HVAC Technician Tools | Heating and Cooling

HVAC Technician Tools - I can remember when I first got out of HVAC school a few years back I wanted to know what kind of basic tools I needed to begin my work as an HVAC technician. Of course, I had lofty goals and wanted to rise to the top but my expectations at the time matched my skill level. That skill level was a lot of book knowledge and not a lot of field experience.

After all, admittedly there are many lights that do not turn on in the classroom that does turn on in the field after some experience. Stress can turn some light bulbs on while others turn on easily after you see something for real the first time instead of reading about it in a book. (more…)

Lennox Versus York Air Conditioners | HVAC Buyers Advice

Lennox Versus York Air ConditionersLennox 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…)

Guides for Residential HVAC Technicians

Guides for Residential HVAC Technicians - There are many HVAC technical guides and manuals available to help HVAC technicians hone their skills on the job and become even better and more knowledgeable HVAC technicians. We can all use improvements in everything we do in life whether it is professionally or personally and always remember one can never know everything. (more…)

HVACR Pipe Soldering Brazing – Refrigeration Systems

What You Will Learn in HVACR Pipe Soldering Brazing

  • Safety with Brazing and Soldering
  • Basic Soldering and Brazing
  • The Bread Trick with Water Pipes
  • Alternatives to the Bread Trick
  • Brazing with Oxyacetylene
  • Cleaning and Fluxing
  • Brazing with Nitrogen
  • Nitrogen Pressure Testing
  • Avoiding Problems with Oxidation

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:

  • Eye protection and burn protection for hot dripping soldering. Keep yourself safe when soldering or brazing.
  • The inherent risk of using an open flame around combustible materials. Always make sure you have a plan and use preventive techniques such as wet rags and fireproof clothe or barriers. This is especially true when soldering around wood or even outside (around a condenser) where pine needles or leaves can easily catch fire and spread rapidly. Always have either a hose or fire extinguisher handy.

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HVAC School Education | Heating and Cooling

HVAC School Education Heating and CoolingHVAC School Education | Heating and Cooling - A solid career in HVAC career begins with a good education in a good HVAC school. You can start at different levels and work your way up with a career. As you work your way up you will want to continue your education not only to increase your skill level but also to keep up with emerging technology.

A good technician or engineer has a good solid education in HVAC behind them and they always continue to seek out new knowledge by continuing their education in their field of expertise. (more…)

Wire Type and Sizing Considerations | HVAC Technical

Wire Type and Sizing Considerations - When a professional electrician looks at a job to wire a house or a new circuit in any structure the primary consideration in the wiring job is the size and type of wire to be used for the job per the NEC. The same for a plumber when looking at a job the plumber will size the pipes based on the number of gallons needed to carry the proper amount of water to its destination. If the pipe is too small then the water needed will not reach its destination. This is almost the same for electrical wire except under-sizing electrical wire is dangerous. (more…)