David Richardson serves the HVAC industry as Vice President of Training for National Comfort Institute, Inc. (NCI). NCI specializes in training focused on improving, measuring, and verifying HVAC and Building Performance. If you’re an HVAC contractor or technician interested in learning more about building science applied to HVAC, contact David at ncilink.com/ContactMe.
Diagnosing airflow problems in an HVAC system can be a frustrating and intimidating task. When airflow problems arise without a defined troubleshooting approach, you’ll likely end up guessing at the cause. Real airflow troubleshooting begins with hunting down static pressure problems.
Guesswork often leads to customer complaints, poor system performance, and frustrating callbacks that can be avoided with a little bit of upfront planning, preparation, and testing. Let’s look at how to set fan airflow based on the needs of the equipment in both cooling and heating mode.
Start testing the right way and make sure you have a complete list of possibilities. Otherwise, you’re guessing at the solution and possibly creating more problems. Remember: if you don’t measure, you’re guessing.
Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it would be a perfect time to take a look at some of the ghosts in duct systems that are often tracked down by progressive HVAC companies. Some of these issues are directly caused by the duct system itself while others are an indirect result of its influence.
As common as this installation method is, it has some unintended consequences that can plague the safe and efficient operation of an HVAC system. Let’s look at why open filter racks can be a problem and the issues they might be creating in the systems you install, maintain, and service.
How do you help someone understand that the duct design methods they’ve used for years might not be working like they assume? How can you help them understand a 6-inch duct might not always deliver 100 cfm?
+1° is the extra degree that needs to be added and applied every day to get you closer to your real potential and help you achieve your dreams in this industry or in life.
Many professionals are wondering exactly what’s involved in this test, the equipment that’s needed, third-party testing, and how to pass these tests. Let’s take a look at some of the basics for residential duct-leakage testing.
What if they cause more harm than good? Let’s look at the potential impact these smartphone-controlled dampers can have on the typical duct systems found across the country.
A subject that is sure to get some hearty debate going is whether ducts inside a conditioned space should be sealed or not. What is your opinion on this sticking point of energy efficiency?