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Mobile App from Fieldpiece Leads the Industry with 1000’ Wireless Range

Orange, Calif., April 13, 2021 – Fieldpiece Instruments, the industry leader in tool  and test instruments for HVACR professionals, announces that customers using their existing tools can take advantage of the wireless Job Link System® from up to 1000’ away to measure, test, and report their findings. Sporting the longest wireless range in the industry, the Job Link System allows tools to be placed in optimum locations up to 1000’ apart to obtain accurate measurement results, and to make live system adjustments.  The Job Link System helps HVACR Professionals increase their efficiency on every job by allowing them to be in more than one place at a time up to 1000’ away.

HVACR pros do not have to replace their existing tools to take advantage of the expanded wireless range. New and existing Fieldpiece manifolds, probes, scale and clamp meters all work with the Job Link System. Using the Job Link app, the HVACR Professional can document electrical readings, pressures, temps, and microns in one report to verify system efficiency to customers thereby saving time and decreasing call-backs. In addition, with the “Live Look-In” option, co-workers at the base office can remotely see the same measurements the tech is seeing in the field to easily help diagnose problems, and reduce call-backs.

“With the latest version of the Job Link app, existing Fieldpiece Job Link System tools can be used over longer wireless ranges up to 1000’ away to measure, test, and report findings right to your mobile device. You can take advantage of this industry-leading wireless range with the tools you have now! This is great for the professional in the field who is using our manifolds, probes, scale, or clamp meters in their everyday work at the customer’s location,” said Charlotte Loomis, Sr. Marketing Manager.

The Job Link System allows the user to receive multiple measurements from multiple locations in real-time on a smart device. Tools in the Job Link system communicate directly with the mobile device or SMAN digital manifolds using Bluetooth technology.

Since Job Link wirelessly connects to multiple probes and meters throughout a system, the HVACR pro gets a big picture look at the entire system in real-time – all from one screen. There’s no need for long cables and hoses or to continue to return to a tool to check a reading. As soon as adjustments are made to the system, real-time dynamic data will show on the device for quick adjustments.

For more information about the Job Link System please visit the product page https://www.fieldpiece.com/product-category/job-link-system/.

ABOUT FIELDPIECE: We deliver on this promise through industry-leading devices with the broadest range of professional-grade tools and technology inspired by real-world application and field use. Fieldpiece is focused on serving the HVACR industry exclusively, enabling HVACR pros to become Masters of the Trade. For more information, please visit http://www.fieldpiece.com, and be sure to follow Fieldpiece on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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Blog

What Could You Do With 1000 Feet of Range?

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

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Blog

How to Help HVAC Heat Pumps Run Better in Unpredictable Spring Weather

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tech Articles

Want to Find Refrigerant Leaks? Pick up a Good Refrigerant Leak Detector.

HOW REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTORS WORK

They can now sniff out even the smallest leaks.

Leak detection technology continues to evolve, and new tools are more and more sensitive – capable of finding leaks as small as 1 gram of refrigerant a year. Before diving into what you should look for in a detector, let’s start by talking about what detectors look for. A refrigerant leak detector helps technicians pinpoint leaks in a system. These leaks often happen at miniscule defects in a pipe or fitting. Most imperfections are far too small to see, but gas still escapes through them. Once a leak is found, a decision needs to be made: Can it be repaired? Or should the leaking component be replaced?

Where leaks play hide-and-seek.

Once you have determined that your system is losing refrigerant, you need to find where it’s leaking from. The first tools you can use are your eyes and ears. Start by searching for oil stains or listening for pinhole leaks near weld joints or other connections. For both of these options, you need a well-lit and quiet environment, but that’s rarely the case. Leaks are usually located at Schrader valves, pressure relief valves, soldered joints, threaded fittings, dissimilar metal joints (like copper to aluminum) and valves. If you can’t hear or see anything obvious, it’s time to try another leak detection method like soap bubbles, UV dyes or electronic detectors.

Gas can be blown around.

Isolating the exact location of a leak is difficult since refrigerant leaks are easily affected by other factors. If there are small drafts in the room, temperature swings or even people moving around a lot, those can all affect the flow of air and gas. Also, gas dilutes in the air and can be difficult to discover far from the leak. Refrigerant gas flows downward as it vaporizes and settles. Gas concentration is more erratic the further it is away from the source. That’s why leak detection requires great patience and deliberate, methodical searching.

Soap bubbles and UV dyes can be messy.

Soap bubbles have been used to discover or detect leaks on pipes and fittings for generations. By placing a small amount of liquid soap on a fitting, small bubbles appear if the gas tries to escape through a large enough leak; however, smaller leaks are difficult to find using this method. Plus, this technique creates a mess. UV dyes can also help spot a leak. Place a small amount of UV dye in the system and let it circulate. Then, scan the system with a UV light. Leaks will show as bright spots and are easy to see. Both of these approaches have drawbacks since you need to be able to see the leak to locate it – and in some systems, seeing every side of every fitting is impossible.

Electronic detectors can see everywhere.

The newest refrigerant leak detectors on the market use infrared (IR) or heated diode sensors to find leaks. They aren’t messy like bubbles or UV dyes, and they can immediately sniff out the presence of refrigerant. You no longer need to see the leak to find it, and new advances in technology have made them extremely sensitive to even the smallest leaks.

REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTOR PAIN POINTS

They’re too sensitive.

The newest technology in leak detectors offers a level of sensitivity that is unprecedented. Unfortunately, since they’re so sensitive, false alarms are now more likely. That’s why it’s important to know what materials could trigger a false positive. Heated diode sensors can sometimes be triggered by commonly found contaminants such as soap bubbles, cleaning solutions, alcohols, oils, fresh paint, large humidity changes and materials that outgas. If you’re leak checking or cleaning a system, be aware of the presence of these contaminants. Some of the best detectors have adjustable sensitivity levels and detect as little as 0.03 oz/yr (1g/a). Those are pretty small leaks.

Some sensors don’t last long enough.

If you choose an ultrasonic detector, you’re going to have a long sensor life. And that’s good. However, these detectors are difficult to use and don’t offer the same sensitivity if the system has low pressure. That’s not good. A heated diode detector is popular because it’s easy to use and reliable. However, the diode does not have a fast recovery time between positive tests, and it will degrade the more refrigerant it’s exposed to. Plus, it’s difficult to tell when the detector is losing sensitivity. An infrared detector is a nice middle ground because their sensors can last up to 10 years – even with consistent, heavy use – as sensitivity does not degrade throughout the sensor lifespan. In other words, an infrared sensor should be as sensitive a few years down the road as it was when it was new. Plus, they are less likely to trigger a false positive and have a quick recovery time since their sensors shine light through passing gas and don’t actually contact the refrigerant. This is especially helpful in contaminated atmospheres.

Battery life and durability is dependent on you.

In a leak detector, portability and durability are important factors. How long the battery can last depends greatly on the technology. A long-life rechargeable battery is a great solution for technicians. They quickly recharge and can often be used while recharging. If you want your tool to last, make sure to treat it with care. These are precision instruments after all. That said, newer tools are designed to handle the rigors of life in the field. It’s important to find a leak detector with a hard case for storage when it isn’t in use – because tossing the detector in the bottom of your bag isn’t the ideal storage solution.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! vs. beep. beep. beep.

When your sensor finds refrigerant, how it alerts you is important. Since you use it in locations that could be either indoors or outdoors, or noisy or very dark, make sure to choose a detector that has an audible beep and a screen that is visible in any light condition. Your screen should also show a relative leak size by a numerical value and a bar graph, so you know when you’re close to the exact point of the leak. For more clarity, make sure your tool has a lighted tip so you can clearly see where and what you’re detecting.

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Blog

This Spring and Summer, the Stakes for Cold Storage are Higher than Ever

As an industry, keeping things at proper temperatures is what we do best. We understand the importance of making sure that refrigerators and freezers in restaurants and grocery stores are leak-free and running at optimum efficiency. We also know how important cold storage is at hospitals, pharmacies and research labs.

Today, as the world battles COVID-19, supplies of some vaccines need to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures. To maintain these temperature levels, cold storage systems are working harder than ever. That is why keeping them maintained and knowing when they might be leaking is critical.

Even the smallest leak can have disastrous consequences. In todays’ world, a leak could lead to more than just lost refrigerant. It could lead to lost vaccines, and ultimately lost lives.

Now, as outdoor temperatures start to get warmer, freezers need to work even harder to maintain their ultra-cold temperatures. Especially in critically charged small systems, tiny leaks that went unnoticed in the winter could turn into big problems in the summer when refrigerant runs out and freezers can no longer keep up.

After all, refrigeration equipment can be poorly installed resulting in a high failure rate. Add the impacts of running hard during the hot summer months, and you have a perfect storm. That is why accurate system diagnosis is critical to a healthy, cost-efficient system. Pinhole leaks must be found, fittings must be tightened and every system’s integrity must be maintained.

Fieldpiece’s latest leak detectors boast a level of sensitivity that can find leaks <0.03 oz/yr. Yes, that is a tiny leak. They are sensitive enough to detect the slight changes in concentration that occur in the area around leaks, and trigger on CFC, HFC, HCFC and other common blends. They are also smart enough to not false trigger on moisture or oil. Plus, their flashing, lighted tip can squeeze into tight spaces.

If you are in the business of maintaining commercial freezers that hold precious vaccines, put a Fieldpiece DR82 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector in your bag. You’ll do more than save refrigerant. You’ll help us battle COVID-19.

Check out the DR82 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector right now.

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Blog

When’s the best time for A/C tune-up? Right now.

Spring has sprung around the country. That means it’s prime time for you to perform maintenance checks on all of your customers’ A/C systems. Annual checks are critical, and if you aren’t already making maintenance calls, you need to start right now.

It makes sense that spring is the best time for this kind of work. It’ll be hot before you know it, and your customers would much rather you visit to service their A/C system on a cool, rainy April morning instead of a sweltering July afternoon. Whether you’re calling on residential or commercial customers, they’ll appreciate that you’re looking out for their comfort.

When you perform spring maintenance, you’ll give your customers assurance that their A/C units are performing at optimum efficiency. After all, systems that run poorly do more than waste energy – they also have shorter lifespans and are prone to breakdowns and costly repairs. That’s not what they want in the middle of August. If your customers want systems that run better and for a longer time, a spring maintenance check should be on their schedule.

Along with replacing air filters, and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, a maintenance check can look into the system itself to root out potential problems. Fieldpiece offers a host of diagnostic tools that allow you to quickly assess the health of a system.

Because we only produce HVACR diagnosing and testing equipment, our tools are specifically designed to inspect every component found on A/C systems. These range from SM480V Wireless 4-Port SMAN® Refrigerant Manifolds; to JL3PR Job Link® System Pressure Probes; to JL3PC Job Link® System Pipe Clamps. All of these products offer wireless convenience, industry-defining innovations, and off-the-charts accuracy.

If you’re getting ready to perform some spring maintenance, we offer the widest selection of HVACR tools on the market and everything from Fieldpiece is ideal for service technicians looking to offer best-in-class service repairs and maintenance. You’ll be able to deliver top-notch results, hassle-free, so that you can be a master of the trade.