Tech Tips

Old-timers always used to say that running plumbing and condensate drains wasn't rocket science because “water flows downhill.” While that may be true, water also floats in the air, goes uphill, and forces its way through concrete. Here is a look at some of the ways that water moves that impact building comfort and integrity. […]

Every contractor is different. I get that. We don't all need to do everything the same way or include the same services with repairs, but there are some “best practices” that can save you a lot of heartache before, during, and after you make a big repair. Catch It During Diagnosis Let's say you find […]

Have you ever noticed that a blower motor rated for 120V draws about twice the amperage of the same horsepower motor rated at 240V? That is because motors are rated in watts or horsepower, and according to Watt's law, Watts = Volts x Amps. To keep the wattage output the same at 120V, it draws […]

Over the past several years that we’ve been discussing electrification as an industry, we’ve heard concerns about the electrical grid struggling with peak cooling demands.  Within the past couple of months, the concept of integrating battery storage directly into HVAC equipment has emerged as a vital solution for load management. This concept turns a typical […]

Windows might seem like the builder's problem, but they play a big role in what we do every day. Poorly designed windows can spike heat gain in summer or loss in winter, messing with load calculations and forcing HVAC systems to work overtime. That leads to uneven comfort, higher bills, and more service calls. Getting […]

Let's first state the obvious. Most techs are intimidated by psychrometric charts and Mollier diagrams. We JUST ARE. While there are some pretty complicated formulas that back up these diagrams, using them isn't that big of a deal once you understand the different elements and then focus on one at a time. BUT WHY DO YOU […]

If you are primarily a residential technician working on equipment under 5 tons, there are many similarities between the systems you are used to and 5-20 ton rooftop units common to the light commercial market. But there are also MANY additional things to consider on larger equipment, and here are just a few. Wash Fresh […]

No matter what trade you work in, you will need to use a concrete anchor at one time or another. Here are some mistakes I have seen (and made) that you will want to avoid: Not knowing your concrete Is it a concrete block hollow cell? Poured cell? Concrete slab? What is the PSI? Not […]

I've always liked old books. Think about an old printing press somewhere in Chicago or Boston or Scranton, Pennsylvania. Imagine workers with their hands covered in ink up to their elbows, setting type while giant machines of iron, steel, and brass stamp out a book page by page. Then those pages go on to be […]