Refrigeration Basics Quiz June 30, 2021, 12:53 am

BACK

Refrigeration Basics Quiz June 30, 2021, 12:53 am

June 30, 2021

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Bryan from HVAC School interviews JD Kelly, known as “student of HVAC” on Instagram, about Delta T measurements in HVAC systems. This episode dives into the fundamentals of Delta T, common misconceptions, and proper measurement techniques.

JD explains that Delta T is simply a temperature difference between two points of the same medium, which is often misunderstood in the industry. Many technicians are taught to measure between return grills and supply registers, but this approach can lead to inaccurate readings due to external factors like duct leakage or heat gain from attics. The proper measurement should be taken directly at the equipment to evaluate how the evaporator coil is performing.

Humidity plays a significant role in Delta T measurements, which JD discovered when researching the fundamentals. Bryan elaborates on this point, explaining that in high-humidity environments (like Florida), more energy goes toward removing moisture (latent heat) rather than cooling the air (sensible heat), resulting in lower Delta T readings. This is why a newly repaired unit in a humid house might initially show lower readings but improve as the home dries out. The discussion highlights why the common “20-degree Delta T” rule of thumb isn’t universally applicable and requires context.

Key Topics Covered:

Definition of Delta T: Temperature difference between two points of the same medium
Difference between Delta T and TD (temperature difference)
Proper probe placement for accurate Delta T readings
Impact of humidity on Delta T measurements
How regional differences affect expected Delta T values
Relationship between CFM (airflow) per ton and Delta T readings
Common mistakes: Adjusting equipment based solely on Delta T readings
Challenges of applying Delta T in heat pump heating mode
How temperature dead spots can affect readings
Why Delta T readings must be considered alongside other diagnostic tests
The danger of making unnecessary adjustments to HVAC systems
Why high Delta T isn’t always good and low Delta T isn’t always bad

JD’s Delta T tech tip: https://hvacrschool.com/solving-delta-t/

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

Search Episodes

Delta T Talk w/ JD Kelly

05/08/2025

Bryan Orr

Fire Sprinklers – Short #239

05/06/2025