SuperiorHeatingAndAir.com - Residential HVAC Knowledge Base

Residential HVAC Knowledge Base

How can I determine what is causing a bad odor from a residential HVAC unit? Apparently the odor has been there for at least three years in various degrees, but now getting very bad. The smell seems strongest in the air flow above the filter and does not appear to originate in the duct work. It is somewhat musty, but much stronger and not really a burning smell.

What personal hand tools do residential HVAC techs need? HVAC hand tools What basic hand tools do I need to buy though. what tools do companys issue?

What is the entry level salary for a Residential HVAC/R Service Technician with about a year of tech school?

Does Apex Technical school in nyc teach HVAC Residential Or anything Close to it?

Anyone know a could HVAC contractor (residential) in te orlando area? I need a 2 ton air handler installed? i have a mismatched system in my ome and it is working incredibly poorly. I have a 1.5 ton air handler now and a 2 ton condenser outside. Need the name of reliable non ripoff type of HVAC contractor perhaps someone who could do it on the side? let me know please

does Apex Technical school in nyc teach HVAC Residential Or anything Close to it? I need to start on my trade A.S.A.P

HVAC question.What pressure do I need for R22 in a residential split system in Southern California? I have a Carrier Heating/Air conditioner in a smallish appartment. It uses both electric and R22 for heating and is called a "two-stage" unit. Is the first stage the electric element? And the second the R22 picking up the heat and sending it thru the fan coil?

Do i need to take Hvac residential first or can i go straight to Commercial Hvac program? i'm going back to school and taking up the HVAC program, but the thing is i talk to a councelor at a trade school and said to me that i have to take up the Hvac Residential program first and then add on the Hvac commercial program after i'm done with the first program. now is it possible to just go straight to the Hvac Commercial program. cuz' both programs adds up to 14 months. Is it really necessary or required to get the Hvac residential first. please if somebody can help me out with this i would really appreciate your help.

need pictures of residential hvac split systems that are installed correctly?

Is there an HVAC standard for minmum amount of air that comes out of a residential AC vent? The vents in my house do not appear to be pushing out that much air. The smaller rooms get cool with the doors shut. But overall it takes a long time to cool the house 1 degree (about 2.5 hours) My AC unit has been tested and is cooling properly, but I believe it isn't pushing out enough air to cool the house effectivly.

residential hvac system? my hvac unit which is entirely contained on my roof blows well, but blows cooler air when set on heat. it has been this way for a few years or more. the gas valve and igniter was replaced a couple years ago for not working at all, but didn't fix the blowing cool air problem (which wasn't the complaint at the time). when it was repaired for the valve and igniter, i was told it needed to be cleaned and i would like to know what that entails but i would like to know why the heat is not as hot. any intelligent answers? thank you for the answer. i have worked on cars for a bit now, and understand latent heat. what controls the speed of the fan, i can imagine a resistor in a circuit possibly with a switch maybe. i am wondering what i can look for when i go up there. once about 8 years ago, i called a business to check the a/c and when winter came, my heat didn't work. i found a connector broken off the igniter, possibly accidental, but highly suspicious. so i am not likely to call anyone for repair. finances forbid it also. is it possible i have the thermostat incorrectly installed? i put an electronic one on one year, but paid no mind to the performance after installation. i remember using the directions correctly, but have lost them since.

do hvac residential techs make good money?

what formula do HVAC engineers use to determine residential heating and cooling requirements?

Commercial HVAC business wanting to expand into residential service business? My company currently installs HVAC commercialy. How do we generate a residental HVAC service? Please help!!!

HVAC system for residential price quotes? I've recieved 2 quotes now for Trane and Lennox 95% efficient furnace and 15 seer AC systems. I'm in the upper midwest and the load I need is 80000 btu. Both quotes were over $9000 installed. Granted the furnace is the top line model but the AC unit is an upper middle model and I'm installing them at the same time, does this sound reasonable for this type of system? The room it's being installed in is big enough to house the unit, the prices he gave me were from his book. These were the base prices for the Furnace, AC, Filter and A housing thingie. No speciel retro stuff (that's additional on top of the 9000). Now how is that price looking?

Is it possible to get HVAC certification without experience or schooling? I'll be looking to get a job a building maintenance and it will eventually require HVAC certification. I will not be doing HVAC work continually but from time to time will need to work on the systems(residential and commercial tenant units). Will it be possible to study for the test and then take it? What levels of certification are there and what is most likely required for apt. building maint? Is classes required? What is the test like and what can I expect? Is there something online or avail. at the library that would help me get certified? Your help is greatly appreciated.

im looking for a job in hvac, close to detroit michigan, someone knows someone who r hiring now? i am just moving in town and i am looking for a job i have 10 years experience, from residential to industrial machinery in hvac. does somebody know where i have to go to apply .

New HVAC Contractor on day one, what now? I have been servicing and installing Hvac systems and residential appliances for 5 years now with a contractor who's retiring and I have just acquired my contractor's license. Please assist with my next steps toward setting up my business here in Texas. (How to acquire ins.,marketing,etc.)

Will my American Hvac course get me a job in the U.K.? I just completed a commercial and residential Hvac/electrician course that also cover gas furnace. will this get me a job in the U.K.? I know the voltage is differant and the jobs ask for city and guilds. I am already a U.K. citizen.. In response to my first answer... As everyone who has lived in both UK and USA would know why they go back to the UK. Mexico... are you kidding??? lol. My wife is American and im from the UK. I would choose 5 weeks vacation a year plus private health care a plus 6 bank holidays plus 2 weeks of sick time and the fact if my wife has a baby I can take 2 weeks off and my wife 6 months and still get ful pay over anything the US has to offer me and that is nothing out of the ordinary. Canada has less vacation time over the US. 10 day isnt doing itplus the economy is crap and there are no good jobs anymore. This doesnt bring in the fact the pound is worth double the dollar. If we want to come back it will be as a rich tourist. Plus the fact we want to be able to retire and not work till we are 70 to claim SS. and the UK wont look at my wife like she is a terroist for having an accent .... the list goes on... Sorry forgot the fact health care is free . I dont pay anything in the UK not for an ambulance my drugs are covered no co pays no deductables. NOTHING.. its like christmas again. I have seen doctors in the US that suck its no different to the UK it just costs and it costs a forture. MY wife was in a car crash and it cost over $2000 just to go 2 miles in an AMbulance.. it would be free in the UK no paper work nothing...lol plus your not allowed to miss work no matter what. The US is way behind but it doesnt know how backward it is . The people dont know cos they are not interested in other countries. Trust me people in the UK are wearing bowler hats and writing with feathers anymore they alreay have digital TV way before the US already had the Smat car way before the US already had POP IDOL way before the US already had cell phones that text way before the US. The list goes on.. The US is still living on the high of the 80's my wife can see it and she wants out the country too.

HVAC, A/C or Heat ? Im getting Hot evenings and cool days with my Residential A/C; Why? I leave the thermostat at about 71 F. It seems like during the day it stays at 71 F. I think till about 3pm and then temperature rises to about 76 F. Now i know that for Houston Tx weather, i guess its alright because heat reaches about 98 F on average for summer. So the temperature split From outside temp and inside temp is alright. I guess. Now the thing i dont understand is that when its time to go to sleep about 9pm, the temp stays around 76 F thru the night till about 2am. I dont think its right because i know the temp drops below 98 F at night. The vents doesnt feel too cool either, kind of weak. Maybe someone can help with some advice. Thanks for any help.

How do I develop a product information kit for a new technology? What are the steps in, and the components of, developing a product information kit for a new technology. This information kit will be distributed to a narrow number of potential customers. Moreover, because the technology can be leveraged in other applications, is it best to develop one package that focuses on the main applications, with some focus on the other applications? or to develop several information packages, each focused on a specific application? This material is expected to be distributed through a website, at expo and conferences, and possibly, as part of a news release. Anticipated audience: Automotive HVAC, Residential/Commercial HVAC, Industrial Gases, and several others. Primary focus, Auto & Res/Comm HVAC industry.

Which way do you turn a HVAC service valve to front seat it? If it is different for different manufacturers valves, how do you tell the difference? Talking about a late model Goodman residential unit here?

Can anyone tell me which non-residential building has a separate service core configuration? i need to find a building that has separate core for all the utilities like stairs, elevators, toilets, HVAC etc that is detached from the main building. Thanks

HVAC Question about A/C compressor and Electrical Problem: Low voltage? I have an A/C outside Unit of a home. I had problems with troubleshooting the unit, thought it would be an A/C problem. I checked the power coming into the compressor and im only getting 120vac. Im not a HVAC residential expert but i think i should be getting 240vac to power the compressor. Now i know its not an A/C problem but its an electrical one. My question would be how i can fix the issue? I know the house gets 120vac but the compressor should get 240vac. but i dont know where it exactly comes from, so i can trace the wire back to the source. Would like to see if someone can lead me in the right direction. Thanks for your help

Air National Guard HVAC vs Aerospace Ground Equipment? I am considering joining the Air National Guard. I am 20 y/o, went to technical school already for HVAC/R and am currently working for a small residential company. I have been laid off for a month and will be back at work Monday. I like working with the company but I feel I want to explore some more of the trade as well as new mechanical things, and maybe even do some college which the ANG will pay for. The ANG offers strictly HVAC/R training as well as other jobs that include hvac. One of the jobs that interested me, and includes hvac work, is Aerospace Ground Equipment. To sum it up, basically you are a mechanic working on anything ground mechanical including hvac systems. You are not only limited to hvac systems like an hvac tech. The ANG actually lists the Aerospace Ground Equipment as a "hot job" meaning they will pay me more than if I were just going to be strictly an hvac tech and you get a $20,000 sign on bonus. A regular HVAC tech does not offer this.... atleast here in Connecticut. They must know the fundamentals as a regular hvac tech but I don't think they get as in depth as the strictly hvac guys. I like anything mechanical and wouldn't mind doing other things besides only working on HVAC systems. So, should I go just for the HVAC or, go for the AGE (Aerospace Ground Equipment) which offers HVAC training within, and pays more? Anybody here actually have 1st hand experience with these 2 jobs in the Air Guard?

hvac specialist? I'm temporarily doing some work for the company i work for. I have alot of experience in heating and cooling but mostly residential. I'm working on 10 ton heat pumps that are 20-30 year old. It seems like all the units that are even running good are running about 350 lb of discharge pressure. Is that normal considering the age. I've cleaned condensor and evaporator and checked air flow. Any advice would be great. I would like to take this job but all these old units are really hard to keep up with. thanks

What is the next step after 6+ years experience HVAC trade? My husband is a lead HVAC installer (not the service side) Industrial/Commercial/Residential. He is a Journeyman level employee and enjoys his job. I know that next he would be a supervisor/foreman however the pay is not much better than what he gets now. What other jobs could he use his HVAC expertise in? We live in CA would you happen to have more info on it?

Graduated From HVAC School. How To Get A Job? I've recently graduated from a local trade school in HVAC. I've got a universal refrigerant license, ARI commercial/residential certification, a class 5 boilers license, and my school diploma. My grades were top of the class and I also received a perfect attendance and academic achievement award. I researched the few local schools for it and found out that the owner of this school has a very good reputation in the industry, so I feel I made a wise choice as I know some schools don't have very good standing in the trade. Anyway, even though we are in a bad economy this industry is hurting for techs. Despite that, I can't even get an interview. Most of them say they want 5 years experience. How do you get the experience if nobody will hire you? If anybody has any ideas on how to land a job in this field, or what other fields might be open for somebody with electrical/mechanical troubleshooting skills, I'm open to advice. I was thinking the vendon machine companies probably need service techs for one.

HVAC Service Tech Job Outlook? And Is 40 Too Late? I just turned 40 and am looking at switching careers. Been self-employeed for 15 years and am burned out. The type of work I do has kept me in good physical condition. It involves me working outside year round and being at several different locations during the day, both of which I enjoy...despite Cleveland winters. That part of the HVAC Service field attracts me since I enjoy being "out and about", interacting with new people, etc. I'm also fairly handy with a multimeter, having a basic knowledge of electronics, and can troubleshoot sensors/etc on vehicles, along with decent mechanical skills. I enjoy troubleshooting things. For all the above reasons I think I'd like the HVAC field. Few questions: If I only want to be a service tech (not do installs), and would prefer residential work with some light commercial thrown in maybe, would I be considered too old? I can't see that involving too much physical labor. I hear the market is good? Trade Schools In Cleveland? Etc. Thanks!

Graduated From HVAC Trade School. How To Get A Job? I've recently graduated from a local trade school in HVAC. I've got a universal refrigerant license, ARI commercial/residential certification, a class 5 boilers license, and my school diploma. My grades were top of the class and I also received a perfect attendance and academic achievement award. I researched the few local schools for it and found out that the owner of this school has a very good reputation in the industry, so I feel I made a wise choice as I know some schools don't have very good standing in the trade. Anyway, even though we are in a bad economy this industry is hurting for techs. Despite that, I can't even get an interview. Most of them say they want 5 years experience. How do you get the experience if nobody will hire you? If anybody has any ideas on how to land a job in this field, or what other fields might be open for somebody with electrical/mechanical troubleshooting skills, I'm open to advice. I was thinking the vendon machine companies probably need service techs for one.

Typical Day In Life Of A HVAC Tech? I'm 40 and need to find a new career. I've thought about going to a trade school for HVAC but am unsure due to my age, although I am in great shape. So, I could use some advice on this field. I know there are many fields in HVAC, and would figure some probably require a lot less labor than others? If anybody can tell me about how they like the field, how old they are, and how much back breaking work they do I'd like the input. My current thinking is that I'll do any kind of work available when I get into the field, but later on I could go to something that might be less physical if need be, like residential repair tech or working in a facility. What fields require less work? I'm just worried about some years down the road where I might not be able to work in, say, commercial repair? Input?

Too Old To Go Into A Trade? (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrician, Etc)? I'm currently 40 years old and am considering going to a trade school for heating and air conditioning. While I think I'd be well suited for this trade, having basic electronic troubleshooting and some mechanical skills, my main concern is age. I am in good shape but wonder just what niches in this field are more labor demanding and might be a bad choice for older workers. I'm not afraid of hard work but am thinking years down the road. If I could be sure there are areas of the field that would be more suited to older techs it would greatly help my decision. That way I could migrate to a specific area later on if need be. For instance, commercial versus residential, store cooler work, A/C versus heat, or any other speciality area that I might not be aware of. Even input on geographic location in America would be of help. Stories of older people going into another trade like the ones listed above as positive examples would also be of help to encourage me. Thanks.

HVAC Help? Can someone who knows about this stuff tell me if this one system will cool and heat my home or if i have to buy another type of system to go with it? Or is it like a self contained unit that does it all by itself? http://www.ruudac.com/products/ProductInfo.aspx?XSL_File=ruudac_product_profile.xsl&Market=Residential&SectionVar=Cooling&Category=Heat+Pumps&SpecificModel=UPNE

Explain how a change in technology...? ...with respect to a particular requirement affects the design of a residential space? Search the Web for the new technologies being used for basic residential requirements: plumbing, HVAC, and electricity. Share at least two new technologies.

Is this legal (child labor laws/human rights)? I am 13. My dad is forcing me to go to work with him every day this summer or he hurts me. He doesn't have an easy job either, he does HVAC and contracting. He makes me work about ten hours and gives me ten bucks. I really think this has to be illegal in some way. If it makes a difference I got cut on the job the other day, and this is residential work and I am not qualified in any way.