Learning the Basics of HVAC - To understand air conditioning and heat pump applications you will need to study refrigeration. Both air conditioners and heat pumps use refrigeration to move heat. Air conditioners move heat outside in the summertime using the process of refrigeration. Furthermore, heat pumps move heat in both directions (to the inside in the winter and to the outside in the summer) using the principles of refrigeration. (more…)
HVACR Pipe Soldering Brazing - In HVACR there are two major types of soldering done. Soft Soldering for soldering water pipes and brazing or silver soldering for soldering refrigeration piping. There are various techniques for both types of soldering and everyone develops their own in the field but it is important to follow the basics of soldering when joining the piping together. Following the basics of soldering will ensure success and we all enjoy a successful job completed.
As always safety is first with anything. Two big considerations must be adhered to when soldering or brazing:
Electric Motors Basics - The HVAC industry depends heavily on the electric motor. Furthermore, the electric motor is the primary component that powers blowers to move air. Additionally, electric motors drive compressors to compress refrigerants. Lastly, the electric motor powers a pump to move water for chilled water and hot water applications, and fuel oil.
Additionally, the electric motor is an integral part of all HVAC systems, and many HVAC applications would be impossible to implement without the old electric motor. (more…)
HVAC and Electrical Fundamentals - Electricity is usually produced by a generator at a power station and delivered to sub-stations for distribution to homes and businesses. Electricity can also be produced using chemicals like the chemical processes produced in batteries. There is also static electricity which is generally produced from friction and is oftentimes uncontrollable like lightning. (more…)
Air Filter Maintenance for Air Conditioning and Heating - Changing filters is a basic first step of proper HVAC maintenance and is necessary to keep the system running tip-top. Dirty air conditioner filters inhibit proper air flow and decrease efficiency and comfort for your air conditioner and furnace. A good air filter maintenance program will help avoid typical maintenance issues associated with dirty filters. Filters are essential for keeping evaporator coils clean and free of debris and dust. This air filter maintenance is not important? Read what happened to this person for not changing their filters on a regular basis. Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage (more…)
Air Conditioning Service Repair - No matter what name brand (York, Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem) of air conditioning and/or heating unit you purchase some time or the other you will need to have that air conditioning and heating equipment checked for a problem and repaired. Even if you have regular air conditioning maintenance done. While there are air
conditioning and heating manufacturers that engineer quality into their air conditioning and heating equipment, that equipment is prone to breakdown simply because it is a mechanical/electrical device and will need repair sometime throughout its useful life. (more…)
Converting an Air Conditioner to a Heat Pump
Can I convert my air conditioner to a heat pump?
Yes you can do this if you:
I get this question a lot in my emails and wanted to address it. The time and materials it would take to change an air conditioner into a heat pump are not worth it. You would be better off having a new heat pump installed replacing the old air conditioning unit. For me, or another HVAC technician, this would be a pet project for teaching students how to braze for refrigeration and wire heat pump controls for the proper sequence of operation.
It would be a good lesson in metering devices for air conditioners and heat pumps. It would also be a good lesson in finding all the appropriate parts for the size and model number of the air conditioner equipment.
What Type of HVAC System Needed for Sun Porch - We added a 300 sq. ft. of living space to our home as a sun porch. How do we effectively, efficiently heat/cool this space? We’ve been pitched several options. 1) Use existing with a manual duct damper to the new sun porch. 2) same as above but use a zoned approach. Zoned w/auto dampers for main house 1st floor and sun porch plus separate thermostats. 3) HVAC with new units for sun porch (e.g., radiate, forced air, etc) (more…)
SEER Definition: The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. The higher the SEER number the better the system is at converting electricity into cooling your home. Simply put, manufacturers use it to differentiate between less efficient equipment to the more efficient equipment they sell.
Equipment is tested in a third-party laboratory and the results are certified by ARI. Furthermore, the result of the testing can be looked up in the ARI database for each of equipment if you have the model number. It should be noted that ARI uses strict testing parameters in testing HVAC equipment. Additionally, these standards are issued by ANSI or other respected organizations that issue standardization rules throughout the industry. (more…)
