| All Things HVAC

HVAC Troubleshooting and Solutions

November 12, 2015 by itadmin

No one doubts the reliability of HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), but, like any other household piece of equipment, they are not immortal. Since they are bound to break down every now and then, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and know a few things about heating or cooling units. Most of the times, your answer lies in the simplest solution out there. If you want to avoid huge bills for hiring professional experts who will fix the issue within five minutes, you can roll up your sleeves and get ready for some DIY.

To make sure you prevent the following HVAC electrical troubleshooting, take care of your air conditioning, furnace and boiler all year round, whether you are actively using the units on a daily basis or they are taking a break for the summer. You don’t need a simulator software to pinpoint most troubleshooting HVAC. Generally, homeowners can tackle the problems themselves merely by consulting a HVAC troubleshooting chart and ruling out worse causes. This way, HVAC owners not only save money in the long run but they also work on improving the units’ longevity.

Blown Fuses

Learn from the experts. The first thing a professional service expert will check are any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Since the fuses are used to prevent overheating, they are bound to react in time order to avoid further damage to the control panel. If your heating or cooling system uses its individual power panel, check that one for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. However, if this is a recurrent problem, there might actually not be anything wrong with your HVAC unit, but rather with the circuit breaker panel. In this case, check with an electrician who will help you with your problem.

Frozen heat pump

There is no escaping the heat pump’s coil freezing during winter months. But when the unit gets completely covered in ice, that’s a sign something is not right. Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle, which is in charge of defrosting the ice coils, ensuring the unit runs smoothly. When the coils are entirely frozen, the refrigerant and the cold air can’t undergo the transfer. A unit that is entirely iced-up will be damaged and rendered useless. Depending on the model of your heat pump, the unit will have its own method to start up the defrosting mode. If the heat pump fails to automatically start the defrosting cycle and you notice the layer of ice is only spreading as days go by, there could be a restriction somewhere. There could also be something wrong with the thermostat, the heat pump’s sensor, or the outdoor fan motor could have an issue. None of these problems can be fixed by the homeowner, so you’d be better off calling in a professional service person.

Humidifier not working

If you’ve never used a humidifier, you’re probably a stranger to its benefits. This tool maintains the optimal levels of humidity within your house, keeping sore throats, itchy eyes and dry skin at bay. Most of the times, the humidifier can be fixed by the homeowner. Simple solutions like opening a water valve could fix your issue without making you resort to looking for answers in a HVAC troubleshooting guide. Humidifiers are not high maintenance systems, but they need to be cleaned out regularly. A clogged filter could be restricting the water vapors, making your humidifier useless. If the panel is clean, other causes could be at play here, including a clogged orifice or water valve, a bad motor, faulty wiring or a defective solenoid valve. Reach out to an expert who will know how to make your humidifier work properly again.

Steam rising from an outdoor unit

This is a common complaint at the start of every heating season. The steam that rises from the unit can be alarming, but, in fact, it’s a sign that everything is working properly. You can rest assured the motor is not burning up and the compressor is still running. The steam only means that the unit is running a defrosting setting, which will keep icicles away from its essential parts like the blower motor. The defrost mode sets in automatically, but it shouldn’t go on forever. If you notice steam coming out of your outdoor unit on a daily basis, this could point towards a different problem. You could be dealing with a faulty defrost control or thermostat or even a restriction. The only things the homeowners could fix is a blocked coil, which is easy to clear out of any debris.

Air vents not giving off enough airflow

If you feel like there is less airflow than it used to be in one or more rooms within your home, hold on before calling up a pro. A dirty cleaner is the common problem, but the good news is that you can change or clean the filter yourself. The second most common issue is that your air vents are blocked by something or even entirely closed off. You can check to see if the vents are open, making sure to look at the return vents as well. Another thing you should look at are the dampers, to make sure they are open and rule them out as the main cause. If none of these are causing the poor airflow, you might need a professional fix. Causes that homeowners couldn’t tackle on their own are frozen coils that restrict airflow, a defective blower motor, or an incorrectly installed ductwork. An HVAC blower motor troubleshooting expert will be able to zero in on the problem and fix it for you.

Indoor unit leak

The first reaction is to panic when you see water leaking out of your furnace or boiler. While this does indeed signal an issue, it could be something minor, easily fixed by the homeowner. Sometimes, all you have to do is tighten up the joints to prevent any dripping. The leak you notice might also be a combination of condensation and a dirty coil. Indoor coils are not immune from freezing. Once the ice starts melting, all the water will start dripping on the floor. If this isn’t happening during winter time, it could indicate a different problem. Sometimes, the fixes are a piece of cake, but the rest of the time, you’ll need to call up a specialist. They will deal with blocked drains or pump tubing, defective coils, broken joints or a leaking humidifier.

Hot water quickly runs out

It’s very unpleasant and frustrating when your boiler runs out of hot water while you’re in the middle of a bath. Depending on the heating system you use, the causes could vary. You could be dealing with a faulty element if you have an electric heater. An indirect heater running out of hot water could point towards a faulty thermostat or a defective circulator. A bad thermostat is the most common problem and the problem is easy to check by the homeowner. However, if you can’t locate the issue, ask for a plumber’s advice before the malfunction starts affecting other parts of the hot water unit.

No air conditioning

This is bound to happen to anyone and it’s one of the most common complaints during summer time. Before picking up the phone to schedule a check-up, there are some things you can go over on your own in order to rule out the most obvious issues. You should first head over to the thermostat and make sure it’s set on the “cooling” setting. You could also try turning it up or down by 5 degrees to see if you notice any change in the air conditioning unit. Next, it’s on to the power panel and breaker circuits. If nothing is wrong with these, you can try resetting your outdoor unit by pushing the red button on the side. You should also check the pump on the indoor unit, which sometimes turns off everything if it overfills. Turning it back on will fix the problem. If none of these suggestion revive your air conditioning, you might be facing a more serious problem, such as faulty compressor valves, a defective metering device or a malfunctioning reversing valve. In this case, look for a HVAC compressor troubleshooting expert for an accurate diagnosis and fix.

You seldom need to know what a capacitor or a transformer is in order to pinpoint the issue and fix it with a simple step. As long as you know where to find your power panel and how to reset a tripped circuit breaker, you could be saving yourself a lot of money. If you need more help, look for tips from books or YouTube videos. There is no shortage of DIY tutorials out there that will guide you through the process of cleaning out or replacing a filter step by step. If you feel overwhelmed by HVAC troubleshooting, don’t postpone scheduling a service call. By taking care of your heating and cooling units, you only do yourself the favor of maintaining a cozy environment in your house and avoiding potential future expenses.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3.

Everything You Need to Know about HVAC Repair

September 10, 2015 by itadmin

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) keeps our homes warm during the winter days, cool in the summer and maintains the air quality throughout the year. Usually, HVAC maintenance is done either by the company that installed everything in your house or by another team of professionals twice a year. But you can contribute to the longevity of your HVAC appliances by following these useful tips and tricks. You don’t need special training to increase the efficiency level of your system. Here’s a few pointers on what you can start doing today:

invest in a superior and efficient air filter that will keep you protected from bacteria and allergies and will protect the motor of your installation from dust;
keep an eye out for leaves, grass, pollen and other small objects that could get stuck in your air conditioning;
don’t place anything too close to any outdoor heating units or air conditioning appliances;
replace or wash your air filters at least once every 90 days;
inspect the refrigerant lines once a month or once every other month;
make sure to replace the carbon monoxide detector battery once a year;
to avoid hot water heater problems, check the temperature pressure relief valve of your furnace and consider replacing the rod if it looks damaged;
try to only clean the air conditioning condensate drain by using bleach.

Heating and air conditioning repair

Heating is a must as soon the weather starts being chilly, just as air conditioning starts working when it gets too hot for shoes. But neither of these two can work forever. And there’s only so much you can do about taking care of them and making sure they run smoothly.

If your air conditioning is making funny noises or not cooling the room as it used to, that’s not something you want to ignore. Before you rush over to the phone to call on your handyman, there are some steps you can take that will save you time and money. First of all, make sure the drain line didn’t accidentally get disconnected or clogged. This is one of the most common problems. If the air conditioning won’t turn on, head over to your thermostat and check if it’s set to “cool”. You might also want to make sure the battery is still working. Check to see if there is a tripped fuse that’s playing tricks on you. If you feel your air conditioning is not working as well as last year, change the filter and make sure nothing is obstructing the cold air returns and registers.

Heating systems are no different. But how do you know when they’re worth replacing or fixing? Here are a few guidelines that will help you make an informed decision. If you’re not dealing with a clogged filter or a tripped fuse and you’re looking at repairs that will cost you an arm and a leg, think about the equipment’s life span. If it’s older than three quarters of its estimated life expectancy, you should feel no remorse for deciding to replace it. You should also think about your safety. If the heating system is a safety hazard you should have no second thoughts about buying new equipment. Start adding up the costs of the repair and the costs of replacing the appliances. How would the scales tip? If repairing your heating system will cost you over a third of the replacement sum, you should go ahead and change the fifteen year old equipment.

Furnace repair

Nothing is more irritating than the furnace breaking down on a cold winter morning. The silver lining here if that you can check for the issue yourself, before resorting to an HVAC professional. Some of the simplest steps you should make include checking the thermostat, making sure there’s enough oil in the tank by using a dipstick and feeling the cabinet to see if it’s warm. If you can’t hear the furnace running, it could mean the filter is so clogged that the flow of warm air has no way to pass.

Replacing the dirty filter with a brand new one should do the trick. If that wasn’t causing the issue, play around with the thermostat switching it from “automatic” to “run”. Make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If this keeps tripping, call an electrician to check everything’s running smoothly. You should also check to see if the furnace reset button is popped up – this might indicate an obstruction or lack of oil. If you hear knocking sounds from your furnace, most likely there’s air in the lines and you can purge it yourself. Squealing sounds point to issues with a belt which can be fixed with some oil.

Water heater repair

In order to avoid a water heater replacement, there are some steps you can take to make sure you get to enjoy it for as long as possible. Set your thermostat to 120 degrees. This way, you’ll be saving as much as 5% in energy costs and you won’t risk scalding. Make sure you don’t keep anything too close to your heater and follow the two feet clearance rule of thumb. You should also drain a quarter of the tank several times a year. This trick will remove any sediment and debris.

Another easy tip to remember is to switch your thermostat to “vacation” settings when you go on holiday. Hot water heater repair costs aren’t too steep, but you should stay on top of simple maintenance tasks so you can take water heaters off your mind for as long as possible. If you’re looking for new equipment or if you need to replace an outdated system, check out the Kenmore water heater which is known for its durability and reliability.

Image sources 1, 2, 3.

What Changes to Expect from the New Minimum Efficiencies 2015 Standards

March 22, 2015 by itadmin

In this day and age, with the competitive service market and the state of the recovering economy, it can sometimes seem difficult to keep a home remodel business efficient. This situation is further confounded by the fact that late in 2014 industry standards were amended with the introduction of the minimum efficiencies 2015 standards. This is definitely a major change and if you’re serious about remodeling, you’re going to want to know all about this news. Read on to learn all there is to know about the new 2015 HVAC Efficiency Standards.

Educate your HVAC team on the changes to the minimum efficiency standards

The U.S. Department of Energy announced in April last year that starting from January 1, 2015, new HVAC efficiency standards for residential and commercial-grade air conditioning equipment would go into effect. Since at the time this article was written they have already been enforced for a month, it goes without saying that any remodeling company that wants to see a profit needs to make sure their staff understands the changes. Not only are these standards the golden rule in the eyes of the authorities, but meeting them is also a minimum requirement for making sure the clients’ needs are fulfilled. At the same time, an Emerson Climate Technologies polled revealed that nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of the companies in the remodeling industry were not aware in mid-2014 that the changes would even occur. Aside from training one’s staff in all the 2015 minimum efficiency changes, it is essential that service providers also meet the requisite inventory. As such, if you feel your work could benefit from this knowledge, read on to learn more about the main features of the new standards.

Essential changes in the 2015 minimum efficiency standards

The changes in standards outlined below apply to all AC systems and heat pumps installed on January 1, 2015 and after this. It’s important to understand that the minimum efficiencies will differ from one region to the other; while most regions will switch to the 14 SEER standard, 13 SEER equipment will still be sellable in the north.

All split-system heat pumps in all regions of the U.S. will see an upgrade in standards. The new minimum efficiency standard in this respect will move from 13 SEER, 7.7 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), to 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF.
The yellow ‘hang tag’ efficiency label will also see some changes, due to the modifications operated in the FTC energy guide label. This label typically indicates how a particular model rates in terms of SEER and HPSF in comparison to similar models in the same range. From January 1, 2015 onward, this label will change from indicating a single point for split system heat pumps and air conditioners to a range. This range will represent the bottom and top SEER ratings for all certified coil combinations of the condenser. Since split-system AC units and heat pumps include both an outdoor condenser and an indoor coil, this new rule manes that both these main components will have to meet the new standards imposed by the D.O.E.

Minimum efficiencies effects on the HVAC industries

The regions remain the same in 2015.

Northern states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Southwestern states: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico.

At the time when the introduction of the new minimum efficiencies was announced, many wondered if this would bring on a build-ahead issue similar to the one caused by the 2005 to 2006 move from 10 SEER to 13 SEER. Most industry experts have managed to agree, however, that this would not be the case, since the cost hikes that the 2015 changes entail is much smaller. At the same time, 2015 will only bring about a move from 13 to 14 SEER, which is of a far smaller magnitude. Finally, as outlined above, 13 SEER HVAC equipment will still be up for sale in the northern area of the country, which means that it won’t be completely unsellable.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the changes, numerous companies in the United States amped up their offer of 14 SEER heat pumps. At the same time, others improved on their 14 SEER system designs, in order to make sure that the inventories for 2015 are properly stocked. Most of them also make use of the AHRI database, which can match just about any system model number to its forecasted performance parameters. Though sole responsibility for enforcing the new regulation does not fall with contractors alone, it’s still a good idea to check out the inventory above and to make sure your equipment and installation method of choice are up to par with the new minimum standards for efficiency. Finally, the D.O.E. will allow distributors around the country a further 18 months to sell off existing stocks, which institutes a grace period set to last until July 2016.

HVAC Future Trends

October 10, 2014 by HVAC Expert

Future Trends for HVAC Industry
By Betty Stephens

HVAC technology is constantly changing due to new discoveries and influences outside the industry. As recently as this century, central, indoor climate control was available to only a privileged few. Today, even central air-conditioning in homes is common in the U.S. Improvements occurred through a number of factors such as technical, market changes, energy and environmental concerns, and political decisions. Changes continue to occur and they benefit of our customers and are our part of our future.
Environment:
The environment has possibly had more influence on HVAC technology than has energy. The environment will continue to impact the industry into the foreseeable future.
Policies regarding climate change have also directly impacted our industry. As we design and operate more energy-efficient equipment and systems, we use less energy, energy that, in many cases, comes from burning CO2-producing fossil fuels.
The environment will continue to impact the industry. The industry has proven that it can respond in a timely way. As new environmentally friendly products are developed, those products are also more energy efficient. Adopting new technologies and supporting research will help our industry meet the challenges of the future.
User-Friendly Controls
While smart, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats promise significantly increased energy efficiency, the real draw for homeowners seems to be how easy the interfaces are to operate. Take the Nest Learning thermostat, for example. It is programmed by the user to remember his preferred temperature settings. If the user prefers the thermostat to kick in a faster, warmer temperature, on cold, wintery mornings, the Nest thermostat will store that information and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat also monitors temperature with humidity and activity sensors, and it can determine regional climate by the user punching in their zip code
Wireless-controlled thermostats present HVAC data in a language that contemporary consumers understand. Homeowners are accustomed to easily digestible, visual representations of information and data. The reporting tools that smart systems include take the mystery and obscurity out of an industry that has been thriving on overall complacency from its customers.

DEVap Air Conditioning
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the DEVap (desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner) in 2011 and estimates that it reduces air conditioning energy usage by 40-90 percent. So far, DEVap is found primarily in commercial buildings, and the technology is so new that it’s difficult to find for residential use. But, given how promising the innovation seems, and how cost-effective it has already proven to be, and is anticipated great gains in the future.
Zero Energy Buildings
Zero-energy buildings that produce energy instead of just using large quantities will gain traction with companies that target eco-friendly employees and consumers. Many businesses are already headed in this direction with geothermal heating and cooling, solar-powered systems, and white roofing. If HVAC manufacturers can work to design structures that are both energy efficient and comfortable for their residents, we’re sure to see some fresh companies take on the challenge.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
A popular trend in Eastern markets, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is the future of the HVAC industry. Though US market have yet to reach the demand experienced abroad, VRF systems are establishing their place as in-demand items for housing and commercial cooling needs. Simple and elegant in design, VRF systems connect an outside condensing unit to several fan coil units throughout the building. Each coil and evaporator in the system can be controlled individually to reduce waste from over-allocated resources. The shift will stimulate job growth and overall economic development throughout the HVAC sector that will continue well into the coming years.
Career Trends
Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide. This trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career Choice. The rate of change in our industry will be exponential. Some changes will be caused by improvements in technology whereas others will be the result of influences outside our immediate control. As engineers, we have an obligation to be proactive in encouraging changes that are of benefit to the society we serve. This in turn will have direct benefit to our industry and to each of us individually.

In Summary
Building Management Systems and air-conditioning controls systems will develop to become:

• Intelligent self-learning systems that measure the performance characteristics for the building and its systems for different ambient and occupancy conditions and using thermal modelling technology are able to operate the buildings systems to provide the require conditions whilst minimizing energy consumption and plant wear and tear.

• Self-checking systems that are able to eliminate the fly by wire problems that many systems suffer from, which the head end computer is thinking one thing is happening however in the field the actuality is very different.

• Self-diagnosing systems that are able to determine fault conditions analyses the cause and report or even rectify the condition, systems that are able to recognize fault situations that are resulting in excess energy consumption or unacceptable equipment wear and report.

• Systems with seamless remote access, diagnosis and control functionality.

• Systems with the flexibility to take advantage of wireless technology and the onboard intelligence that is already starting to be installed in items of central plant

Do It YourSelf WebSites

August 15, 2014 by HVAC Expert

Online Sites for HVAC Do-It-Yourselfers
A Review
By Betty Stephens

Need help in getting started on a Do-It-Yourself HVAC project? Here are some links to resources that may help you out.

Ductworks: The Original On-Line DIY Heating & Cooling – A Help site for Do-It-Yourself homeowners and builders to set them save money by offering initial help when they cannot find what they are looking for. May call or fill out a “Contact Us” form and they will find it for you. They are providers of HVAC products
https://www.ductworks.net/

Mold in HVAC System – Mold Removal Guide | Air Conditioner
removemoldguide.com/do-it-yourself/remove-mold-in-air-conditioning.
You are guided through the steps for your DIY air conditioner mold removal project.
www.central-air-conditioner-and-refrigeration.com/central_air_condition
o

HVAC Parts: If you’re not, changing the filter once a month, it will help. You’ll be … You may read this “Fix It Yourself or Do It Yourself” material online and it sounds great. You try it … You won’t find any professional hvac site that will teach how to installs it.
http://http://www.hvacpartsoutlet.com/

Need assistance finding your furnace or air conditioner parts? This site caters to do it yourself (DIY) homeowners and handymen, as well as HVAC Help Desk. McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud..
www.doityourself.com/

Website and internet advice for HVAC businesses: Office manager or unlucky ones that been told to “get us on the internet” or “fix than website! A couple of great do-it-yourself website software), goal is to cut through the noise and demystify the online marketplace, and to help you achieve a better understanding.
www.energystar.gov

HVAC Maintenance Tips • For Home Improvement Homeowners choose to take on duct sealing as a do-it-yourself project. Do-It-Yourself Air Conditioning Repair – YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCGpX2ru2Xc

Denver, CO Plumbing & HVAC Parts Department:
http://www.bellplumbing.com/denver-remodeling/plumbing-parts-departme

Do it yourself plumbing and HVAC projects in the Denver area: If an exact replacement is no longer available, we’ll help you find the best HVAC Training Videos, Watch and learn how to do hvac.
www.hvac-for-beginners.com/hvac-training-videos.html

Do It Yourself Geothermal Installations:
www.geothermalgenius.org/…/diy-geo-do-it-yourself-geothermal-installa

Web site for HVAC Repair Beginners. If you are having problems with your heating or cooling system, you should be able to find most of the common problems by using the air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, or boiler troubleshooting.
http://www.hvac-for-beginners.com/

Do-it-Yourself Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation: Contact for all of your do-it-yourself heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating needs.
http://dalehuberco.com/

HVAC Installation: Doing a home HVAC installation is rather straight forward. Do it yourself what you may think will be the easiest part of a home HVAC installation is probably is not.
www.doityourself.com/stry/hvac-installation

Ductwork Design Services and heating & cooling products for the Do-It-Yourself homeowner. The design services start at $275 and include a Free Step-by-Step Ductwork Installation DVD with each design package. Half of your design fees can be applied to the purchase of your complete HVAC system.
https://www.ductworks.net/

A/C Technicians

August 10, 2014 by HVAC Expert

What Does an HVAC Tech Do?
By Betty Stephens

HVAC Professionals
HVAC technicians are professionals in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning service and support. They can be an independent contractor or employed by a company that specializes in climate control solutions.

They work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling system they must repair is broken. They are mostly full time workers. Technicians generally work indoors, but may have to work on outdoor heat pumps, in bad weather. They often work in awkward or cramped spaces, and some work in buildings that are uncomfortable because the air conditioning or heating system is broken.
The HVAC technician may install new systems and therefore must be proficient in reading blueprints connected to the installation, and participates in preparing the space for the installation of new equipment including the ductwork construction and installation as well as the main components for the system. The HVAV technician is responsible for making sure the installation is conducted in compliance with local regulations, so that the unit provides efficient heating and air conditioning.
Maintenance of Existing Systems
The HVAC technicians may also maintain existing systems, inspecting each component in the system. This includes making sure that each portion of the overall system is functioning at an acceptable level of efficiency. If a part is wearing out or in danger of breaking down, the technician repairs the unit. An HVAC technician checks for ventilation efficiency of a system and makes adjustments.

HVAC Tech Tools
HVAC technicians must use several types of tools on their job. They often use screwdrivers, wrenches, pipe cutters and other basic hand tools when installing systems. To test or install complex system components, technicians may use more sophisticated tools, such as carbon monoxide testers, voltmeters, combustion analyzers, and acetylene torches. When working on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. This often entails proper handling and disposal of fluids.

Selling Services
HVAC technicians may also sell service contracts to their clients, providing regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems. HVAC techs often used other craft workers at times to help install or repair cooling and heating systems. On a large air conditioning installation job, other contractors may work on the project, such as a ductwork; a sheet metal workers, installers, or electricians.

HVACR Contracting Business Magazine

July 21, 2014 by HVAC Expert

HVACR Contracting Business.com Magazine’s 70th Anniversary
By Betty Stephens

In June Contracting Business.com trade magazine celebrated its 70th birthday. It was 70 years ago that Cleveland-area publisher Irving B. Hexter created this publication to serve the refrigeration industry. He called it, “The Refrigeration Industry,”

In 1949, The Refrigeration Industry’s name was changed for the first time to Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. The change reflected the growing importance of commercial air conditioning as a necessity. The change indicated the growing importance of air conditioning as it surpassed refrigeration in the market. It became the Contracting Business.com magazine in 2009. The magazine was dedicated to the men and women responsible for the systems necessary to keep food fresh on board U.S. Naval ships, military bases, and right here in the U.S.
Over the decades the magazine reported on the trends in the contracting business. The 1950s, air conditioning was used in hospitals to ease the healing of wounded soldiers from the Korean War. By the end of the 1950s air conditioning moved to centralized systems. .
By the 1980s The Department of Energy was created and began making policies that still impact the HVAC industry today. The industry went from construction boom to bust, saw the birth of the gigantic replacement market, and the computerization of business changing forever how contractors operated in the marketplace.
The magazine developed a trivia quiz to celebrate this anniversary. There are 18 questions and each question is worth 5 points. There are four BONUS questions for a total of 20 additional points. There is a total of 110 points. Keep track of your answers, then compare them to the key found at the end of the quiz. Start the quiz on the right side of the screen. Answer each question (write your answers down), click Next to see the next question.
Trivia Quiz Link:

http://contractingbusiness.com/galleries/contracting-businesscom-70th-anniversary-trivia-quiz?NL=CB-04&Issue=CB-04_20140717_CB-04_95&YM_RID=hphservices%40live.com&YM_MID=1477259&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4_b

Casino Air

July 17, 2014 by HVAC Expert

Casino Air Quality
BY Betty Stephens

Casinos are one of the few public places that allow indoor smoking. They are faced with a unique air quality challenge. In addition to cigarette smoke, gaming facilities must also control malodors related to customer density, food services and restroom facilities in order to encourage guests to stay and play. In the competitive world of casino gaming, allowing an unfavorable smell to drive players away can be costly to business. Most casino operators don’t realize the amount of paper ash, tar, nicotine, and carcinogens that are emitted into the breathing zone from a single burning cigarette.
Casino Atmosphere
The atmosphere in casinos, with or without smoke, is extremely dirty. The constant flow of people in and out creates a variety of pollutants, including bacteria and virus droplets that are passed on to employees. Dirt, perspiration, cologne, perfume, skin flakes, and other human emissions combine to make unacceptable indoor air quality in most gaming environments.

Use of Chemicals
Scented chemicals are used to mask the order from tobacco and other orders in casinos. The uses of scented chemicals that have major health implications associated with them are intentionally being pumped into casinos to mask tobacco smoke odors. Sooner or later their employees can become sick. The utilization of chemically fragrant products through a casino’s ventilation system is not healthy. Laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics revealed 38 secret chemicals in 17 name brand products, with an average of 14 secret chemicals per product. The chemicals in commercial fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas, known as petrochemicals. On average, 80% of fragrance formulations are comprised of these chemicals and in some cases, 100% of a formula can be synthetic.

A night of exciting entertainment and sparkling lights is more enjoyable in a freshly scented environment. Removing unwanted odors in crowded places encourages people to stay and play. Keeping guests on the game floor longer and higher revenues are guaranteed. Quality air scents denote a sense of elegance and class to an establishment, and visitors spend more time and money in these places.
Health advocates are warning gamblers that they may be risking their health along with their money when they play at casinos. A study released recently by two area health organizations found unhealthy levels of air pollution on the smoky gaming floors of casinos.

Casinos Exempt from Clean Air Laws
Casinos often receive exemptions to clean indoor air laws. That special treatment has put gaming establishments on the front lines in recent battles over whether to curb or extend legal restrictions on smoking. Nationwide, city councils and state legislatures have fought over including casinos in their smoking bans.
Casinos insist that their business relies disproportionately on smokers, while health advocates point to profitable casinos in states where smoking isn’t allowed.

The Problem with Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke is a very difficult pollutant to remove from the air. This is because there are two major components to the smoke. The first problem of cigarette smoke is the many toxic gasses produced by burning cigarettes. Ammonia gasses, Carbon Monoxide, and phenol are just a few of the dozens of toxic gasses produced when cigarettes are burned; these gasses have foul odors and are highly toxic.
The second problematic component of cigarette smoke is the very high level of tar solids that are disseminated into the air when cigarettes are burned. This petroleum based tar clouds the air and sticks to every surface of the room. This tar discolors paint and it also has a terrible, sickening odor.
Summary
There are air technologies that can eliminate more than just tobacco odor and smoke. Using activated oxygen generated by molecular oxidizers can sterilize the air handlers and existing ductwork while killing harmful microorganisms such as Legionella, mold, and mildew in the process. 75% of people in the U.S. don’t smoke, and most of them are bothered by second hand smoke when they go to public places. So Casino patrons will breathe and feel better in an establishment if it is smoke free.

The Mister

August 16, 2013 by HVAC Expert

The Mister
By Betty Stephens

Through evaporative cooling The Mister pre-cools the air entering the AC unit, improving its efficiency and cooling capacity. The amount of electricity needed to cool a home is decreased, which saves money.
The Mister is an evaporation unit that helps cool air before it goes into the air conditioner unit. The AC makes the house cool on its own but it takes a great deal of energy to run… This means that valuable resources are being used excessfully during the year. The Mister cools everything down prior to the start of the AC’s cooling process, which means the unit does not use nearly as much energy.
The amount of money home owners can save while using The Mister is huge. Most people using the Mister can save almost 30% of the air conditioning costs. Home owners are able to recoup their initial investment over time. They can even save thousands. The Mister has a filtration system attached that keeps the AC clean. This means there are less maintenance costs.

The Miser technology has been used for years in commercial settings. This technology is no longer too powerful for use in homes. It is easy to care for the unit. All homeowners have to do is change the batteries and filter once a year and there will be cooler air, less bills, low maintenance. and it is easy to install. Also, when they buy the unit they are eligible to receive a tax credit worth 30% of the purchase price.
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

In a recent scientific study completed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Tulane University, researchers prove that the Cool N Save AC Pre-Cool Mist Kit greatly increases the efficiency of air conditioning systems, and therefore can significantly lower electricity costs. Cooler air will able to circulate throughout a house and this will decrease the time the condenser unit runs, thus reducing electricity cost to the user.

Texas House Bill 2294- Watch Out Contractors!

July 28, 2013 by HVAC Expert

New Thermostat Law – Pro and Con

By Betty Stephens

The Law

Burglar and fire alarm technology has evolved towards an integrated system model, whereby a consumer can use a burglar or fire alarm panel to adjust not only an alarm but also thermostats, lighting, locks, and window treatments. The thermostat component of this new technology has caused problems for burglar and fire alarm professionals in Texas because of the state’s current air conditioning and refrigeration licensing requirements.

The bill allows a licensed burglar or fire alarm professional to sell, design, or offer to sell or design integrated alarm products without obtaining an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license, as long as the sale, design, or offer to sell or design does not include air conditioning and refrigeration installation work.
House Bill 2294, authored by State Rep. John Kuempel, Republican of Seguin, states that a person licensed or registered under the Occupations Code is not required to obtain an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license to perform the very limited work of the installation, repair, replacement or modification of a thermostat or other temperature control devices.
Bill Supporters
The bill was supported by several large home security companies, including AT&T, ADT, and Comverge. This bill goes into effect September 1, once it is signed by the governor. Though ACCA Texas and others fought the legislation, it passed in both the House and Senate in late May and is currently awaiting Gov. Rick Perry’s signature.
The Problem as the HVAC Industry Sees It
The thermostat component of this new law created a challenge for various companies and professionals in Texas because of the state’s current air conditioning and refrigeration licensing requirements. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has up to now required that anyone who installs or offers to install a thermostat must obtain an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license.
The problem, defined by industry leaders, is that most of these alarm system installers don’t have the appropriate training or knowledge to properly install or replace a thermostat. They further state that this can lead to system inefficiency, HVAC equipment failure, and even fire hazards. There have been instances of fire damage in homes.

Dangerous to Customers
The biggest problem with the Texas legislation, Todd McAlister, executive director for ACCA Texas said, is that it puts consumers at risk. “This is bad for homeowners and this is not good for anybody,” he said. McAlister added that, should anything go wrong with the HVAC system because of the thermostat installation, an installer who is not HVAC certified may not notice right away, and if they do, they would be required to call in an HVAC technician to take care of it, anyway. “You would think that logic would win over, and if a telecom company wants to be in this industry, then they should go get an HVAC license so there’s at least some credibility in what they’re doing,” he said. “There are a number of companies that install thermostats that coordinate with the home security system package,” he said. “The alarm industry is sort of moving from putting in home alarms and building alarms to services that would encroach on energy use of the home.”

HB 2294
Thermostat installations have required a license in Texas since 1983. HVAC Contractor License Requirements are as follows:
• Licensing exam
• Annual criminal background check
• Annual continuing education
• Liability insurance
• Registered or certified technicians who also pass background check before entering a customer’s home.

HB 2294 reverses long-standing and sensible protections:

1. It allows ANYONE to replace a thermostat without a license and without a criminal background check.

2. An unlicensed fire alarm company improperly installed its home automation
thermostat in Longview, TX in April, 2013 causing a fire.

3. Installation of a third party thermostat renders the HVAC system manufacture’s
warranty voidable, even for future system failure.

4. Any work performed by an unlicensed contractor or technician also voids the
manufacturer’s warranty.
AT&T Pro the Law Responds
This bill was filed at the request of AT & T when they did not succeed in being exempted from SB 407.
Rossanna Salazar, spokesperson for AT&T Texas, said her company’s alarm system installers are more than capable of properly installing thermostats as part of AT&T’s new Digital Life wireless home management security system.
“Our authorized digital life technicians are licensed as Texas alarm system installers and must pass a state of Texas background check as a condition of receiving their license,” she said. Salazar said opponents of the legislation “have made many claims that have confused the policy debate,” especially when it comes to the manufacturer’s warranty on HVAC equipment.
The issue of licensing has nothing to do with the warranty issue. Just because a home owner or anyone installs a new thermostat does not mean that they will lose or even jeopardize the full warranty on their system. If there is something wrong with the indoor air handler or the outside compressor, it will still be under warranty.”
Salazar added that some manufacturers will not cover damage caused by a third-party component, including an after-market thermostat, regardless of who installed it. “If a person’s air conditioning system is under warranty, he or she should check to be sure that any new thermostat is compatible with that system,” she said.
Other Proponents
Some proponents of the bill think this law will help Texas modernize its licensing system to the benefit of consumers, giving them the advantages of smart home technology.
Now that Smart home technology has evolved several companies offer products that allow a consumer to use one panel and wireless technology to adjust a range of functions, like their burglar and fire alarms, thermostats, lighting, locks, and electrical outlet.