Category Archives: HVAC

ASHRAE 62.2 (2016): Using the New Standard in the Field

622

Below are links to the slides and a recording of a webinar presented in March 2017 by a member of the ASHRAE 62.2 committee. Viewers will understand how to use the new ASHRAE 62.2-2016 Standard, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings. The presenter, Rick Karg, focuses on existing dwellings and covers the details of the new ventilation Standard. The steps of sizing ventilation, both local and whole-building, are addressed in detail using the free web application by www.ResidentialEnergyDynamics.com (RED). [Note: Karg is the president of RED.]

New features of the 2016 Standard are made clear, including expanded scope, horizontally-attached dwelling considerations, de minimis for existing dwelling whole-building ventilation rate, updated provisions for new kitchen exhaust fans, and clarification of the alternative compliance path. With the help of the free, online RED ASHRAE 62.2-2016 tool, viewers will be able to accurately calculate ventilation needs for any existing or new dwelling.

Intended viewers: building performance and HVAC contractors, low-income weatherization analysts, code enforcement officers, or anyone interested in learning more about ASHRAE 62.2-2016.

Slides: ASHRAE 622-2016 Using the New Standard in the Field 2017

Video Recording of Webinar: LINK

Need tools for ventilation testing?: www.TruTechTools.com/

Need advice on how to test? Call 1-888-224-3437

 

Leave a comment

Filed under ASHRAE 62.2, Home Performance, HVAC, Uncategorized

The shortage of skilled workers: A powerful infographic

Check out this info graphic developed by www.ExploreTheTrades.org

Powerful info about our economic future….

Shortage-Skilled-Workers-ETT

ExploreTheTrades

Leave a comment

Filed under Careers, Home Performance, HVAC, The Future, Uncategorized

Air Conditioning Testing for Energy Auditors – 6/5/15 Pittsburgh class

testing airflow with a testo 416

Date and time: Friday, June 5th 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

CCI Center
64 South 14th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Instructors: Bill Spohn & Rhett Major

more info contact: info@deawp.org

4 BPI CEU’s have been approved for this course.

The course will cover methods to test residential AC systems for their relative efficiency (both unit and total system efficiency) with out the need to attach pressure gauges to the refrigerant lines.

Using simple techniques, and some more complex, with a variety of tools, we will explore the options of testing system airflow, total external static pressure, and dry bulb and wet bulb temperature changes to determine if air conditioners are operating within normal parameters, or should be referred for service.

The course will include both classroom training on the basics of the refrigeration cycle, airflow testing methods, and Enthalpy change, and will include hands on testing of an air conditioning system to measure airflow, and both sensible and latent heat change.

Written Handouts from Tru Tech Tools(AC Performance worksheet, Enthalpy Tables, etc.), will help provide the basis for our testing.

FEES: DEAWP current members:$195.00,   Non-member:$245.00 (Ask about membership options)
Course price includes lunch!

Contact – Rhett Major to register – theenergydoctor@comcast.net  or 724-863-5986!

Or mail your contact info and check to:

The Energy Doctor
1739 Guffey Rd.
North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Leave a comment

Filed under A/C and Heat Pump Products, BPI CEUs, Education, Home Performance, HVAC, TruTech Tools

iManifold APP quick guide

iManifold_Quickguide_screen_shotHOT OFF THE PRESSES! (electronic presses that is)

The iManifold APP quick guide.

iManifold Quick-Start-Guide rev0

Leave a comment

Filed under HVAC, iManifold, The Future

Bill Spohn, President and CEO of TruTech Tools Ltd., joins the Home Energy Magazine Board of Directors

As a customer or fan of TruTech Tools, LTD, you have a connection. Not just any connection, but a strong connection to a vast network committed to improving your work, your profit potential, and the policies that govern your industry. Your connection and your network just expanded.

The Home Energy Board of Directors also gained a valuable asset by bringing on Bill Spohn, President and CEO of TruTech Tools, Ltd. Home Energy Magazine is concerned with providing you objective and practical information on residential energy efficiency, performance, comfort and affordability. To be on the Board of Directors, candidates must have the right credentials such as experience in a corporate governance position, but also they must possess the same zeal for improving residential energy efficiency and furthering your industry.

To be invited to be a Director, a candidate has to deal directly with residential energy, HVAC and building contractors across the nation; bring a market-driven supplier viewpoint; have a deep understanding of contractor needs and attitudes; and have the ability to further Home Energy’s role as a bridge between the Home Performance and HVAC communities.

“Bill’s unique background in instrumentation, HVAC, and business development, combined with his reputation as a trusted resource in related technical and education communities, well serves Home Energy’s needs during a time of unique challenges for our industry.” ~Tom White, Home Energy Magazine.

As President and CEO of TruTech Tools, Ltd., Bill Spohn is dedicated to this very mission of providing you with relevant and practical information, supplying your needs, and furthering your industry. He represents you and your industry, and he is proud to be your connection to Home Energy Magazine and the greater network within  your industry.

By Liz Crawley, Marketing Asst. TTT, LTD.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under About us, Customer benefits, HVAC, Uncategorized

What can I do with IAQ?

What Can I do with IAQ? (SLIDES)

Indoor air quality remains a major opportunity for companies doing whole house auditing and retrofit work. Yet despite growing health concerns amongst consumers, and increasing incidences of asthma, the challenges of capturing IAQ leads, testing homes affordably and converting to comprehensive solutions are as vexing as ever. In this webinar, industry veteran and tools expert Bill Spohn discussed his vast experience in the field, including how to affordably test homes, what homeowners are looking for and how to develop retrofits that solve air quality issues.

Points covered

1. Understand the key parameters of IAQ measurement;

2. Learn about cost effective tools and approaches to test indoor air quality affordably;

3. Learn about mitigation measures that address specific indoor air quality problems.

Presenter:

Bill Spohn,
President & CEO
TruTech Tools, LTD

Leave a comment

Filed under ASHRAE 62.2, BPI Standards, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide Testing, Energy Audit, Home Performance, HVAC, IAQ, The Business of Home Performance Contracting, Training

Our TruView: FLIR’s NEW THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS AND TEST AND MEASURMENT PRODUCTS

CaseyCasey1 TruTech Tools was pleased to be present at FLIR’s distributor launch of nine new Thermal Imaging Cameras and an exciting line of new Test and Measurement products. FLIR’s President and CEO, Andy Teich gave a superb overview of FLIR’s mission to take “IR everywhere.” Teich noted how FLIR provides a customer focused package of Design, Functionality, Value, Ruggedness, and Support in everything they do. Additionally, FLIR has created a complete ecosystem for managing information with apps and software along with BlueTooth and WiFi enabled products that combine physical measurement data and thermal images to maximize your efforts and share your results. Traditional IR imaging only allows you to see beyond visible rages into the world of heat signatures. Kudos to FLIR for incorporating their patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging technology (MSX) into ALL E-Series cameras, even the $995 Model E-4. Rather than simply blending visual and thermal images (dilution), MSX takes thermal image quality to the next level by augmenting a thermal image with details from a visible image. In one sense, there is almost no longer a need for a separate digital image as FLIR’s new MSX technology embosses digital camera detail right into thermal images. Seeing Is Believing

Electrical Panel Thermal Only

Electrical Panel Thermal Only

Electrical Panel With MSX

Electrical Panel With MSX

Electrical Panel Picture in Picture

Electrical Panel Picture in Picture

MSX TECHNOLGY AND DARK PRECISION, TOGETHER FLIR E8 The new Thermal Imaging Cameras include the all new E4, E5, E6, and E8 models, the second generation E40, E50, and E60 and the utra-performance T-600 and T-600bx. Starting at $995, with a camera for all budget ranges, the new E-Series models feature FLIR’s patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging technology (MSX) which raises key visible details from an on-board high resolution digital camera onto the infrared image. MSX makes it much easier to identify and locate issues while preserving the full integrity of the thermal image. FLIR’s new Dark Precision interface is simple but powerful, making the cameras easier than ever to use. Details on each of these new E-Series cameras can be found HERE. CLICK HERE for an interactive experience using FLIR thermal imaging to find and address the common household energy wasting culprits. THE NEXT GENERATION OF TEST AND MEASUREMENT FLIR T&M FLIR’s new line of test and measurement products builds upon 50 years of work serving military, government, and commercial customers, with a commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability. What impressed us most, about the new line of T&M products was the added features designed to meet the needs of customers to solve tough, real-world, field problems. Problems like ghost voltages from VFD’s and lighting in the work-space were considered and addressed. The NEW T&M line includes the CM78 Clamp Meter, CM83 RMS Power Clamp, MR77 Pinless Moisture Psychrometer, DM93 True RMS Industrial Mulitmeter, and the VP50 Non-Contact Voltage Detector and Flashlight. All these high-end  T&M products include powerful (nearly blinding!) work lights and IR thermometers, and METERLINK (BlueTooth) technology which lets you wirelessly add readings of electrical and moisture data to the infrared image on your FLIR Cameras (Exx series and up). Even the non-contact voltage detector includes a powerful work-light and indicates by vibration in your palm, not in your fingertips – a sensation you don’t want to feel when looking for “hot” lines! CONTACT: Eric or Josh 1-888-224-3437  OR  info@TruTechTools.com

1 Comment

Filed under Home Performance, HVAC, New Product Release, Thermal Imaging, Uncategorized

ASHRAE 62.2-2013 Ventilation Standard Webinar by Rick Karg (slides)

See a VIDEO recording: HERE

SLIDES : The Past and Future of Ventilating Dwellings – ASHRAE 622-2013

Learn  how to better use the new ASHRAE 62.2-2013 Standard, Ventilation and Acceptable indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. There is a focus on existing dwellings and coverage of the details of the ventilation standard that will soon be adopted by BPl. The steps of sizing ventilation, both local and whole-building, are addressed in detail using the free web app by Residential Energy Dynamics (REDCALC).

The BPI Building Airflow Standard (based on ASHRAE 62-1989) and ASHRAE 62.2-2010 is addressed, giving historical context for the latest ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013. The 3 versions are compared, however, the major focus is on 62.2-2013.

Those who will benefit: building performance and HVAC contractors, low-income weatherization analysts, code enforcement officers, or anyone interested in learning more about 62.2-2013.

karg* Rick Karg, President Residential Energy Dynamics , LLC , Bethel, Maine.
Rick has worked in the residential energy business since 1980 with home performance contractors, low-income weatherization programs, and utilities, as a trainer, writer, researcher, and building scientist. He managed the Maine Home Performance Program from 2006 to 2009, has been a member of the ASHRAE 62.2 committee since 2007 (he leads the existing dwellings group), is an editorial advisor for Home Energy magazine, and is a member of the “ask the experts” group for the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (www.waptac.org). He serves as a volunteer advisor to the Department of Energy and the Building Performance Institute on dwelling ventilation and has served as a BPl trainer, proctor, and mentor.
Within the last year, Rick has started a new business, RED with Charlie Holly. RED’s first line of web-based applications is RED Calc Free, on-line tools for residential energy professionals: http://www.ResidentialEnergyDynamics.com

Leave a comment

Filed under Airflow, ASHRAE 62.2, BPI Standards, Education, Home Performance, HVAC

Mechanical Ventilation and ASHRAE 62.2-2013 Webinar (slides, recording and more)

GET THE SLIDES HERE–> Trutech Ventilation Webinar 1013

PRESENTED LIVE on 9-17-13 and 10-8-13

VIDEO RECORDING OF SESSION: HERE

Paul’s  quick guide to testing Range hood air flow:Range hood testing using a duct tester

As homes become increasingly tight, mechanical ventilation increases in importance. National building codes, standards and programs are requiring the design, installation, testing, and documentation of ventilation systems. Participants in this course will come away with a better understanding of the science behind and mechanical ventilation technologies. Topics will include using the latest ASHRAE 62.2 Standard for sizing the systems for the right airflow for whole house and local ventilation, use of the infiltration credit, selecting the system, differences between ERVs and HRVs, use of controls, and installed system testing and documentation.

Intended Participants: building performance & HVAC contractors, and those interested in building science or becoming better building performance contractors

Trainer’s Biography:
Paul H. Raymer
Author of the Residential Ventilation Handbook
Member of the ASHRAE 62.2 SSPC since 2002
Chief Investigator, Heyoka Solutions, LLC
Falmouth, MA

Paul H. Raymer has been working with building science for more than thirty years. He is the author of the Residential Ventilation Handbook (McGraw-Hill, 2010) and writes a regular tool column in “Home Energy Magazine”. Formerly the IAQ liaison for the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), he has developed more than twenty ventilation related product lines and served as a consultant for a wide array of ventilation product manufacturers including Broan-NuTone, Air King, Panasonic, APV Vent Axia, Greenwood Airvac, and Fantech. He has designed ventilation systems for home builders including Acorn Homes, Deck House, Continental Homes, Ryan Homes, K Hovnanian, and Beazer Homes. He has taught ventilation courses across the country at weatherization programs and conferences, at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He is BPI Envelope, Building Analyst, Heating Professional and AC/Heat Pump certified, a BPI Super Proctor, and a certified HERS Rater, and a member of the Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE). He is also a Certified IREC/ANSI Assessor.

Leave a comment

Filed under Airflow, ASHRAE 62.2, BPI CEUs, BPI Standards, Education, Home Performance, HVAC

Where To Find Talent For Todays Skilled Trades

~ Liz Crawley, August 23, 2013

Graduates in Cap and Gown

In my career history, I have assisted skilled workers find temp-to-hire jobs, advised young adults on how to pursue employment, and most recently, aided college students in determining a direction for their academic major. In each of these roles, I have noticed a disappointing trend.

We keep pushing young adults to get an education and earn a degree, but we do not offer a great deal of help beyond that. “What should I do with this degree?” is a question, that often gets left unanswered.

While working for the university, I ran into several of my graduated students in restaraunts, retail shops, and fast food chains. These students are told there are no jobs and they are unsure if or how they are going to use their education.

At TruTech Tools, our own Bill Spohn shares a concern with me, a concern that these young adults are not fully aware of the career opportunies and earning potential that exists in skilled trades.

Bill Spohn, PE & CEO/Co-Owner of TruTech Tools (TM), LTD is cited in BEC- The hidden talent pool for the skilled trades-1-1, a recent article from Business and Education Connected (BE Connected). In this article, Bill Spohn expresses his concern that too few students are interested in pursuing careers in the trades sector.

Rather than ask why the problem exists, BE Connected proposes a solution, but I won’t give away the ending. Check out this article and please consider how you can do your part. BEC- The hidden talent pool for the skilled trades-1-1

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Education, Energy Audit, Home Performance, HVAC, The Future, Uncategorized