by High Performance HVAC | Technical Reference |

Chapter Three NEC and HVAC - Chapter Three in the NEC covers Wiring Methods which includes how the wiring is supposed to run, the conduit for wiring, outlets, junctions, and switch points, and a host of other topics about the proper way to run wiring.
HVAC Technicians will be familiar with piping support as is required in the Mechanical Code and electricians must follow some of the same rules when running conduit and add support for the conduit. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Technical Reference |
Boiler Piping Flow Pipe Sizing - Copper and Steel Pipe Flow Rates and Characteristics of Piping in Hot Water Boiler Loops
Hot water boiler pipe sizing is important and based on many factors including BTU and Delta (Δ) T Calculations.
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by High Performance HVAC | Duct Work |
Most air conditioning and heating systems require some form of ductwork. Ductwork channels or directs the air to places in the dwelling where the conditioned air is needed. There are many types of ductwork available. Often times the ductwork can make a big difference in your utility bills. For that reason, it is important that the ductwork is installed correctly by qualified installation technicians. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |
Circulator Pump Maintenance Basics | HVAC Hydronics - How many times have you repaired a coupling (or know a technician who repaired a coupling) only to return in a short period of time to repair the same coupling again? Did you or that technician take the time to figure out why the coupling went out in the first place? Sometimes we do but most of the time we are in a hurry and want to get the system fixed.
Then move on to another job. There is an inner desire in all of us to make the customer happy by restoring their hydronic system. Restore it so comfort or temperature control can be realized once again. Going back to the basics can help us from making that return call to make another repair.
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by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice |
HVAC Tax Rebates and Credits | Buyers Advice - Tax Rebates and Credits for HVAC can encompass several different ways to receive credit, an increased refund, or another way of getting money for upgrades you make to the HVAC equipment you have in your home or business. There is a comprehensive source for finding these tax rebates and tax credits from both government agencies and from utilities.
Tax rebates and credits are applicable to not only upgrades in the efficiency levels of HVAC equipment but also upgrades in windows and insulation. Any type of upgrade that will reduce energy use can be eligible for a tax credit or tax rebate or a reduction in the amount you pay for utilities. Click the image below to go to the database of tax rebates for all states in the USA.

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by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
Scroll Compressors - One of the workhorses for heat pumps and air conditioners is the scroll compressor. The scroll compressor works as many other compressors do as far as the refrigeration process is concerned. The scroll compresses the refrigerant thereby raising its pressure and temperature. The compressor does its job by making cool refrigerant and turning it into hot refrigerant changing both the temperature and the pressure. Since the late 90′s, the scroll has taken off and has nearly replaced the reciprocating compressor in the average air conditioner and heat pump system. Two-stage scroll compressors have replaced using two reciprocating compressors in an air conditioner or heat pump condenser that is high efficiency.
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by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
HVAC Refrigeration Evacuation | Technical Refrigeration - Why is it necessary to evacuate a refrigeration system before charging it with refrigerant? Because all systems are designed to operate without moisture or non-condensable gas in the system. If your air conditioner or heat pump was installed without a proper evacuation the system it will not function as designed and will likely fail prematurely. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
Efficiency Factors for Condensing Units - For years compressors inside the condensing unit were sized to meet the highest load demand for whatever application they were serving. Even today, many compressors, located inside the condensing unit are sized in accordance with their highest load demand even though it is unlikely they will only be needed to run for full load conditions approximately 30-35% of the time.
While many systems have worked just fine this way for many years they have not been very energy efficient. So even on a mild day, these compressors run full blast even though the system may only require the compressor to run at 50% capacity to satisfy the demand. That creates problems with short cycling which causes premature wear, higher maintenance costs, and reduces total compressor lifespan. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Heat Pumps |
Heat Pump Electric Backup Heating Basics. There are different types of electric heating available in homes. Probably the most common use for electric heat other than portable electric heating units is electric heat strips. Electric heat strips used for backup heat in heat pumps. Sizing the electric heat strips for heat pump backup heating applications will depend on many different variables.
These variables include the size of the space to be heated and the insulation values of the whole structure. It also includes doors and windows. Additionally, it includes the geographical location of the dwelling, along with many other factors. Backup heat for heat pumps is essential for the defrost cycle. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Thermostats |
What you will learn from the Troubleshooting Broken Thermostats article:
- One of the most common trouble calls for HVAC heating and cooling
- Basic checks of the HVAC System thermostat to see if it is broken or?
- The basics of the thermostat for an HVAC system
- Learn what a heating anticipator is and what type of thermostat uses them.
- Fixing a Broken Thermostat for an HVAC System
- Finally, lots of related useful links to help you learn your heating and cooling HVAC system
Troubleshooting Broken Thermostats - The main connection between the air conditioning and heating system and the end-user is the thermostat. Beyond the air conditioning and heating thermostat, many people know nothing about the HVAC systems that keep them comfortable year-round. While the thermostat may be the problem, make sure you eliminate other possible heating and cooling problems.
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