Working on Ventilation in Humid Climates w/ HAVEN

Kevin Hart from HAVEN returns to the podcast to talk about ventilation in humid climates and some best practices for working on systems that focus on the V in HVAC. HAVEN focuses on IAQ management with the use of software technology.

HAVEN started off with its central air monitor, and the company then developed a central air controller to help customers make their homes healthier. Fresh-air ventilation is one IAQ, but humid climates make it tricky to bring that air in; dumping “fresh” air into the structure without taking extra precautions can lead to high indoor humidity and even microbial growth.

ERVs, HRVs, and ventilating dehumidifiers are some traditional ventilation strategies for various climates; exhaust ventilation is also quite common but can pull hot, humid air through the building envelope. HAVEN is creating a more templated approach to ventilation; HAVEN uses whole-home in-duct monitoring and local weather data to get ideas of the conditions inside and outside the home to tailor fresh-air ventilation to each individual system’s needs.

HAVEN has partnered with several ventilating dehumidifier manufacturers, including Santa Fe and AprilAire; many of these manufacturers also use filtration to control the quality of incoming fresh air.

Kevin and Bryan also discuss:

HAVEN’s journey during the COVID-19 pandemic
Chemical interactions in our homes (VOCs and CO2)
Exfiltration and infiltration
The problem with industry standards and regulations
Appropriate climates for ERVs, HRVs, and ventilating dehumidifiers
Using dew point to control indoor and outdoor parameters
Energy savings with HAVEN’s technology
Does a house need to “breathe?”
HAVEN app

You can learn more about HAVEN’s offerings for HVAC professionals at https://pro.haveniaq.com/ and get a discount on HAVEN’s product bundle at https://www.trutechtools.com/ by using the coupon code haven2022.

Learn more about the HVACR Training Symposium or buy a virtual ticket today at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

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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 enlightening episode, we sit down with Mike, a 20-year veteran from DITEK, a leading American manufacturer of surge protection devices based in Largo, Florida. The conversation begins with a brief discussion about recent hurricane impacts in the Tampa Bay area, where DITEK maintains its 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Mike shares how the company, despite facing challenging weather conditions, continued its operations and maintained its commitment to American manufacturing.

The bulk of the discussion centers around surge protection technology and its critical importance in protecting HVAC systems and other electronic equipment. Mike provides an excellent analogy, comparing surge protectors to pressure relief valves for electrical systems. He explains how Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) work as semiconductors that create low impedance paths to ground when voltage exceeds certain thresholds. The conversation delves into the evolution of MOV technology, particularly the development of thermally protected MOVs that provide enhanced safety features.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about surge protection, particularly the belief that surge protectors are primarily for lightning protection. Mike explains that while lightning strikes are a concern, especially in areas like Florida, approximately 65% of surges actually originate from within facilities themselves, often from equipment cycling on and off or other power quality issues. He emphasizes the importance of proper installation, particularly regarding ground connections and lead lengths, noting that every six inches of wire length can add about 100 volts to the clamping voltage of the device.

Key Topics Covered:

DITEK’s history and commitment to American manufacturing
Basic principles of surge protection and how MOVs work
Evolution of MOV technology and thermal protection features
Difference between transient voltage and temporary overvoltage (TOV)
Importance of proper grounding and lead length in surge protection
Cascading surge protection strategy for comprehensive protection
UL testing standards and voltage protection ratings (VPR)
Common misconceptions about surge protection
Impact of aging electrical infrastructure on power quality
Importance of customer support and ethical business practices
Installation best practices for surge protection devices
Relationship between ground resistance and surge protector performance
Types of surge protective devices (SPD) and their classifications

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.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.