One of the most common parts to fail on a single-phase HVAC system is the run capacitor, so much so that we sometimes refer to junior techs as “capacitor changers.” While capacitors may be easy to diagnose and replace, here are some things many techs may not know: Capacitors Don't “Boost” the Voltage  A capacitor […]

I heard a great presentation by Ron Auvil on VAV systems, and it got me thinking… Can you size a commercial system/perform a block load by the number of occupants? Yes!  No, I'm just kidding. That's crazy talk. There is way more to it than that. However, in a commercial environment, while the building's perimeter […]

This article was written by Gary McCreadie from “HVAC know it all.” You can learn more about Gary and his tips and growing community on Facebook and LinkedIn. What is an economizer?  Simply put, it is a mechanical device designed to reduce energy consumption, whether it be fuel, electricity, or other. According to Wikipedia, the first […]