HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

In this short podcast episode, Zach joins Bryan to answer a common duct maintenance question: Should I fog or sanitize my ducts? The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) outlines the uses of chemical products. Adding chemicals is usually a last resort in flex or sheet metal (externally wrapped) duct systems; they should NOT be used on ducts with internal liners or are made of duct board or any other material with porous surfaces.  Fog is typically applied while a vacuum is running at the opposite end of the duct. It liquefies on surfaces, and a lot of contractors don't go in and dry off the duct surfaces. It's difficult to coat the entire interior of a duct system with the chemical to make it as effective as possible, and the residue creates a moist, sticky film that actually encourages microbial growth in the ductwork. On top of that, some people may be sensitive to the chemicals.  In many cases, replacing ductwork that has been confirmed to have microbial growth is more reliable. Chemical duct sanitation often has more of a perceived benefit than long-term results. The use of chemical cleaners in ductwork is similar to that of using some line set flushes without forcing a solid pig through the line set to pick up the residue afterward. Ultimately, the customer has to make an informed decision based on the problem and knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of chemical solutions.   NADCA's white papers, including "Chemical Product Applications in HVAC Systems," are available at https://nadca.com/industry-professionals/nadca-white-papers.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Bryan and Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech)dive deep into the complexities of managing condensate drainage in high-efficiency (90%+) gas furnaces. The conversation begins with a clear explanation of why these furnaces produce condensate in the first place - they have two heat exchangers that extract so much heat from the combustion gases that water vapor condenses out. This condensate is acidic (pH 3-5) and requires special consideration for drainage and disposal. The discussion explores various challenges contractors face when installing these systems, particularly in cold climates where freezing is a concern. Craig shares practical solutions from his experience in New Jersey, including using larger diameter pipes for exterior drainage and creating air gaps to prevent complete freezing. They address the ongoing debate about whether to combine AC condensate lines with furnace condensate lines, noting that while it's technically possible, there are potential risks and code considerations to keep in mind. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on code compliance and best practices for condensate disposal. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) provides several acceptable options for drainage, including floor drains, utility sinks, and standpipes. However, as Craig points out, local interpretations and requirements can vary significantly, making it crucial for contractors to maintain good relationships with their local inspectors and understand their specific jurisdiction's requirements. Key Topics Covered: &]:mt-2 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> How 90% efficient furnaces produce condensate through their dual heat exchanger system The acidic nature of furnace condensate and its corrosion potential Solutions for preventing condensate line freezing in cold climates Pros and cons of combining AC and furnace condensate lines Code-compliant drainage options (IMC 307.2) Use of condensate pumps as a solution for difficult drainage situations Importance of proper trapping and venting in condensate systems Requirements for auxiliary drain pans under furnaces Role of condensate switches and safety controls Challenges with different installation locations (crawl spaces, basements, etc.) Considerations for neutralizer usage when draining into septic systems Best practices for maintaining professional relationships with code officials   Check out some of Craig's great educational books at https://www.acservicetech.com/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this unique episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Donovan Ryckis, CEO of Ethos Benefits, diving deep into the complex world of healthcare financing and employee benefits. Ryckis shares his journey from financial advising to becoming a healthcare benefits consultant, driven by a mission to expose and transform the inherently problematic healthcare system. The conversation reveals the stark inefficiencies in traditional healthcare models, where insurance companies and healthcare providers often prioritize profit over patient care. Ryckis explains how most employers have been led to believe they cannot control healthcare costs, accepting annual increases as inevitable. By applying a fiduciary approach—similar to financial advising—Ethos Benefits helps companies like Kalos dramatically reduce healthcare expenses while maintaining or improving employee care. A key highlight of the discussion is the innovative strategies Ethos implements, such as negotiating directly with healthcare providers, exposing pharmacy benefit manager markup, and implementing direct primary care. These approaches not only reduce costs but also provide employees with better, more personalized healthcare experiences. The podcast demonstrates that by taking a transparent, data-driven approach, companies can create win-win healthcare solutions that benefit both the organization and its employees. Key Topics Covered: &]:mt-2 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> Healthcare financing vs. traditional insurance models Pharmacy benefit manager markup and hidden costs Negotiating medical claims and reducing excessive billing Direct primary care and its benefits Strategies for controlling healthcare expenses Importance of transparency in healthcare pricing The documentary "It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare" Challenges in the current healthcare system Empowering employees through better healthcare options   Learn more about Ethos Benefits at https://ethosbenefits.com/ and the Ethos Effect Podcast at https://www.ethoseffectpodcast.com/.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Chris Hughes and Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory discuss TEC's TrueFlow technology and its crucial role in predicting airflow issues in the sales process, particularly for heat pump retrofits. They explain how the TrueFlow app helps contractors accurately measure both static pressure and airflow in existing systems, enabling them to predict whether proposed equipment changes will work effectively. This is especially vital when considering the growing trend of replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps, as the airflow requirements can differ significantly. The conversation delves into a detailed example of replacing an 80% efficient 48,000 BTU furnace with a heat pump. They demonstrate how the airflow requirement would nearly double from 652 CFM to 1,200 CFM, potentially causing the static pressure to quadruple due to Fan Law 2 principles. This dramatic increase could lead to significant performance issues if not properly addressed during the system design phase. The experts emphasize that using TrueFlow during the sales process allows contractors to identify potential problems and necessary modifications before installation rather than discovering issues during callbacks. The discussion also covers the ideal workflow for system assessment and sales, starting with customer comfort evaluation and proper load calculations. It's important to reduce loads through envelope improvements when possible, particularly in cold climates where heat pump retrofits are becoming more common. Proper system sizing often means going smaller rather than larger, contrary to common industry practices, and the worst HVAC systems are often found in expensive custom homes rather than tract housing. Key Topics Covered: &]:mt-2 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> TrueFlow technology and its role in system forecasting Fan Law 2 and its impact on static pressure when changing airflow Heat pump retrofit challenges and considerations The importance of accurate load calculations Dual fuel systems as a solution for cold climates The relationship between airflow and static pressure Sales process integration of technical measurements Common issues with oversized equipment The importance of envelope assessment Methods for reducing system loads Proper duct sizing and modification strategies The role of proper filter sizing and selection The benefits of flat-rate pricing for duct modifications Training resources and support available for TrueFlow users   Check out TEC's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@energyconservatory, and you can visit TEC's website at https://energyconservatory.com/.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.