Since variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is still relatively new in the United States, many contractors lack a full understanding about VRF equipment. But experts on these systems are striving to dispel false impressions and provide training opportunities for contractors who want to learn about VRF.

Various areas of the U.S. HVACR industry are considering variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology these days. What are contractors saying about it?

Home performance contracting is more than just an industry buzzword for the team at Minnick’s Heating, Cooling, Energy Solutions, and Insulation. Why did the three owners decide to start focusing on the home performance market?

The Tranquility® 22 Two-Stage Compact (TY) Series water-source heat pumps exceed ASHRAE 90.1 efficiencies with two-stage operation. They also use EarthPure® (HFC-410A) zero ozone depletion refrigerant. They are available in sizes 2 through 5 tons with multiple cabinet options (vertical upflow and horizontal).

So there’s this steam unit heater that won’t put out what it’s supposed to put out. It’s wimpy. The guy with the problem is telling me about it and he’s gesturing like he’s swatting bees. What is a contractor to do?

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

For HVACR contractors who are involved in the residential construction market, there may be good news on the way. The latest numbers from this sector show that construction activity is picking up.

Superheat is probably the most talked about yet misunderstood technical term used by service technicians in the field. Superheat is a measured value. What can be done with it?

A number of manufacturers are greening their product offerings. Several of these manufacturers will be attending Greenbuild 2012. What will they bring to the show?

Today more and more systems are incorporating microprocessor controllers into their design. Troubleshooting the operation of these controllers can be a little tricky at times, but if broken down into sections it can be easier to handle.