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If you haven’t already, now’s the time to contemplate your budgets for 2015. I realize the training required to be an HVAC tech is different from being an accountant, and many contractors started their careers working with tools before becoming a contractor; however, some rudimentary knowledge of accounting is important.

ASHRAE is committed to improving the efficiency of the built environment. That commitment is best exhibited through ASHRAE’s standards, which, through constant improvement, continue to raise the bar for building efficiency.

Long before Americans had access to natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electricity, and long before there were automatically controlled central heating systems, wood was the most commonly used heating fuel.

This article explores some of the new, state-of-the-art, digital, wireless technologies available for measuring system superheat and subcooling. These new tools enable technicians to automate measurements, share data, and save time and money

Proactive HVAC contractors have been working to educate their employees and clients on the inevitable phaseout. And, with the price of R-22 already starting to rise in many areas, educated contractors are finding it easier to convince customers to replace aging R-22 units with newer, more efficient models.

Duct leakage, refrigerant undercharge or overcharge, low indoor airflow, and oversized equipment with undersized ductwork have the most potential to significantly degrade equipment efficiency. 

In 2014, the HVACR industry saw an unprecedented amount of regulatory action from government entities, and, according to industry leaders, the regulatory action will continue through 2015. 

While the new efficiency standards do not require manufacturers to use any specific technologies to achieve the new EF (energy factor) ratings, they’ve already necessitated a significant redesign effort from manufacturers. Additionally, the increasing unit sizes pose transportation and installation challenges that have yet to be fully understood.

Choosing the correct line size is very important to the overall success of the installation. Incorrectly sized refrigerant lines can lead to system problems, excessive energy consumption, and higher installation and operation costs.

Thirty-seven years and one addition to the house later and McDermott is proud to claim that his geothermal system — including the original ClimateMaster heat pump unit from Friedrich (eventually assumed into LSB Industries subsidiary ClimateMaster Inc.) — is still working perfectly.