One HSI Furnace Control to Rule Them All w/ Jim Fultz

Jim Fultz with Emerson White-Rodgers returns to the podcast to talk about one HSI furnace control to rule them all, the 50M56X-843 Universal Single Stage Integrated Furnace Control.

The 50M56X does not come with wiring harnesses; the control comes with the plugs that the majority of manufacturers use, making it a versatile and user-friendly universal part. It also works with the White-Rodgers Connect app to help you configure the part with the burners. You can also do some basic configuration when it comes to the blower motor. With the 50M56X and Emerson White-Rodgers Connect app combination, you can quickly and accurately configure the control without wi-fi or a password.

An igniter is included in the box with the 50M56X; the igniter must match the control. The control also comes with a three-digit display that communicates the microamp current from the flame sensor, meaning you don’t need to use a meter on the flame sensor. So, you can carry less truck stock and complete more calls with this universal part.

The device also has some potentially useful extra features. For example, the 50M56X stores error codes for 14 days, not permanently, to prevent causing confusion for future technicians. It also has a bus connector for the thermostat and a dehumidification terminal for thermostats with dehumidification capabilities.

Jim and Bryan also cover:

White-Rodgers universal vs. aftermarket vs. OEM parts
Blower speed and X13, ECM, and PSC motors
Near-field communication (NFC) capabilities
Cross-referencing
Technology and ethical business
50M56X warranty information
Integration with Sensi thermostats
WR Mobile App (available on Google Play and the App Store)

Learn about Emerson White-Rodgers and their featured products on our partner page HERE.

Check out the wide array of products and resources Emerson White-Rodgers has to offer at https://emerson.com/universalcontrols.

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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.

Chris Hughes and Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory discuss TEC’s TrueFlow technology and its crucial role in predicting airflow issues in the sales process, particularly for heat pump retrofits. They explain how the TrueFlow app helps contractors accurately measure both static pressure and airflow in existing systems, enabling them to predict whether proposed equipment changes will work effectively. This is especially vital when considering the growing trend of replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps, as the airflow requirements can differ significantly.

The conversation delves into a detailed example of replacing an 80% efficient 48,000 BTU furnace with a heat pump. They demonstrate how the airflow requirement would nearly double from 652 CFM to 1,200 CFM, potentially causing the static pressure to quadruple due to Fan Law 2 principles. This dramatic increase could lead to significant performance issues if not properly addressed during the system design phase. The experts emphasize that using TrueFlow during the sales process allows contractors to identify potential problems and necessary modifications before installation rather than discovering issues during callbacks.

The discussion also covers the ideal workflow for system assessment and sales, starting with customer comfort evaluation and proper load calculations. It’s important to reduce loads through envelope improvements when possible, particularly in cold climates where heat pump retrofits are becoming more common. Proper system sizing often means going smaller rather than larger, contrary to common industry practices, and the worst HVAC systems are often found in expensive custom homes rather than tract housing.

Key Topics Covered:

TrueFlow technology and its role in system forecasting
Fan Law 2 and its impact on static pressure when changing airflow
Heat pump retrofit challenges and considerations
The importance of accurate load calculations
Dual fuel systems as a solution for cold climates
The relationship between airflow and static pressure
Sales process integration of technical measurements
Common issues with oversized equipment
The importance of envelope assessment
Methods for reducing system loads
Proper duct sizing and modification strategies
The role of proper filter sizing and selection
The benefits of flat-rate pricing for duct modifications
Training resources and support available for TrueFlow users

Check out TEC’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@energyconservatory, and you can visit TEC’s website at https://energyconservatory.com/.

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