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.
One of the most effective ways to measure airflow is through a method known as a traverse. While a traverse offers an accurate means of determining airflow, it is rarely used by HVAC professionals due to its intimidating nature.
While the equipment tonnage is often quoted on proposals, how can you be sure the equipment’s potential is really being achieved? Is it possible your installation practices are contributing to lost cooling efficiency? Let’s look at what causes lost tonnage and how you can ensure it’s not happening because of your company.
To understand the operation of combustion air openings, it’s a good idea to review some airflow basics. For airflow to move through a duct, there must be a pressure difference across it created by an external source. Traditional installations depend on natural forces to create this pressure difference.
Is it possible there are negative effects caused by uninsulated ducts in conditioned spaces we may have overlooked for decades? Let’s look at some problems you might encounter due to this practice and how you can determine the impact on the performance of your systems.
Being accountable for proper airflow delivery causes a tech to examine every portion of an installation differently. Airflow is no longer assumed since test instruments now measure it. Let’s look at some of the most common obstacles to achieving a successful air balance on a residential HVAC system.
A few months ago, I wrote a Duct Dynasty article on the ideal duct system. The most frequent comments and questions I received about this article were regarding branch takeoffs. So, I thought it would be fun to take a deeper look at branch duct takeoffs and how to overcome some of the most common problems associated with them.
How good are you at hunting airflow restrictions? Do you have a game plan or is it just guesswork? Let’s take a look at some ways you can more effectively hunt down pesky airflow restrictions that could be plaguing your customers’ HVAC systems.
Just because our industry talks about proper airflow, it doesn't mean we’re doing much to address it. Airflow must be measured, plain and simple. Duct design and duct tightness won’t assure proper airflow.