Because it changes everything.

We are all familiar with the rule of changing the oil in our vehicles, right? That’s because it makes them work more efficiently, run better, and last longer. The oil quality in your HVAC vacuum pump affects pump performance and helps you perform evacuations quicker — but only if you change it often. And we mean way more often than every three months. That’s because you could have the best vacuum pump on the market, but it only performs at peak efficiency if the oil is changed as soon as it starts to lose its effectiveness.

You see, the oil in your HVAC vacuum pump is the key ingredient to keeping the vane lubricated and creating a proper seal for an optimal vacuum, which then helps suck moisture and other non-condensables and contaminants from your system while performing an evacuation. Since vacuum pumps don’t have filters, once the oil is full of contaminants, pulling a vacuum is less efficient. This means that your evacuations take more time, and the mechanical parts of your pump could suffer.

Some oils are based on mineral oil and some are silicone-based synthetics, but depending on the pump you’re using, your oil could have many different formulations. All of them are well-refined and have a specific viscosity and low vapor pressure. That helps it lubricate the mechanism, remove moisture and contaminants from the system and gives it a smooth start-up at varying weather conditions. While most oils typically work well with any pump, it is good practice to use the manufacturer’s oil for peak pump performance.

And while not necessary as most pumps are capable of holding a deep vacuum with used oil, it is recommended to start an evacuation with fresh, clean oil every single time if possible.

Also, while you’re performing the evacuation, change the oil as soon as it becomes saturated with moisture or contaminants. This may need to be done several times during an evacuation and doing this consistently is critical to pulling a full, deep vacuum quickly. But how do you know when to change it? If you’re watching your vacuum gauge and the microns start to even out at a level higher than you want, or if the reading starts bouncing up and down, check your oil. If you notice discoloration – either lighter from moisture or darker from heat or contaminants – it’s time to change the oil.

At the end of the day, for the best possible outcomes you need large inner diameter (ID) vacuum-rated hoses; clean, dry vacuum pump oil; and a top-of-the-line HVAC vacuum pump like our VPX7. Armed with these tools, enjoy fast and effective oil changes every time!

Wireless tools have always been a great invention due to the overall convenience of not needing to rely on plugging a tool in. However, in their early days, many still lacked the torque and long-lasting power of corded tools. Today, if you look around the job site, almost everyone is using a cordless tool. The technology for HVACR tools has made tremendous strides and the move to HVACR wireless tools is moving even faster.

Ever since manometers hit the industry “scene,” HVACR techs had been forced to snake long hoses between systems and walls. After all, if you want to get an airflow reading from directly above the coil, you need to make sure your device is in an exact, accurate location. If you don’t have enough hose, then you end up settling for a less-than-ideal location. Plus, if you’re able to reach the right location in the crawlspace, have fun pulling your tangled hoses all the way there. Plus, you need to stay next to the manometer to get a reading. So many hoses and messy hassles.

Much like the cordless revolution with power tools, the wireless revolution is here for HVACR diagnostic tools. Here are three reasons to love working with wireless tools on the job site.

1. Freedom from long hoses. When you’re using a wireless dual port manometer, there is no need to drag long hoses that often lead to hazardous outcomes. Instead, place your devices exactly where you need them and move on. Because they run on batteries, readings are taken from anywhere on the jobsite as you work on the system.

2. Get exact measurements. We all know that getting a reading from the right place helps make your measurements more accurate and speeds up the process of diagnosing a system. One of the biggest benefits of wireless diagnostic tool technology is the ability to measure and monitor electrical, airflow and refrigerant performance at the same time. By using a wireless manometer, you aren’t limited by hose length. By drilling a hole in exactly the right place and inserting the probe, techs get the measurement needed. The wireless tool is the latest advancement to make life easier for the HVACR technician.

3. Take readings from 1000’ away. Working with wireless tools means there is no limit set by hoses or cords. Some of the newest wireless tools today have a range of up to 1000’ line of sight. That’s more than three football fields of range! From that far away, you have the ability to monitor a system and see right away what is affecting other readings. That’s a lot less time walking back and forth between the control panel to the manometer. Just think of the time that is saved from this advanced technology.

Moreover, when connected to apps like the Job Link® system app, wireless tools allow techs to be in multiple places at one time, with the freedom to work the way they want. They even make a single tech as efficient as two techs at diagnosing system performance!

All of these reasons and more make the newest wireless tools some of the best friends an HVACR tech can have in their toolbox.

Need to find some that offer 1000’ of wireless range? Check out www.fieldpiece.com.

Fall is here and winter is approaching. That means we are officially in heating season. While accidents happen, there are a few ways to remain cautious for a safer, incident-free winter. 

Working in colder climates has some obvious challenges. For one, HVACR professionals deal with extreme weather while working long, tiresome hours near components that could be red hot. They also deal with potentially deadly gasses like carbon monoxide, propane and natural gas.  

Here are some ways to make sure technicians work safely around the most common HVACR industry hazards faced:

1. CO Exposure – This is the biggest danger, both to you and to the homeowner or building occupants. Carbon monoxide (CO), a natural byproduct of burning natural gas, is an odorless, colorless gas that is rightly known as the silent killer. While prolonged exposure can lead to death, breathing air saturated with CO for even a short time can quickly overwhelm and incapacitate you. When working around heating equipment, you should use a CO tester to confirm you’re not being exposed. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines while installing a system to ensure no CO gets into the home or the conditioned space.

2. Burns – There are multiple ways an HVACR tech might burn themselves – especially in the winter. Working close to open flames and hot elements, heating systems can put out a lot of excess heat. Plus, techs often find themselves needing to solder connections and other components – the opportunities for burns are endless. The best way to stay safe is to know where the sources of heat are and work carefully and deliberately around them. Don’t rush your work and don’t guess if something has cooled off enough to touch.

3. Fatigue – Getting tired comes with the territory when crawling around in the dark and lifting heavy equipment. To avoid fatigue, get plenty of rest before starting your workday. Also, working safely is often the first thing overlooked when working tired. While shortcuts to remove extra steps may sound like a better option when exhausted, this can lead to incidents that put yourself or others in harm’s way. If you’re too tired to work safely, you’re too tired to work. Don’t risk it.

4. Extreme Weather – Until furnaces start shutting down, you’re most likely working in cold crawlspaces and attics, and on slippery surfaces like ice-covered sidewalks. When the temperature drops this time of year, dress for the conditions. Durable, warm work boots can give you firm footing on icy steps. Also, cold fingers can easily drop tools, so wear warm gloves. 

5. Electrocution – If you’re working around electrical circuits or with live wires in an HVACR system, it’s best to turn them off at the panel. Then, hang a tag at the panel so no one accidentally turns it on. If you work with live wires, wear the correct PPE and follow all safety precautions.

Heating season is no joke. Your safety, and the safety of others, is in your hands, so keep these tips in mind when conducting service and repair calls.  

Featured in: The Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration News and Mechanical Hub