How to Measure Commercial System Efficiency by Rob "Doc" Falke, President, National Comfort Institute It’s just not fair. Some contractors have a distinct advantage in the marketplace over their competitors; they ruthlessly and knowingly measure the live operating...
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How to Maintain Your Combustion Analyzer
by Jim Davis
The primary goal of combustion testing is to take readings you can trust so you can evaluate the operating condition of the combustion appliance. In order to take readings you can trust you have to be sure your combustion analyzer remains in tip-top shape. The...
How to Interpret Fan Performance Data
by National Comfort Institute, Inc.
One test essential to successful CoolMaxx™ service reporting is interpreting fan airflow from the manufacturer's fan data after you measure total external static pressure. As with most HVAC system diagnostic testing, it takes more than textbook learning to become an...
How to Implement CoolMaxx for Maxximum Success
Since the heat has settled over most of the country we have had an increasing number of calls reporting a wide range of methods of implementing the CoolMaxx report. While many of the variations are interesting, after a discussion of how we intended CoolMaxx to be...
How to Hire and Train Duct Renovators
Duct renovators can be entry-level employees that don't have any previous HVAC experience. What's needed are a fair driving record, a clean drug test, physical ability, good people skills and the ability to learn and follow instructions. As you consider making this...
How to Get Diagnostic Work
Nearly all systems are in need of air-side and combustion diagnostic, but getting permission to test the systems, and getting the customer to agree to pay for repairs requires more than technical genius. We asked a number of successful NCI Performance-Based...
How to Generate Leads With HeatMaxx™
Ok, so you've trained your techs on how to test initial system performance with HeatMaxx™. You've got the forms and the right tools. So how do you generate leads form your service calls, and just as important, how do you follow up a lead from a low-scoring HeatMaxx™...
How to Determine Combustion Air Performance
by Jim Davis
Combustion air testing is performed using a draft gauge and a CO analyzer. When the draft in the flue of an appliance is low or below -.01" to -.02" W.C. and when CO reading are rising, combustion air problems are present. Carbon Monoxide diagnostics consistently...
How to Adjust Barometric Dampers on Gas-Fired Appliances
by Jim Davis
The procedure and purpose for adjusting barometric dampers for gas appliances is completely different from the reason you adjust barometric dampers on oil equipment. Let's take a look at each method to get a clearer picture of what we're trying to accomplish. OIL...
How Much Cooling Can Your Fan Afford?
The quest for higher efficiency cooling equipment is hitting a barrier. Unsuspecting installing contractors are being handed hidden liability that is difficult to identify and resolve. Certain cooling coils are being built for the highest possible SEER rating, but...