Month: April 2021

As it turns out, you can do so much more and do it much more efficiently too. As service technicians, we’ve all been in the situation where we feel like we need to be in three or more places at once while we’re installing or repairing a system. We’re measuring the temperature at an air vent, keeping an eye on superheat and subcooling and tracking changes in static pressures while also monitoring the health of the entire system. It isn’t an easy job, and on a larger site, it can take up most of your day.

If you’re using traditional, wired tools you’re in for a lot of hooking up and unhooking, checking and rechecking and walking all over the job site for your readings. Plus, if the ideal location for a pressure probe is at the opposite end of a crawlspace, you’ll spend a lot of your time crawling around as well. Fun stuff.

With HVACR wireless tools that have an extended range, the days of walking or crawling back and forth all day to check on readings are long gone. That location that’s on the opposite side of the crawlspace won’t seem so far away once you realize it’s a “one and done” situation now. Set it up once and do the rest from your phone. The tedious process of checking readings, making adjustments, and going back to check again to ensure all your levels are just right can now be done seamlessly through your phone.

HVACR wireless tools with a long range eliminates a lot of wasted time. Time that you could be spending repairing a system or visiting more customers. Also, since they are untethered, they can be installed exactly where they’ll give you the best reading—you aren’t limited by hose length, arm length or your proximity to an electrical outlet. You can set your wireless manometer, temperature probe, pipe clamp or other tool at the ideal location for getting the right measurements and leave it there. You can even track changes in refrigerant level from across the building as you charge a system. You’re unstoppable.

Once your wireless tools are placed, they’re able to work independently and deliver data directly to your mobile device in real-time. You can track and monitor pressures and temperatures in real-time while you’re making changes to the system. As you make adjustments to the thermostat, you’ll be able to see right away what other values change. This can lead to a quicker diagnosis and more satisfied customers.

The Fieldpiece Job Link Charge and Air Kit is a great example of a set of tools that takes advantage of this wireless versatility. Hook up each wireless pressure probe, pipe clamp and psychrometer and you’ll get a quick snapshot of a system. You’ll see the fluctuations in pressure and keep an eye on superheat and subcooling. It’ll be much easier and faster for you to diagnose a system’s health and determine what repairs or adjustments are needed.

If you’re interested in adding wireless tools with longer range to your toolbox, pick up some of the newest innovations from Fieldpiece.

Featured in: The Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration News

Temperatures during the spring can be all over the place. One day it’s 70 degrees outside, and the next day it’s 30. These wild shifts in weather can make heat pumps – which work much differently than boilers or furnaces – work harder than they need to.

As you know, in climates with mild winters, an air-source heat pump can operate at high efficiency all winter long. This can save money for the homeowner due to reduced energy costs. However, when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, generally an air-source heat pump will not operate as efficiently.

Here are a few ways that you can help customers with HVAC heat pumps save money heating their homes during the spring and fall seasons:

• One way you can help is to optimize airflow direction in their system. If you’re heating a home, you want to direct the air to blow towards the floor and away from the occupants. This will evenly heat their home, avoid cold drafts and help them be more comfortable. For the warmer summer months, redirect the airflow up towards the occupants.
• Another way to ensure a system runs efficiently is to clean the dust filters. If the air flow is restricted, the heat pump needs to work harder and runs less efficiently. Filters should be cleaned often as a matter of protocol, but they should definitely be cleaned right away if the heat pump’s indicator light is on or the filters are visibly dirty.
• If your customer has an outdoor unit, keep it clear of shrubs, leaves or sticks—even making sure that debris are removed from the fins—to help the unit receive air more easily and run more smoothly.
• Lastly, make sure the unit has the correct refrigerant charge. Doing so will ensure that the system runs at its optimal efficiency so it will keep running throughout the season.

You can also add a back-up heating option for customers who rely too much on their heat pump. If temperatures are typically below 30 degrees, their heat pump may not be enough to keep the house warm.

One back-up option is electric heat strips inside the ducts that can turn on when needed and will add more heat to the flowing air. If your customer has a natural gas connection, they can add a natural gas furnace, which would be more efficient than electric strips but can be costly to install.

To aid in your service call, pick up a Job Link System Charge and Air Kit (JL3KH6). It helps you quickly and easily take a full system snapshot. You’ll know the pressures and temps right away. You can also use the Wireless Power Clamp meter (SC680) to troubleshoot electrical issues you may come across.

Hopefully these tips help you on your next service call and keep your customers’ HVAC heat pumps running strong.