Introduction to Psychrometrics w/ Eugene Silberstein

Eugene Silberstein, a co-author of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (RACT manual), joins the podcast to give us an introduction to psychrometrics. Psychrometrics focuses on the properties of air and its contents, especially as they relate to human comfort.

To understand psychrometrics, we need to be able to quantify air: its weight, humidity, pressure, etc. We can do a better job as technicians if we figure out the air’s content and see how it relates to the CFM and overall unit performance. That way, we can have a more holistic view of HVAC performance instead of just focusing on adding or recovering refrigerant to improve performance.

The psychrometrics chart helps us understand the conditions of the air based on quantities like water vapor, dew point, and more. The chart may intimidate techs, but it contains a wealth of information that can help technicians understand the air and the customer’s comfort better.

Basic psychrometrics can also help us grasp why furnaces don’t actually dry out air; they pull the moisture out of the air and pull it back in, so the absolute humidity stays close to the same. However, we commonly add humidifiers because the relative humidity drops with the temperature rise.

Eugene and Bryan also discuss:

How air filters and blower motors interact with the air
Things that affect the weight of air per cubic foot
Humidifying air and its effect on the density of air
High-pressure air moving to an area of lower pressure
How latent heat works
Pressure and the atmosphere
Absolute vs. relative humidity

Learn about ESCO’s e-learning network at hvacr.elearn.network/ and Psychrometrics Without Tears HERE. ESCO also holds the HVAC Excellence Conference; learn more about that HERE.

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Check out information on the 2022 HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium/.

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Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

Eugene Silberstein

Company: ESCO Institute

Position: Director of Technical Education and Standards

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Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Zach from Southeast Clean Air Solutions about the intricacies of professional duct cleaning. Zach specializes in addressing duct cleaning challenges specific to the Southeastern climate, with a particular focus on fiberglass-lined ducts. The conversation delves into the complexities of cleaning different types of duct systems, highlighting the significant variations in time, technique, and approach depending on the duct materials and home configuration.

The discussion reveals that duct cleaning is far more nuanced than many homeowners realize. A typical residential duct cleaning can take between six to eight hours, with metal ductwork being significantly faster to clean than flexible ducts or fiberglass-lined systems. Zach emphasizes the importance of careful cleaning techniques, especially with delicate flex ducts that can easily be punctured or damaged during the cleaning process. He recommends a two-person approach, with one team member working inside the home and another in the attic or crawl space to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.

Beyond the cleaning process, the podcast explores critical maintenance strategies for maintaining clean and efficient HVAC systems. Zach and Bryan discuss the importance of proper filtration, home maintenance, and understanding when duct cleaning is truly necessary. They challenge the common misconception of a fixed cleaning schedule, instead advocating for system assessment based on specific conditions like household dust, humidity, and the health needs of home occupants.

Key Topics Covered:

Duct cleaning techniques for different duct materials (metal, flexible, fiberglass-lined)
Time requirements for professional duct cleaning
Challenges of cleaning ducts in various home configurations
Importance of proper filtration and maintenance
Factors determining duct cleaning frequency
Risks associated with poorly maintained duct systems
Two-person approach to thorough and safe duct cleaning
Specialized considerations for homes in humid climates
Post-cleaning sealant application for fiberglass-lined ducts

Learn more about NADCA and find certified duct cleaning contractors at https://nadca.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.