HVAC Contracting - Articles - Page 266

Hacking A/C Systems Remotely a Threat to the Grid

Warning over remote manipulation of office a/c systems to create a demand surge and grid shut down

December 5, 2016

According to WIRED magazine, researchers have highlighted the issue of remotely manipulating home and office air conditioners to create a surge and take down the power grid. The hack targets remote shut-off devices that utilities install on air conditioners to conserve energy during peak summer periods.

GreenGen to Help Reduce Energy Usage by 68% in Michigan Federal Buildings

The ESPC will guarantee first year savings of more than $151,000

December 5, 2016

Energy efficiency upgrades to 13 U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) buildings in Michigan will generate more than $3.9 million in savings to taxpayers, as part of a GSA contract awarded to Green Generation Solutions LLC (GreenGen).

example of the primary winding and secondary winding of a transformer

Btu Buddy 164: Low Voltage Transformer Failure

Bill Johnson

November 21, 2016

Bob and Tim were on their way to a no heating call. When they arrived, they looked at the house and saw that it had a package unit. They talked to the housewife and she told them that the unit stopped running sometime in the middle of the night last night.

How to Run a Hot Water Zone Off a Steam Boiler

The boiler’s extra capacity determines how much radiation can be supported for the hot water zone

November 21, 2016

Can I run a hot water zone off an existing steam boiler without a heat exchanger? Yes, but there is a limit to how much radiation your steam boiler can support.

New Rules Make Many More Eligible for Overtime

The implications could be very negative for many employers

Richard D. Alaniz

November 21, 2016

In just a few days millions more American workers will be eligible for overtime, thanks to a new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule that takes effect on Dec. 1. And the estimated 4 million workers who become are just the beginning — every three years, the pay levels will automatically update.

Light-based Scanner Said to Detect Legionella in A/C Systems in Minutes

EU collaboration claims new photonic technique will slash detection time

Andrew Gaved

November 21, 2016

The European collaborative Poseidon project says it has developed a scanner that can detect Legionella bacteria in under one hour, rather than the 10 days of cultivation and analysis normally required.

Aggreko Keeps Moody Gardens’ Ice Land Cool

Company is providing temperature control and power generation assistance

November 21, 2016

When 2 million tons of ice arrived in October to help build Moody Gardens’ Ice Land: A Caribbean Christmas, Aggreko’s team of technicians were on hand to keep it frozen for the holiday destination held in one of the southern United States’ warmest climates.

Troubleshooting Challenge: A ‘No Heat’ Complaint

Jim Johnson

November 7, 2016

In this troubleshooting situation, the equipment that needs servicing is a condensing gas furnace in a relatively small home of approximately 1,200 square feet. The capacity of the unit is 40,000 Btu and it is equipped with an LED readout system.

How to Solder No-Lead Fittings

Contractors need to make sure these 10 things happen

November 7, 2016

In conjunction with the release of its latest soldering procedure, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA’s) National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) encourages contractors to make sure the following 10 things happen when their workers are making soldered joints.

Be Prepared to Weather Hurricanes and Storms

Know what to do before and after a critical event to minimize losses, return to business as usual

Hart S. Brown

November 7, 2016

Major natural disasters, like hurricanes and storms, can cause significant financial damage to businesses, often leading to a temporary shutdown, or even putting them out of business altogether. Because natural disasters can’t be prevented or anticipated, planning for them is crucial.