COMFORT SYSTEMS USA INC Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (form 10-K)  Marketscreener.com

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA INC Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (form 10-K) - Marketscreener.com

Grab a Refurbished Ecobee Smart Thermometer for as Little as $87 and Cut Your Utility Costs  CNET

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Grab a Refurbished Ecobee Smart Thermometer for as Little as $87 and Cut Your Utility Costs - CNET

Who is eligible to receive HEAP?You may be eligible if:

Learn more about current monthly income limits.

What is the Clean and Tune Benefit?The HEAP Clean and Tune benefit opened October 3, 2022. Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Your household may be eligible a Heating Equipment Tune-up benefit if:

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Review additional requirements to determine if youre eligible to apply.

Problem with your heating equipment?You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefits. The in-person interview and application requirement is temporarily suspended. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

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Apply for Heating and Cooling Assistance (HEAP) - The State of New York

Technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)[1] is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. "Refrigeration" is sometimes added to the field's abbreviation as HVAC&R or HVACR, or "ventilation" is dropped, as in HACR (as in the designation of HACR-rated circuit breakers).

HVAC is an important part of residential structures such as single family homes, apartment buildings, hotels, and senior living facilities; medium to large industrial and office buildings such as skyscrapers and hospitals; vehicles such as cars, trains, airplanes, ships and submarines; and in marine environments, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.

Ventilating or ventilation (the "V" in HVAC) is the process of exchanging or replacing air in any space to provide high indoor air quality which involves temperature control, oxygen replenishment, and removal of moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Ventilation removes unpleasant smells and excessive moisture, introduces outside air, keeps interior building air circulating, and prevents stagnation of the interior air. Methods for ventilating a building are divided into mechanical/forced and natural types.[2]

The three major functions of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are interrelated, especially with the need to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality within reasonable installation, operation, and maintenance costs. HVAC systems can be used in both domestic and commercial environments. HVAC systems can provide ventilation, and maintain pressure relationships between spaces. The means of air delivery and removal from spaces is known as room air distribution.[3]

In modern buildings, the design, installation, and control systems of these functions are integrated into one or more HVAC systems. For very small buildings, contractors normally estimate the capacity and type of system needed and then design the system, selecting the appropriate refrigerant and various components needed. For larger buildings, building service designers, mechanical engineers, or building services engineers analyze, design, and specify the HVAC systems. Specialty mechanical contractors and suppliers then fabricate, install and commission the systems. Building permits and code-compliance inspections of the installations are normally required for all sizes of buildings.

Although HVAC is executed in individual buildings or other enclosed spaces (like NORAD's underground headquarters), the equipment involved is in some cases an extension of a larger district heating (DH) or district cooling (DC) network, or a combined DHC network. In such cases, the operating and maintenance aspects are simplified and metering becomes necessary to bill for the energy that is consumed, and in some cases energy that is returned to the larger system. For example, at a given time one building may be utilizing chilled water for air conditioning and the warm water it returns may be used in another building for heating, or for the overall heating-portion of the DHC network (likely with energy added to boost the temperature).[4][5][6]

Basing HVAC on a larger network helps provide an economy of scale that is often not possible for individual buildings, for utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar heat,[7][8][9] winter's cold,[10][11] the cooling potential in some places of lakes or seawater for free cooling, and the enabling function of seasonal thermal energy storage. By utilizing natural sources that can be used for HVAC systems it can make a huge difference for the environment and help expand the knowledge of using different methods.

HVAC is based on inventions and discoveries made by Nikolay Lvov, Michael Faraday, Rolla C. Carpenter, Willis Carrier, Edwin Ruud, Reuben Trane, James Joule, William Rankine, Sadi Carnot, and many others.[12]

Multiple inventions within this time frame preceded the beginnings of the first comfort air conditioning system, which was designed in 1902 by Alfred Wolff (Cooper, 2003) for the New York Stock Exchange, while Willis Carrier equipped the Sacketts-Wilhems Printing Company with the process AC unit the same year. Coyne College was the first school to offer HVAC training in 1899.[13]

The invention of the components of HVAC systems went hand-in-hand with the industrial revolution, and new methods of modernization, higher efficiency, and system control are constantly being introduced by companies and inventors worldwide.

Heaters are appliances whose purpose is to generate heat (i.e. warmth) for the building. This can be done via central heating. Such a system contains a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to heat water, steam, or air in a central location such as a furnace room in a home, or a mechanical room in a large building. The heat can be transferred by convection, conduction, or radiation. Space heaters are used to heat single rooms and only consist of a single unit.

Heaters exist for various types of fuel, including solid fuels, liquids, and gases. Another type of heat source is electricity, normally heating ribbons composed of high resistance wire (see Nichrome). This principle is also used for baseboard heaters and portable heaters. Electrical heaters are often used as backup or supplemental heat for heat pump systems.

The heat pump gained popularity in the 1950s in Japan and the United States.[14] Heat pumps can extract heat from various sources, such as environmental air, exhaust air from a building, or from the ground. Heat pumps transfer heat from outside the structure into the air inside. Initially, heat pump HVAC systems were only used in moderate climates, but with improvements in low temperature operation and reduced loads due to more efficient homes, they are increasing in popularity in cooler climates, they can also operate in reverse by cooling an interior.

In the case of heated water or steam, piping is used to transport the heat to the rooms. Most modern hot water boiler heating systems have a circulator, which is a pump, to move hot water through the distribution system (as opposed to older gravity-fed systems). The heat can be transferred to the surrounding air using radiators, hot water coils (hydro-air), or other heat exchangers. The radiators may be mounted on walls or installed within the floor to produce floor heat.

The use of water as the heat transfer medium is known as hydronics. The heated water can also supply an auxiliary heat exchanger to supply hot water for bathing and washing.

Warm air systems distribute the heated air through ductwork systems of supply and return air through metal or fiberglass ducts. Many systems use the same ducts to distribute air cooled by an evaporator coil for air conditioning. The air supply is normally filtered through air filters to remove dust and pollen particles.[15]

The use of furnaces, space heaters, and boilers as a method of indoor heating could result in incomplete combustion and the emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and other combustion byproducts. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen; the inputs are fuels containing various contaminants and the outputs are harmful byproducts, most dangerously carbon monoxide, which is a tasteless and odorless gas with serious adverse health effects.[16]

Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can be lethal at concentrations of 1000 ppm (0.1%). However, at several hundred ppm, carbon monoxide exposure induces headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to transport oxygen. The primary health concerns associated with carbon monoxide exposure are its cardiovascular and neurobehavioral effects. Carbon monoxide can cause atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries) and can also trigger heart attacks. Neurologically, carbon monoxide exposure reduces hand to eye coordination, vigilance, and continuous performance. It can also affect time discrimination.[17]

Ventilation is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to control the temperature or remove any combination of moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, or carbon dioxide, and to replenish oxygen. Ventilation often refers to the intentional delivery of the outside air to the building indoor space. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings. Methods for ventilating a building may be divided into mechanical/forced and natural types.[18]

Mechanical, or forced, ventilation is provided by an air handler (AHU) and used to control indoor air quality. Excess humidity, odors, and contaminants can often be controlled via dilution or replacement with outside air. However, in humid climates more energy is required to remove excess moisture from ventilation air.

Kitchens and bathrooms typically have mechanical exhausts to control odors and sometimes humidity. Factors in the design of such systems include the flow rate (which is a function of the fan speed and exhaust vent size) and noise level. Direct drive fans are available for many applications and can reduce maintenance needs.

In summer, ceiling fans and table/floor fans circulate air within a room for the purpose of reducing the perceived temperature by increasing evaporation of perspiration on the skin of the occupants. Because hot air rises, ceiling fans may be used to keep a room warmer in the winter by circulating the warm stratified air from the ceiling to the floor.

Natural ventilation is the ventilation of a building with outside air without using fans or other mechanical systems. It can be via operable windows, louvers, or trickle vents when spaces are small and the architecture permits. ASHRAE defined Natural ventilation as the flow of air through open windows, doors, grilles, and other planned building envelope penetrations, and as being driven by natural and/or artificially produced pressure differentials.[2]

In more complex schemes, warm air is allowed to rise and flow out high building openings to the outside (stack effect), causing cool outside air to be drawn into low building openings. Natural ventilation schemes can use very little energy, but care must be taken to ensure comfort. In warm or humid climates, maintaining thermal comfort solely via natural ventilation might not be possible. Air conditioning systems are used, either as backups or supplements. Air-side economizers also use outside air to condition spaces, but do so using fans, ducts, dampers, and control systems to introduce and distribute cool outdoor air when appropriate.

An important component of natural ventilation is air change rate or air changes per hour: the hourly rate of ventilation divided by the volume of the space. For example, six air changes per hour means an amount of new air, equal to the volume of the space, is added every ten minutes. For human comfort, a minimum of four air changes per hour is typical, though warehouses might have only two. Too high of an air change rate may be uncomfortable, akin to a wind tunnel which has thousands of changes per hour. The highest air change rates are for crowded spaces, bars, night clubs, commercial kitchens at around 30 to 50 air changes per hour.[19]

Room pressure can be either positive or negative with respect to outside the room. Positive pressure occurs when there is more air being supplied than exhausted, and is common to reduce the infiltration of outside contaminants.[20]

Natural ventilation [21] is a key factor in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses such as tuberculosis, the common cold, influenza, meningitis or COVID-19. Opening doors and windows are good ways to maximize natural ventilation, which would make the risk of airborne contagion much lower than with costly and maintenance-requiring mechanical systems. Old-fashioned clinical areas with high ceilings and large windows provide the greatest protection. Natural ventilation costs little and is maintenance free, and is particularly suited to limited-resource settings and tropical climates, where the burden of TB and institutional TB transmission is highest. In settings where respiratory isolation is difficult and climate permits, windows and doors should be opened to reduce the risk of airborne contagion. Natural ventilation requires little maintenance and is inexpensive.[22]

An air conditioning system, or a standalone air conditioner, provides cooling and/or humidity control for all or part of a building. Air conditioned buildings often have sealed windows, because open windows would work against the system intended to maintain constant indoor air conditions. Outside, fresh air is generally drawn into the system by a vent into a mix air chamber for mixing with the space return air. Then the mixture air enters an indoor or outdoor heat exchanger section where the air is to be cooled down, then be guided to the space creating positive air pressure. The percentage of return air made up of fresh air can usually be manipulated by adjusting the opening of this vent. Typical fresh air intake is about 10% of the total supply air.[citation needed]

Air conditioning and refrigeration are provided through the removal of heat. Heat can be removed through radiation, convection, or conduction. The heat transfer medium is a refrigeration system, such as water, air, ice, and chemicals are referred to as refrigerants. A refrigerant is employed either in a heat pump system in which a compressor is used to drive thermodynamic refrigeration cycle, or in a free cooling system that uses pumps to circulate a cool refrigerant (typically water or a glycol mix).

It is imperative that the air conditioning horsepower is sufficient for the area being cooled. Underpowered air conditioning systems will lead to power wastage and inefficient usage. Adequate horsepower is required for any air conditioner installed.

The refrigeration cycle uses four essential elements to cool, which are compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator.

In variable climates, the system may include a reversing valve that switches from heating in winter to cooling in summer. By reversing the flow of refrigerant, the heat pump refrigeration cycle is changed from cooling to heating or vice versa. This allows a facility to be heated and cooled by a single piece of equipment by the same means, and with the same hardware.

Free cooling systems can have very high efficiencies, and are sometimes combined with seasonal thermal energy storage so that the cold of winter can be used for summer air conditioning. Common storage mediums are deep aquifers or a natural underground rock mass accessed via a cluster of small-diameter, heat-exchanger-equipped boreholes. Some systems with small storages are hybrids, using free cooling early in the cooling season, and later employing a heat pump to chill the circulation coming from the storage. The heat pump is added-in because the storage acts as a heat sink when the system is in cooling (as opposed to charging) mode, causing the temperature to gradually increase during the cooling season.

Some systems include an "economizer mode", which is sometimes called a "free-cooling mode". When economizing, the control system will open (fully or partially) the outside air damper and close (fully or partially) the return air damper. This will cause fresh, outside air to be supplied to the system. When the outside air is cooler than the demanded cool air, this will allow the demand to be met without using the mechanical supply of cooling (typically chilled water or a direct expansion "DX" unit), thus saving energy. The control system can compare the temperature of the outside air vs. return air, or it can compare the enthalpy of the air, as is frequently done in climates where humidity is more of an issue. In both cases, the outside air must be less energetic than the return air for the system to enter the economizer mode.

Central, "all-air" air-conditioning systems (or package systems) with a combined outdoor condenser/evaporator unit are often installed in North American residences, offices, and public buildings, but are difficult to retrofit (install in a building that was not designed to receive it) because of the bulky air ducts required.[23] (Minisplit ductless systems are used in these situations.) Outside of North America, packaged systems are only used in limited applications involving large indoor space such as stadiums, theatres or exhibition halls.

An alternative to packaged systems is the use of separate indoor and outdoor coils in split systems. Split systems are preferred and widely used worldwide except in North America. In North America, split systems are most often seen in residential applications, but they are gaining popularity in small commercial buildings. Split systems are used where ductwork is not feasible or where the space conditioning efficiency is of prime concern.[24] The benefits of ductless air conditioning systems include easy installation, no ductwork, greater zonal control, flexibility of control, and quiet operation.[25] In space conditioning, the duct losses can account for 30% of energy consumption.[26] The use of minisplits can result in energy savings in space conditioning as there are no losses associated with ducting.

With the split system, the evaporator coil is connected to a remote condenser unit using refrigerant piping between an indoor and outdoor unit instead of ducting air directly from the outdoor unit. Indoor units with directional vents mount onto walls, suspended from ceilings, or fit into the ceiling. Other indoor units mount inside the ceiling cavity so that short lengths of duct handle air from the indoor unit to vents or diffusers around the rooms.

Split systems are more efficient and the footprint is typically smaller than the package systems. On the other hand, package systems tend to have a slightly lower indoor noise level compared to split systems since the fan motor is located outside.

Dehumidification (air drying) in an air conditioning system is provided by the evaporator. Since the evaporator operates at a temperature below the dew point, moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator coil tubes. This moisture is collected at the bottom of the evaporator in a pan and removed by piping to a central drain or onto the ground outside.

A dehumidifier is an air-conditioner-like device that controls the humidity of a room or building. It is often employed in basements that have a higher relative humidity because of their lower temperature (and propensity for damp floors and walls). In food retailing establishments, large open chiller cabinets are highly effective at dehumidifying the internal air. Conversely, a humidifier increases the humidity of a building.

The HVAC components that dehumidify the ventilation air deserve careful attention because outdoor air constitutes most of the annual humidity load for nearly all buildings.[27]

All modern air conditioning systems, even small window package units, are equipped with internal air filters. These are generally of a lightweight gauze-like material, and must be replaced or washed as conditions warrant. For example, a building in a high dust environment, or a home with furry pets, will need to have the filters changed more often than buildings without these dirt loads. Failure to replace these filters as needed will contribute to a lower heat exchange rate, resulting in wasted energy, shortened equipment life, and higher energy bills; low air flow can result in iced-over evaporator coils, which can completely stop airflow. Additionally, very dirty or plugged filters can cause overheating during a heating cycle, which can result in damage to the system or even fire.

Because an air conditioner moves heat between the indoor coil and the outdoor coil, both must be kept clean. This means that, in addition to replacing the air filter at the evaporator coil, it is also necessary to regularly clean the condenser coil. Failure to keep the condenser clean will eventually result in harm to the compressor because the condenser coil is responsible for discharging both the indoor heat (as picked up by the evaporator) and the heat generated by the electric motor driving the compressor.

HVAC is significantly responsible for promoting energy efficiency of buildings as the building sector consumes the largest percentage of global energy.[28] Since the 1980s, manufacturers of HVAC equipment have been making an effort to make the systems they manufacture more efficient. This was originally driven by rising energy costs, and has more recently been driven by increased awareness of environmental issues. Additionally, improvements to the HVAC system efficiency can also help increase occupant health and productivity.[29] In the US, the EPA has imposed tighter restrictions over the years. There are several methods for making HVAC systems more efficient.

In the past, water heating was more efficient for heating buildings and was the standard in the United States. Today, forced air systems can double for air conditioning and are more popular.

Some benefits of forced air systems, which are now widely used in churches, schools, and high-end residences, are

A drawback is the installation cost, which can be slightly higher than traditional HVAC systems.

Energy efficiency can be improved even more in central heating systems by introducing zoned heating. This allows a more granular application of heat, similar to non-central heating systems. Zones are controlled by multiple thermostats. In water heating systems the thermostats control zone valves, and in forced air systems they control zone dampers inside the vents which selectively block the flow of air. In this case, the control system is very critical to maintaining a proper temperature.

Forecasting is another method of controlling building heating by calculating the demand for heating energy that should be supplied to the building in each time unit.

Ground source, or geothermal, heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but instead of transferring heat to or from outside air, they rely on the stable, even temperature of the earth to provide heating and air conditioning. Many regions experience seasonal temperature extremes, which would require large-capacity heating and cooling equipment to heat or cool buildings. For example, a conventional heat pump system used to heat a building in Montana's 57C (70F) low temperature or cool a building in the highest temperature ever recorded in the US57C (134F) in Death Valley, California, in 1913 would require a large amount of energy due to the extreme difference between inside and outside air temperatures. A metre below the earth's surface, however, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Utilizing this large source of relatively moderate temperature earth, a heating or cooling system's capacity can often be significantly reduced. Although ground temperatures vary according to latitude, at 1.8 metres (6ft) underground, temperatures generally only range from 7 to 24C (45 to 75F).

Photovoltaic solar panels offer a new way to potentially decrease the operating cost of air conditioning. Traditional air conditioners run using alternating current, and hence, any direct-current solar power needs to be inverted to be compatible with these units. New variable-speed DC-motor units allow solar power to more easily run them since this conversion is unnecessary, and since the motors are tolerant of voltage fluctuations associated with variance in supplied solar power (e.g., due to cloud cover).

Energy recovery systems sometimes utilize heat recovery ventilation or energy recovery ventilation systems that employ heat exchangers or enthalpy wheels to recover sensible or latent heat from exhausted air. This is done by transfer of energy from the stale air inside the home to the incoming fresh air from outside.

The performance of vapor compression refrigeration cycles is limited by thermodynamics.[30] These air conditioning and heat pump devices move heat rather than convert it from one form to another, so thermal efficiencies do not appropriately describe the performance of these devices. The Coefficient of performance (COP) measures performance, but this dimensionless measure has not been adopted. Instead, the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) has traditionally been used to characterize the performance of many HVAC systems. EER is the Energy Efficiency Ratio based on a 35C (95F) outdoor temperature. To more accurately describe the performance of air conditioning equipment over a typical cooling season a modified version of the EER, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), or in Europe the ESEER, is used. SEER ratings are based on seasonal temperature averages instead of a constant 35C (95F) outdoor temperature. The current industry minimum SEER rating is 14 SEER.[31] Engineers have pointed out some areas where efficiency of the existing hardware could be improved. For example, the fan blades used to move the air are usually stamped from sheet metal, an economical method of manufacture, but as a result they are not aerodynamically efficient. A well-designed blade could reduce the electrical power required to move the air by a third.[32]

Demand controlled kitchen ventilation (DCKV) is a building controls approach to controlling the volume of kitchen exhaust and supply air in response to the actual cooking loads in a commercial kitchen. Traditional commercial kitchen ventilation systems operate at 100% fan speed independent of the volume of cooking activity and DCKV technology changes that to provide significant fan energy and conditioned air savings. By deploying smart sensing technology, both the exhaust and supply fans can be controlled to capitalize on the affinity laws for motor energy savings, reduce makeup air heating and cooling energy, increasing safety, and reducing ambient kitchen noise levels.[33]

Air cleaning and filtration removes particles, contaminants, vapors and gases from the air. The filtered and cleaned air then is used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Air cleaning and filtration should be taken in account when protecting our building environments.[34]

Clean air delivery rate (CADR) is the amount of clean air an air cleaner provides to a room or space. When determining CADR, the amount of airflow in a space is taken into account. For example, an air cleaner with a flow rate of 30 cubic metres (1,000cuft) per minute and an efficiency of 50% has a CADR of 15 cubic metres (500cuft) per minute. Along with CADR, filtration performance is very important when it comes to the air in our indoor environment. This depends on the size of the particle or fiber, the filter packing density and depth, and the airflow rate.[34]

The HVAC industry is a worldwide enterprise, with roles including operation and maintenance, system design and construction, equipment manufacturing and sales, and in education and research. The HVAC industry was historically regulated by the manufacturers of HVAC equipment, but regulating and standards organizations such as HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International), ASHRAE, SMACNA, ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), Uniform Mechanical Code, International Mechanical Code, and AMCA have been established to support the industry and encourage high standards and achievement. (UL as an omnibus agency is not specific to the HVAC industry.)

The starting point in carrying out an estimate both for cooling and heating depends on the exterior climate and interior specified conditions. However, before taking up the heat load calculation, it is necessary to find fresh air requirements for each area in detail, as pressurization is an important consideration.

ISO 16813:2006 is one of the ISO building environment standards.[35] It establishes the general principles of building environment design. It takes into account the need to provide a healthy indoor environment for the occupants as well as the need to protect the environment for future generations and promote collaboration among the various parties involved in building environmental design for sustainability. ISO16813 is applicable to new construction and the retrofit of existing buildings.[36]

The building environmental design standard aims to:[36]

In the United States, HVAC engineers generally are members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), EPA certified (for installation and service of HVAC devices), or locally engineer certified such as a Special to Chief Boilers License issued by the state or, in some jurisdictions, the city. ASHRAE is an international technical society for all individuals and organizations interested in HVAC. The Society, organized into regions, chapters, and student branches, allows the exchange of HVAC knowledge and experiences for the benefit of the field's practitioners and the public. ASHRAE provides many opportunities to participate in the development of new knowledge via, for example, research and its many technical committees. These committees typically meet twice per year at the ASHRAE Annual and Winter Meetings. A popular product show, the AHR Expo, has been held in conjunction with each winter ASHRAE meeting. The Society has approximately 50,000 members and has headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

The most recognized standards for HVAC design are based on ASHRAE data. The four volumes of most popular ASHRAE Handbooks are Fundamentals, Refrigeration, HVAC Applications, and HVAC Systems and Equipment. The current versions of the four handbooks are shown below:[37]

Each volume of the ASHRAE Handbook is updated every four years. The Fundamentals Handbook includes heating and cooling calculations. The design professional must consult ASHRAE data for the standards of design and care as the typical building codes provide little to no information on HVAC design practices; codes such as the UMC and IMC do include much detail on installation requirements, however. Other useful reference materials include items from SMACNA, ACGIH, and technical trade journals.

American design standards are legislated in the Uniform Mechanical Code or International Mechanical Code. In certain states, counties, or cities, either of these codes may be adopted and amended via various legislative processes. These codes are updated and published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or the International Code Council (ICC) respectively, on a 3-year code development cycle. Typically, local building permit departments are charged with enforcement of these standards on private and certain public properties.

An HVAC technician is a tradesman who specializes in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. HVAC technicians in the US can receive training through formal training institutions, where most earn associate degrees. Training for HVAC technicians includes classroom lectures and hands-on tasks, and can be followed by an apprenticeship wherein the recent graduate works alongside a professional HVAC technician for a temporary period.[citation needed] HVAC techs who have been trained can also be certified in areas such as air conditioning, heat pumps, gas heating, and commercial refrigeration.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers is a body that covers the essential Service (systems architecture) that allow buildings to operate. It includes the electrotechnical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing industries. To train as a building services engineer, the academic requirements are GCSEs (A-C) / Standard Grades (1-3) in Maths and Science, which are important in measurements, planning and theory. Employers will often want a degree in a branch of engineering, such as building environment engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. To become a full member of CIBSE, and so also to be registered by the Engineering Council UK as a chartered engineer, engineers must also attain an Honours Degree and a master's degree in a relevant engineering subject.[citation needed] CIBSE publishes several guides to HVAC design relevant to the UK market, and also the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. These guides include various recommended design criteria and standards, some of which are cited within the UK building regulations, and therefore form a legislative requirement for major building services works. The main guides are:

Within the construction sector, it is the job of the building services engineer to design and oversee the installation and maintenance of the essential services such as gas, electricity, water, heating and lighting, as well as many others. These all help to make buildings comfortable and healthy places to live and work in. Building Services is part of a sector that has over 51,000 businesses and employs represents 2%-3% of the GDP.

The Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia (AMCA), Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), Australian Refrigeration Mechanical Association and CIBSE are responsible.

Asian architectural temperature-control have different priorities than European methods. For example, Asian heating traditionally focuses on maintaining temperatures of objects such as the floor or furnishings such as Kotatsu tables and directly warming people, as opposed to the Western focus, in modern periods, on designing air systems.

The Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE) along with Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) govern on the codes and standards for HVAC / MVAC (MVAC means "mechanical ventilation and air conditioning") in the Philippines.

The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) was established to promote the HVAC industry in India. ISHRAE is an associate of ASHRAE. ISHRAE was founded at New Delhi[38] in 1981 and a chapter was started in Bangalore in 1989. Between 1989 & 1993, ISHRAE chapters were formed in all major cities in India.[citation needed]

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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning - Wikipedia

Dust in your HVAC system? Sounds gross, but it happens. Dust can get into the air ducts and settle on every surface of your home. It gets everywhere: furniture, clothes, carpeting. Your family breathes this dust in all day long and night after night without realizing how much damage is being done to their health. These are not just harmless specks of dirt; these particles contain allergens that can cause a multitude of respiratory problems for you and your loved ones!

Homeowners in Colorado Springs often overlook their ductwork until they notice a change in their indoor air quality. If you are noticing that your home is either too hot or too cold, then there might be an issue with your ductwork. Rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself, it would be best to call on a professional who can find the source of the leak and get it repaired as soon as possible. Duct sealing and cleaning company Air Doctors has been providing these services for years, so give them a call today!

Elevation Mechanical HVAC Colorado Springsis proud to be a leader in air duct cleaning, sealing, and ventilation services. We have been helping homeowners for over 10 years with their heating and cooling needs. One of the most important parts of our job is getting your vents cleaned out so that they are operating at peak efficiency while also preventing mold growth which can lead to serious health problems! This blog will outline how we clean your vent systems first, then seal them so that dirt doesnt get back into your homes living areas.

When it comes to your homes heating and cooling system, nothing is more important than indoor air quality. In order for your furnace or AC to work properly, the ducts need to be sealed from leaks and other problems that can cause poor air flow. This will lead to stale, stuffy rooms and higher energy bills. If you want an expert who knows how important indoor air quality is in your home, then give us a call today!

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Heating And Cooling Colorado Springs | Elevation Mechanical

NY plans to change the way you heat your home. Gas, oil, propane furnaces to be phased out  syracuse.com

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NY plans to change the way you heat your home. Gas, oil, propane furnaces to be phased out - syracuse.com

Entergy and SWEPCO give Arkansans winter heating tips  KATV

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Entergy and SWEPCO give Arkansans winter heating tips - KATV

Indoor Air Quality Products & Solutions

At M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, we target air quality issues specific to Longmont, CO & surrounding areas and your household. We address your concerns, accurately diagnosis your indoor environment, and provide effective strategies to ensure immediate and long-term improvement. Whether youre confronted with excessive or insufficient humidity, air pollutants, fumes, or bacteria, we will help to provide a solution. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, our team is factory trained, industry certified, and regularly updated in techniques and technology specific to indoor air quality. Our fully licensed and insured technicians are dedicated to the health, cleanliness, and comfort of your indoor environment. By specializing in the most advanced and innovative options on the market, we offer a diverse range of products, certain to answer any challenge.

Locally owned and family operated, M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical customizes solutions to perfectly fit your requirements and lifestyle. We specialize in a wide range of services including plumbing, water heating, indoor air quality, and residential and commercial temperature control. Our team of highly trained and certified technicians are fully licensed and insured, adhere to strict service procedures, and meet exacting standards of quality. Call on M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical at (720) 443-6119 for dedicated service throughout Longmont, CO & surrounding areas, and have confidence in a rewarding experience and long-term results. With over eighteen years of satisfied customers, we take great pride in a job done right.

As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical is qualified to properly size and install the most technologically advanced and well-regarded heating, cooling, and air quality products on the market today. Our team is NATE-certified, factory trained, EPA certified, and regularly updated, ensuring the right solution to any challenge.

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Family owned and operated, Carteret Heating & Cooling Inc. continues the tradition of three generations. We got our start in 1991 and have devoted every workday to the total satisfaction of our customers. Through our continued efforts and excellence, weve grown into the biggest HVAC company in Carteret County. We are ever thankful to our loyal residential and commercial clients and take pride in your trust and recommendations.

We keep up with smart technology, adhere to proper protocols, and offer an incredible array of options to fulfill any requirement. Carteret Heating & Cooling Inc. maintains qualification as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer. We work with Trane, WaterFurnace, Generac, and the leading manufacturers of furnaces, air conditioners, geothermal systems, ductless units, air-source heat pumps, air quality accessories, generators, and more. We handle everything from new construction projects and sheet metal fabrication to duct sealing. Dont hesitate to call on Carteret Heating & Cooling Inc. at (252) 216-4397 for free estimates, expert service, and 24/7 emergency response across Swansboro, Cedar Point, Cape Carteret, Hubert, Emerald Isle, Piney Green & Newport, NC.

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HVAC professionals are always in demand. To establish oneself as an HVAC technician and stand out from the competition, getting certified with one of the best online HVAC certification programs is an essential first step. These courses start students on their certification journey by providing critical education and strengthening skills so students can establish themselves as trusted experts. HVAC certification programs typically take 6 months to a couple of years to complete and can be an excellent supplement to on-the-job training. For those wondering what is the best online HVAC school to enroll in, keep reading to learn the answer and some crucial information to keep in mind when considering online HVAC certification.

Choosing the best online HVAC certification program is not simply a matter of choosing the cheapest option or the class with the shortest completion time. Students will want to find an accredited institution that offers a high quality of education in the class format, length, and price range that works best for them. Students will also want to ensure the program prepares them for any licensing and certification exams.

To choose the ideal program, students will want to consider how long a course will take to complete and the format in which it is taught. For example, some online schools offer live instructor-led sessions, while others provide self-paced lessons that allow students to log in and complete the course on their schedule. Different methods of instruction are more effective for specific students, so its essential to find a suitable class format.

Classes can range from a couple of months to about a year, depending on the class format and how quickly the student goes through each lesson.

When choosing from online schools for HVAC, the cost will play a significant factor in the decision. Depending on what a student is looking to get out of the school, an online certification program could cost between $800 to $3,000. However, resources such as textbooks and vouchers for taking certification exams are included in the tuition price for some programs. Its also important to remember that online courses will typically be much less expensive than in-person ones: HVAC trade school could run as much as $15,000.

Some schools offer financing so students can enroll and pay for the course on a schedule instead of making a lump-sum payment at the beginning of the class. Many HVAC professionals find that they can quickly make back the money spent on these courses. As technicians elevate their careers as professionals, they can charge more for services as a result of their advanced knowledge and experience in the industry.

Before choosing a school for HVAC certification, students should be aware that they will not automatically receive a license or certificate when they complete these courses. Instead, the course prepares students for the certification and licensing process. In most states, the fee for a license is around $100 to $300 for the initial license, followed by a $50 to $150 renewal fee per year. States individually regulate what kind of licensing and certifications HVAC technicians require. When choosing the best online HVAC training program, students should compare the program to their states requirements to ensure it will be relevant to their needs.

However, HVAC technicians must obtain standardized nationwide certification to work with air- conditioning installation, commercial refrigeration, and climate control systems. The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification authorizes HVAC service providers to work with refrigerants. The best online HVAC programs will prepare students for this exam, and many will provide an exam voucher as part of the students tuition. Students can also boost their credentials by obtaining certifications from organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Finding the best online HVAC school requires looking at the schools accreditation. Students should seek programs accredited by a third party. This signifies the schools curriculum has been evaluated by an outside organization that finds it meets educational standards. Accredited schools must also uphold accreditation, so students can trust that classes from accredited institutions are consistently updated. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is a common accrediting body for online programs. International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) is another accrediting body students may see, particularly for institutions that offer continuing education credits.

The best online HVAC programs will differ based on each students ideal learning method, financial situation, and state requirements. To ensure we offer the top choices for HVAC certification programs, we thoroughly reviewed each program and considered many factors to showcase only the best options. Below are our top picks for the best HVAC certification programs.

Photo: careertraining.ed2go.com

Why It Made the Cut: The University of North Dakota offers a comprehensive course for students of any level, with an abundance of perks and student assistance in a self-paced learning environment.

Students looking to learn the ins and outs of HVAC online will want to consider the University of North Dakotas self-paced program. Students receive both the physical and PDF version of the textbook for access wherever they goa perk that generally requires students to pay an additional fee or isnt offered at all, particularly for online schools. In addition, students receive vouchers for both the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification and the HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate. Although the latter certification isnt required, its a beneficial certification that signifies a higher level of competency in the field to clients and potential employers.

Those with any level of experience can enroll at the University of North Dakota. Students with no experience will benefit from the HVAC/R Technician course, while those with one or more years of experience can apply for the HVAC/R Certified Technician course. The latter allows students to sit for a higher level of the HVAC Excellence certification. While the University of North Dakotas cost is on the high end, the school offers tuition support through government-subsidized assistance.

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Photo: pennfoster.edu

Why It Made the Cut: Penn Foster Career School offers a self-paced course that students typically complete in a few monthsmeaning they can get started in their careers faster.

Penn Foster Career School offers a self-paced program that is accredited by three accrediting bodies: DEAC, IACET, and Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). These three accreditations help ensure education quality at Penn Foster, as the school and its programs are under more scrutiny and monitoring.

The websites FAQ section is somewhat limitedit mainly covers the HVAC career path rather than the schools HVAC program, so prospective students may need to contact student support with any questions. However, the school offers thorough, comprehensive, interactive learning materials, making the course easier to grasp and more engaging for students. Those enrolled also have access to resources such as digital study guides, presentations and animations, and simulations and videos for expanding learning.

The program costs just over $1,000, and Penn Foster offers three flexible payment options (full up-front payment, monthly online payments, and monthly mail-in payments) to ensure students in any financial situation can enroll.

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Photo: ashworthcollege.edu

Why It Made the Cut: Ashworth Colleges affordable price, self-paced course, and continued access to learning materials after course completion make it a great value for the money.

Ashworth Colleges HVAC certification program allows students to develop skills on a schedule that works for them. Students who pay the total tuition payment up front can receive a discount, which is excellent for those looking to save on schooling costs in the long run. The course is listed as $1,089, but students who opt for the up-front payment can pay as little as $799. Students may want to consider watching the prices for a few weeks before enrolling to ensure they get the best deal.

While Ashworth College provides students with an array of supplemental materials, some students have reported difficulty communicating with the schools customer service. The cost of tuition grants students access to resources during and after course completion, including Ashworth College Central Network, a network of professionals and teachers who can help students find a job, prepare for the field with cover letters and resume writing, and build soft skills. Students also get access to ProQuest during the course, which is an online repository of academic studies that can help students enhance their learning.

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Photo: ashrae.org

Why It Made the Cut: HVAC technicians looking to continue their education and find ways to stand out from the crowd will want to consider ASHRAEs specialized classes.

Although ASHRAE doesnt offer courses for entry-level students, established professionals looking to continue their education or work on a specific skill will find this professional HVAC associations courses highly beneficial. ASHRAEs stand-alone classes focus on particular topics about the HVAC field and are an excellent way for professionals to distinguish themselves among competitors while becoming more knowledgeable within their industry.

The school offers various class formats, such as self-paced and live instructor-led training sessions. The latter delivers an opportunity for students to have discussions with students and have questions answered in real time, and classes can be 1- to 6-hour blocks. ASHRAE members can also benefit from discounted rates on classes.

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We recommend the University of North Dakota as the best online HVAC school for its comprehensive materials and courses, as well as its tuition options for students with little to no experience in the field. For those looking for a more affordable program, we recommend Penn Foster Career School for its self-paced, affordable classes that can be completed within 9 months.

When researching HVAC online schools, we took many considerations into account to select the best programs. Our primary focus when looking at HVAC online degrees was to choose the programs that would cater to different students learning styles and needs. Throughout our extensive research, we also looked for affordable programs that had tuition programs or payment plans. Though prices vary among our top choices, the selected programs give students the best value for their money

School accreditation was another essential factor we looked into. For clients and customers to have confidence in their HVAC repair provider, they need to know the professional has met certain levels of quality and compliance. Many of our top schools are accredited by the appropriate agencies to ensure customer trust and to provide the highest-quality and most up-to-date resources for HVAC service providers.

The HVAC career may not be for everyone. Technicians work in all conditions, including outdoors and in tight or hot places. While HVAC professionals typically work full-time weekday hours, it is not unusual for them to work nights and weekends. During peak heating and cooling seasons, technicians are expected to work longer hours to fulfill demand.Those who install and maintain HVAC systems need to be tech savvy as well. While some of the programs listed accept those with no prior HVAC experience, a prospective student should be technically proficient and have strong attention to detail. HVAC technicians must also be flexible and able to solve problems in different situations quickly.

The cost of enrolling in one of the best online HVAC certification programs depends on several factors. Enrolling in an in-person HVAC trade school can cost between $1,500 and $15,000; comparatively, a complete beginner-level online HVAC certification can cost as little as $799. Select programs may offer tuition reimbursement upon completion of a certification program for students who work for specific companies. Other programs may provide financing to avoid the burden of paying one large sum of money up front.

There are many benefits to enrolling in one of the best online HVAC certification programs. A significant one is the time it takes to complete training and become certified. Many careers, at minimum, require a bachelors degree. Schools for HVAC take less than a year to complete, letting technicians enter the field more quickly.

As many buildings and homes are heated and cooled by an HVAC system, theres always available work for qualified technicians. HVAC systems will always need to be serviced, installed, and replaced. Technicians who are busy enough can also choose if they work indoors or outdoors, depending on their preference.

The most proficient and successful HVAC technicians can quickly elevate their careers. Technicians who get additional training and specialized certifications can offer more services to their clients. An experienced technician can go on to manage their companys operations or start their own businesses.

The top advantages of enrolling in one of the best HVAC certification programs include:

Prospective HVAC students and homeowners looking to hire technicians often have many questions about the profession and its certification programs. Here are some of the most common questions on HVAC technicians and online certification programs.

An HVAC technicians responsibilities vary based on the job theyre called in for. Primarily, HVAC professionals maintain and fix heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems through various services. These services include testing pipes and electrical circuits, changing filters, and connecting equipment to other sources.

HVAC technicians primarily work in schools, homes, hospitals, and office buildings. Depending on the buildings layout and system, a technician may work indoors and outdoors.

According to Air Conditioning Contractors of America, female HVAC technicians only make up about 9 percent of the HVAC industry.

The time it takes to become a technician depends on the program and the students schedule. The time could range from a few months to a few years. Attaining the level of experience required to run one of the best air duct cleaning services or best HVAC companies could take years of professional experience.

Federal law does not require a person to attend HVAC school before they can work on systems. However, many states have their own training laws, and students in the United States must pass the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification to work with refrigerants. Additionally, clients are more likely to trust and hire a professional who has received training.

Requirements for certification exams vary by state; however, all HVAC technicians must pass the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

The specific number of required hours depends on the program in which a person is enrolled. A professional can expect to dedicate 9 to 10 months in training.

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The Best Online HVAC Certification Programs of 2022 - Picks by Bob Vila - Bob Vila