tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57221843439117080132024-02-19T20:11:19.698-05:00Excess AirAdvice for Residential HVAC System Design, Quality Installation, and System Diagnosis.Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-27631410429236434482016-05-03T20:46:00.001-04:002016-05-03T20:46:27.497-04:00What Came First: The Inspector or The Code Book?
clker.com
Just when you think you have heard it all: Today I heard about a local building inspector asking for an ACCA Manual J because the contractor was repairing/adding ductwork to a 10 year old furnace. Of course it was oversized, it was installed before building inspectors knew what an ACCA Manual J, Residential Load Calculation was (many find the humor in this statement). Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-11791760616183538232016-02-10T14:50:00.002-05:002016-02-10T14:50:22.959-05:003 Secrets to HVAC Sales SuccessIn my new role over the last nine months, I have made an effort to always ask if the Comfort Advisors/Consultants/Salesman has ever had formal sales training. To my surprise, even some of the most successful companies in our industry have failed to offer or implement any training for their most important assets. Training is not reserved to the Installers and Technicians, although to Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-91641441529953802552015-08-03T13:22:00.001-04:002015-08-03T13:22:09.932-04:00HVAC Industry: Who wins with High Warranties?<!--[if gte mso 9]>
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Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-65893524277746907902015-02-12T15:01:00.001-05:002015-02-13T12:25:29.836-05:00The #1 Item Missing from High-Efficient HVAC Installations
Imagine this: you go out to your local entertainment big-box
store and purchase the top of the line “HUMONGOUS” television. When you get home, you don’t think anything
about it and just go ahead plugging it directly into the wall socket, right? What’s that you say, ludicrous? Of course, we would only plug that piece of
beautiful technology into a UL rated Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-24853669432711786922015-01-14T14:16:00.002-05:002015-01-15T09:48:57.048-05:00How Low Should I Operate my Heat Pump?
UPDATED: Break
Even COP’s for MA
How do you know if you should install a
ductless mini-split, or upgrade your air-conditioner to a heat-pump and create
a dual-source application during replacement this Winter? I have been asked this countless times over the past week! I personally
always prefer the option of multiple fuel sources, particularly since energy
prices have been all Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-78569348514260122942014-09-03T21:23:00.001-04:002014-09-04T10:46:49.967-04:00Should this Duct Layout be Banned? When is it ok to put your ducts into an attic, tight up against the Roof Deck? With more conventional building techniques, I would have to argue: NEVER! I do not care how the homeonwer pleads to keep their storage space, you cannot count on delivering cool air to the conditioned space with said branch duct. Even if you did figure out a way to secure the duct to the peak Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-29453504131281361772014-08-27T20:40:00.000-04:002014-08-27T20:49:04.730-04:00Top 5 Changes to ACCA Manual S
As I had brought up years ago, right here on Excess Air, ACCA's Manual S was in dyer need of an update. Written in 1995, Manual S Residential Equipment Selection was passed by with huge technical and efficiency strides within the HVAC industry. Think about it: ECM Motors were in their infancy, condensing furnaces were still prone to failures, and variable Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-23247648738562061852014-08-17T19:49:00.000-04:002014-08-17T19:49:24.438-04:00UPDATED: Big Changes for Duct Testing in MA If you have not been asked to complete a duct test by your local
Massachusetts Inspector, it is just a matter of time before you are
surprised by this stringent/updated code requirement. Despite some push-back
from Contractors and Inspectors, all of MA is required to test new or
altered duct systems. All of MA adopted the 2012 International
Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-68435000776446006452014-08-12T16:02:00.001-04:002014-08-12T16:02:18.269-04:00No Bubbles, No Troubles! Or is there? This saying is an old adage in our industry to let the technician know that the refirgerant charge is "all set". You see, there must be a steady stream of liquid to the metering device for it to function properly. For sake of conversation, let's use the TXV. In order for most TXV's to throttle and correctly maintain the desired Superheat, there must be Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-73542276238076623062014-07-21T21:34:00.001-04:002014-07-21T21:35:00.252-04:00How do You Test a TXV? Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TEV or TXV), one of the most popular metering devices for residential, high-efficient air conditioning and heat pumps, have performed almost impeccably for decades. Unfortunately, some manufacturers in the past few years have identified batches of valves that have had high superheat issues. Have we just been blind for so long, not realizing these Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-72619685269608818352014-07-17T20:25:00.001-04:002014-07-17T20:25:14.052-04:00Please, Make the Transition! For as long as I can remember, the agreed epidemic with ductwork was always undersized return ducts. Although we are far from perfect with duct sizing in New England, I have frequently seen great strides in fixing this issue - particularly with replacement systems. Lets face it, you should just be properly designing the duct system on new installations. Undersized ducts Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-79965127540143802992014-06-05T20:32:00.000-04:002014-06-05T20:32:13.978-04:00Top 5 A/C Code Requirements not Enforced This list does not represent the entire code, or even all municipalities. Everyone knows those towns that will hit you on every piece of the local code requirements, word for word from the text. But, don't be surprised when code officials, both building and mechanical inspectors, start failing permit inspections for these previously rarely enforced portions ofExcess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-51105351862333405522014-05-17T21:48:00.001-04:002014-05-17T21:48:32.139-04:00DIY Minisplits: Which side are you on?
Recently, Friedrich has modeled and sold in limited markets
their DIY Mini-Split Heat Pump, Breeze.
Just a few days ago, they scaled back their rollout in order to meet
customer demand by limiting sales to New York and South Florida. I am torn between two very valid arguments on
this product, the HVAC Professional and the Energy Geek in me have compelling
points. Please,Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-68227873103561918212014-04-14T20:27:00.003-04:002014-04-14T20:27:34.905-04:005 Things New Energy Efficiency HVAC Contractors Need to Know1. Do not sell on Price! Use 'Simple Payback'
The price of High-efficient equipment will undoubtedly cost more money up front, compared to the minimum efficiency systems. Taking into account existing repair bills, utility bills, installation, and equipment costs, a high-efficient furnace, boiler, or heat pump will cost the homeowner less over the estimated 10-15 years of Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com115tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-50724282132407997052014-04-08T20:44:00.000-04:002016-05-27T20:07:04.121-04:00How can I compete and still do jobs right? I think we all understand to complete a ducted system replacement or installation correctly, it takes time and resources that the low bidder just does not have. Of course, this implies to do things right you are not the low bidder! So, how do you sell a quality installation? Fortunately, EnergyStar is looking after you. Take a look at this checklist, use it on your Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-90488653397653001042014-02-18T14:34:00.000-05:002014-02-18T15:22:12.609-05:00Can you trust your Load Calc Software?
Attention Wrightsoft Users!
Have you ever
completed a load calculation and it just seems like it was short of what you
had expected? Particularly when you are
first starting out with a tool, contractors can make mistakes. After all, we
tend to learn "the hard way", right?
In an effort to make software work, the companies tend to start with
some default values that require Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-51555397031568759732014-02-07T16:11:00.001-05:002014-02-07T16:11:26.798-05:00Do you make this mistake on Maintenance? Cleaning the condenser coil. This has always been the number one task that Service Technicians avoid at all costs when maintaining residential equipment. Maybe it is the nature of the fast paced business when the weather gets hot? Certainly could not be the lack of water to rinse the coil as there is almost always is a water spigot on either side of the Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-41067948501933903012014-02-01T14:11:00.000-05:002014-02-01T14:11:34.435-05:004 Things a Quality Contractor Would Not Say1. If you sign today, I will take $X thousand off!
This is a sales tactic often taken by a used car salesman. A Quality HVAC Contractor will price their installation with confidence, after finding a solution to fit the needs of the customer, and correctly sizing such equipment. I have no problem with "ballpark" numbers over the phone, as this can help sift through Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-4993778935135924812014-01-10T14:53:00.001-05:002014-01-10T14:53:56.340-05:00The Basics: Superheat Vital to the operation of the refrigeration cycle, superheat must be
maintained and stable to protect the compressor. We all know that the
heart of the system cannot compress liquid (slug) without bad things
happening. This would represent low/no superheat. But, did you know high
superheat can cause valve and compressor problems as well? No matter
the Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-83636158201877907682013-11-25T13:57:00.000-05:002013-11-25T13:57:48.005-05:00"There can be no Economy where there is no Efficiency", Benjamin Disraeli
For those who do not know, not that I would expect any of us should, Benjamin was a British Statesman and two-time Prime Minister for the United Kingdom. This quote, taken from his biography can take so many meanings, in any of the trades, particularly in the current day.
When the economy of this great nation came to a crashing halt just a few years ago, Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-41873110228246004082013-11-19T10:33:00.001-05:002013-11-19T10:33:14.190-05:00Over-sized Equipment No More!
4 or 5 ton systems should be multi-stage...
Despite the passing of Regional Efficiency Standards, International Code requirements for Load Calculations and Equipment Selection, tighter homes and duct systems, I cannot see the likelihood of grossly over-sized equipment going down! The significant problem at hand is that HVAC Contractors are either going to use the system design processExcess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-84425408292841864412013-11-10T14:26:00.001-05:002013-11-10T14:27:20.835-05:00Perception: The Service Technician Not too long ago, the HVAC Service Technician took great pride in representing the company he or she worked for. They would arrive to work early, enthusiastic for the day ahead; helping the elderly without heat first after the big snow storm. They would answer their emergency calls within minutes following the noise of the dreadful beeper, and later cell phone. It Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-48919628153291339582013-11-01T20:58:00.001-04:002013-11-01T20:58:59.997-04:00Carbon Monoxide (CO): Weapon of Mass Destruction There is nothing more frustrating to me than seeing needless deaths,
particularly in America. I thought I saw my share chasing down WMD's
that were never found in the Middle East. Does it sound that outrageous
to put Carbon Monoxide in the same class as these? Think about it: a
Colorless, Odorless Gas that poisons it's targets by being inhaled. The
only Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-87410643692248668532013-09-24T21:05:00.000-04:002013-09-24T21:05:27.097-04:00Check the Flue? Seems pretty elementary doesn't it? What should be a simple safety
check on fossil fuel burning appliances, particularly for boilers with
regards to ease of inspection, often is assumed with complacency or even
goes unchecked. I know everyone's maintenance schedule is packing up
in the Northeast with the cold snap this week, so Technicians Take Heed!
 Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722184343911708013.post-18421134885926722902013-08-21T20:11:00.000-04:002013-08-21T20:11:08.484-04:00The Enthalpy Method Imagine knowing the refrigerant charge was correct on a Central Heat
Pump or A/C without attaching gauges! No, I am not referring to the
Lennox "Approach" calculation, which I have found to be very unreliable
to predict refrigerant charge, but instead using the simple total
capacity calculation with the correct tool.
- Total Capacity Equation -
Here in New England, Excess Airhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982376608538798108noreply@blogger.com1