double-check to ensure safety guidelines were followed
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