HVAC Contracting - Articles - Page 177

Seven Design Changes That Reduce Refrigerant Charge

Soaring prices and uncertainty about supply have made this a priority

April 8, 2019

Optimizing refrigerant charge has always been a key part of designing cooling systems and balancing their efficiency, reliability, performance, and cost. But recently, that balance has shifted, and refrigeration engineers are once again looking at refrigerant as a key piece of the puzzle.

‘Just Cause’ Employee Termination

How to make sure you've covered your bases

Richard D. Alaniz

April 8, 2019

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The decision to fire or terminate an employee, especially when reluctantly made, generally creates anxiety for the employer forced to take such action.

A Comfort Complaint Follow-Up

Is it the equipment or the service that's causing the performance issues?

Jim Johnson

April 8, 2019

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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 — several service calls since the equipment was installed, and an on-going complaint that the system just doesn’t keep the ranch-style home comfortable.

Daikin Creates a Healthier Learning Environment for Students

Overby-Sheppard Elementary modernized and transformed the school for distraction-free learning

April 8, 2019

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Overby-Sheppard Elementary needed more than an HVAC upgrade, but with tight budgets and minimal state funding, it didn’t seem likely.

The Difference a Pitot Tube Can Make — Part 1

Robust design results in near-zero maintenance

Jack Sine

March 18, 2019

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Everyone involved with IAQ knows about the 1970s, when excess energy use became Public Enemy No. 1 for commercial building designers. Saving energy was the critical goal: Air leaks were being hunted like wild animals, and windows and doors were sealed so tightly that not a breath of conditioned air could seep out.

VRF Saves the Stay

A mechanical systems renovation increased guest satisfaction and lowered costs at the AC Marriott

March 18, 2019

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From rebates to controls to acoustics and more, water-source VRF has been a game changer for the AC Marriott Dublin. For the general manager, it’s made all the difference in surpassing guests’ expectations.

The Woman in the Hot Tub

Five things a technician should do on every service call

Rodney Koop

March 18, 2019

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These five techniques can be applied to your HVAC business today to improve your customer satisfaction and maybe even your average ticket price.

Three-Phase Power and Voltage Imbalances

A little electrical knowledge can go a long way in troubleshooting HVAC systems

Bryan Orr

March 18, 2019

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In HVAC, we rarely need to have a deep understanding of electrical design. But there are a few cases where a little understanding can go a long way in identifying issues before they cause trouble, and that is the intent of this short article.

Going to School on Long-term Cooling Tower Solutions

With cooling tower technologies advancing, customers research new advancements

March 4, 2019

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The longevity and cost-saving features of today’s advanced HDPE “plastic” cooling towers tests the wisdom of choosing yesteryear’s conventional metal-clad models.

Brewery Cheers New Efficient Boiler System

Brewery implements low-pressure steam heating system and Weil-McLain boiler

March 4, 2019

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In an effort to keep up with demand, a bourgeoning east-coast microbrewery sought to significantly increase production, but, to do so, it required a more cost-efficient and effective heating process.