Articles Tagged with ''heating''

Many of the ratios used in the HVAC industry are just some “desirable output” quantity divided by the “necessary input” quantity. One example is the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump. The desirable output quantity is Btu/hr of heat output. The necessary input quantity is the electrical input power needed to operate the heat pump. The latter is typically measured in watts or kilowatts.

By pairing an air-to-water heat pump with a high-efficiency propane boiler, contractor James Downs helped a Chicagoland homeowner cut fuel costs and reduce environmental impact — without sacrificing performance.

Designed with both homeowners and contractors in mind, the RDFXYC units combine a heat pump and gas furnace into one versatile system

These are common design pitfalls that may seem effective as they are. Review them and identify changes that could enhance the layout.

Explore the power of hands-on learning in the heating industry as seasoned experts share their insights on effective teaching. This editorial reflects on the impact of memorable seminars, the importance of understanding theory, and the art of listening in nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.

Millinocket is near utility-scale wind turbine farms where strong winter winds can lead to over-generation of electricity, surpassing local grid demand. While it might seem intuitive to shut down some generation equipment during such times, the process is not as simple as flipping a switch.

Michael Sokaris has over 25 years of experience in the industry. 

Some hydronic heating systems use slab-on-grade floor heating combined with an air handler or fan-coils in other areas of a building. This approach is also used for heated basement floors combined with a “hydro-air” delivery system for the main living areas.

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common liability claims in winter, according to AAA. Winter storms have cost billions of dollars in insured losses, just in the past few years. For businesses, that’s a major issue. In healthcare facilities where patient safety and uninterrupted access are non-negotiable, the stakes are even higher. Radiant snow melt systems can eliminate surface ice before it becomes a hazard, dramatically reducing legal exposure.

One concept that’s getting increasing attention among HVAC engineers is “resilient design.” It refers to approaches that - ideally - allow systems to remain operational under very abnormal conditions, or minimize effects that could cause major damage to systems when and if they are otherwise rendered inoperative.