In early 2018, Testo introduced the 440 air flow testing and measurement kit.  It's a fully comprehensive kit that offers many functions.  One clear advantage, is that all the probes are available in Bluetooth to avoid wire clutter.  It gets better, the cable handle and Bluetooth handle are compatible with…

Checking/testing gas fired appliance manifold pressure is an integral part of service, maintenance and unit start up for optimal performance.  It could be the difference between a properly functioning system to a potentially pre-mature failure of a heat exchanger and more...Under fired or over fired appliances like furnaces, boilers, and…

Most gas fired appliances these days use flame rectification to prove the pilot flame before initiating the main burner.  Flame rectification is the process that uses the flame to convert an AC signal to a DC current (micro amps). There is a specific way to test the signal strength, the right knowledge and…

How does one become successful in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trade?  Well, the same way one is successful within a game.  No matter what the game is, sports, board games, poker, etc. there are rules that need to be followed, there is education that needs to take…

As I read posts and comments within social media HVAC groups regarding indoor air quality or IAQ it is clear that most technicians are focused on clean, healthy homes for their customers and their own families.  The main discussion revolves around filtration systems, temperature, humidity and air purification.  There is…

To some HVAC technicians, replacing hose seals or gaskets is actually a foreign concept, hose maintenance you say?  Hose maintenance is an integral part of successful day to day service and installation.  If hose seals become compressed or broken, we can have leaks while testing or evacuating, I have also…

In this video review for TruTech Tools I test out the Asco Acetylene Torch Kit.  With this kit, there is no need for oxygen in your torch set up.  Check out this link to read TruTech Tool's info on this great product.  Save 8% on your purchase of this kit…

During my career I have come across many pulleys, shafts, blower wheels and bearings that have come loose due to improper set screw tightening, sadly a lot of this equipment was brand new or close to new.  On some larger equipment or equipment that may be susceptible to excessive vibration,…

Not too long ago, I was under the impression that all internal leak sealant products were equally destructive to air conditioning or refrigeration systems.  About a year and a half ago, there was a heated debate regarding such products on My HVAC Hub powered by HVAC Know It All on Facebook. …

Have you ever thought about training your customer?  This sounds like an odd theory but in actual fact it works and I will give you an example of this in a little bit.   But First... In order to train a customer, you must first get one very important thing accomplished.  You must make…

There are competent plumbers everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bad apples, too, but there are also a lot of great ones. Today we’re going to talk about some ways to stand out from the competition. Foster loyalty Customers will keep calling once they figure out you have their back.…

If you haven't tried Viper Coil Cleaner yet, you're missing out...plain and simple.  It's an expanding foam coil cleaner, that is applied directly from an aerosol can for ease of use.  It leaves the can at high pressure which will ensure deep coil penetration.  The expanding foam draws dirt/debris from…

Armstrong is the world leader in "Fluid Technology", when it comes to hydronic systems they are second to none.  Check out the first fifteen of thirty tips put together by the good people at Armstrong and check out armstrongfluidtechnology.com for more info.   Tip #1 If you are changing out a mechanical seal,…

Rick Ruscigno CMHE Lincoln Technical Institute  rruscigno@lincolntech.edu   With consideration to modern, high efficiency comfort systems, proper  refrigerant charge is more important than ever! Symptoms of poor charging can range from higher energy costs to premature equipment failure. Some symptoms are noticeable to the end user while others are much more covert. Manufacturers create a great deal of…

As a commercial tech, I have worked on many models and types of rooftop equipment.  One major problem I have noticed over the years is panels not staying put, sometimes it's the fault of the tech forgetting to fasten the screws.  Sometimes it's due to stripped screws that go unnoticed…

Full disclosure, this is my first time using a laser distance meter and I'm hooked.  Super quick measurements can be made with the Fluke 414D, it automatically calculates area and volume in seconds.  It's light weight, compact and comes with a carrying case and two AAA batteries to power the…

The BluVac LTE digital vacuum gauge by AccuTools is definitely blue and definitely round.  But even if it was red and square its performance would still reign supreme.  The vacuum gauge comes complete with a threaded hook to hang if needed and a handy vacuum coupler set on a 45 degree…

The Testo AC and Refrigeration Smart Probes are not just another fancy tool, no they are not.  They are HVAC/R pressure and temperature measuring instruments that meet up with accuracy and precision built into a compact and rugged design.  They offer a completely wireless set up and pair with the…

Veto Pro Pac DR-XL Review  By: Gary McCreadie   Veto Pro Pac has done it again with the DR-XL tool bag.  This tool bag is perfect for your drill and drill accessories or for carrying around your new digital manifold.  The base of the bag is injection molded polypropylene that will keep your…

Refrigerant Recovery I often see new techs asking how to recover – or even experienced techs asking how to recover faster, so let’s take a look at both.  If looking to connect with a strong culture of HVAC technicians, check out the subscription based HVAC Know It All app.   This all originated from…