Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine May 2022

HVACR NewsMagazine May 2022

Tech News

do it a few times and develop a system, it doesn't take much longer at all. If you have not listened to Bryan Orr and Jim Bergmann's podcast on checking the refrigerant charge without gauges, please do. They make a case for an even more comprehensive benchmarking procedure. Listening to it was one of those aha moments for me. Take TESP to verify airflow against benchmarks and/or blower charts. In my experience, airflow is incorrect most of the time. If this system is new to you and will be part of a service agreement, I recommend that you check all four pressure drops (return, filter, coil, supply) for reasons mentioned earlier. I find a lot of air filters that are too restrictive (small) on service calls. Air filters can be low-hanging fruit if the equipment is not getting to proper CFM. It's not uncommon to get .30" pressure drops on new filters. If you find issues with the existing duct system and it's exposed, static pressure readings can help pinpoint where the restriction is. Many times, the restriction is obvious. A nasty reverse elbow then it turns twice, transitioning from 20" to 10" into some kind of cap-and-tap contraption. Sometimes the restriction is internal or not obvious. Collapsed duct liner or a closed damper can be found with static pressure strategically measured across portions of the duct system. If there are issues with the duct system, let the homeowner know. This conversation might expose some comfort problems that they are Servicing

experiencing. At the least, it will make them (and you) aware that there are issues that may need to be addressed when it's time to replace the system. I'm not advocating checking static pressure every time you run a service call. I know that's not always practical. I am advocating for installing the pressure ports and benchmarking on commissioning, as well as measuring airflow against the benchmarks during service when the call type calls for it. Future service techs will thank you, and you will come to a faster and more accurate diagnosis. Need to Save Money and Get Great Service? Now may be the best time to review your commercial insurance: General Liability, Workers Compensation, Vehicle, Building, etc. — Neil

Travis Hill……………....(479) 424 -4918

Nick Hall…………………(501) 680-1186

Cash McMillin…….….(501) 581 -1176

David Hoffmans…….(501) 908 -2395

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