When a refrigeration system fails, many times the cause can easily be diagnosed. However there are occasions when the cause cannot easily be determined - either the true cause is unclear or the technician is unsure of a problem. How do you work through these jobs? One method used by some techs is to “read and record.”

Honeywell has announced that Bitzer has approved the use of HFC-407F (marketed by Honeywell as Genetron® Performax™ LT refrigerant in North America) as an HCFC-22 retrofit solution for medium-temperature systems, such as supermarket refrigerated cases.

Does it make a lot of sense for a commercial HVAC contractor, who specializes in rooftop unit service and replacement, to market his wares on social media networks like Facebook and Twitter? If you had suggested this to Jon Lazarus a few years ago, he might have wanted to find a straitjacket for you. But not now.

Safety is a priority when working on any mechanical equipment, but it is especially heightened when the equipment weighs several thousand pounds and is located on a roof. Some contractors schedule days and weeks on the installation and service for one client alone.

“App” has become such a common word that it will likely find its way into the dictionary soon. It certainly has found its way into everyday personal and business use by millions of Apple iPhone or Google Android smart phone users.

Bob and Tim have arrived at Tim’s first service call. Tim asked Bob, “What is this call all about?” Bob said, “This is a new customer that wants us to take over the maintenance work for this apartment house.”

In the warm summer season, cooling equipment operates at near peak capacity. If that equipment is used for critical building functions, any equipment downtime for whatever reason is unacceptable.

Hybrid sealants are drawing more attention from contractors and distributors. According to comments from within the industry solicited by Cliplight Manufacturing, which makes a variety of sealants, there is an interest for sealants that are a combination sealant, drying agent, and dye.

Many refrigeration systems are installed using an outdoor air-cooled condenser. When these systems are installed in a climate where the outdoor temperature drops below 60°F, some means of preventing the condensing pressure from dropping too low must be incorporated into its design.