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#duct sealing

Tech Tips:

Sealing Boxes/Boots/Cans

Today's tech tip is a video put out by my friend Brad Hicks from the HVAC in SC YouTube Channel. Thanks, Brad! Seal boots to prevent raccoon leaks. Ok, this has nothing to do with raccoons, but I like that photo. Whenever you are installing duct boxes (also called boots or cans) in an aftermarket […]

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Videos:

Air Sealing and Static Pressure Diagnostics

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Podcasts:

How Duct Tape Got Its Name (and Why It Shouldn’t Be on Ducts) – Short #264

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how duct tape got its name and why it shouldn't actually be used on ducts. Duct tape is a versatile home DIY-fix tool, but despite its name, it wasn't initially made to seal ducts at all. In 1943, we were in the thick of World War II, […]

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Users with Tag #duct sealing

Christine Surgenor
#duct sealing

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

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.

An R-454B Ramble w/ Elliot

byBryan Orr

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Bryan sits down with Elliot, a senior service tech and newly minted install supervisor, to discuss the realities of working with R-454B refrigerant in the field. What starts as a technical discussion about the new A2L refrigerant quickly evolves into a candid conversation about industry frustrations, manufacturer accountability, and the practical challenges technicians face with the latest refrigerant transition. With four years of hands-on experience, Elliot brings fresh perspectives on everything from charging procedures to equipment reliability issues.

The conversation takes an honest look at the R-454B rollout, which Bryan describes as a massive industry failure. Unlike typical manufacturer talking points, this episode dives into real problems technicians are experiencing: extended charging times, subcooling drift, and equipment component failures. Bryan and Elliot discuss how R-454B systems can take up to an hour to stabilize compared to the 15-20 minutes they were accustomed to with R-410A. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s affecting how technicians approach charging procedures and follow-up visits.

The episode also explores theoretical explanations for R-454B’s unusual behavior. Bryan presents two hypotheses about why the refrigerant takes so long to reach equilibrium: either density differences between R-32 and R-1234yf are causing stratification in the condenser, or one component is settling at the top and acting like a non-condensable. While admitting he’s “not a mathy details guy,” Bryan encourages field technicians to investigate these phenomena using thermal imaging cameras and careful observation. This practical, boots-on-the-ground approach to understanding new technology exemplifies the podcast’s commitment to real-world problem-solving.

Beyond technical discussions, the conversation touches on broader industry issues, including the politics behind refrigerant selection, manufacturer warranty support (or lack thereof), and the challenges faced by contractors trying to maintain fair pricing while dealing with new equipment failures. Bryan and Elliot also address the reliability concerns with new A2L safety components like dissipation boards and refrigerant sensors, noting that while failure rates aren’t dramatically higher than other components, they represent additional potential failure points that weren’t previously necessary.

Topics Covered

R-454B Charging Behavior: Extended stabilization times (up to 1 hour vs. 15-20 minutes for R-410A) and subcooling drift over time
Field Charging Strategy: Why technicians are intentionally undercharging slightly and relying more on line length specifications
A2L Safety Components: Dissipation boards and refrigerant leak sensors—their function, failure rates, and nuisance alarms
Refrigerant Stratification Theory: Potential explanations for delayed equilibrium involving density differences and non-condensable behavior
Industry Politics: The R-454B vs. R-32 debate, GWP legislation, and lobbying efforts that shaped current refrigerant standards
Manufacturer Accountability: Warranty support issues, untested components, and the financial burden on contractors
Recovery and Reuse Concerns: Questions about blend consistency when recovering R-454B and tank contamination issues
Future of HVAC: Discussion of heat recovery chillers, secondary fluid systems, and emerging refrigerant-free technologies
Pressure Testing Requirements: New legislation requiring extended pressure tests and improved brazing practices
Practical Field Advice: Using thermal imaging to diagnose condenser behavior and verify proper refrigerant distribution

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An R-454B Ramble w/ Elliot

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Check our latest Tech Tips

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VIPER SNIPER UNIVERSAL AEROSOL TRIGGER SPRAYER

VIPER SNIPER UNIVERSAL AEROSOL TRIGGER SPRAYER The Viper Sniper is an ergonomic trigger sprayer that fits all standard aerosol cans. Designed for comfort and control, it reduces finger fatigue and delivers a smooth, consistent spray, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Features quick-attach side clips for easy, secure use. Compatible with all standard aerosol cans —including Viper Aerosol Coil Cleaner and Coil Coating Spray. Fits Any Aerosol Can Full Hand Ergonomic Grip Easily Clips On and Off 2 Sprayers per pack

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER Venom Pack Condenser Cleaner is a high foaming pure concentrate liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils. The proprietary blend of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the coil.

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment is a sprayable gel. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow and prevent future soil adhesion. The slow dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips.

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

NAVAC

Find out more about the Innovative NAVAC line of Vacuum Pumps

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