Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2022

News Magazine

November 2022

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACRNewsMagazine

Before we give away a thousand heat pumps

Special Reprint Section Continuing Education General Liability Hiring a Felon

Off To a Great Start

We must have a Standard APPROPRIATE APPLICATION

Classes This Fall

Completed Fort Smith Camden Springdale Jonesboro N. Little Rock

Still to Come Hot Springs Hope Texarkana Forrest City

Whose is going to stand for the Unknowing Uninformed Unprepared Unsuspecting

• Why Breakers Trip • Refrigerant Basics

• 10 Problems on a Gas Pack • 5 Parts on a Furnace that must be cleaned • Hot Surface Ignitors

ByArkansans

For Arkansans

Table of Contents

Editorial & Opinion Alert! Alert! IRA Heat Pumps May Impoverish the Poor

pg 6

Feature Stories

PG 14

SEER 2 It’s About Today Not Yesterday

State, national, chapter news Continuing Education EXPOs Get Off to Big Start

PG 11

General Liability Insurance: Why Have It & How to Get It (Nick Hall, Cross Pointe)

pg 24

Kirk’s Corner (Kirk Pierce, Summit Utilities)

pg 26

Education News Training Programs

PG 27

Tech News

PG 30

Why Is The Breaker Tripping? (Byan Orr - HVAC School)

PG 34

Important Furnace Information Videos (AC Service Tech, Craig Migliaccio)

PG 35 pg 30 3 pg 36 PG 38

Refrigerant Basics (Bryan Orr - HVAC School)

10 Service Call Fails (Tom Turner – The Air Evangelist)

CE Registration Opportunities Continuing Education EXPO Inspector Class (Understanding Reports — Manual J, D, S — DET)

pg 12

pg 18

DET (Duct & Envelope Test) Verifier Class

pg 2o

Critical Reprints Continuing Education

PG 43

General Liability Insurance

pg 45

Hiring a Felon

pg 47

Winter Will Soon Be Here Winter is Beautiful in Arkansas

News Magazine November 2022

Remember to Vote

Important Election News & Dates

Oct. 24

•

**First day to vote early in person

Nov. 01

•

**Deadline to request a mail in ballot

Nov. 04

•

**Deadline to mail ballot

Nov. 07

•

**Last day to vote early in person

Nov. 08 **Election Day

http://www.edssupply.com/arkansas

News Magazine November 2022

Alert! Alert! IRA Heat Pumps May Impoverish the Poor

Are These Heat Pump Houses

Thieves and traveling salesmen, ill informed politicians with good intentions, and bureaucrats too busy to take a stand are all going to push the IRA Heat Pump section giving away up to $8,000 for heat pump installation to persons making 80% of the median income. That’s right, perhaps as early as spring, door knocking salesmen are going to travel through lower middle income and poor neighborhoods offering an $8000 heat pump for free. Yes, free. The new Inflation Reduction Act has a section designed to hasten the conversion to electric heating in our country. Billions will be spent over the next ten years and con-artists and over-anxious persons will prey upon those for whom this was to benefit. So why am I so upset when folks are getting a break? Perhaps you remember in the early 90s when the electric utilities needed to increase their winter load and the best way was to get homeowners to install heat pumps. To get dealers to install heat pumps, the utilities started the Arkansas Heat Pump Association. Yes, that was the beginning of the present HVACR Association. The Heat Pump Association provided education and promotional

training to HVAC dealers to install heat pumps. Sadly, the training was based on gauges and tools not so much design.

There was some Manual J and Manual D training but for the most part it was

a. What is a heat pump? b. How do you install a heat pump?

We, as an industry, used the readily available financing and rebates to build the market and sold lots of heat pumps. Sadly, some of those installations were in houses that needed a gas furnace or, even better, significant weatherization. Why?? Because, those houses were very inefficient and had terrible whole house leakage. When ASHRA was posting a desired NACH, natural air changes per hour, of 0.35, many of those houses had double, triple, or even greater infiltration. May have worked OK in the summer; but, come winter, the wolf in sheep’s clothing came out of the closet. The homeowners were accustomed to furnaces producing 140 o or greater air temperature which could overcome the cold wind

News Magazine November 2022

coming in the house. With the new heat pump, the air temperature out of the supply was closer to 90 o and perhaps 100 o degrees. Doesn’t sound all that bad but resulted in much colder homes and discomfort. Homeowners turned the thermostat up and the auxiliary heat kicked in. The resulting air was much warmer but the electric consumption at least doubled. Utility bills skyrocketed and heat pumps got a terrible reputation. Of course, the worse part was the poor homeowner that could not pay their electric bill. Let me stop to say that the electric utilities had no ill intentions toward their customers. No one anticipated the importance of design and placing heat pumps in houses that were reasonably efficient. In the right conditions, a heat pump works great and is energy efficient. There are thousands of homes that can benefit from a heat pump; BUT, there also thousands of houses that need weatherization and insulation before they consider a heat pump. So here we are again. A heat pump promotion on steroids. This time the federal government is pushing heat pumps with money that seems inexhaustible. Even worse for person ’ s making 80% of the median income, an $8,000 heat pump is free and there is even more money to bring the electrical service up to accommodate the heat pump installation.

because, there is no incentive for them to learn about the importance of proper application, sizing, and installation. It ’ s free so why not just take the heat pump. IT'S FREE! But not really. In a bad application, the homeowner will face skyrocketing winter heating bills and will be in the line to get utility bill assistance. I ’ m sorry to be so negative. I want these folks to enjoy upgrades in their air conditioning and heating systems. I want them to have weatherization and insulation that makes the home comfortable and easier to condition. I want them to enjoy the benefits of comfort and a utility bill they can afford. So, what is the solution? Much of this money will probably come through the Arkansas Energy Office. The Energy Office must, before it is too late, create protocols that assure this money is being spent on heat pumps being installed in houses that are appropriate applications. I don ’ t know what that standard should be. Entergy works with the Public Service Commission to establish standards for their weatherization program. While I may wish it would allow more, it is a great program that helps lots of Arkansas homeowners. We should establish standards relative to

1. air infiltration 2. duct leakage 3. insulation 4. manual J loads 5. projected utility consumption

What should the specific standard be? It should be a consensus of those involved with weatherization, energy efficiency

Why do I say even worse for person ’ s making 80% of the median income;

News Magazine November 2022

programs, the Arkansas HVACR Association, utility companies, the Entergy Office, the Public Service Commission, and others who actually know something about residential comfort, energy efficiency and rehabilitation. It appears that the IRA will allow the State Energy Offices some latitude to establish these protocols but there is a lot of supposition these days. Also, it is coming quick and establishing protocols is a time-consuming process of gaining consensus from those involved. What ever it takes, the Arkansas Energy Office must take bold steps as quickly as possible. We must protect Arkansans from fast talking salesmen “ selling ” free heat pumps to an unsuspecting homeowner. Look, you may think me an alarmist and that is OK. I just see ads on the internet and door knocking, telephone calling salespersons pushing “ free ” heat pumps to homeowners whose structures need weatherization and insulation before a heat pump is installed. This is going to make the solar promotion look like a kindergarten effort. Why, because this one is really free on the front end. Why would anyone turn it down? If this races forward without limitations and protocols, utilities are going to be inundated with high bill complaints. It will be a tsunami of poor folks not being able to pay their bills. The HVAC industry will get a terrible name if we install heat pumps in houses that are bad applications and — well, we ’ ll deserve it. We, the HVAC industry, know when a house is a good or a bad

application for a heat pump. HOWEVER, the temptation to follow the easy “ sale ” will be difficult for some to resist. An ill informed or unscrupulous company will see their “ sales ” go through the roof. Again — Why would anyone turn it down? IT'S FREE!! You watch and see. If something is not done, it will be like traveling roofers going to the latest tornado. Enough! As you can see, I am concerned, distressed, perturbed, anxious, agitated, flustered, overwrought, and some might say, out of my ever loving mind. That might be true; but, we have an obligation to provide professional design, installation, and service to our customers. We have a responsibility to provide comfort and safety at an affordable price within the desires and financial ability of our customers. We are a profession not an itinerant band of jack lags without concern for our friends and neighbors. We have good friends at the utilities and the Energy Office and I trust that they will see the need and will follow as expeditiously as possible. If I have sounded an unnecessary alarm — if I have offended anyone, please accept my apologies. Just do all you can to protect Arkansans. I don ’ t mind looking like a ravening idiot. I ’ d rather that happen than to sit idly by while heat pumps are installed in bad applications.

That IRA heat pump was suppose to save us money.

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Following the UA Fort Smith site, EXPOs were held at • SAU Tech, East Camden • NWTI, Springdale • ASU Tech Center, Jonesboro • UA PTC, North Little Rock The following scheduled locations are • National Park, Hot Springs, Nov. 8 • UA Hope, Hope, Nov. 17 • North Arkansas College, Harrison, Nov. 21 • East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City, December 15 While the National Park location is full, the other three have room but licensees are encouraged to enroll ASAP as they are filling up. To register, click on the following EXPO logo and select the location you want to attend.

Continuing Education EXPOs Get Off to Big Start Effective January 1, 2023, 4 hours of continuing education is required of “ A ” , “ B ” , “ C ” , “ D ” , and “ E ” licensee holders to renew their license. It is based on a calendar year. Your continuing education must have been completed within the preceding year before the license must be renewed. Continuing education rolled out in a big way October 4 th in Fort Smith with the Arkansas HVACR Association offering the opportunity to get all 4 hours of required training in one afternoon. The fee was $100 with members of the Association getting a $50 discount. Meeting at UA Fort Smith in the Bakery District, 40 local licensees completed their training and are set to renew their license in 2023. The format of the EXPOs is as follows: Noon to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Kick Off 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Breakout Sessions 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Code Session The breakout sessions have been furnished by: Larry Clark, R & E Supply Robert Crow, Sanders Supply Randy Parrish, Ed ’ s Supply Matt Schoeb, Dap Foam Insulation Bret Ward, York Cary Wheaton, Rheem Mfg.

Get all 4 CE Hours in one Afternoon?

9 Locations across the State

What?

EXPOs are mini-conventions with CE approved breakout sessions. You pick the one you want.

When? Date

Location

Venue

City

October 4 th October 6 th

West Ark River Valley

UA Fort Smith

Fort Smith

South Central Arkansas SAU Tech

East Camden

October 13 th Northwest Arkansas October 18 th Northeast Arkansas October 25 th Central Arkansas

NWTI at Jones Center Springdale

ASU Tech Center

Jonesboro

UAPTC

North Little Rock

November 8 th Hot Springs

National Park College Hot Springs

November 17 th Southwest Arkansas

UA Hope/Texarkana Hope

November 21 st North Central Arkansas North Ark

Harrison

December 15 th East Arkansas

East Arkansas CC

Forrest City

Agenda? Beginning in October of 22, the Arkansas HVACR Association will begin sponsoring Continuing Education EXPOs across the state. These are mini-conventions lasting one afternoon.  Noon: Lunch and a View of the Future (lunch is furnished)  1 – 3 : Breakout sessions on technical and business training with speakers and trainers from distributors and manufacturers, etc. All sessions are preapproved by the Department of Labor and Licensing / HVACR Program to meet their standards for continuing education.  3 – 5 : General meeting with instruction to cover issues of code. Benefit: In one celebratory and informative afternoon, attendees will complete all 4 required hours of continuing education. Attendees will also meet other licensees from across the state. It will be great to eat, meet, greet, learn, and make friends within the industry.

Fee: The registration fee is only $100 . Association members receive a $50 discount.

Get all 4 CE Hours in one Afternoon? 9 Locations across the State Now You Know About The EXPOs. How do you go to one?

Click on one of the following logo links. You’ll be directed to a registration form.

October 4 70 S. 7 th Fort Smith

October 6 6415 Spellman RD East Camden

October 13 Jones Center 922 E Emma AV Springdale October 25 UA PTC 3000 W. Scenic Drive North Little Rock

October 18 ASU Tech Center 5504 Krueger Drive Jonesboro

November 8 101 College Drive Hot Spring Nt’l Park

November 21 1320 N Spring Road Harrison

November 17 2500 S. Main Hope

December 15 1700 Newcastle Road Forrest City

Click on the Logo Link to Register

Agenda?  Noon: Lunch and a View of the Future (lunch is furnished)  1 – 3 : Breakout sessions on technical and business training with speakers and trainers from distributors and manufacturers, etc. All sessions are preapproved by the Department of Labor and Licensing / HVACR Program to meet their standards for continuing education.  3 – 5 : General meeting with instruction to cover issues of code. Fee: The registration fee is only $100 . Association members receive a $50 discount. Due to limited space, you must register to attend. We cannot accommodate walk-ins.

News Magazine November 2022

FEATURE STORY

Unless you have a customer that is really into following this sort of thing, there is no need to bring up the subject. How do you explain it. “ Well, the Department of Energy decided that we should be more strict in evaluating HVAC equipment. The new standard resulted in a slightly lower result but the bottom line is that we still have a plethora of options. The choice is yours. ” The new standard for Arkansas is as follows: Split AC New SEER SEER 2 HSPF HSPF <45K 15 14.3 na na =>45K 14.5 13.8 na na Heat Pump New SEER SEER 2 HSPF HSPF 2 HP 15 14.3 8.8 7.5 So why do we care about all this fuss? Well there is one reason. Some enterprising person in the Department of Energy decided that permissible use of equipment would be based on DATE OF INSTALL. In the past we have always used date of manufacture. Here ’s the rub. If you have a piece of equipment that does not meet the new standard, it MAY NOT BE INSTALLED after January 1, 2023. What are you to do with that piece of equipment? Good question. Got a friend in Missouri? They can install it because they are in a different zone than Arkansas. Here ’s the raw side of the rub. Say you quote a job now for the equipment to be installed in December. The job called for a lower efficiency that will not meet the new standard; but, that is OK SPP 14 13.4 8 6.7

Beginning January 1, 2023, the HVACR industry faces yet another change. The SEER 2 world takes effect. Most of you already know but the whole concept of going from SEER 13 to SEER2 seems totally backwards — and rightfully so. SEER is not a rating on the same scale that we have used for decades. Rather, it is a new scale. A foot is no longer a foot, a yard no longer a yard, etc. Well that is just an example. SEER 2 is a new method of testing efficiency that is probably more honest in that it uses an External Static Pressure of 0.5 instead of the old 0.1. Basically, the blower has to work harder during the rating test and that gives it a more realistic result since no duct system has a 0.1 ESP. Now we ’ re not talking about friction rate which you use on your ductulator. ESP is where we start the process of determining friction but that is another story. Here's the bottom line. This new method of evaluating efficiency created a new standard of measurement for us. BUT THAT AIN ’ T NO BIG DEAL. We merely go by the new standard and sell accordingly. sEER 2 It ’ s about today not yesterday, unless!

News Magazine November 2022

FEATURE STORY

because the install will be in December. Supply is tight so you order the equipment and it gets delivered to your warehouse. Hurray! Uh Oh!! The construction / job gets delayed to January or maybe even February. What do you do with the equipment ordered for the job that does not meet the new standard? Technically, you ’re stuck with that equipment because the Department of Energy says you can ’t install “ol d ” non qualifying equipment after January 1. It is not your fault but you are the one that is stuck with the dilemma. • Do you tell the contractor that he owns equipment ordered under the contract that cannot now be installed? • So you ask the distributor for help in moving the equipment to a region in which it is still legal? • Do you install the equipment anyway believing that you probably won ’t get caught. • Do you use the equipment as a beautiful artifact for your showroom? • Maybe you give it to a college for training? Even that is questionable. Here is an interesting discussion going on. Maybe your code authority will not enforce the Federal standard during the first quarter. Maybe they will not enforce the Federal standard if the contract / permit and purchase was before January 1, 2023. That seems very fair and a reasonable way to make a smooth transition to this new standard that came with a ridiculous implementation plan.

Oh, my. It is also fraught with potential liability. First, the code official and you have some responsibility for an illegal piece of equipment being installed. No big deal until someone complains. Should the homeowner or disgruntled employee turn you in----Whatca ’ gonna ’ do now ? Why would the homeowner be upset? Maybe your competitor who lost the job tells the homeowner that you installed an “illegal” piece of equipment. Oh, my. Yes, the next two months are critical in the way you manage your quotes and stock. Distributors have been working hard to meet the demand and some will see the new equipment come in shortly. It has been a tough way to go for them. You, the HVAC contractor just has to be diligent. • Make sure your quotes are for the equipment that is legal to install on the date projected. • Give yourself an out in the contract if the job gets delayed. • Avoid bringing in any equipment that does not meet the new standard. • Don ’ t fall to the temptation to purchase non-qualifying equipment at a reduced price thinking you ’ ll not get caught. • Deliver non-qualifying equipment prior to the January 1 date and get time stamped and geotagged pictures. OK! I know it sounds crazy but discretion is the better part of sound decision making. And back to the beginning, this new standard “Ain’t no thing” except for th e crazy installation date issue. Other than that, it is business as usual and should have no effect on your business — except a possible price increase. Happy SEER 2.

Inspectors Interpreting HVAC Design Code

What ’ s this paperwork mean ?!?x ” !?

Inspector’s HVAC How To Know Class —

• Manual J • Manual D

Blower Door Duct Leakage

• Manual S Ever wonder how to evaluate / inspect the HVAC

Not an Association Member and Want to go for FREE Click here for a FREE MEMBERSHIP

Amazing Deal Registration Association Member – Free Non Member - $50

Click on Your Preferred Location to Register

5504 Krueger Drive Jonesboro, AR 72401

2300 North Lowell Road Springdale, AR 72764

October 17 8:30 – 4:30

October 14 8:30 – 4:30

3696 East Main Street El Dorado, AR 71730 November 9 8:30 – 4:30

6 Collins Industrial Place North Little Rock, AR 72113 November 4 8:30 – 4:30

The Secret Discount Code for Members is ASSOCIATION. Don ’ t Tell. Get a free membership and go for free.

SPONSORED BY &

Specializing in Custom Risk Reduction Programs, Cross Pointe is here to help protect your business, your employees and your family.  Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance  Bonds

 Employee Benefits  Personal Insurance

* Cross Pointe is proud to be an Arkansas HVCAR Association Endorsed Agency.

Since 1889

Cross Pointe is your Arkansas Commercial Insurance Specialists, providing affordable coverage and risk reduction services.

Nick Hall, CIC Sr. Risk Management Advisor nickh@cp-ins.com (501) 680-1186

Travis Hill Sr. Risk Management Advisor travish@cp-ins.com (479) 785-2912

Kyle Schnebelen Sr. Risk Management Advisor kyles@cp-ins.com (501) 831-5221

Cross Pointe Insurance Advisors  12410 Cantrell Rd., Ste. 200A  Little Rock, AR 72223 Cross Pointe Insurance Advisors  1120 Garrison Ave.  Fort Smith, AR 72901

Just Around the Corner January 1, 2023 All new Residential Construction Duct must be LEAK TESTED

DET Verifier Class Hire a Third Party or Become a Certified DET Verifier and test your own

$50 Members $150 Non-Members

Click on the Link Logo to Register

Also Qualifies for 2 hours CE

Oct. 27 & 28 8:30 – 5:00 2205 E. Roosevelt, Little Rock Nov. 10 & 11 8:30 – 5:00 6415 Spellman Road East Camden Nov. 28 & 29 8:30 – 4:30 101 College Drive Hot Springs Dec. 5 & 6 8:30 – 4:30 1114 N. 42 nd Street Fort Smith Dec. 12 & 13 8:30 – 4:30 2000 W. Broadway Ave. West Memphis

Nov. 1 & 2 8:30 – 5:00 1600 College Street Mountain Home Nov. 14 & 15 8:30 – 4:30 2904 E. 9 th Street Texarkana, AR

Dec. 1 & 2 8:30 – 4:30 5504 Krueger Jonesboro

Dec. 8 & 9 8:30 – 4:30 709 Old Missouri Road Springdale

Dec. 19 & 20 8:30 – 5:00 2205 E. Roosevelt, Little Rock

Sponsored By

5% Energy Resource Conservation Loans

A Touchstone Energy® Partner

• No down payment • Low 5% interest • Up to 84 months to pay • Write one check for your payment and electric bill

• No early payment penalty • Low hassle loan application Call Southwest Arkansas Electric Member Service Department 800-782-2743

SUMMARY OF ERC LOAN PROGRAM Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) Loan Program provides low cost financing for high efficiency heat pumps and other energy conservation improvements needed to make your home energy efficient. With approved credit and completion of the home survey, SWAECC will loan up to $5,000 per member per residential structure at 5% interest for up to 84 months. These loans are to finance energy conservation measures including heat pumps (including water source), caulking, weather stripping, insulation, storm or thermal doors and windows, etc. Loans for more than $5,000 will need Board of Director approval. Loans which do not include a heat pump will be limited to $3,000. To qualify, all conservation measures must save enough energy within 10 years to pay for the improvements. Payback estimates are determined by the Cooperative's Home Survey. Because loan funds are limited, loans will be made on a first come, first served basis. QUALIFICATIONS To qualify for the loan the member must have a good credit history with Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative and a good national credit rating. A three-member loan committee will check the member's credit before approving the loan. Loans will only be made for existing homes or buildings. The program is not for homes under construction. Also, property must be owned by the member. The cooling capacity of the heat pump should not exceed 125% of the calculated design load. The heat pump must also meet minimum efficiency ratings to qualify. The SEER rating must be 14.0 or above and the HSPF must be 8.0 or higher. All duct work, including all supply and return air duct work, must be installed with a minimum of 2" duct insulation or rigid fiberglass board and must be sized properly for noise reduction and air flow. HOME SURVEY Before a loan can be made, a home energy survey must be completed. This is a questionnaire concerning the existing and proposed energy efficiency of the property . CONTACT YOUR DEALER We advise but do not require you to contact more than one qualified dealer or contractor for cost estimates to install a heat pump and making other improvements such as storm windows or insulation if they are advised. To qualify for the ERC Loan, the unit must be installed by a member of the Arkansas HVACR Association. SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR ERC LOAN Complete and return the credit application, and the credit check authorization form in this brochure. Your application will be submitted to our loan committee for consideration, and we will notify you in writing of their decision. Once your credit is approved, we will need a copy of the deed to your property for proof of ownership and a legal description. The cooperative will file a lien on the proper-ty to secure the loan. A one-time fee of $30 will be charged to cover the cost of placing and releasing the property lien PROCESSING LOAN DOCUMENTS Upon completion of the work, a serviceman will inspect it. When the invoice is received and the inspection is complete, we will make an appointment for you to come to our Texarkana office to sign the loan papers and have them notarized. All checks will be two-party checks made out to both you and the contractor or contractors. NOTE : Cost of equipment and installation are to be negotiated between you and your contractor. You will be responsible for getting the invoices to us for processing and making payment to your contractor. A two-party check will be written to both you and the dealer . Sign the check only after work is completed.

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Liability Insurance

Why Have it

How to Get It

Nick Hall: Cross Point Insurance Advisors

liability claims for bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD) arising out of premises, operations, products, and completed operations; and advertising and personal injury (PI) liability. I underlined two things in the definition above, Bodily Injury and Property Damage. I want you to remember those two coverage triggers. That can be damage to your customers home, office/business, their neighbor’s home or office, it can be injury to your customer or to any bystander who happens to be walking by while you are doing your work. The bottom line is this policy provides protection to you when you or your employee cause 3 rd PARTY BODILY INJURY or PROPERTY DAMAGE. You all work with heavy equipment and, if installed incorrectly, it can cause serious damage or injury. So, you can rest better at night knowing you are protected from financial loss by having general liability policy. As always, please let us know if you have any questions!

It has been great meeting many of you at the Continuing Education Expo’s the Association has been putting on throughout the state. I unfortunately can’t make all of them, but I hope to make as many as I can year in and year out! Many of you already know this, but there is a new requirement in Arkansas that in order to renew or get your HVAC License, you have to carry at least $250,000 in General Liability Insurance . You might ask why you need that, and how do you get it? Well getting it is easy! We put together the form on the next page that will allow us to get quotes for you. We work with several carriers and can shop your coverage to get you the best price, but did you know Arkansas HVACR Association Members get a 10% member discount through EMC? From there they will adjust the rates based off of your claims history and operations, but the starting point on your rates is only 90% of what a non-members would pay! So if you are not currently insured with EMC, you need to get a quote! Now, what does General Liability Cover? General Liability is defined as an insurance policy issued to business organizations to protect them against

Stay Safe Out There

Cross Pointe Insurance Advisors, LLC 12410 Cantrell Road, Ste 200A Little Rock, AR 72223 nickh@cp-ins.com : 501-680-1186

L IABILITY I NSURANCE Q UOTE F ORM

General Information

Company Name (& DBA):

Address:

FEIN:

Contact Name:

Years in Business:

Contact Number:

Website Address:

Contact E-Mail:

General Liability

Total Annual Revenue:

New Installation

vs

Servicing

Revenue %:

Residential

vs

Commercial

Workers Compensation

Estimated Annual Payroll:

Employee Count:

Clerical:

Technician :

Auto

Vehicles (# of Each):

Sedan:

Box Trucks:

SUV/Pickup Trucks:

Trailers:

Tractors:

Will Need VINs and Driver Information (Name, DOB, DL #) For Most Accurate Pricing

Current/Prior Coverage

Do You Currently Have Insurance Coverage? Y

/

N

Have You Had Any Prior Insurance Claims? Y N For a Quote, fill out the form and send to Nick Hall: 501-680-1186 or email nickh@cp-ins.com /

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Kirk’s Corner The start of heating season

The heating season is here, and with natural gas, your customers can count on the affordability of natural gas at low prices. "If your customers are considering updating their heating and water heating systems this season, we recommend they consider installing a condensing combination boiler," says Kirk Pierce, Energy Efficiency Consultant. These combi units provide space heating and hot water while supplying efficient heat output, lower heating costs, and a quieter operation. Plus, we offer a rebate of $1,500 for a combi boiler or furnace plus tankless water heater installation. To ensure that your customers are receiving the best possible deal — double-check with your manufacturers to see if they have rebates available in addition to our great high-efficiency rebate. If you have any questions about helping your customers, please reach out to me at TPierce@SummitUtilities.com Looking ahead

Kirk Pierce, Energy Efficient Consultant501501-377-4646 tpierce@summitutilities.com

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” -- Warren Buffet

S tate, National, Chapter News Education News

NWTI Business & Industry 709 Old Missouri Rd., Springdale, Arkansas 72764 Michael Dewberry: mdewberry@nwti.edu 479-751-8824 SAU Tech 6415 Spellman Rd, East Camden, AR 71701 Roland Walters : cwalters@sautech.edu 870-574-4500 Southeast Arkansas College 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 John Pyland : jpyland@seark.edu 870-543-5900 UACC Hope / Texarkana 2500 South Main, Hope 71802 Leo Rateliff : leo.rateliff@uacch.edu 870-722-8507 UACC Morrilton 1537 University Blvd., Morrilton, AR 72110 Carroll Chism: chismc@uaccm.edu 3000 West Scenic Drive, NLR 72206 Robert Dixon : rdixon@uaptc.edu 501-812-2200 UA Monticello / Crossett 1326 Hwy 52W, Crossett, AR 71635 William Campbell : campbellw@uamont.edu 870-460-2010 (501) 977-2053 UA Pulaski Tech If you are a college or technical institute and want to be included in the list of HVACR education providers, contact the NewsMagazine 501-487-8655 news@arhvacr.org We’ll make sure you are in the next issue. Also, if we need to correct your information, please let us know. Add Your Name

Training Programs

Arkansas North Eastern College 4213 Main Street, Blytheville 72315 Rick Sones : rsones@smail.anc.edu 870-763-6222 Arkansas Tech University, Ozark 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949 Kenneth Beeler : kbeeler@atu.edu 479-508-3333 ASU Mountain Home 4034 Hwy 63 W, Mountain Home 72653 Eric Smith : esmith@asumh.edu 870-508-6221 ASU Newport 33500 US 63, Marked Tree 72365 Mark Constant : mark_constant@asun.edu 870-358-8627 ASU Searcy Newcastle Road, Forrest City, AR 72335 Robert Jackson : rjackson@eacc.edu 870-633-5411 National Park College 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, 71913 Pam Castleberry : pam.castleberry@np.edu 501-760-4393 North Arkansas Community College 1320 Nort Spring Road, Harrison, AR 72601 Jeff Smith : jsmith@northark.edu 870-391-3382 Northwest Arkansas Community College One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 71712 A.J. Hart : ahart7@nwacc.edu 479-936-5108 1800 East Moore Avenue, Searcy Brad Cooper: bjcooper@asub.edu 501-207-6221 East Arkansas Community College

HVACR NewsMagazine November 2022

Tech News

Why is the Breaker Tripping?

Inappropriate Circuit Design

Improper circuit design can result in an overload condition when the circuit ampacity (amperage capacity) or the circuit breaker size is not correctly matched to the load. That can happen because the load matching was wrong in the first place. In other cases, someone might have added additional load to the circuit later on. For HVAC equipment, the conductor size should be matched to MCA (minimum circuit ampacity). The circuit breaker or fuse should be matched to the MOCP (maximum overcurrent protection). If the conductor is smaller than the MCA rating, or the breaker is lower than the MOCP rating, it can result in a tripping breaker. You will also see cases where more than one system will be connected to one circuit breaker. That's incorrect unless the systems have additional independent overcurrent protection. These issues usually cause an intermittent trip, as it takes time under load to show up. But of course, that all depends on the severity of the problem. Overload An overload condition occurs when the loads draw more current or do more work than they are designed for. Common overload conditions would be a compressor locking up, motor bearings binding, blower belts too tight, or sheaves adjusted improperly. And overload generally occurs with inductive (magnetic) loads like motors. In several cases, the motor is either placed under a greater torque load than it's designed for or is beginning to fail mechanically.

Breakers are designed to trip anytime the circuit draws a current above the rating for a period of time. The time the breaker takes to trip is a function of how high the circuit amperage is compared to the breaker rating. The higher the amperage above the rating, the faster the breaker will trip. Breakers can accomplish that thermally by tripping on increased temperature. They can also do it inductively by tripping on the increased magnetic field when amperage increases. Most residential circuit breakers are thermal, which means they are more prone to trip during high ambient temperature than during low ambient temperature. That's one factor that explains why you will receive more nuisance or intermittent breaker tripping calls on a hot summer day. Many times, breakers get replaced just for doing their job and tripping when they should. There are five common causes of breaker tripping: improper circuit design, overload, ground fault, leg-to-leg short, and breaker issues.

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Overload conditions often don't trip a breaker because the motor itself will usually have an overload that specifically protects the motor. That is why a locked compressor is much more likely to shut off on thermal overload than it is to trip a breaker, even though it will draw far higher amps than the breaker rating on startup. In these cases, the thermal overload is designed to respond quicker than the breaker. If a breaker is tripping because of an overload condition, it will usually be after several seconds, minutes, or even hours of operation. It will not be instantaneous unless someone installed the wrong breaker or fuse and used an “instantaneous trip” instead of a typical “slow - blow” or slow -acting type. That would be quite rare.

A combination of visual inspection, isolation, and ohm measurement to ground and megaohm/hi-pot tests or hot verification as needed is the best way to diagnose a short to-ground (ground fault). Ground faults can be extremely dangerous and cause injury or death. In many cases, local codes require the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in rooms where ground faults are common.

You can learn more about GFCIs HERE.

Leg to Leg Short (Bucking Phases) When you have two legs of power with different sine wave patterns, such as a 240V single-phase or three-phase power, you must prevent the legs from coming into contact except through a load. If they do come in contact, there will be an enormous transfer of energy and a significant arc. This can happen when two wires rub out, when switchgear becomes compromised, or within a motor.

Ground Fault A ground fault is a short circuit (no load path) between an energized circuit and equipment ground. A ground fault is the most common cause of instantaneous breaker tripping. In most ground-fault situations, there will be very high amperage, very quickly resulting in a breaker that trips right away. Common cases would include a shorted motor, such as a shorted compressor or a rubbed-out wire.

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I encourage caution because I have seen many junior techs condemn good compressors due to a “leg -to- leg” short— just because the ohm reading between Run and Common appeared low. The only way to know if a single-phase compressor is shorted “leg to leg” with an ohmmeter is to know what the windings should read in the first place. On a three-phase motor, all three legs should read the same ohms leg to leg, making it considerably easier. When you do encounter leg-to-leg (only) short circuits, it is more often on fan motors than on compressors. Breaker Issues Because most breakers trip due to heat, anything that causes the breaker to get hotter than normal can result in tripping. That can be due to a poor connection inside the breaker itself, but it's often due to a poor wire connection on the breaker or a poor connection between the breaker and the bus bar.

Techs will often look for short circuits from “leg to leg” or “winding to winding” in a compressor or a motor without first measuring to ground.

THIS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.

Even when a motor does short “winding to winding,” it is rare that it just stays shorted. Usually, it will ALSO be shorted to ground, or it will be open after the arc flash that resulted from the short.

Usually, these types of breaker issues are caused by installation problems such as a loose connection, wrong breaker type, failure to use anti-oxidation paste on aluminum-to copper connections, excessive tripping, or using the breaker as a switch.

Think of a circuit board. Circuit boards short out all the time. The result is a big black spot on the board, and nothing works anymore (open). It rarely results in a continued short circuit because the arc from the short blew the connection apart.

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Here are some tips for diagnosing a tripping breaker: Tripping instantly • Perform a visual inspection of all wires and connections. Look for signs of rub-out, damage, and arcing. • Isolate components and ohm to ground. • If you cannot locate the issue with an ohmmeter, use a megohmmeter to ground (with caution, especially on scroll compressors). • Finally, once you believe you have identified the cause, fully disconnect the shorted component and power the unit back up. Make sure everything else functions. Tripping intermittently or after more than 3 seconds • Measure running voltage and ensure it is within +/- 10% rating. • Measure voltage drop during startup (less than 15%), between the power source, and right at the unit (less than 5% overall). • Measure component amperages while starting and running, and compare to manufacturer specs. • Measure motor and compressor temperatures, and watch for temperature increase over time. Infrared and thermal imaging can assist with this. • Watch for anything that can cause overload, such as failing bearings, belts too tight, or sheaves adjusted for too much RPM. • Measure current right at the breaker; if it remains below the breaker rating and the breaker STILL TRIPS, then replace the breaker. • Visually inspect all electrical connections and ensure they are clean and tight. • Inspect the breaker and bus bar connections. • Check breaker and wiring size.

I also learned recently that AFCI (arc fault) breakers generate heat internally, which means that you will see a hot spot on them with a thermal imaging camera or IR thermometer. Don't replace a breaker unless you know it's failed, and don't condemn a part as being shorted unless you can isolate it out of the circuit and every other component still functions (as possible). Bert showed his troubleshooting process for a breaker that was tripping intermittently in a recent video. You can watch him in action HERE. — Bryan

Bryan Orr, HVAC School (Founder / Podcaster / Dad of 10) Bryan Orr is a

lifelong learner, proud technician and advocate for the HVAC/R Trade. The NewsMagazine encourages you to subscribe to Bryan’s materials. You’ll be glad you did.

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Important Furnace Information

AC Service Tech Craig Migliaccio

NO HEAT? Top 10 Problems on a Gas Furnace Package Unit

5 Gas Furnace Parts that Must be Cleaned

Do you Know Everything About Hot Surface Ignitors?

Click on the picture to link to Craig ’s YouTube. E xcellent information and worth your time.

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Compression Refrigeration

Refrigerant Basics

A physician named John Gorrie built one of the first compression refrigeration machines, and it used air as the refrigerant. By compressing the air, it would increase in temperature, and heat could be rejected from it. He would then “rarify” or depressurize the air, dropping the temperature and allowing heat to be absorbed into the air from the water. The machine could then — eventually — produce ice.

A refrigerant is anything we use to move heat from one place to another using the compression refrigeration circuit. However, the history of refrigerants and the different kinds is quite diverse and interesting. H ave you ever noticed how your skin feels cool after you apply some rubbing alcohol to it? For a long time, scientists and inventors experimented with substances that evaporated easily at atmospheric pressure, like ether and alcohol. They noticed that these substances cooled the surface they left when they evaporated away. It was understood that substances remove heat as they boil (change from liquid to vapor) because that is one way our bodies reject heat while sweating. As the sweat evaporates, it removes heat from our skin, leaving us cooler. This is an “open” process; the alcohol, ether, or sweat leaves as it cools, so you always need more to keep the process going. The trick was to create a process that could be done repeatedly without lo sing the “refrigerant” to the atmosphere.

There were several issues with Dr. Gorrie's design. One big issue was that while he was using compression and expansion, he wasn't using the power of evaporation to increase the amount of heat that could be moved. It wasn't long before others began using refrigerants like ammonia, CO 2 , sulfur dioxide, and methyl chloride using the same compressing and expanding that Dr. Gorrie

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used but with the added benefit of boiling (evaporating) the refrigerant in the evaporator to absorb a maximum amount of heat as well as the change back to liquid (condensing) in the condenser. (There were also some forms of refrigeration that did NOT rely on compression but still used refrigerants like ammonia.) As times have progressed, refrigerants have changed to make them safer for humans and the environment. Nowadays, refrigerants and refrigerant handling in the USA are regulated by EPA Section 608. In order to handle and service air conditioning and refrigeration in the USA legally, you need to pass the EPA 608 exam and carry the certification card . So, what makes a good refrigerant?

That pretty much sums it up.

Because increased environmental regulations over the last 25 years, there has been a push to find “good” refrigerants that meet the above criteria, even if it means going into the flammable and toxic spectrum. Flammability and Toxicity Classifications Thankfully, refrigerants are well-marked. So long as we pay attention and follow best practices, there shouldn't be any issues. The markings are pretty simple: we have seen

• Class A refrigerants have low toxicity • Class B refrigerants have high toxicity

• Class 1 refrigerants have low flammability

• Class 2L refrigerants are only “mildly” flammable • Class 2 refrigerants are low flammability but higher than 2L

• Class 3 refrigerants are highly flammable

A Good Refrigerant: • Has high latent heat of vaporization (it moves a lot of heat per lb when it boils) • Boils and condenses at temperatures we can easily manipulate with compression (the pressures work) • Mixes with the oil appropriately so that the oil can do the job of lubricating the compressor and return.

• Doesn't blow stuff up or catch on fire

Doesn't poison people

•

Doesn't hurt the environment

•

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The most common toxic refrigerant is ammonia, and you would generally only find it in old appliances or large industrial applications. Propane (R290) is a flammable refrigerant and is becoming quite popular in small self contained refrigeration units like vending machines and reach-in coolers. These propane units will be very clearly marked and should be handled with extreme caution, especially when electrical sparks or open flames are or could be present. — Bryan P.S. – For more information on the emerging A2L refrigerants, check out Don Gillis's article, our podcast episode about A2Ls with Jason Obrzut, or AHRI's Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force

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baby wipes on the console can be worth using. Ring the bell and step back three steps to give the customer space to meet you. Consumers don’t like crowding and can tell if you are interested in their problem or just rushing through the process to get to the next call. Have the technician explain how they intend on handling the call and in what order they

10 Service Call Fails

Tom Turner, Air Evangelist

There are many opportunities to excel where others lose track of items to check during a service call. By placing a process in the technician’s hand, we ensure every call is handled in the same fashion without losing track of the things that count. You may have a technician that can diagnose and make repairs in short order; however, customers may complain about courtesy or friendliness. On the same day, someone with soft skills excels with the customer but fails at the technical side of the call. Both need attention and most of the time processes, or a lack of a process, is the issue. try to formulate a fix before we arrive on the call by listening to the complaint. This practice occurs most often when callbacks or return trips are made. It is best to avoid the practice, as we need all the information relative to the call. Just as the author for Crucial Conversation, Kerry Patterson puts it, “we must have facts instead of a story”. The customers description of the situation is a story most of the time. #2 Presentation at the door Too often we are in such a rush, we fail to give the customer the time we invoice for. If the last call was a rough one, take a moment to clean up. A fresh shirt or #1 Analyzing the call prior to arrival Many times, we are moving so quickly during peak seasons that we sometime

need to access property. It is a good idea to ask if others are present, if there are rooms off limits, or if pets are on site inside or outdoors.

#3 Questioning the customer There is a need to question the customer most of the time. Seldom will customers volunteer necessary information. Customers generally fear your presence as an opportunity to access their bank account. Your challenge is to put the customer at ease answering the questions necessary for a proper diagnosis. Avoid using HVAC jargon with the customer. Practice explaining processes and components in a way the typical homeowner can understand. A legitimate company will always treat customers courteously. Remember, a word-of mouth referral is worth several hundred dollars.

#4 Listening to the customer Once the customer begins to answer your questions, listen

without interrupting. Take the time to understand how the customer prefers to communicate. Some will lead and some will follow. Play the conversation to their strength. A graceful pause in