The editors of The NEWS combed through every aisle of the 2011 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in the Las Vegas Convention Center in order to provide complete, comprehensive coverage of the show. This feature article highlights all of the new products that The NEWS' editorial staff found.
In my mind, there wasn’t much the residential market could throw at me. I should have guessed something was up by the half-amused look on my customer’s face when he described the problem as “a real hair raiser,” and that a measure of caution was in order … but what could be dangerous about a small furnace?
Here are some tips for HVAC and plumbing systems maintenance in commercial buildings that will help mechanical contractors and their customers save time and money.
The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International’s (HARDI’s) monthly Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (TRENDS) Report showed an average growth for November 2010 of more than 20 percent versus November 2009.
Bob has gone on a service call where the customer is complaining that her house is not getting up to temperature. The house was heated with a heat pump with three stages of auxiliary strip heat. Bob removed the panel to the strip heat and found one of the units was not pulling current.
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.
This troubleshooting situation is a look ahead to the upcoming cooling season. Our customer has called to say that their heat pump “isn’t cooling at all,” and while the outdoor temperature is only in the mid 80’s, it’s quite uncomfortable in the house. You find that the underlying reason is that the compressor and outdoor fan motor aren’t operating.
When Tim McTavish set out to remodel his home, his plans included increased square footage for the living space, radiant floor heating throughout the entire structure, snow melting for exterior surfaces, and an in-ground swimming pool. McTavish was looking for exceptional means by which to heat and cool his newly updated residence.
Red-tagging is characterized by the installation of a red tag on a furnace, stating that it has been shut down and is dangerous to operate unless repaired or replaced. Questions are: Is this enough action to prevent the building owner from turning the furnace back on? And what other steps are necessary such as contacting the local utility company?