Tech Tips

In this episode Phil from Building automation monthly comes on and talks building automation and demystifies some of how it works. If you have an iPhone subscribe to the podcast HERE and if you have an Android phone subscribe HERE

There are many acceptable methods for making a wire splice, and you need to consider many different factors when making a splice. Here are a few considerations. High Voltage vs. Low Voltage – If the connection is 24V or less, it USUALLY has fewer NEC (National Electrical Code) rules and regulations concerning how the connections are […]

I have spent the last few days checking run capacitors on various systems with several different meters, and this is what I found: #1 – Comparing Start wire amps against Run + Common under the clamp together is meaningless as a practical test. I used this test on 3 different systems with 3 different meters […]

In a previous article, we covered the standard way to check capacitors under load. I am now going to give you an even easier test. A properly functioning PSC (permanent split capacitor) or CSCR (capacitor start capacitor run) motor should have a power factor of very close to 1 if they have a properly sized […]

A quick note about UV lights: they work like sunlight in that they prevent and kill many types of bacteria and fungi when exposed to the light on surfaces. They do not generally do a great job of killing spores suspended in the air stream. UV lights are great at killing yucky stuff on surfaces […]

When testing a run capacitor, many techs pull the leads off and use the capacitance setting on their meter to test the capacitor. On a system that is not running, there isn't anything wrong with this test. However, when you are CONSTANTLY checking capacitors as a matter of regular testing and maintenance, that extra step […]

I’ve got a confession to make. I'm “that guy.” Call it OCD, call it being anal-retentive, but I'm always making an effort to be as technically correct as possible. One aspect of that effort has been the use of torque indicating or torque limiting tools when tightening fasteners. It started after I put new valve […]

The price of R22 is getting ridiculous, and one of the #1 requests I have been getting is for recommendations on other refrigerants to use in place of R22 and best practices, so here we go. No, you shouldn't mix There are NO refrigerants that you are supposed to use to top off an R22 […]

Imagine, if you will, a 20-year-old kid. He has no formal training in the HVAC/R field, only ride along “training” and book learning as he reads along with his journeyman father with whom he's riding. One stormy summer evening, a service call comes in for an ice cream freezer down. After calling and talking to […]