by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |

The automatic air vent is found in the piping system of water loops. If air is introduced into the water loop system it eventually finds its way to the automatic air vent where it is vented. The automatic air vents are located throughout the system. Automatic air vents may also be found throughout any hydronic loop system. A hydronic loop is a water loop.
These water loops can be for hot water or chilled water. Any hydronic loop needs an air management system or automatic air bleeder system to keep the air out of the system otherwise, the air will be up in the system and air will block or prevent the flow of water throughout the loop. Water naturally has air in it. Air vents help the water loop by: (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Air Handlers |
Air Handler Smoke Detectors NFPA - Installing duct smoke detectors or smoke detectors in air handlers are not ideal for the protection of life and property in the event of a fire or smoke condition. The NFPA and mechanical codes cover smoke detectors. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice |
Heat Pump Vs Electric Furnace - Richard, Thank you for such a great site! We have learned a lot from reading your site and recommend it to all our friends. I have to replace our air conditioner that has an electric furnace for heat. We got several quotes from three different contractors. Two of the contractors are recommending replacing the electric furnace with a heat pump system. The heat pump will have electric heat back up.

Internal Components of a Heat Pump Condenser
We live in North Carolina and the winters here are relatively mild compared to the Northern states. We are unsure about the heat pump system. Please give us some advice about buying a heat pump over an electric furnace and new air conditioner. Thanks and we look forward to your answer. Robert and Vicky (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Gas Furnaces |

To Troubleshoot a Goodman Gas Pack one should understand sequence of operation for gas packs
Gas Furnaces Sequence of Operation – Why is furnace sequence of operation important? If a technician is to properly troubleshoot a gas furnace he needs to know the proper sequence of operation for the particular furnace he is troubleshooting. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Gas Furnaces |

Gas Fired Pool Heater
Gas Furnace Types come in a variety of sizes and can be used for different applications. Types of gas furnaces have different classifications. By and large, the most common gas furnaces use natural gas and utilize electronic ignition. Electronic ignition gas furnaces are slowly replacing the older style standing pilot furnaces where a pilot light remained lit all the time.
Now, with the newer modern electronic ignition, gas furnaces only use gas when there is an actual call for heat. That adds efficiency because, with the older standing pilot gas furnace, the pilot remained on even in the summer months. The heat produced by a standing pilot light is negligible. However, it is still added heat to the system in the summer.
The whole purpose of the AC in the summer is to remove the heat from the system. Rather than add heat like a standing pilot would do.
(more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Direct Digital Controls |

These Alerton controllers control a heat exchanger and air handler
Alerton Controllers DDC HVAC Control - HVAC DDC control has become an integral part of building automation systems. Modern DDC HVAC Control is a state-of-the-art computer-controlled system that adds efficiency to the system. These Alerton controllers are used to monitor and control an air handling unit for a large building. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Air Handlers |
This is an air conditioner condensation drainpipe that drains the condensation from the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil operates below the dew point when the system is in air conditioning mode. As humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil the humidity or moisture in the air condenses. The condensation runs down the coil and into a condensation drain pan. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice |

Boiler Systems Installation - It is very important to get it right the first time!
Boiler Systems Installation - Purchasing a boiler can be daunting for most people. Many people do not understand boilers and do not know certain components of boiler systems. Typically they trust the installing contractor to outfit and install the boiler with all the proper boiler components.
That includes making recommendations for optional boiler components that increase efficiency and performance. There are resources you can use to try to understand boiler components such as High Performance HVAC. However, overall, this research or study will not make one an expert in boiler installation. We have to trust the boiler installer and the skills of the contractor.
(more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Thermostats |
Heat Pump Thermostats - To the average person a heat pump thermostat can be a very complicated thermostat compared to the typical thermostat which serves an air conditioning system with gas, electric, or an oil furnace. Of course, the heat pump thermostat typically has more wire terminations than the regular thermostat.
It has more switches to control emergency heat, and some even have lights, which will indicate that the auxiliary heat or emergency heat is functioning. Most heat pump thermostats are two-stage thermostats for the heating mode and a single stage for the cooling mode.
(more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Technical Reference |
What is NATE? HVAC Education NATE Certification - NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and NATE is a certification group that oversees the training, testing, and certification of HVACR technicians throughout North American. NATE is highly respected throughout the HVACR industry and an HVAC technician who achieves NATE certification is considered very knowledgeable and skilled in the HVAC trade or HVAC certification specialty. It is a step up in heating and cooling education for HVAC Techs. (more…)