Author: clidzbarski@fieldpiece.com

During heating season, the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is at its peak—for homeowners and the HVACR pros making service calls. Because CO is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, it’s critical to practice CO safety and be armed with a reliable carbon monoxide detector, proactive in its use, aware of the steps to take if CO levels are detected and able to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning.

 

Sources of CO 

Fuel-fired appliances, like furnaces, use combustion to create heat. Since combustion is never perfect, dangerous byproducts like CO are produced along with heat. Performing combustion analysis helps HVAC techs precisely regulate the fuel and airflow, optimizing system efficiency and safety by delivering the most heat while minimizing harmful emissions.  

 

CO Symptoms and Effects 

Common symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Exposure might also lead to weakness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Anyone having these symptoms on the job site should immediately notify occupants, leave the area, and begin proper ventilation procedures. If the symptoms do not stop, seek medical attention immediately. Higher levels of exposure lead to chest pain, blurred vision and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning is fatal.  

 

Check for CO 

It’s impossible to know if CO is present without a proper CO detector. Use a “walk-around” carbon monoxide detector like the SCM4 Carbon Monoxide Detector, which features a fast, electro-chemical sensor to measure CO levels from zero to 1000 parts-per-million (ppm) in real time. For reference, 9 ppm is considered the maximum safe level of exposure over 8 hours for indoor environments and 200 ppm or greater will cause physical symptoms and can be fatal.   

Keep a CO detector and other combustion analysis tools in your HVACR toolkit for every job, regardless of the equipment being serviced, as other fuel-fired appliances may be present. Wearable CO detectors provide continuous monitoring for added safety. Home-installed CO detectors are also crucial for early warnings of elevated CO levels.

 

Get Certified 

Any tech working around furnaces should obtain certification in combustion performance and carbon monoxide safety. Many organizations offer certification for HVAC techs to learn about CO hazards, testing procedures using a carbon monoxide detector and an overview of the combustion process. For example, learn more about the courses offered by the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.  

CO is a serious and frequent danger to both techs and occupants. Always practice CO safety, ensuring that fuel-fired appliances meet safety standards, keeping you and your clients safe.  

Fieldpiece products are tough, versatile, innovative and can handle the demands of working in HVACR. That’s because they were designed with the idea that every HVACR professional in the field deserves the best tools possible. Here are just a few highlights of some innovative features and technologies we developed to make your jobs easier, faster and better!

 

Stop Recovery on a Dime with Zero-Stop™

When recovering refrigerant, the Fieldpiece MR45 Refrigerant Recovery Machine has the ability to automatically stop the recovery at 0 psig, with additional auto stop levels of -10 inHg and -20 inHg. Stopping the recovery at 0 psig is an industry standard when recovering A2L refrigerants to prevent air from contaminating the refrigerant in the recovery cylinder.

Change Vacuum Pump Oil on the Fly with RunQuick® Oil Change

Regularly changing the oil in a vacuum pump is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and  longevity. The oil in a vacuum pump reduces friction and wear between moving parts, and over time, the oil can become contaminated with debris, moisture, and by-products of the pumping process, making clean oil an essential part to maintaining peak pump performance. To make these oil changes as quick and easy as possible, Fieldpiece vacuum pumps utilize the RunQuick Oil Change system, which allows technicians to change their oil while the pump is running. In as little as 30 seconds technicians can swap out their old oil without losing vacuum, saving time on the jobsite and increasing the life of the pump.

 

Eliminate the Water Trap and Extend Sensor Life with HydroCycle™ Pump and SensorVault™ Technology

The Fieldpiece CAT85 and CAT45 Combustion Analyzers feature cutting edge improvements like no other combustion analyzer. The CAT85 showcases the HydroCycle Pump, which condenses and returns water to the flu. This eliminates the need for a water trap, as well as the need to buy water trap filters, lowering the cost of ownership for technicians.

The Fieldpiece CAT85 and CAT45 Combustion Analyzers also feature SensorVault technology that help sensors last longer. SensorVault  automatically seals the sensors when the unit is powered off – isolating them from ambient oxygen, thus reducing sensor degradation when they’re in storage. If the sensor needs to be changed, they’re field-replaceable and come with a four-year warranty. This means maximum uptime on the job site, and lower cost of ownership for techs.

Measure System Temps in a Flash with Rapid Rail™ Sensor Technology

The JL3PC Job Link® System Pipe Clamp Probe, allows techs to get accurate temperature readings in seconds. By incorporating Fieldpiece’s patented Rapid Rail Sensor Technology, these clamps utilize the pipe itself as part of the sensor to immediately react to changes in system temperature. They provide accurate readings on wet or damp pipes and are not affected by wind, ambient temperature, or any other outside influence. Instant readings make it easier for a tech to get a superheat and/or subcooling measurement.

These technologies are just the tip of the innovation iceberg that Fieldpiece brings to tools and test instruments.  Fieldpiece doesn’t just introduce products, we introduce solutions designed for HVACR techs, like integrating a dual port manometer into our combustion analyzer to save space in your tool bag and color tags for hoses so you can easily swap for a spare rather than purchase a whole set.  We’re on the job with you, discovering your pain points and finding solutions. These are just a few examples of the innovative features and technologies we’ve brought to you, and there’s more coming!

To see more innovations, visit fieldpiece.com

As we wrap 2023, we’re looking back at some of the key developments and trends that impacted the HVAC industry and ultimately, techs’ jobs! It’s also a great time to roll the highlight reel of what Fieldpiece accomplished and how we made a few waves this year.  

A2L Phasedown Ramps Up 

One of the hottest topics of the year was what the phasedown of HFC refrigerant production and transition to A2L refrigerants means for the HVAC industry, systems, and techs. While 2023 saw a minor, 10% reduction to the baseline production of HFCs, the industry is gearing up for another 30% reduction in 2024.  

 Critical takeaways for techs included the need to recover, recycle, and reclaim HFC refrigerants to limit their release in the atmosphere and help ensure an adequate supply of reclaimed refrigerants to service the installed base. Additionally, techs should be evaluating all their tool and test equipment to ensure A2L compatibility. This year alone, Fieldpiece trained thousands of contractors on the best practices for refrigerant recovery and what to expect with the A2L transition. We expanded our training department and training ambassadors this year to meet the demand, so look for a training class in 2024 near you! 

 

Fossil Fuels OUT, Electric IN  

Fueled by government initiatives to accelerate climate-friendly heating systems and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, like gas and coal, the installation of heat pumps continued to escalate in 2023. Expect an even higher surge in 2024 as state and local governments implement tax credit and rebate programs targeted at electrification retrofits. The good news is that your Fieldpiece instruments are ready to tackle commissioning these systems with you. 

 

Get Smart 

This year also saw a rise in the number of connected HVACR products on the market. Systems continued to get smarter – with technology incorporating IOT, smart thermostats, and Indoor Air Quality features. And techs matched that technology by getting connected with wireless tools and digital apps, like the Fieldpiece Job Link® System. The ability to monitor multiple measurements and calculations at once, get a diagnosis assist, consolidate information, and generate a customer report from one app is the ultimate way to work smarter not harder.  

 

One Hot Summer 

Summer 2023 might have had a late start in many regions, but temperatures in the month of July made it the hottest month in recorded history. This month-long heat wave showcased the need for more skilled technicians across the nation to meet the rising demand and keep people comfortable. We know techs love the hustle of summer, but there are only so many hours in a day. Take the 2024 challenge and be a trade ambassador for our great industry – take a friend, niece, or cousin under your wing for on-the-job training or steer them towards HVAC school! 

 

Roll the Highlight Reel 

As techs you handled the industry changes and curveballs that defined 2023 like true professionals. Fieldpiece is also proud of a few accomplishments and accolades this year. To recap, we: 

• Introduced Hoses and Fittings – You asked, and we delivered. In true Fieldpiece fashion, we made ours durable with triple ring crimping on premium hose material and introduced low abrasion knurled fittings and mix and match color tags.  

• Awarded #MasteroftheTrade Scholarships – We worked with SkillsUSA to offer scholarships to up-and-coming HVACR techs to advance their skills and their careers. Our second annual #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship offered more than $25,000 in scholarship opportunities to 13 SkillsUSA students studying HVACR in high school or college.  

• Lent a helping hand to Lahaina, Maui Techs – Fieldpiece and Johnstone Supply coordinated and presented a tool giveback to the HVACR technicians affected by the Lahaina Fire in Maui, Hawaii. Approximately $19,000 of donated tools and test equipment were given to help the technicians restore their livelihood. While healing and rebuilding their community will take time, it was great to see their smiling faces as we replaced items that were lost in the fire.  

• Took gold in the 2023 ACHR Dealer Design Awards –The Fieldpiece CAT85 Combustion Analyzer HC was named the gold winner in the testing and monitoring products category at the 2023 ACHR Dealer Design Awards. Innovative and now award-winning features include the HydroCycle™ pump that eliminates the water trap and SensorVault™ technology that seals off the sensors when not in use, prolonging their life.  

• Were selected as a Best Place to Work in SoCal – Fieldpiece was honored to be named by Best Companies Group (BCG) as one of the best places to work in Southern California, cementing our ability to retain and attract the best of the best talent.  

• Were honored for our critical thinking culture – Kepner-Tregoe awarded Fieldpiece the Kepner-Tregoe Critical Thinking Cultural Excellence Award. They recognized our environment and support structure that enables critical thinking skills to flourish and thrive. These skills enable us to bring innovative solutions to the table to help techs do their jobs easier, faster, and better.  

 

Bring on 2024 

Fieldpiece recognizes that you, our HVAC community, help us keep a finger on the pulse of the industry so that we can continue to innovate to serve you. Because of your loyalty and support, Fieldpiece continued to grow in 2023 and our expanded team looks forward to delivering even more best-in-class products to you in the coming year. Thank you for a fantastic year and we look forward to 2024! 

 

For an HVACR professional, working on heating systems during winter demands precision. You bring your expertise, but without the right HVAC tools, you are missing the backbone of your work. 

From diagnostics to safety, it is the tools in your truck that help you get the job done right. If you do not have these crucial HVAC tools for the heating season, now is the time to get them. 

Explore these essentials tools that help you keep customers warm and comfortable, even on the coldest days. 

 

Combustion Analyzers: Essential for Efficiency and Safety 

A combustion analyzer is a critical tool for HVACR professionals during the winter. This tool measures the performance of combustion-based heating systems such as furnaces. When you need data on oxygen levels, carbon monoxide emissions, carbon dioxide, draft pressure, and flue gas temperature, this is the HVAC tool to have in your took kit.  

 

Efficiency Optimization 

Combustion analyzers provide precise data that allows HVACR technicians to adjust heating systems for maximum efficiency. Adjusting for the correct fuel-to-air ratio helps minimize energy consumption. It also reduces heating costs and lowers the system’s environmental footprint. 

 

Safety 

A combustion analyzer, an HVAC tool all technicians need, helps identify problems like incomplete combustion or inefficient venting. Both can lead to the release of carbon monoxide. By detecting problems early, technicians can prevent dangerous situations.  

The ability to fine-tune heating systems and detect potential hazards makes the combustion analyzer a cornerstone of winter HVAC work. 

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Serve as Air Quality Guardians 

In the winter, heating systems run at full steam, making it a prime time for carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors play a critical role for keeping you and your customers safe. 

As a HVACR professional you will want a CO detector that has a fast reaction time and measures CO in parts per million (ppm). The best CO detectors have an electrochemical sensor that is fast enough for walk-around tests (responds to changes in CO levels in real time). 

Whether inspecting furnaces, water heaters, or other heating equipment, having the right CO detector that promptly alert technicians to the presence of CO is a must. 

 

Clamp Meter: Electrical Insights for Troubleshooting  

Another indispensable HVAC tool for HVACR professionals in winter is the clamp meter.  In the winter months, the electrical components of heating systems work relentlessly. The clamp meter empowers technicians to diagnose electrical issues, such as problems with heating elements or motors. 

A clamp meter features a clamp jaw that securely wraps around a wire allowing for quick and easy measurement of the amperage and frequency without the technician needing to touch the circuit directly. 

Using a clamp meter helps technicians identify electrical issues before they lead to system breakdowns during routine HVAC maintenance. This proactive approach improves the reliability and longevity of heating systems. 

 

Dual Port Manometers Balance Pressure for Efficiency 

Think of the dual port manometer as the pressure specialist for HVAC work. The right pressure balance in HVAC systems ensures warm air flows evenly throughout a building. This HVAC tool helps find and fix any pressure issues. 

The manometer helps HVACR techs see if the air moves correctly in a heating system. If not, it shows where to make adjustments. 

The best feature? It measures pressure on the supply and return sides of the system. Measuring pressure on both sides is beneficial for several reasons: 

• Balances the system
• Optimizes efficiency
• Prevents over or underheating

As a diagnostic tool, a dual port manometer provides valuable insight into issues like clogged ducts, air leaks, or problems with valves and dampers. Technicians can use this information to identify and correct problems quickly. 

  

Psychrometer: Master of Temperature and Humidity  

HVACR technicians rely on a psychrometer because it provides critical information they cannot do without. 

 

System Performance 

To assess the performance of heating systems effectively, HVACR technicians need to know the air’s temperature and humidity. A psychrometer provides this data, enabling techs to fine-tune heating systems for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort. 

  

Preventive Maintenance 

Regular use of a psychrometer during winter enables HVACR technicians to identify and address problems before they escalate. This proactive approach enhances the reliability of heating systems, ensuring they perform at their best when needed most. 

A psychrometer is a vital HVAC tool for HVACR technicians during the winter. It helps maintain indoor comfort and optimization of system performance. Without it, HVACR professionals would be working blind when it comes to assessing and managing critical temperature and humidity levels in heating systems. 

 

Don’t Wait to Upgrade Your HVAC Tools for the Heating Season 

All HVACR techs should have these tools ready for winter service calls. Without the right HVAC tools, you risk errors in identifying HVAC issues and completing repairs. 

Fieldpiece is the leading HVAC tool supplier for a reason! We test drive every tool you carry in the field. 

Don’t wait until your schedule fills up with service calls. Find a Fieldpiece distributor near you and get stocked up for winter. 

HVAC wireless tool apps put data at your fingertips, consolidate customer system information and history, and ultimately, enable you to work faster and smarter. The best of the bunch – the Job Link® System app, makes you look like the pro you are with professional quotes, invoices, and service reports. Here are a few more of the biggest reasons to go digital.

Built-in Data Integrity

A wireless app connects to all your wireless tools across a job site – from digital manifolds and psychrometers, to pipe clamps and manometer probes. You then have a full-spectrum view of system performance throughout a service call. Additionally, with wireless probes, you can save valuable time by placing individual probes exactly where you need them and not spend time checking individual measurements and moving tools from one spot to another. The Job Link app also reduces your need to scribble calculations on a random scrap of paper, as the system calculates critical values and helps you to diagnose issues if the numbers don’t align with typical data. Also, measurements and calculations may be recorded by the app directly from the tools, offering a higher level of precision, efficiency, and service integrity.

 

Ditch the Clipboard and Pen

Never have that mad search for a pen in your service truck again. Checklists, customer files, and photos previously kept on a clipboard or filed in an office folder are now stored in the cloud and accessible directly through the app. Every tech has complete access to account history wherever they are.

Additionally, Job Link tracks jobs, helps organize and assign teams, and generates instant customer reports on-site. Its unique geolocation tagging functionality also allows a tech to drop a pin on a location and add system info. That way, future job planning includes all the details of previous service calls.

Job Site Quoting and Invoicing

The Job Link System also integrates with QuickBooks and creates and sends custom invoices with full job details. Right away, customers have a bird’s-eye view of the work that was done and can authorize payment. The app also helps develop quotes for work to be done eliminating paperwork for you and your customer.

Live Look-ins for Diagnostic Help 

Have you ever wished a master tech could teleport to your job site? If you need a second set of eyes on the data you’re seeing, the Job Link app will instantly connect to another tech or the office to help diagnose a problem. Through remote access, everyone sees the system measurements in real-time, making diagnosing problems easier and reducing call-backs. This indispensable training and support tool helps techs benefit from the support of their teams, enabling quicker diagnostics and avoiding potential delays.

Go wireless today to streamline your service calls and make the Fieldpiece Job Link System app part of your toolkit. Explore all its unique features: www.fieldpiece.com/product-category/job-link-system/.

As HVACR professionals, we all play a role in combating climate change. One important way is to safely recover, recycle and reclaim all refrigerant from systems. How much of an impact will we have by doing this? One pound of leaked HFC has the same impact on the atmosphere as thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide. While it may be heating season now, the proliferation of heat pump installations to both heat and cool interiors highlights the critical importance of the “three R’s” year-round. 

 

What the A1 Phaseout and A2L Adoption Means for You 

Because commonly used refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases, the EPA is phasing out refrigerants with a high global warming potential (GWP) in most new equipment starting January 1, 2025. These discontinued A1 refrigerants include R134a, R404A and R410A. Your diligence in recovering, recycling, and reclaiming these refrigerants not only limits their release into the atmosphere but it helps ensure an adequate supply of reclaimed refrigerants to service the installed base of A1 systems. The production phase down of today’s major refrigerants will inevitably increase charging costs, but full participation in recycling and reclaiming will help mitigate the rise in costs – saving your customers money.   

 

The phase down of A1 refrigerants is leading to the adoption of A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R454B, which have a low toxicity and low GWP. A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable compared to A1’s, however they are still difficult to ignite with a relatively low energy release and low flame propagation speed. When installing or servicing an A2L system, it is important to ensure that your service tool and test equipment is A2L compatible prior to handling A2L refrigerants. 

 

How to Safely Recover Refrigerant  

Before handling refrigerant, be sure to wear the appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and impermeable clothing. Liquid refrigerants can cause frostbite so it’s paramount to avoid skin contact.  

 

When recovering refrigerant, you will want to identify the refrigerant type on the compressor unit and ideally select your recovery cylinder to match for recycling purposes. Find the cylinder capacity on the tank and calculate the maximum fill weight, which should be 80% of the total capacity for safety. Weigh your initial cylinder weight on a refrigerant scale and determine how much refrigerant can be added to the tank from the system. The Fieldpiece SR47 refrigerant scale allows you to monitor both the total tank weight and the added refrigerant weight during the recovery process.  

 

For the fastest recovery, enlist the best-in-class, A2L compatible, Fieldpiece MR45 recovery machine. The variable DC motor adjusts performance to handle liquid and runs twice as fast on vapor, significantly speeding up the recovery process. Read the MR45: Refrigerant Best Practices blog to learn more tips for a smooth recovery. For recycling and reclaiming purposes, remember to document your final recovered refrigerant weight. 

 

Recycled vs. Reclaimed Refrigerant 

You may use recycled refrigerant, meaning used refrigerant that has undergone a basic, on-site cleaning process with certified equipment, only on the same job site. Note that recycled refrigerant cannot be stored on-site for more than 12 months. There are many regulations that HVAC technicians must follow when recycling refrigerants including Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Make sure your team stays current on training and certification. Typically, your local HVAC supply house will accept drop offs of recovered refrigerant cylinders and submit them to a certified reclaimer. 

 

Refrigerant reprocessed by a certified reclaimer to the industry standard AHRI 700 is considered reclaimed refrigerant. A reclaimer will clean the refrigerant and remove any moisture or toxic particles. They’ll also separate any oil or additives from the refrigerant and dispose of contaminants. Reprocessed refrigerants meet or exceed purity standards for new refrigerant gases and reprocessing will become increasingly more important as the new production of A1 refrigerants is phased down.  

 

The first step to make sure we’re protecting and preserving our planet lies with you, HVACR pros. Recovering refrigerant lies squarely in your hands and we can work together to ensure the proper equipment is used and processes are followed to ensure a steady supply of recycled and reclaimed refrigerant is readily available for the years to come.