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 | Thermostats |
Running New Thermostat Wire – It is possible that you may have to run a new thermostat wire from the air handler or furnace to the location where the existing thermostat is located. Running new thermostat wire can challenging even for professionals. If you must then following these instructions and helpful hints will hopefully help you in this endeavor. Pulling new wire should only be done as a last resort. The purpose of running new thermostat wire is necessary for certain reasons such as: (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Thermostats |
How a Programmable Thermostats Works - Programmable thermostats can save you more than ten percent on your homes utility bills. For that reason a programmable can pay for itself within a few years depending on the type and expense of the type you purchase. I always lean towards Honeywell thermostats simply because I’ve seen their reliability in the field and sometimes ease of use. Among others, you can expect good quality from Honeywell thermostat products. The new, hi-tech style currently out on the market is the Honeywell touch-screen thermostat.
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by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |
Boiler Circulator Pump: The boiler circulator pump induces the flow of hot water through the boiler and the boiler loop. Usually, the boiler circulator pump is controlled by the aquastat. However, there are various levels of control that can be found that control pumps.
One way is by the aquastat as mentioned above. Another way is an end switch in a zone valve. A thermostat in a particular zone will call for heat and the thermostat calls for the zone valve to open.
When the zone valve is fully open, an end switch closes the circuit to energize the circulator pump. Typically, the circuit is a control circuit so when the end switch closes it closes the circuit for a relay to energize the circulator pump (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 | Commercial HVAC |
Hot Water Unit Heater Protecting Mechanical Room - Unit heaters are used in various places to protect equipment and provide comfort to occupants. This hot water unit heater provides protection for a mechanical room where there is a large air handler and other associated equipment in the mechanical room. This system is controlled by DDC. A thermostat on the wall detects the temperature of the mechanical room. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Boilers |
Boiler Components Controls - All hot water boilers must have an expansion tank. Water expands when it is heated. There must be a place for it to expand so that the pressure in the boiler loop remains constant. Without a hot water boiler expansion tank, the pressures in the boiler loop system would vary wildly.
Most likely, the pressure will exceed the maximum pressures designed for the boiler hot water loop system. This will result in setting off the pressure relief valve. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Commercial HVAC |
Heat Trace Tape Control for HVAC Piping - HVAC Piping systems, especially in the Northern regions, need a way to freeze protect piping the runs outdoor which is a necessity in many different HVAC application. To protect HVAC piping from freezing heat trace tape is wound around the pipe and controlled by an outdoor thermostat or temperature control that energizes the heat trace tape and keeps the pipe from freezing. (more…)
by High Performance HVAC | Refrigeration |
Condensing Unit Frozen Wont Turn Off - What you can expect to learn from Condensing Unit Frozen won’t Turn Off article: this article is an answer to a question taken from our email by a visitor to High Performance HVAC. We often use the questions we get in the email as a guide to writing articles. The topic is a condensing unit that will not turn off, and it is freezing up. From my experience in the field and using my HVAC knowledge, I offer the readers a list of what could cause this problem. We hope it helps you.
What’s the possible problem with a frozen air conditioner condenser that won’t turn off except with the breaker? (more…)