A commonly taught method for measuring airflow is the temperature rise method, where you use a heat source that produces a set number of BTU/h, such as heat strips. Then, using the sensible heat air equation, you can “easily” calculate the CFM being produced by the equipment. Let's use this specific example to illustrate the […]

That picture above is a WWII poster reminding soldiers of informed self-interest, which is something we ought to consider when making decisions. We live in a world where we often make decisions quickly and expect to see quick results. That works whenever I buy from Amazon. I order a new belt, and it shows up […]

I walked into my first real job interview in the HVAC trade. The manager was a guy named Ernie, and he walked me out to the warehouse. Quick warning: guys named Ernie are tough. Don't mess with a dude named Ernie. He walked up to a box, snatched a pen out of his shirt pocket, […]

In today’s podcast episode, Jamie Kitchen talks about refrigeration controls and applications. He also tells us about the Danfoss ERC 213 universal digital controller. Electronic refrigeration controls tend to have greater accuracy and flexibility than traditional electromechanical controls. These electronic controls also allow you to perform many more tasks than traditional ones. Electromechanical controls also […]

Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss talks all about variable-speed motor technology. He discusses why those motors exist, what they do, and how to think differently about the future of HVAC/R. Most techs think about variable-speed motors as the X13 and ECM blowers in residential applications. Those motors can adjust their performance based on ambient temperatures and […]

In this episode, Bryan talks with Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss about why and how thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) fail and how they function in the first place. As fixed orifices become a dying breed with the development of higher-efficiency systems, TXVs take over the mantle as the primary method of expansion. Expansion valves meter the […]