Service
Keep it Simple When Servicing Evaporative Coolers
It has become a cliché to say that something "isn't rocket science," but that truly is the case with evaporative coolers. These units represent probably the simplest way to cool a space. And yet, incorrect installation and service procedures can still take their toll on the performance and reliability of these relatively simple cooling units....
Superheat the key to servicing TXV systems
Superheat is a way to ensure that the system is boiling off all of the liquid before it exits the evaporator. Refrigeration and air-conditioning systems may produce different superheat readings, but they are all determined the same way: by measuring indoor wet bulb and outdoor dry bulb measurements and using a pressure-temperature chart. In other words, superheat is the difference between two temperatures. ...
Training Your Appointment Seller
You’ve decided to enhance your business by adding an appointment seller to your team, and you’ve hired someone who is an award-winning telephone sales professional. This person already knows how to talk on the phone. Therefore, the training should less than one day...
Service Tip: Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves are rated in terms of Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) against which the valve will open. ...
Three Tips to Better Boiler Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a boiler, remember these words of wisdom: The troubleshooting mind is like a parachute. Both must be open to work properly....
12 'Must-Dos' on a Furnace Clean and Tune
Here are 12 things you must do to properly clean and tune newer LP or natural gas furnaces....
Service Tip
Q: Explain the parts to a service valve. A: The typical service valve is composed of four essential parts: line connection, valve stem, service opening or gauge port, and compressor connection. ...
In Praise of the Mighty Magnehelic
Airflow diagnostics are good for your customers and your company, and you already have one of the most powerful tools in the business in your truck....
The Importance of Appointment Sellers
The person who sets the appointments for service calls and estimates at your company is your front-line representative. People in this position are usually referred to as customer service representatives (CSRs), but that’s too general of a term for this article. Let’s go with a more descriptive term and call this person your "appointment seller."...
Grow out of a One-man Shop in 30 Days (Part Two)
Last month I showed you how you, as the owner of a one-man shop who is doing everything, can afford an office manager to handle your phones and all your paperwork. Now I’ll tell you who to hire and where to find them....
10 Steps to Servicing a Geothermal Heat Pump
To ensure these savings and the added benefits of enhanced comfort, improved indoor air quality, longevity and a smaller carbon footprint, it's important that the system be serviced at least once a year by a trained technician....
Top Technician Appreciates Variety in HVAC
At HVAC Comfortech 2010, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) recognized six "Top Techs" who hold multiple NATE certifications. This month, Contracting Business is pleased to introduce you to Tina Coop, service & installation manager, Rockville, MD....
Be a Service Superhero: Use Your 'POWERS' to the Utmost
Whatever your service super power might be, know that you’re a hero in the eyes of every customer — from the oldest, to the new 'orphan' who calls about no heat. Here are some articles to help you stay in super shape. ...
Quality Capacitors = Quality Service
It's very important for contractors to know the standards set for capacitors, so they can ask for test data from their suppliers....
Recruiting: Foundation for the Future
Recruiting new talent is the foundation of the HVACR industry. But, where are the new technicians to be found, and will we have enough to meet the future need? I recently attended the HVAC Excellence Educators and Trainers Conference in Las Vegas, NV, and caught up with industry leaders who have definite opinions on the nature of recruiting in the HVACR industry, and what we can do to grow the ranks. —TM...
Perform Air Conditioning Tune-ups That Go the Extra Mile
As we enter the season for air conditioning tune-ups, we would like to offer our company's slogan for residential air conditioning contractors to consider: "Quality Service Has No Substitute." At Difilippo's Service Company, this motto guides our entire philosophy on how we take care of our clients. ...
DISPATCHING SOFTWARE: The Wind Beneath Your Wheels
Dispatching software helps technicians get to service calls faster, helps dispatchers juggle calls more efficiently, and gives owners a clear picture of the day's transactions. ...
4 Hours to Residential HVAC System Commissioning
HVAC commissioning can be done in four hours, and it's labor time well spent. Here's how it works...
Be a Detective, and 'Investigate' During Service Calls
Have you ever watched the television police drama NCIS? I think service technicians should look at their jobs as being somewhat "HVACIS" in nature. By that, I mean you should arrive at a home the way the NCIS team does at a crime scene: as an "investigator" who wants to solve customers’ complaints and concerns. ...
Troubleshooting Commercial Air Handlers
A basic air handler is nothing more than a piece of equipment that circulates air through a building or space. As such, air handlers may be among the simplest pieces of equipment that service technicians deal with. However, nothing in the field is ever as simple as it seems. A malfunctioning air handler can cause huge comfort and energy efficiency problems for building owners and occupants. ...
Five Certifications Testify to Stellar HVAC Career
At HVAC Comfortech 2010, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) recognized six "Top Techs" who hold multiple NATE certifications. This month, ContractingBusiness.com introduces Jack Bartell, director of service and training, Virginia Air. Bartell is also the 2010 recipient of the NATE Golden Toolbox Award for a lifetime of service to the HVAC industry. ...
Zoning System Troubleshooting
Here are some things to remember when you arrive on a service call and find that the homeowner's HVAC system includes a zoning system. ...
Chiller Service Essentials
Chillers are complex machines that are expensive to purchase and operate. A preventive and predictive maintenance program is the best protection for this valuable asset....
Troubleshooting Defrost Timers & Unit Coolers
Commercial refrigeration systems are essential to the preservation of vast amounts of food products, and/or pharmaceutical materials in research settings.Refrigeration failures, therefore, are costly in terms of lost product and business....
Suspecting Versus Prospecting
By definition, a suspect is a property that meets a certain predetermined criteria to make it worthy of further attention. A prospect is a property where contact has been made with at least one decision maker. Most sales managers and sales people view a prospect as the first step in the selling cycle. Others may be of the opinion that the difference between a suspect and a prospect is only a semantics issue. ...
