Tech Tips

What is your methodology for troubleshooting an HVAC system that “can’t keep up” on the hottest days of the summer? Let me walk you through my process and hone in on one or two ideas that have been overlooked for too long in our industry. In this article, I’m assuming we have ruled out intermittent […]

We recently received a Speakpipe question for the podcast about a common nuisance call on straight-cool A/C units and heat pumps. The systems, often retrofit units, were backing water up into the secondary drain pan and overflowing it. This issue isn’t happening on furnaces, which are positively pressurized, which means we have to take a […]

When we started Conduit, one thing that was incredibly important to us was that we constantly took lessons from the field to make sure we’re building the best product and process. HVAC Contractors around the country graciously let us ride in their trucks with them to visit customers. Our goal was to better understand the […]

This tech tip was written by Dr. Chuck Allgood from Chemours. Thanks, Dr. Chuck! As the ramp-up of new AC units and heat pumps with low-GWP refrigerant R-454B accelerates, it may be useful to look at some of the basic properties of R-454B refrigerant as compared to the legacy gas it’s replacing: R-410A. This tech tip […]

Sandhill cranes are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. Non-migratory subspecies, like the ones we see in Florida, also have special protections, and hurting a crane can land you in jail or put you thousands of dollars in debt. (Plus, it’s just plain awful.) For that reason, we need to do […]

This tech tip is based on a presentation by Joey Henderson, a veteran symposium speaker and excellent HVAC educator. You can learn more about Joey and the work he does at joejoehvac.com and his YouTube channel HERE. Simply put, indoor air is often nasty. People cough up and exhale germs, and cracks in the envelope […]

This tech tip was inspired by a Facebook post by Jason Julian in the HVAC School Group. Jason is the owner of his own HVAC business, Julian Heat & Air, and was part of the 2024 HVACR Training Symposium's Small Business Roundtable. Thanks, Jason! HVAC work is NOT easy. Some installs (and even service calls) […]

This tech tip is based on the podcast with Joey Henderson, “Using Refrigerant Troubleshooting Charts w/ Joey Henderson.” You can listen to that podcast HERE. The HVAC trade is very much a visual one; I wouldn’t recommend doing a drinking game where you take a shot each time you read “Do a thorough visual inspection” […]

Courtesy of Copeland The design goal of most modern compressors is to make them more efficient and better able to match loads, hopefully without reducing ruggedness. The Copeland Scroll Digital™ or digital scroll is one compressor design that has become very popular due to its simplicity and versatility. But before we go further, let's define […]