Technical

Modern Coils, New Risks: Rethinking HVAC Cleaning Practices

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Dirty coils still hurt performance, raise operating pressures, and contribute to costly failures, but cleaning them improperly can create a whole new set of problems.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting, Part 3: Stuck Sliders and Hidden Leaks

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

A magnet, a thermometer, and the right pressure readings can tell you everything about a failing reversing valve.

An HVAC Technician’s Guide to Humidity

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Moisture problems show up everywhere in HVAC systems. Knowing how humidity behaves in air can make troubleshooting condensation and comfort issues far easier.

Protecting Inverter-Driven HVAC Systems: The Critical Role of Power Quality Monitoring and Management

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Inverter-driven HVAC systems deliver 30–50% energy savings — but their sensitive electronics are highly vulnerable to voltage instability.

Best Practices for Working with A2L Refrigerants

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

The shift to A2L refrigerants may seem daunting, but with proper tools, training, and safety know-how, contractors can handle the change with confidence.

Troubleshooting Heat Pumps Stuck in One Mode

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

A reversing valve can fail 3 ways: stuck in position, defective/displaced, or internal leak.

Understanding a Defrost Board on a Heat Pump

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

This technical primer breaks down defrost control board operation, key components, and practical troubleshooting steps every HVACR technician should know.

Troubleshooting the Heat Pump Defrost Cycle: A Step-By-Step Guide

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

If defrost isn’t working, something in the chain is broken. This step-by-step approach shows you exactly where to look and what to test.

HVAC Airflow Troubleshooting and the Top Tests and Tools to Help

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Airflow diagnostics made simple—discover how to ensure peak performance in HVAC systems.

Heat or Chill, the Market for Heat Exchangers in HVACs Stays Steady

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

With stronger global temperature fluctuations and demand for HVAC systems growing, heat exchangers are rapidly becoming essential to an ever-expanding market.

6 Essential Steps for Teaching CO₂ Refrigeration

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

CO₂ refrigeration systems demand both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, which is why blending theory with practice creates top-notch technicians.

H2VAC: Using Hydrogen Fuel to Decarbonize Heating and Cooling

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Discover how hydrogen fuel is poised to revolutionize HVAC systems by reducing carbon emissions and easing strain on electric grids, driving the industry toward a decarbonized future.

10 Things to Know Before Your First Mini-Split Call

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400

The first time a technician has to tackle a ductless mini-split can be nerve-racking, but by following these 10 tips, the job can be done without all the anxiety.

How a Fan Center Works

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

For technicians who run across older furnaces where air conditioners were later added, it pays to know how a fan center operates.

Nationwide 250 hp Boiler Achieves 5 ppm NOx Performance

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:30:00 -0400

Equipped with an Oilon LN30 ultra-low NOx burner and Nationwide’s Eagle PLC-based Control System, the 250 hp package boiler achieved average emissions performance of 5 ppm NOx and 0 ppm CO (corrected to 3% O₂) during third-party testing.

Defining and Calculating Voltage Imbalance

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Saving one compressor will cover the cost of a voltage monitor and then some.

Harlan is New Business Development Manager at WAGO

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:49:21 -0400

Amy Harlan, who has an extensive background in electronics and device connectivity, is the new business development manager for device connection technology at the global electronics technology firm.

Public Review of Proposed Revisions to ACCA Manual SPS (HVAC Design for Swimming Pools and Spas)

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The 30-day ANSI public review period closes May 14.

The 3-4-5 Rule for Walk-In Coolers And Freezers

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

During the installation of a new walk-in cooler or freezer, it is imperative the box remain square and level during the assembly of its panels.

How to Measure Net Oil Pressure

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Before servicing any refrigeration or air conditioning systems that contain an oil pump, technicians should make sure they understand the difference between net oil pressure and oil pump discharge pressure.

How Much Do You Know About HVAC Service?

GordonWhite@achrnews.com (Gordon White) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re the owner of an HVAC contracting company or a student at a tech school, take this quiz to find out how much you know about servicing equipment.

Propane Can Offer HVAC Customers A Reliable Option for Backup Power

bryan.cordill@propane.com (Bryan Cordill) — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0400

The growing electricity demands being placed on the country’s century-old grid are resulting in an increased number of unexpected power outages across the U.S.

Understanding the Formula to Calculate BTUH

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400

The "magic number" 1.08 is convenience factor. It is a bunch of math combined into one factor as a shortcut, although sometimes more precise calculation is better.

Why Changing Refrigerants May Mean Your Existing Pump Needs Replacing

Sun, 23 May 2021 11:00:00 -0400

When changing the refrigerant within your pumping application, it is worth discussing the application with a process specialist.

Upper-Room UVGI: An Infectious Disease Control Strategy

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

The pandemic has marked a turning point for an underutilized technology for infectious disease control in buildings.

Maximizing Indoor Air Quality Without Sacrificing Energy Efficiency

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

The proper application of modern HVAC technologies can help maximize indoor air quality while minimizing losses in operational efficiency.

Internet of Things Improves HVAC Efficiency and Effectiveness

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0400

IoT-enabled HVAC systems can accommodate a seamless user experience while reducing environmental impact.

The Secret to Energy and Cost Savings: Pump System Evaluation

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0400

Determining the right pump to save energy in a given application can be broken down into three general steps.

How Can A Direct Drive Design Optimize Cooling Tower Performance?

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0400

A variable speed drive (VSD) controls the speed of the high-torque, direct-drive motor for optimal fan operation.

A Simple Guide to the Refrigeration Cycle and How Air Conditioners Work

GordonWhite@achrnews.com (Gordon White) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Four core components work together to control when refrigerant is absorbing heat, and when it is releasing heat.