In this third installment of a four-part series on industry certification, The News examines how unions certify technicians and if it is possible for independent organizations and unions to accept one certification.
Honeywell is rolling out a new program that it hopes will help HVACR contracting firms grow and increase their profitability. CCES stands for Honeywell Commercial Comfort & Energy Specialist.
As reported last month, The News staff met with three representatives from Oakland County Schools to develop a plan of attack for establishing a new HVACR program at the Southeast Oakland Technical Center in Royal Oak, MI. The idea for the project was announced over nine months ago, but progress has been slow. Within the last month, however, the new program has gained a great deal of momentum.
Today’s boiler designs offer many advantages over the older boilers they replace. Today’s boilers tend to be smaller, more efficient, and frequently offer lower NOx emissions to comply with some local emissions regulations, such as those in Los Angeles, CA. Some newer boilers are also able to deal with a particularly troublesome operation problem, wild load swings.
We’ve finally reached autumn, in name at least. Even though many parts of the country are still experiencing summer-like temperatures, it’s definitely not too soon for schools and other commercial facilities to get their heating systems ready for colder weather. Steam boilers in particular need regular maintenance in order to avoid unscheduled shutdowns, the majority of which are caused by human error, our sources agree.
Commercial hydronic heating systems have seen tremendous progress in the past decade in the way that they are designed and controlled. Most of these systems have done a great job of maintaining only what is needed to satisfy the needs of the system by reducing temperatures within the system. Some issues, however, occur within these systems that need to be addressed in order to properly deal with the individual design needs of cast iron boilers.
Pure, odorless air is so important in Givaudan’s new flavor laboratory here in East Hanover that sensory evaluators are prohibited from using cologne, deodorant, and scented soap. The HVAC system, which introduces 100% outside air, must also eliminate all odors and particulates, as well as dehumidify in the summer and humidify in the winter.
What began as an idea two years ago is now becoming a major force in the HVACR industry. AirTime 500™, a membership of independent HVACR residential replacement/service contractors, will mark a milestone early next year, according to cofounder Jim Abrams.
This article is the second part in a four-part series on industry certification. In this installment, The News investigates the possibility of the industry adopting one nationally recognized HVACR certification, and how North American Technician Excellence (NATE) continues to improve its testing and gain support.
OK, you’ve exhausted all of the existing air from an interior space; now how do you replace it? You bring in makeup air from another source. For the purpose of an HVAC discussion, your source will be mechanical equipment — makeup air units.