Direct Digital Controls Commissioning | Building Automation Systems - Preface –This article is not all-inclusive of everything required to properly commission a control system. I wrote this because of my observations of a colleague. The colleague called me in as a consultant to complete the controls commissioning. My colleague’s background was lacking in experience for controls, whereas my background does not suffer from this lack of experience in both controls engineering and commissioning control systems.
Anyhow, buckle your seat belts. It’s a long piece where I cover a lot of ground, although I feel it is not complete. It is simply too long to add to, and I will likely write an accompanying article in the future when I have time from my busy schedule. Comments are always appreciated in the comments section below.
Direct Digital Controls Commissioning | Building Automation Systems - On many commercial construction projects, the HVAC, lighting, electrical, and other systems including life and health are controlled by direct digital controls (DDC). Otherwise referred to as building automation systems (BAS), building monitoring systems (BMS), or energy management systems (EMS).
These systems can be complicated without proper understanding. It is vital before the building is turned over to the owner that these systems are correctly commissioned. Or otherwise set up and tested to ensure they operate correctly. That includes ensuring the operators are trained in its use and are given proper access levels to monitor equipment and systems DDC controls in the building. (more…)
ArcoAire Gas Furnace Reviews | Consumer Opinions- ArcoAire has three specific model series for their gas furnaces. The Ion™ Series, the QuietComfort Series, and the Performance Series. Additionally, the Ion™ Series is their premium brand, while the Performance Series is their economy brand. The Ion™ brand series offer high-efficiency ranges for their top models of gas furnaces.
Three brand series also offer minimum AFUE efficiency ranges to increase your purchase options among the series triple. In the Ion™ and Performance series of ArcoAire gas furnaces, ten gas furnaces are ranging in efficiency rating from 80% AFUE to 98% AFUE. With various features and components, both series brands offer many different options for a potential buyer. We’ll cover the basics here and explain the technical side of the more complex components. (more…)
ArcoAire Package Unit Reviews | Consumer Opinions - Arcoaire currently offers 19 different models of package units among their DuraComfort™ and Performance Series brands. Specifically, 3 models in their ultra-efficient DuraComfort™ Series and the 16 models in their Performance Series. The best performing air conditioner package unit is their 16 SEER DuraComfort model. The next DuraComfort™ model is their combination gas furnace and air conditioner coming in at 16 SEER for the AC side and 81% AFUE for the gas furnace side.
Lastly, ArcoAire has heat pump package units. Efficiency ratings for their DuraComfort™ Series heat pump package unit are 15.5 SEER and 8.5 HSPF. See more about efficiency below along with other details for ArcoAire package units. (more…)
How to Wire a Run Capacitor to a Motor | Blowers & Condensers – Sometimes, when a blower or condenser fan motor goes bad, a technician or even a DIYer has issues wiring the new motor and capacitor. Most motors come with clear instructions or a wiring diagram on the side. However, some people still struggle with the wiring part of the motor to the capacitor.
Furthermore, it is important to get it right to prevent problems including burning up the new motor or even causing a dead short in the wiring and melting the wire. Additionally, a PSC motor will run without a capacitor. However, it will run at higher temperatures pulling more amperage than design. Here we will illustrate the proper wiring for a motor to a run capacitor. (more…)
Blowing Low Voltage Fuse Breaker Trip | Control Wiring Troubleshooting - I’ve got a 5 amp fuse that keeps popping on a circuit board. The voltage out of the transformer reads 26.3 volts. I am still popping fuses and reading over 24 volts. Can you help?
Okay, I can give you some of the basics to help you but first, we need to clear a few things up. You seem to think the voltage is what is causing the fuse to blow. First, it is not voltage that causes fuses or breakers to blow or trip. Secondly, it is amperage. Finally, it is likely you have a dead short from what you are describing but let’s go through the basics first: (more…)
Water Heater Anode Rod - Modern water heater tanks are constructed of steel with a thin glass lining to protect the steel from corrosion. The glass lining will eventually crack, but there is another level of protection from corrosion inside of the tank: the water heater anode rod.
What is a Water Heater Anode Rod?
A water heater anode rod is a long metal (usually magnesium or aluminum) rod that attracts the corrosive elements from water in order to protect the steel tank. Anodes are often screwed into the top of the tank and go almost all the way to the bottom. It is sometimes called the sacrificial water heater anode rod because of the way it sacrifices itself in the tank to protect the steel.
Because the molecules of magnesium and aluminum give up their electrons quicker than steel, rust will only occur on the anode rod while it still has metal to sacrifice. By diverting the rust to only occur on the anode rod, it can extend the life of your water heater. The water heater anode rod’s lifespan depends on a few different factors, namely: quality of the water, the water temperature, amount of use the tank gets, and the overall quality and construction of the tank. If there is salt added to the water as in the case of softened water, anodes corrode at a faster pace.
Anode Rod Options
Adding an additional anode rod should be considered if your model allows for it. By taking up more surface for it to absorb corrosion you can increase the life of your water heater even longer. However, it may not be a good idea if you are having odor problems as it can make the problem worse.
If you are thinking about adding an additional anode rode to your tank, make certain that both are made of the same metal. If one is magnesium and the other aluminum, the magnesium will be consumed more rapidly and you won’t get the desired outcome.
Another option is a powered anode rod or impressed-current anode. These do not sacrifice themselves in order to protect the tank, they instead are plugged into an outlet and stops the tank corrosion by releasing a continuous but small amount of electric current in the water, which prevents the electrochemical reaction that usually causes metallic corrosion. The benefits of a powered water heater anode rod are that they last much longer than a regular anode rod, they usually can take care of smelly water, and are better for the tank if you have soft water in your home.
Anode Rod Types for Different Tanks
There are two anode rod configurations, hex-head, and combo or outlet anodes. Hex-head water heater anode is often found on its own port on the top of the tank. Depending on the model, the hex-head might be exposed or under a plastic cap halfway from the center to the edge. Combo rods have a steel nipple that is plastic lined and used in the hot water port. Frequently tanks with a longer-term warranty have one combo and one hex head, although some just have one combo rod with no option for a second rod.
Anode Rod | Conclusion
Most tank water heaters last approximately 10-12 years, and they are not cheap to replace. Anode rods last 3-5 years and are about 20-50 dollars. Powered anode rods are about 250 dollars. By periodically checking your anode rod and replacing it when necessary, you can prolong the life of your water heater significantly.
Emerson Sensi Thermostat Reviews – the Emerson Sensi thermostat is one of the latest new thermostats that offer WiFi and remote access using a mobile app. These are the thermostats of the future allowing you to see what’s going on with your home temperatures and HVAC settings from anywhere in the world where you have access to a mobile internet connection.
So you and your family finally take that European vacation you have wanted and you completely forgot the thermostat and HVAC settings. No problem, just dial in with your app and change the settings. All from your hotel room in London or Prague.
Here, aside from the WiFi features, we’ll look into everything this thermostat has to offer from pros to cons. We’ll do it in simple terms so hopefully, all your questions will be answered by the end of this review. Including the questions, you didn’t think of yet. Yes, we hope to be that good for our readers! (more…)
Nest Thermostat Technical Review | Consumer Rating – The Nest thermostat is an advanced thermostat with lots of nerdy bells and whistles built into it. At first glance, it is definitely not for everyone. With its simple yet sleek display, looks can be deceiving.
Inside this little is a medley of features that would make the average consumer’s head spin. While some of these features are not unique, the Nest is unique all on its very own. In previous times I would caution people about using such technology simply because of simplicity.
However, Nest does its best to cut through the techno-garble and make things understandable. At least for those who will read the literature that Nest provides. I have found that many people are curious about how things work but when you start discussing it with them in the manner of trying to explain technical details to them you will lose them if you don’t keep it in plain simple terms.
At first glance, Nest attempts to do that and they have succeeded with me. The last thing I want when explaining something technical to someone is for them to get bleary-eyed and zone out of the conversation. Keeping things simple is the best way, IMHO, to prevent that. (more…)
Energy Star Central Air Conditioners | It is not an unusual question. What is an Energy Star air conditioner, and what makes it better than an air conditioner that is not Energy Star rated? We get this question from time to time in our email for different types of HVAC systems including air conditioners. Moreover, many people want to get the best efficiency from their air conditioners including any other types of HVAC systems they have in their home.
Furthermore, they want efficiency basically because it saves them money while they can stay comfortable. With energy costs rising from electric bills to other utility costs, it is important to get the most efficient type of HVAC system you can buy. If you buy one, will an Energy Star rated air conditioner save you money? Is it the best you can get to save money on your utilities? Finally, we will answer those questions in this article as there is no simple answer to these questions. (more…)
What you will learn from High Head Pressure Air Conditioner Heat Pump
An essential troubleshooting list of things that cause high head pressure
What is high head pressure?
Condenser Fan Motors
Condensing Units and Condenser Coils
The Line set and crucial devices in the line set
Non-condensing gases in the system
Refrigerant overcharge
Design conditions and head pressure
High Head pressure for a refrigeration system, including a heat pump or air conditioner can cost you more money and possibly lead to premature failure of the compressor. It can also cause a malfunction in the system that will lead to reduced capacity for cooling and heat (for a heat pump) or the system not functioning at all.
For any refrigeration system, it is vital that all pressures, the suction, and the head pressures are normal and as designed for the load and outdoor ambient temperature.
Some of the initial and essential things to look at when troubleshooting high head pressure include the condenser fan motor working and operating at the proper RPM’s and clean condenser coils. More advanced things to look at include refrigerant overcharge and a restriction in the refrigerant lines. There some other things you can look at when a heat pump or air conditioner is experiencing high head pressure. (more…)
HVAC Tip - HVAC Preventive Maintenance: Just like a vehicle needs preventive maintenance, HVAC systems need a regular maintenance schedule. Having maintenance performed on your air conditioning and heating systems now can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Air Conditioning and heating preventive maintenance also pays for itself by making the unit more efficient, safe, and reliable. Often, a technician can spot a ten dollar part that needs replacing now where if it is let go and not replaced, can cost you hundreds of dollars more in the future. The old phrase is true, "pay me a little now, or a lot later." I see it every day. Basic maintenance on condensers and air handling units will save you money in the long run. If your local heating and cooling company offers maintenance agreements look into getting one for your home or business. Typically, companies offering maintenance agreements waive overtime charges for after hours or emergency calls and offer you reduced prices on parts. That is in addition to performing preventive maintenance twice annually.
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Direct Digital Controls Commissioning | Building Automation Systems - Preface –This article is not all-inclusive of everything required to properly commission a control system. I wrote this because of my observations of a colleague. The colleague called me in as a consultant to complete the controls commissioning. My colleague’s background was lacking in experience for controls, whereas my background does not suffer from this lack of experience in both controls engineering and commissioning control systems. 
ArcoAire Gas Furnace Reviews | Consumer Opinions- ArcoAire has three specific model series for their gas furnaces. The Ion™ Series, the QuietComfort Series, and the Performance Series. Additionally, the Ion™ Series is their premium brand, while the Performance Series is their economy brand. The Ion™ brand series offer high-efficiency ranges for their top models of gas furnaces.
ArcoAire Package Unit Reviews | Consumer Opinions - Arcoaire currently offers 19 different models of package units among their DuraComfort™ and Performance Series brands. Specifically, 3 models in their ultra-efficient DuraComfort™ Series and the 16 models in their Performance Series. The best performing air conditioner package unit is their 16 SEER DuraComfort model. The next DuraComfort™ model is their combination gas furnace and air conditioner coming in at 16 SEER for the AC side and 81% 
How to Wire a Run Capacitor to a Motor | Blowers & Condensers – Sometimes, when a blower or condenser fan motor goes bad, a technician or even a DIYer has issues wiring the new motor and capacitor. Most motors come with clear instructions or a wiring diagram on the side. However, some people still struggle with the wiring part of the motor to the capacitor.
Blowing Low Voltage Fuse Breaker Trip | Control Wiring Troubleshooting - I’ve got a 5 amp fuse that keeps popping on a circuit board. The voltage out of the transformer reads 26.3 volts. I am still popping fuses and reading over 24 volts. Can you help?
Water Heater Anode Rod - Modern water heater tanks are constructed of steel with a thin glass lining to protect the steel from corrosion. The glass lining will eventually crack, but there is another level of protection from corrosion inside of the tank: the water heater anode rod.
the Emerson Sensi thermostat is one of the latest new thermostats that offer WiFi and remote access using a mobile app. These are the thermostats of the future allowing you to see what’s going on with your home temperatures and HVAC settings from anywhere in the world where you have access to a mobile internet connection.
Nest Thermostat Technical Review | Consumer Rating – The Nest thermostat is an advanced thermostat with lots of nerdy bells and whistles built into it. At first glance, it is definitely not for everyone. With its simple yet sleek display, looks can be deceiving.
Energy Star Central Air Conditioners | It is not an unusual question. What is an 
High Head pressure for a refrigeration system, including a heat pump or air conditioner can cost you more money and possibly lead to premature failure of the compressor. It can also cause a malfunction in the system that will lead to reduced capacity for cooling and heat (for a heat pump) or the system not functioning at all.