Converting an Air Conditioner to a Heat Pump

by | Heat Pumps | 6 comments

Converting an Air Conditioner to a Heat Pump
Can I convert my air conditioner to a heat pump?
Yes you can do this if you:

I get this question a lot in my emails and wanted to address it. The time and materials it would take to change an air conditioner into a heat pump are not worth it. You would be better off having a new heat pump installed replacing the old air conditioning unit. For me, or another HVAC technician, this would be a pet project for teaching students how to braze for refrigeration and wire heat pump controls for the proper sequence of operation.

It would be a good lesson in metering devices for air conditioners and heat pumps. It would also be a good lesson in finding all the appropriate parts for the size and model number of the air conditioner equipment.

(more…)

Boiler Water Loops | Hydronic Piping Systems

by | Boilers | 12 comments

hot water boiler piping
Boiler Water Loops - In boiler water loops there are different ways to arrange the piping depending on the budget at installation time and how efficient and balanced you want the hydronic piping system to be when the job is complete. Some piping arrangements require more pipe upon initial installation. However, they are easier to balance and provide even heat throughout all the radiators or baseboards.
(more…)

Boiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating Systems

by | Boilers | 11 comments

Boiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating SystemsBoiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating Systems - Troubleshooting boiler problems will depend on what the problem is with the boiler. The scope of this article will cover the basic boiler problems that can occur with a boiler. Advice for troubleshooting the basic problems with the boiler. Many of these problems will require the attention of a professional boiler technician. Boiler technicians are available at either your local plumbing contractor or HVAC contractor. (more…)

Boiler Supply and Return Piping

by | Boilers | 0 comments

Boiler Supply and Return PipingBoiler Supply and Return Piping - Any heating pipe system will experience a heat loss in the pipe even when the pipe is insulated. The loss is far greater when the pipe is uninsulated. Good boiler piping insulation will reduce the heat loss experienced in the pipe run throughout the loop especially where the pipe runs in unconditioned or unheated spaces where heating is not necessary.

Boiler Supply and Return Piping

Good Supply and Return Insulated Pipe will increase the efficiency of the boiler and reduce overall the heat loss of the entire system as a whole throughout the heating season. Insulate exposed piping wherever you find it and replace old insulation that is falling off. Be careful to identify the correct insulation and never ever disturb asbestos insulation. Asbestos is dangerous especially if you breathe in the particles from it. A professional asbestos remediation company must be hired to remove it safely.

(more…)