HVAC Tech Tips
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Commissioning Maintenance Service and Diagnosis Tool Warranty
Commissioning Topics
The Idea Behind Crankcase Heaters
Why do we see crank case heaters installed? Is it just an extra part to wear out or does it actually help the system? Crankcase heaters are there for a reason...
Read MoreStatic Pressure Testing
Being able to calculate the airflow in a duct system is critical, whether you are performing service or designing a new system. When we refer to static...
Read MoreClocking a Gas Meter
There are times that you may need to clock a gas meter. This is required on a start-up of a new furnace or to verify the input of an existing application. This will verify the...
Read MoreCombustion Air
All fuel-burning appliances require oxygen to burn safe, cleanly and efficiently. In this case, safe means without excess CO (Carbon Monoxide). A safe...
Read MoreEvacuation Procedures
Well, the warm weather is here, and with that comes an increase in AC installs. I wanted to take a moment to discuss the right way to...
Read MoreIce in the Lines
Did you know that ice can form in a vacuum even when it’s warm out? So what causes this (water freezing under vacuum) and...
Read More14 SEER Heat Pump System
We’ve had numerous questions over the last few weeks where a heating contractor is replacing a heat pump system for a homeowner and they want...
Read MoreChoosing the Proper Mitsubishi Electric System
I have received several questions regarding which Mitsubishi system would be appropriate for their application. Since Mitsubishi systems come in a wide range of...
Read MoreCodes and Changes
You may have noticed a few recent changes when placing orders for HVAC related material with Famous Supply. The Ohio Revised Codes have recently changed...
Read MoreCold Weather is Coming!
Sorry to break it to you, but cold weather is coming. Before you start throwing tomatoes my way, this is only some advice to help...
Read MoreHeat Pump Basics
One of the often-overlooked aspects of installing a heat pump is the location. As a heat pump runs in heating mode it tends to build...
Read MoreMitsubishi Electric Updates and Applications
Hello Everyone! As the HVAC industry changes so does the Mitsubishi Electric line- up. I would like to take a moment to introduce some of...
Read MorePOE vs. Mineral Oil
As many of you have already noticed, all Copeland, R22 compressors are now being shipped with POE oil instead of the standard mineral oil. This...
Read MoreProper Start Up
The summer is in full swing and I’m sure you are staying busy. With that being said, please take time to do a proper start...
Read MoreSizing Equipment
We often get asked, “What size furnace/AC do I need?” The answer is not as simple as just knowing the square footage. There is a...
Read MoreWhy We Use Dry Nitrogen
We are gearing up for the air conditioning start up season and you know what that means: more AC installations. As the number of installs...
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Maintenance Topics
Safeties, Safeties, and More Safeties
In modern furnaces you may have noticed a lot of safeties. I’ve heard numerous times "boy, these new furnaces are too complicated". Well, there is good...
Read MoreTesting Capacitors
Testing a run capacitor should be part of your annual maintenance. When testing a run capacitor many techs pull the leads off...
Read MoreDiagnosing a Smart Valve, First Generation
First generation smart valves act as ignition controls and gas valves. There are internal and external safeties that can prevent the valve from working properly...
Read MoreFilter Driers and When to Replace Them
When an air conditioner or refrigeration unit is installed a Filter Drier is needed. That Filter Drier stays in the system as long as the...
Read MoreFilters
There are many misconceptions when it comes to properly sizing a filter. Many installation and service technicians believe that a filter should be sized based...
Read MoreHow to Test a Pressure Switch (2017)
To test a pressure switch, you must first have a compound pressure gauge (digital or analog). Install a plastic tee for both the positive and...
Read MoreHow to Test a Pressure Switch (2013)
To test a pressure switch you must first have a compound pressure gauge (digital or analog). Tee in a plastic tee for both the positive...
Read MoreImportance of a Filter Drier
Hello all! For this Supply Chain our Technical Tip is straight from Allied Air regarding the use of a filter drier. Using the correct drier...
Read MoreProperly Evacuating ACs & Heat Pumps
Warm weather is fast approaching, and with that comes an increase in air conditioner installs. This brings up an important topic: correctly evacuating a system...
Read MoreSpecifying a Generator for Use
With cold weather upon us now there will be time when customers will lose power to their homes and will try to operate their furnaces...
Read MoreStatic Pressure
Whether performing an installation in a new construction home or a system change-out on a 50 year old home, knowing the static pressure on your...
Read MoreUnderstanding Mitsubishi Wire Sizes
Recently I have been receiving a lot of questions regarding the wire sizes that connect to the indoor units and line set sizes on Mitsubishi...
Read MoreWhat is Draft?
Very often you may be asked to check or verify draft. So what exactly is draft and what does it do? Draft is the chimney’s...
Read MoreWhy Use a Start Assist Device On Your Compressor
Many times we receive questions as to why someone would want to install a start capacitor (5-2-1). There are several reasons why this would be...
Read MoreHeat Exchanger Testing
The first rule for checking a heat exchanger is to always follow the manufacturer’s directions for testing heat exchangers. Another good source of information...
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Service and Diagnosis Topics
Testing Heat Exchangers
The first rule for checking a heat exchanger is to always follow the manufacturer’s directions for testing heat exchangers. Another good source of information...
Read MoreProperly Sizing A Filter
There are many misconceptions when it comes to properly sizing a filter. Many installation and service technicians believe that a filter should be sized based on a “rule of thumb”. The truth...
Read MoreMeasuring Ohms & Continuity
We often confuse the terminology Ohms and continuity. The two are not the same! An Ohmmeter is used to measure the resistance to electrical flow between...
Read MoreHow to Test a Pressure Switch
To test a pressure switch you must first have a compound pressure gauge (digital or analog). Install a plastic tee for both the positive and negative...
Read MoreFER is Changing in 2019
In 2014, the US Department of Energy established the first national efficiency standards for furnace fans. FER specifies a maximum fan energy rating that varies based on the airflow provided by...
Read MoreHow Safe is the Home You're Entering?
Do you know how safe the home you're entering is and how safe it is when you leave? What exactly am I talking about? Carbon monoxide...
Read MoreAir Conditioner Terminology
Hello all! It seems that the air conditioning season is upon us (finally)! As such, I figured this would be a good time to review...
Read MoreAir in Hydronics
When working with a hydronic system the biggest enemy is air. An air bubble can reduce the amount of water in the pipe and therefore...
Read MoreCharging a System with an Indoor TXV
Charging a system with an indoor TXV is different from charging a system with a fixed metering device. TXV’s merely require a full line of...
Read MoreCombustion Testing and Why It’s Important
As you may have noticed, there has been a slight chill in the air. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you all...
Read MoreHigh Head Pressure on Heat Pumps
Diagnosing a heat pump that is tripping on high head pressure in heating mode can be a challenge. With three service ports to choose from...
Read MoreHow safe is the home that you’re entering?
Hello all! I have a question. How safe is the home you are entering and how safe is that home when you leave? Do you...
Read MoreHow to Determine and Overcharged Unit with a TXV
When a unit is slightly overcharged with a TXV metering device, both suction and...
Read MoreHow to Improve Your Mitsubishi Troubleshooting
Hello Everyone! Mitsubishi makes some of the most efficient and comfortable systems available. If you have ever installed a Mitsubishi unit, then you know it...
Read MoreHow to measure CFM using the temperature rise method
A number of years ago, when I first moved into my house, I noticed an issue with my AC unit. When we ran the AC,...
Read MoreIsolating a Furnace, Bypassing the Thermostat
Every day we receive many calls from frustrated technicians who are dealing with error codes on furnaces that, seemingly, can only be explained by a...
Read MoreMeasuring CFM’s Using Temperature Rise
In heating systems where airflow through the cabinet appears to be a problem, it can be difficult to determine the exact air volume that is...
Read MoreTest In – Test Out
When performing a diagnostic it is important to fully diagnose the issue. Here is a way to ensure a correct diagnosis and to avoid expensive...
Read MoreTest In – Test Out
When I started in the HVAC industry, I was taught a method of testing that has served me well for several years. It’s called “Test...
Read MoreTesting a Single or Two Stage Gas Valve
Gas valves are an integral part of any furnace. They supply fuel to the burners, which enables ignition to take place. Gas valves have many...
Read MoreThe Stormy Season is on the Way
We all know how losing power can inconvenience you. The loss of lights, TV, cooking devices, HVAC equipment. Have you ever thought about how much...
Read MoreTriple Evacuation
Many HVAC Techs have heard the term “triple evacuation”. What is a triple evacuation? Why do it? A triple evacuation is a very simple method...
Read MoreWhy Do Evaporator Coils Fail?
We have all seen or diagnosed a bad or poorly performing evaporator coil. Over my years in the eld, I have diagnosed bad coils and...
Read MoreCO Testing & Keeping the Equipment Safe
The cold weather is fast approaching and we will soon be switching over from AC to heat. With the fall maintenance in the future, you should ask yourself a...
Read MoreHow to Test a Flame Rod
Proving flame is an important part of the sequence of operation. There are many ways to “prove flame,” but we will focus on...
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Tool Topics
Cold Weather is Coming
Sorry to break it to you, but cold weather is coming. Before you start throwing tomatoes my way, this is only some advice to help...
Read MoreThe Right Tools for the Job
If you have been following along in the previous Tech Tips, we have talked about testing and diagnosing, but what do you need in your...
Read MoreThe Right Tools for the Job
Nowadays, newer furnaces require the proper tools for efficient and correct diagnostics. The days of an analog meter and a book of matches are gone...
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Drop in Refrigerants
There has been a lot of commotion regarding ‘drop in’ refrigerants and I would like to clear some things up. Because of the rising price...
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