What you will learn with the Copper Versus Aluminum Coils HVAC article:
1) The transition from copper to aluminum for HVAC manufacturers.
2) The pros and cons of copper coils versus aluminum coils for air conditioner systems or heat pumps.
3) Trying something new or keeping the status quo?
4) A video debunking the “aluminum is difficult to repair” myth.
5) Lastly, plenty of resources and in-depth related links to help you learn (more…)
Chilled Water Pipe Vibration Isolators - Vibration isolators protect the chilled water piping from receiving vibrations transmitted through the piping when the chillers are running. The vibrations can create problems not only for the chilled water piping but also for the building’s structure. The vibration isolators reduce or eliminate the vibrations that can be transmitted by the chillers. (more…)
Heat Pump Frost Ice Buildup. Hi. I noticed that one of my outside heat pump condensing units was laboring throughout the night. This morning I found ice frost buildup on the heat pump condenser fins. I live in Tucson, Az. It has been colder than normal (below freezing) with a bit more moisture in the air than usual as of late.
Can you please tell me what causes this frost ice buildup, and how I go about rectifying it? Does this mean that the condenser pump is shot? I’m originally from the Midwest and have never experienced this before. What should I be doing? Thank you for your help. (more…)
Condensing Unit Too Close to House - This condensing unit was too close to the house to effectively reject heat. It was a bad HVAC condensing unit installation job by the HVAC installers. A mechanical inspector rejected the final permit until the condensing unit was correctly installed.
It is recommended that condensing units have at least 2 feet of space so that they can effectively reject heat. It needs space to breathe and pull air into the coils so that there is a proper heat exchange taking place when it is running. On this air conditioner condensing unit there are four sides to the unit.
By installing the air conditioner condenser too close to the house the installer effectively reduced the capacity of this unit by nearly one-fourth which will cause problems with the unit in the way of higher head pressures and that will cost the homeowner more money in the long run.
Condensing Units caution - Air Conditioning and Heating equipment uses high voltage. Caution is always advised when working around high voltage. When in doubt call a professional. Safety First!!
Air Conditioning & Heat Pump condensing unit is a simple yet technical piece of HVAC equipment. It sits out in the back (or side) of your house and kicks on and off almost by itself.At least it seems that way to most people. This box made of sheet metal is the heart of your HVAC cooling system. Or for those with heat pumps, it is the heart of your HVAC heating and cooling.
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Goodman Heat Pump Condenser Flood Protection – This heat pump condensing unit has been installed on the platform. The area where this air conditioning condenser is located is prone to flooding. The platform raises the heat pump condenser at least one foot above the floodplain.
This is usually required depending on the municipality or government agency in charge of mechanical and electrical inspections. If you live in a flood-prone area it is wise to protect the equipment from flood damage. It is possible for the air conditioner condenser unit to run after being flooded. However, the life expectancy is drastically reduced and you will definitely experience mechanical and electrical problems. (more…)
Chilled Water System Basics - Chilled water systems work much the same way as direct expansion systems work. The exception is they use water in the coil rather than refrigerant. Technically speaking, water can be classified as a refrigerant. Chilled Water systems can be rather complex and many chilled water systems are found in commercial and industrial applications. There are some chilled water systems used in residential applications. (more…)
Trane Chilled Water Systems – Multi-Zone Air Conditioning Systems - This Trane HVAC chiller serves four different apartments. Chilled water systems offer a great way for multi-zone air conditioning. From small apartment buildings to large commercial buildings chilled water systems can serve multi-zone air conditioning systems. (more…)
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…)
Lennox Versus York Air Conditioners - Here is a Lennox and York comparison for their premium model air conditioner as requested by a reader of the site. Just off the top of my head, both systems are good systems. I would say Lennox had a slight advantage but the first-hand experience in the field gives most HVAC technicians the opinion that Lennox is over-engineered. (more…)
