Pulling a good vacuum before charging a new system with refrigerant or after a repair is essential for the proper operation of an air conditioning system. In addition to the vacuum pump, a micron gauge is an essential tool.
With one end of the building cool and one end warm, Bob and Btu Buddy discover an airflow problem. Find out how they track down the problem and repair the system.
Many building codes in the southeastern United States call for increased attic and crawl space ventilation to fight moisture and related IAQ problems. Craig DeWitt, Ph.D., P.E., challenged that notion at the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors' (SCAHACC's) 2003 Indoor Comfort Science Conference.
Most hydronic systems are filled with "Plain Jane" tap water. However, today, more than ever, "Plain Jane" water may not be so plain. If you are not testing your fill water, you are guessing, and potentially compromising, the system.
The trend towards the use of refrigerant 410A continues to grow and there is a demand for technicians who are comfortable working with this higher-pressure replacement for R-22.
Many refrigeration compressors incorporate a suction service valve and a discharge service valve. Working with these valves is not difficult, but there are some finer points to remember.
To totally "clean" indoor air, gases and vapors must be removed. For HVAC applications, activated carbon is commonly used. Why and how it is applied are detailed.
In this edition of the Btu Buddy series, Bob is helping finish a job that a new construction crew installed. The installers left the gas line and liquid line on a heat pump turned up all weekend and it rained in the tubing. Bob must dry out the system.