Hi HVAC Materials – An Evolution!.

HVAC Materials – An Evolution...,

What has been the biggest change in materials used in HVAC products over the last 10 years?

Probably the biggest recent change is the widespread changeover to aluminum from copper in heat ex-changers. This changeover has occurred for a number of reasons:

A) There was an industry wide issue with formicary (or ant's nest) corrosion in copper tubing. The precise cause of this phenomenon is still at issue in many people's minds - some believe it was related to a copper quality issue, while there was (is) considerable evidence that the corrosion was caused by the breakdown of some lubricants and other chemicals used to process copper and copper coils into organic acids. 

Regardless of the cause, aluminum is not susceptible to ant's nest corrosion and some manufacturers saw a switch to aluminum as a way to avoid the problem.

B) The development and adoption of micro-channel heat ex-changers as a replacement for fin and tube heat ex-changers in many applications. 

Micro-channel heat ex-changers are made solely with aluminum.

C) There has been a very significant change in the relative prices of aluminum in copper. The price of copper has increased dramatically relative to the price of aluminum in recent years, making aluminum much more affordable than it has been historically, even though it is not as 'efficient' from a heat transfer standpoint - you can afford to buy more aluminum than copper and still come out okay economically.

How have environmental issues affected the use/choice of materials?

The mandated changes to refrigerants over the past 20 years have lead to numerous changes in material applications, not only because of the refrigerants themselves, but also because the new refrigerants have often required the development of new lubricants as well. 

First of all,there were numerous chemical compatibility issues that had to be addressed between the alternative refrigerants (and lubricants) and many of the non-metallic materials used in HVAC equipment. 

This included seals, non-metallic bearings, motor varnishes and even sight glasses and other ceramic materials. Further, and maybe less well know throughout the industry, was that old chlorine containing refrigerants and simple mineral oils provided much better wear protection to many parts such as bearings, seals and valves than many of the new refrigerant-lubricant combinations now in use. 

This has lead to material and material processing changes such as heat treating and the application of coatings to resist wear.

What potential material shortages pose the largest risk to HVAC manufacturers in the next ten years?

You can probably get as many opinions on this question as there are materials' professionals to ask. In recent years our industry has suffered shortages of steel, steel coatings (primarily zinc for galvanized steel), copper, plastic, you name it. In our dynamically changing world economy I see those types of intermittent shortages increasing in frequency. Despite the fact that our industry is a huge user of steel our usage will always pale in comparison to the automotive industry and the earth moving industry. Similarly, while we are a big user of copper, we use a pittance compared to the electrical wire and water tube industries. We'll never use as much aluminum as aerospace or the food packaging industries. Subsequently, as demands in those other industries increases, we are often left with shortages of those key materials. When you add the relative changes in material prices as I highlighted above with copper and aluminum as an example, The key for people in our industry is to develop and maintain very flexible materials usage policies so as the materials markets change we can change our products.

Hi 13 HVAC Technology Tips & tips.

Hi 13 HVAC Technology

Tips & tips.

Combat Air Pollution with HVAC Technology;

The EPA phaseout continues for several years, but most new HVAC systems have a lifespan of 30 years or more. Plan ahead when purchasing high-efficiency cooling system. It is important to make sure your new HVAC system can use nonpolluting refrigerants.

Home Comfort at the Click of a Mouse;

Just as businesses move to energy-management systems that computerize building services, engineers are creating new technologies that let homeowners adjust their central air conditioners via a personal computer.

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In Design, Hire an HVAC Consultant Early;

Hire HVAC technicians certified through NATE, the industry's leading independent testing organization. Look for technicians with expertise and training in energy efficiency and the specific HVAC needs of your home.

'Smart' Technology Manages Large HVAC Systems;

Control HVAC functions with computerized controls. These high tech systems allow for high-efficiency comfort, reduce service and operating costs, and are easy to use. The single-source system lets you monitor heating and cooling, lights, and fans.

Noise Control Adds Comfort to HVAC Systems;

A new focus in HVAC technology is noise control. Now when the heat or air conditioner runs, you don't hear the unit drone. The environment feels more natural.

Look for heating and cooling makers that use technology and insulation to reduce operating noise. Our sponsor offers central air conditioners that are 20 times quieter than conventional units. Ask to see product literature on decibel levels of heating and cooling systems.

Combat Air Pollution with HVAC Technology;

The latest advances in air quality combine ultraviolet-light technology and high-efficiency air filters to combat air pollution in your home. If allergies or asthma are a problem, you may want to invest in a heating and cooling system that reduces indoor air pollution and improves air quality. Cooking odors, cleaning chemicals, pet dander, dust and pollen can make indoor air unhealthy for you and your family. Look for HVAC systems that offer high-efficiency air cleaning with HEPA filters. HEPA removes most particles from the air.

Zone Rooms with Different Temperature Settings;

There is no one-size-fits-all with air conditioning comfort. Some people like the AC extra cold, while others prefer milder temperatures. The problem is easily solved when you install a zoning system, which let you vary temperature settings throughout the house. You can divide your home into two or four zoning areas, depending on the system you purchase. You no longer need to heat or cool unoccupied rooms, or change the setting to suit the needs of one family member.

'Smart' Technology Manages Large HVAC Systems;

The new wave in HVAC technology are remote diagnostic and maintenance systems. HVACs increasingly are complex to run and manage, especially systems that cool and heat large buildings or complexes. HVAC breakdowns and repairs can be costly. Traditional repairs by a building's maintenance crew may be inadequate.

Imagine a day when HVACs are monitored and tested by computerized "smart" systems. That day has arrived, with high-rise buildings, large shopping malls, and super-sized complexes using "smart" technology to manage HVAC, security and fire services from a remote location. In the not-too-distant future, service technicians will use Web browsers and handheld devices in the field to help maintain, manage and repair HVAC systems.

HVAC Software is Part of Technician's Toolbox;

Technicians include HVAC software in their toolbox. So do HVAC dealers and designers. With larger systems, you can find HVAC software that not only helps diagnose system problems but also helps with management. Software may provide tools to help with scheduling, dispatching, billing, maintenance and inventory.

HVAC engineers use design software to develop heating and cooling systems for new buildings based on their architecture and use. HVAC software enables building owners to see computerized simulations of poorly performing HVAC systems and new HVAC systems before installation.

Two-Stage Cooling Offers Efficiency, Extra Comfort;

If you are looking for energy efficiency and extra comfort in air conditioning, try a system with two-stage cooling. Two-stage cooling allows the air-conditioner's compressor to run at high or low levels. High is the blast of cold air you need on very hot days. Low works fine for milder days.

Your AC likely will run on the low setting most days, saving energy and yielding greater savings than standard compressors. As more Americans move to year-round central air, two-stage cooling offers choice in comfort.

Home Comfort at the Click of a Mouse;

Imagine this: Monitoring and managing your home's comfort system -- heating and cooling, airflow and dehumidifiers -- with a Web browser.

Future homeowners will be able to integrate and manage services like home security, smoke alarms and the central air conditioner with their PC and a few clicks of the mouse.

In Design, Hire an HVAC Consultant Early;

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Its primary job is regulating temperature at comfortable levels.

Today's HVAC systems are efficient and complex. They are designed for energy savings, comfort, climate control, air quality and air circulation. It's a good idea to bring in an HVAC consultant early in the design of a new home.

The specialist will review the architecture, function and location to determine the best HVAC design and products. HVAC specialists will know about the latest technologies for conserving energy.

Zone Rooms with Different Temperature Settings;

End arguments over the AC in your household with a zoning system. This allows for varying temperature settings under one roof. Zoning systems offer more climate control, efficiency and energy savings.