Most techs and installers know that drains need to be pitched. I use the rule of thumb that drain lines should generally be pitched 1/4″ per foot of horizontal run. One thing that can easily be forgotten is pitching wall penetrations when drilling. It's as simple as drilling with a slight upward angle if drilling […]

We have discussed many methods for checking a refrigerant charge without connecting gauges over the last few years. Recently, I've been thinking about the “approach” method of charging that many Lennox systems require. What is the Approach Method? The “approach” simply refers to the temperature difference between the liquid line leaving the condenser and the […]

The chart above is from a Carrier heat pump, and it lists some common accessories. I have heard this common pressure switch (last on the list) called a low-pressure switch (because it opens on fall in pressure) and a high-pressure switch (because it's in the liquid line), but RARELY do I hear it called its […]