The title says it all. It should be one of the first things you learn when you started. However, I have seen a lot of experienced techs who seldom (if ever) do it. When connecting to a tank, purge your hose by cracking the center connection at the manifold for a second. When connecting to […]

In HVAC, you will hear the word “flux” used in two totally different parts of the trade. You may have heard of magnetic flux before. Magnetic flux is the lines of force that emanate from a magnet. You often hear about magnetic flux lines in discussions of motor theory. Transformers also use electromagnetic flux to […]

Do you know how a solenoid valve works? Really? On the surface, I think we all understand how a solenoid valve works. The coil energizes, creating an electromagnet. That temporary magnetism lifts an iron plunger within the valve allowing refrigerant to flow. But is it really that simple? It turns out that the answer isn't […]