In-depth articles on every HVAC system, component, and concept.
Starting an HVAC business requires more than technical skill with heating and cooling systems. It demands a firm grasp of licensing regulations, adequate insurance coverage, and the right equipment…
ASHRAE Standard 90.1, formally titled Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, establishes the minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and high-ri…
The building envelope is the physical barrier between a building’s conditioned interior and the outside environment. It includes walls, roof, foundation, windows, and doors. Every component of this…
ENERGY STAR HVAC certification marks heating and cooling equipment that meets efficiency standards set well above federal minimums. Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U…
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August 2022, created the largest federal investment in residential energy efficiency in U.S. history. For homeowners upgrading HVAC systems, two…
Blower motors are the workhorses of every forced-air HVAC system. They push conditioned air through ductwork, directly affecting comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. When a blower motor fails,…
What Condensate Is and Why It Matters
Every air conditioning system and heat pump in cooling mode produces condensate, the water that forms when warm, humid air passes over cold evaporator coils. A…
Refrigerant leak detection is the process of locating and quantifying the escape of refrigerant from a sealed HVAC or refrigeration system. A properly installed and maintained system is a closed loo…
Proper refrigerant charging is one of the most critical skills in HVAC service work. A system that is overcharged or undercharged by as little as 10% can lose 5% to 20% of its cooling capacity while…
Understanding HVAC Electrical Components
Electrical failures account for the majority of HVAC service calls. Three components sit at the center of most diagnoses: capacitors, contactors, and contro…
ASHRAE Standard 62.2, formally titled Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings, establishes the minimum ventilation rates and system requirements needed to maintain acc…
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings as it relates to the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants. The EPA consistently ranks indoor air pollution amon…