by High Performance HVAC | Thermostat Reviews |
The Venstar ColorTouch Programmable Thermostat
Venstar ColorTouch Programmable Thermostat - A first impression when taking the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat from the box was that the thermostat was smaller than I had imagined however it is no smaller than the typical digital programmable thermostat. The more I got into the thermostat the better I liked it even though I found what I think is a minor flaw in the thermostat. Despite the flaw, we are recommending the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat for residential and light commercial users who will find the benefits and features rich and colorful. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Thermostats |
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…)
by High Performance HVAC | Direct Digital Controls |
DDC Automated Logic M-Stack - This Automated Logic M-Stack provides a control for multiple pieces of HVAC equipment and integrates network communication all in one single stack. This direct digital control system is integrated with pneumatic controls. DDC allows automated HVAC control processes to take place and adds higher efficiency to an HVAC system. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice, Carrier HVAC Reviews, Trane HVAC Reviews |
Trane Versus Carrier Air Conditioners - The first thing we need to do when comparing a Trane Versus Carrier is to make sure we are comparing similar models with similar features.
Each manufacturer makes various models from a builder’s grade unit, which is usually the HVAC manufacturer’s cheapest model up to the unit that has bells and whistles, and some of these have bells and whistles for the bells and whistles. You want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not an apple to an orange.
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by High Performance HVAC | Duct Work |
Air Conditioner Ductwork Leaks | Leaky Duct Work - A good consideration when replacing the air conditioning system is the ductwork.
Red Arrow Shows a Duct Work Leak
Ductwork seems to be the most ignored part of an HVAC system. However, it is a very important consideration in this age of new technology and higher energy-efficient equipment being developed and manufactured. You can have the most energy-efficient engine but if it’s in an old 60 or 70’s model car your efficiency is going to suffer. The same is true with HVAC systems. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Air Conditioning |
Air Conditioner Squirrel Cage Blower | HVAC blower motors move the air through the system. The blower motor is sized based on the amount of air flow necessary for the system. This blower motor is the supply fan for the supply air in a large commercial York AHU. An AC and heating forced air system is sized based on load. The load factors include heat loss and heat gain, number of people in the building, types of rooms served, factoring in heat produced by equipment such as computers and other heat producing equipment. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Commercial HVAC |
Building Commissioning is a Systemic Process
Building Commissioning Benefits - The Building Commissioning Guide defines commissioning as a systemic process of assuring verification and documentation, from the design phase to a minimum of one year after construction that all facility systems perform interactively in accordance with the design documentation and intent, and in accordance with the owner’s operational needs including preparation of operating personnel. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Duct Work |
Bad Ductwork - Ductwork is necessary to deliver the air throughout the HVAC system. It is important that the system has integrity with no leaks. Ductwork is made of different materials. Duct systems also have different construction methods which hold the ductwork together.
Pictured above is an old ductwork system (which needs to be replaced) made of duct board, which is a rigid fiberglass board, metal, and flex ductwork. The duct board is cut to size from the ductwork sizing requirements for the tonnage and taped together with special duct tape. For the branches coming off the duct board trunk, metal collars are inserted into holes cut to size in the duct board. Flex ductwork is attached to the metal collars for the branch ductwork. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Air Handlers |
Air Handler Evaporator Condensation Drain Blower Compartment
This air handler has the access panels removed during the installation process so the HVAC installation technician can make the final connections and adjustments. In clear view is the air handler blower compartment with the air handler blower. The air handler blower is comprised of an electric motor, a blower wheel, and a squirrel cage which holds it all together. Attached to the outside of the squirrel cage is a run capacitor which is a functioning part of the electric motor. All these air handler components combined blows air throughout the entire HVAC system including the evaporator coil. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Buyers Advice, Goodman HVAC Reviews, Trane HVAC Reviews |
Goodman versus Trane Air Conditioners - The first thing we need to do when comparing a Trane Versus a Goodman air conditioning system is to make sure we are comparing similar models with similar features. Each manufacturer makes various models from a builder’s grade unit, which is usually the HVAC manufacturer’s cheapest model up to the unit that has bells and whistles, and some of these have bells and whistles for the bells and whistles. You want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not an apple to an orange.
The next thing we need to do when comparing HVAC equipment is to look at the HVAC contractor installing the equipment. If you get a lousy installer or contractor, forget about the name brand because the HVAC system WILL NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY and EFFICIENTLY if the installation is shoddy. Also, the unit will not have the same life expectancy, will fail prematurely, and will need replacing sooner than if the HVAC equipment is installed properly in the first place. Out of any buyers advice about air conditioning and heating equipment that someone can give you this is probably the most important part.
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