What Temperature Should I Set My Programmable Thermostat To | HVAC Control

What Temperature Should I Set My Programmable Thermostat To - 4) Please confirm this advice if you would; it is better to have your thermostat left at 70°F. to 72°F. during the day while your home is empty and adjusts accordingly when you get home as opposed to shutting off the heater/ac and turning it on when you get home. I would think this would put less strain on the unit. Thanks in advance for your help. (more…)

Condenser Fan Motor Repair | Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps

What you will learn from the Condenser Fan Motor Repair article:
1) Specific description of a motors job along with some technical details
2) Air Conditioner & heat pump fan motor operation
3) fan motor troubleshooting basics
4) Condensing unit fan motor repair warning and disclaimer - Turn the power off before working on the fan
5) Replacing or repairing the motor
6) Why you should replace the capacitor when you replace the motor
7) Conclusion along with lots of resources and related links so you can take a closer look and learn more. (more…)

Ductwork and High Ceilings | HVAC Duct Work Systems

DuctWork and High CeilingsDuctwork and High Ceilings - I did not see any reference to my question and would appreciate a response as soon as possible, as due to a medical situation, have to make a decision soon. We own an OLD house with 13′ ceilings in a large part of the home and 11″ ceilings in the LV/DR and BR. We are oscillating on where to place the ducts…Floor or ceiling. It appears to be counterproductive to me to put the ductwork in the ceiling since it will have so far to go.

We are looking for the most cost-effective, not upfront cost but operating cost, solution. In addition, we are considering DF heat pumps. The house will need 2 or 3 to be zoned correctly. Please let me know about the duct placement and thank you for your help? (more…)

Closing Off Part of the House To Save Energy on HVAC | HVAC Efficiency

Closing Off Part of the House and HVACClosing Off Part of the House To Save Energy on HVAC - I have a Heil gas/electric package unit in my home. I, particularly, want to know, if I can close off a section to save on heating. Heating dealers have not been helpful as they hedge on whether and how this can be done with the system still running at its most efficiency.

I have closed doors to seal off the area. Then closed floor registers. Should I also close air return in that area? I just read this should not be done at all as it decreases unit efficiency? Will you please advise. I am thinking of closing off part of the house to save energy on HVAC. Thank you. (more…)

Compressor Rebuild | HVAC Heating and Cooling Refrigeration

Compressor Rebuild

The compressor in an HVAC refrigeration system

Compressor Rebuild - This freshly rebuilt reciprocating compressor is destined for a large commercial chiller. Chillers chill water for air conditioning. Compressors compress refrigerant vapor and pump the compressed refrigerant to the condenser to be condensed into a liquid. It is an essential component of the refrigeration system.

The compressor provides compression which is an integral part of the refrigeration process. The old compressor was condemned for electrical burnout. The windings in the old one burned up and caused the circuit breaker to trip. (more…)

Variable Air Volume Box with Hot Water Reheat | Commercial HVAC

Variable Air Volume Box with Hot Water Reheat
Variable Air Volume Box with Hot Water Reheat – The variable air volume box or VAV box is a commercial solution to adding multiple zones to large buildings. VAV boxes offer zoning solutions so that separate zoning demands or temperature selections can be maintained in different areas of the building.

If the president of the company wants the temperature in their office to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit but the vice president wants their office to be 74 degrees Fahrenheit then it is possible with the VAV zoning system as long as their VAV boxes are on different zones. (more…)

Finding a Good HVAC Company | Buyers Advice

Finding a good HVAC Company

Finding a good HVAC Company – Finding a good, honest, and reliable HVAC contractor or service company that will take care of all your HVAC needs doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are plenty of good-quality heating and cooling companies out there competing for your business.

If you apply common sense and do a little footwork you will find a good heating and cooling contractor. One who can provide excellent HVAC installation and service for many years to come. Here are some common sense things to use and consider when seeking out a good HVAC contractor or service company.
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Air Conditioning and Heating Sizing | HVAC Technical

Air Conditioning and Heating Sizing
Air Conditioning and Heating Sizing - It is not uncommon for HVAC estimators or HVAC contractors to use various rudimentary techniques, which are generally referred to as rules of thumb. Some will say on the low end you need 1 ton of cooling for every 500 square feet.

On the high end, you will need 1 ton of cooling for every 700 square feet. These rules of thumb will also generally take into account a basic heat gain calculation for the kitchen and the number of people who will occupy the structure. (more…)

HVAC Centrifugal Compressors | HVAC Refrigeration

HVAC Centrifugal Compressors

Carrier Chiller w/Air Source Condenser

HVAC Centrifugal Compressors - Centrifugal compressors are used in many applications including pipeline transport of natural gas along with many other related applications including vapor compression refrigeration. These compressors have different operating limitations than the reciprocating compressor, the scroll compressor, and the rotary compressor.

They work in an operating range where it works efficiently however outside of this range, either the over or under that operating range is basically useless. Other issues make them not ideal for use in certain applications because of the operating range issues. (more…)