National comfort institute (nci) - Articles - Page 4

Study Addresses Interior Ductwork Contribution to Home Energy Loss

March 5, 2018

Comfort Institute released finding from a new study that indicates leaks in ductwork located in conditioned space can have a significant impact on energy savings. The study, conducted by Comfort Institute in combination with the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), showed that the amount of conditioned air seeping through the building envelope and escaping to the outside of the home was reduced by an average of 11.4 percent after the ducts were effectively sealed.

Duct Dynasty: A Closer Look at Combustion Air

Verifying installations is the key to combustion air performance

David Richardson

July 31, 2017

To understand the operation of combustion air openings, it’s a good idea to review some airflow basics. For airflow to move through a duct, there must be a pressure difference across it created by an external source. Traditional installations depend on natural forces to create this pressure difference.

Six Lessons Re-learned in a Foreign Land

Traveling can teach you a lot about your HVAC business

Mike Weil

July 17, 2017

Traveling, at least to me, offers a lot of lessons about human nature, life, and yes, the HVAC industry. It can be a microcosm of entrepreneurship and business acumen. What? That’s crazy, right? But not really.

Ducts in a Conditioned Space: To Insulate or Not?

Have HVAC contractors been ignoring a problem for decades?

David Richardson

June 26, 2017

Is it possible there are negative effects caused by uninsulated ducts in conditioned spaces we may have overlooked for decades? Let’s look at some problems you might encounter due to this practice and how you can determine the impact on the performance of your systems.

Obstacles to Air Balancing Residential HVAC Systems

Consider using a residential pre-balancing checklist

David Richardson

May 15, 2017

Being accountable for proper airflow delivery causes a tech to examine every portion of an installation differently. Airflow is no longer assumed since test instruments now measure it. Let’s look at some of the most common obstacles to achieving a successful air balance on a residential HVAC system.

NCI Summit 2017 Swoops into Scottsdale this April

Learn the ‘secret weapon’ for success

February 24, 2017

The National Comfort Institute’s (NCI) annual Home and HVAC Performance Summit 2017 is in the final stages of preparation, and HVAC contractors from around the country are invited to attend. The event takes place April 2-4, 2017 at the We-Ko-Pah Conference Center and Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Donald Trump and the HVAC Universe

In the HVAC universe, part of that work involves how the changes a Trump presidency will impact contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.

Mike Weil

January 30, 2017

In the HVAC universe, part of that work involves how the changes a Trump presidency will impact contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.

Five Important Factors Influenced by Proper Airflow

Don't be an airflow phony

David Richardson

January 30, 2017

Just because our industry talks about proper airflow, it doesn't mean we’re doing much to address it. Airflow must be measured, plain and simple. Duct design and duct tightness won’t assure proper airflow.

Comfort Institute, Service Roundtable Partner Up

The new partnership was announced at the annual Success Summit

November 28, 2016

Based upon the partnership, all Comfort Institute members will now have the option to receive Service Roundtable memberships, compliments of Comfort Institute.

Duct Dynasty: The Unintended Influences of Airflow on Combustion Safety

Altered airflow can influence the safe operation of fuel-fired equipment

David Richardson

November 7, 2016

Combustion safety can be sacrificed when fuel-fired appliances needing interior air for combustion are not carefully considered. Many appliances depend on a consistent supply of air from inside the building to operate safely. If this fact is ignored, the results can be deadly.