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The ABCs and 123s of Variable Frequency Drives

In this white paper, you will find some real-world definitions of many of the confusing terms thrown around in VFD manuals and technical articles.




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2019 International Roundtable Annual Meeting Recap

The 2019 International Roundtable met at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World on April 16-18 for its Annual Meeting.




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Aprilaire Publishes Humidifier Performance Guidelines for ECM Motors

Beginning July 3, 2019, the Department of Energy is requiring a maximum fan energy rating (FER) for furnace fans.




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Broan: Customizable Ventilation Fan

This product features multicolored Chroma LEDs that allow users to choose from 24 hues with the included wall control.




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Five Reasons HVAC Systems Don’t Maintain Comfortable Conditions

Let’s look at five hidden reasons HVAC systems might not keep up when the temperatures get hot, how to test for them, and potential repairs.




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AMCA Updates Air-Control-Devices Rating Publication 511

Superseding AMCA Publication 511-21, AMCA Publication 511-21 (Rev. 12-22) outlines technical procedures and the proper presentation of data for the certification of air-control devices through the AMCA Certified Ratings Program (CRP).




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Identifying and Solving Insufficient Evaporator Heat Loading Problems

Frost on an evaporator coil will prevent the correct amount of airflow across the coil. Anytime the evaporator coil experiences reduced airflow across its face, there will be a reduced heat load on the coil.




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What’s New in the Portable World of HVAC?

Once considered a temporary solution, portable heating and cooling units continue to evolve as consumer demand calls for new units and new uses.




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Unico Makes High Efficiency EC Motors Standard for All Blower Models

Unico Inc. announced it is making highly efficient EC motors standard for all blower models within its modular air handling units.




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Identify All Problems Before Quoting a Refrigeration Job

Here is the potential problem: A contractor quotes a customer on the compressor replacement, and he agrees to repair the cooler at the quoted price. Then, as the technician is completing the job — or even after he has finished replacing the compressor — he finds out there is another system problem.




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Dirty Condenser Coils Are the Culprits That Cause Many HVACR Problems

If a condenser coil is dirty or fouled, its ability to reject heat is severely affected.




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Condensers Can Offer Valuable Insights Into System Operation

Troubleshooting the high side of a refrigeration system will often give service technicians valuable information. That’s because what happens in the condenser is a direct reflection of what is happening in the rest of the refrigeration system.




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Troubleshooting Water-Cooled Condensers

Occasionally while servicing refrigeration equipment, technicians may come across a system utilizing a water-cooled condenser instead of an air-cooled condenser.




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Checklists Can Help Determine What Is Causing the Problem in a Refrigeration System

There are several reasons why the compressor discharge temperature of a refrigeration system can be high when the condensing temperature is not, and a checklist can help a technician figure out the root problem.




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Troubleshooting Ice Machine Evaporators

The higher the inlet water temperature, the more sensible heat must be removed from the water and the longer the freeze cycle. The latent heat removed causes the water to change state, thus producing ice.




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Troubleshooting Puzzle: An Ice Machine That’s not Keeping up With Demand

In this puzzle, a restaurant manager complains that one of the ice machines in his high-volume establishment isn’t producing enough ice.




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HVACR Contractors Can Learn a Ton from Equipment Cooling Capacity Tables

Don’t assume equipment capacity or conditions. Instead, do some digging and find the tables for the equipment you install and service.




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How Central Return Grilles Create Unintentional Comfort Problems, and How to Solve Them

In the end, it's about airflow control. Unless your solution involves airflow and pressure measurement, you're guessing whether the repair worked.




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Three Invaluable Lessons I Learned About Selling Duct Upgrades

Here are three lessons I learned while setting out to improve my skills selling duct upgrades.




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Five Tips to Improve Your Flexible Duct Installations

Many in our industry believe the duct material used in an installation determines how well the HVAC system moves air. The issue isn’t the material type, it’s how we install the product.




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How to Adjust Blower Speeds Using Fan Law Two

I hope you see the potential for this formula. It will make your life easier and help you predict changes to blower speed settings with more accuracy and reliability.




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New York Contractor Hosts Charitable Event

Volunteering a total of 244 hours of work, Arista’s employees put their skills and passion towards a great cause.




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HVACR Industry Knowledge Offers a Valuable Perspective

The industry touches our lives directly, and an HVACR-literate public would be a boon to it.




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Five Ways Software Promotes Responsible, Efficient Hydronic System Design

While hydronic systems have long been recognized for their energy-saving properties in HVAC and plumbing applications, designing an efficient hydronic system and narrowing down the necessary system components can be challenging.




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HVAC Contractor Ditches Paper, Pen, and Binder for App and Scannable Labels

With modern technology, HVAC contractors can leave paperwork behind, and instead share information in real-time.




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Technology Enables HVAC Contractors to Crack Down on Distracted Driving

The advent of smartphones has made life both simpler and more complicated for people around the world.




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Strategies for Managing HVAC Fleet Vehicles Safely, Profitably

HVAC contractors can incorporate a variety of best practices to ensure fleet vehicles are kept running as much as possible.




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Bluon and Sera Intend to Integrate Their Platforms

HVAC software companies Bluon Inc. and Sera Systems Inc. intend to join forces, bringing a new level of modern productivity to the HVAC industry from OEM to distributor to contractor to technician and all the way to the consumer.





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INFICON: Portable Monitor

This product combines field leak detection reliability with cloud hunting mode, which helps the operator to find the area highest in concentration and then switch to pinpoint mode to quickly find the leak.




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Some Modifications Can Make HVAC Systems More Serviceable

When installing or repairing a refrigeration system, technicians should look for opportunities to slightly modify the system (without changing its design) to make it more serviceable.




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Manufacturers See Increased Demand for Portable Air Conditioners

Portable cooling products used to be considered “temporary” solutions, but consumers are now looking to portables to solve more of their residential and commercial needs.




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Portable HVAC Equipment Helps Customers Keep Their Cool

Portable cooling systems work well as temporary solutions and can also serve as long-term options for unconditioned spaces like factories and warehouses.




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Project Files: Episode 67 — Variable-Speed A/C in Miami Humidity

The Endeavor Line provides tech-savvy and environmentally mindful consumers like the Horwitzes with smart home compatibility and sustainable features.




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Wait Times for Replacement Equipment, Need for Increased Cooling Driving Demand for Portable HVAC

Increased cooling capacities, remote monitoring technology, and the need for backup units are all part of the mix in the portable a/c market, experts say.




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Troubleshooting a Faulty HVAC Compressor Requires Patience

How does a tech know the a/c compressor he or she is diagnosing is actually failed and that the problem is not a crankcase heater, condenser fan, or rubbed out wire?




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Fieldpiece Puts Techs in the Driver’s Seat With Customizable HVACR Tools

The Fieldpiece booth commanded a lot of attention on the show floor at this year’s AHR Expo in Atlanta. Those who didn’t have time to wait in line to find out why may be wondering, “What was all the rage about?”




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The Energy Conservatory: Bluetooth Connected Gauge

Now available with Bluetooth, this product provides users full access to all features of their devices, such as apps and email.




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ecobee Thermostats Are Now Able to Integrate with Generac Home Standby Generators

Through the new integration, ecobee thermostat owners who also own Generac home standby generators can easily see the status of the generator and remedy potential issues.




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The Blind Spot of Modern Smart Thermostats

Motivated both by rising energy costs and sustainability concerns related to climate change, consumers have grown more desirous of energy-efficient living.




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Commercial Heating Showcase 2014: New Products Available on the Commercial Market

HVAC manufacturers share their latest heating products — including photos, specifications, warranty info, and more — in this detailed showcase.




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A2L Interactive Building Code Map Now Available

AHRI launched an interactive US map showing state codes for A2L refrigerants, alongside a video series on low-GWP refrigerant transition.




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Mini-Split Public Awareness is Spreading

Different areas have particular needs and also embrace new technology at different speeds.




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Training Is Huge When It Comes to Troubleshooting Mini-Split Systems

Once only found in mild climates, the technology now stretches across the U.S., thanks to advances in inverter technology and zone controls. On the other hand, the level of sophistication in these systems sometimes makes them difficult to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.




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Tour Showcased VRV Systems at Duke Ellington Public School

An HVAC solution was the headliner for an event on Feb. 19 at a 121-year-old building in the nation’s capital named after one of America’s greatest composer-musicians. The event at Duke Ellington School of the Arts demonstrated how stepping beyond traditional non-inverter HVAC systems can preserve a building’s historical architecture, enhance energy efficiencies, minimize noise, and earn design-award accolades.




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Community Church Benefits From Unitary Variable Refrigerant Flow Retrofit

With over 1,000 Sunday service attendees and many church activities throughout the week, energy efficiency for the sake of cost savings was critical.




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Technology, Efficiency Spur Variable Refrigerant Flow Market Growth

Both commercial facilities and residential domiciles are taking advantage of heating and cooling technology at accelerated rates.




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HVAC Contractors Discuss Residential Variable Refrigerant Flow Trends

As HVACR technology advances, contractors often find themselves navigating new learning curves on a regular basis. VRF is no exception.




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Troubleshooting Puzzle: A Split System With Ongoing Complaints

The equipment in this month’s troubleshooting situation is a split system that has only been in service for two years, but there is a lot of history.




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Troubleshooting Electronic Expansion Valves

The EEV is often used in modern refrigeration systems, but troubleshooting its common failures may be complicated.




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When Troubleshooting a Refrigeration System, Don’t Make Assumptions

Troubleshooting refrigeration systems can be complex and frustrating, so put aside any assumptions and inspect the system thoroughly before making any diagnosis.