All fuel-burning appliances require oxygen to burn. They require sufficient oxygen to burn clean and safely, without soot and CO (carbon monoxide). I live and work in Florida, where most of our fuel-burning appliances are 80% efficient with open combustion. (You can learn more about the basics of combustion on a podcast with Benoit Mongeau.) […]

You may have noticed that 3/8 liquid lines are generally the norm in equipment 5 tons and under. We went to a job recently where the system had a 1/2″ liquid line, and it got me thinking about the ramifications of going larger or smaller on the liquid line. Liquid Line Basics The liquid line […]

One aspect of motor selection that can get overlooked is motor bearings, and it can have big consequences. Sleeve bearings are most common in residential and light commercial applications because they are less expensive and quieter. They don't have rolling “balls” but rather rely on a thin film of oil on metal sleeves. Sleeve bearings […]