Mission: HVAC 2017 has come to a close – and our students have a few parting words to share about their experiences in the program and the knowledge they gleamed from the past nine missions. They also offered their suggestions for the future of the program – stay...
The popularity of reflective insulation is growing, and when you understand the benefits that it can have, it’s no wonder. Reflective insulation provides a barrier that reflects radiant heat given off by HVAC ducts back onto itself, allowing it to maintain its...
A common question that HVAC technicians who are new to reflective insulation ask is why it must be installed with air gaps at regular intervals between the reflective material and the surface to which it is being applied, such as the outside of a metal duct. To...
For their second-to-last mission, we challenged Aaron, Gustavo, and Chris to tune into the business side of HVAC and do some research on the critical but seldom seen operations that go into running and HVAC business. Through interviews with business owners and pulling...
Stucco tape can be removed in much the same way as a painter’s tape after painting a room. To remove tape that was used to mask off a window, start by gently pulling up a corner of the tape and gradually pulling the tape – and your poly sheeting if you used it – so...
Have you ever stood in a store aisle holding two different brands of the same product side by side reading the labels to try and figure out which one is the better product? Or do you always go for the same brand because it has always worked well for you in the past?...
In reflective insulation, the “R-value” refers to a measure of the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The purpose of the insulation is to help the HVAC system run more efficiently by keeping the conditioned air at the proper temperature without leaking or being...
Water-resistance is an essential characteristic that a good stucco tape needs to have in order to stand up to the job. A key part of the stucco application process is to wet cure the first coat, called the scratch coat, in order to keep it from drying out. Wet curing...
If you have ever faced sky-high heating or cooling bills despite feeling like your home or office is never quite the temperature you want it to be, you know how impactful system efficiency is. But how can you be sure if your system is running as efficiently as it...
Tape failure is unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence on reflective insulation projects for HVAC ductwork. Reflective insulation is a great way to reduce energy costs, but its ability to do so is dependent on the achievement of full system closure, in which tape...
Stucco tapes are offered in several different colors, but the most popular and commonly used is the iconic bright red tape. Besides being easy to remember, this color actually serves an important function in the stucco application process. The red color of the stucco...
In any job that involves HVAC work, including the installation and maintenance of reflective insulation, using tapes that are UL listed is critical. Why is having a UL listing so important? A UL listing: Ensures that the tape has been rigorously tested for adhesion...
HVAC technicians depend on their tools of the trade in order to get each job done efficiently. That’s why they are careful to choose materials – like tapes – which allow them to work quickly and deliver quality results. Many foil and film tapes for HVAC are...
Depending on the parameters of the project, stucco application can involve either two or three steps. Two-step stucco application involves a scratch coat, which is applied with a trowel and creates a rough layer of stucco that the second coat, the brown coat, can bond...
Last month, we learned about the trend of reflective insulation, but for this challenge, we asked our Mission: HVAC students to consider some of the other trends in the HVAC industry for the regions where they live. Differences in temperature and climate conditions...
Duct tape is useful for repairing just about anything, but ironically, not for ducts. Although the name might be misleading, general purpose duct tape was not designed for use in HVAC ductwork at all. In fact, if you tried using “regular” duct tape on your ductwork,...
Many stucco tapes are constructed to with a UV-resistant backing because they are for use on exterior surfaces, often in hot, sunny climates. Sunlight contains harsh UV rays which can cause negative changes to the physical properties of many tapes. Certain components...
Printability is an important consideration to HVAC tape manufacturers because it allows information to be printed on the tape itself in addition to being on the core of the roll and on the packaging. In HVAC system inspections, inspectors need to be able to quickly...
One of the current trends in HVAC is reflective insulation, a material that is used to wrap ductwork in order to provide an additional barrier against unconditioned spaces and keep the air being heated or cooled by the HVAC system at the proper temperature without...
In stucco applications, tape failure can take a few different forms. The most common is adhesive residue. Residue occurs when the stucco tape’s adhesive coating begins to transfer to the window, door frame, or other surface that it is adhered to because of...
The ability of reflective insulation on HVAC ducts hinges on the effectiveness of the tape used to seal it. Installing reflective insulation to achieve a high R-value when it is used on HVAC ductwork involves taping 2-3 inch wide strips of reflective insulation around...
Chris: Safety First For this mission, I interviewed local code enforcement officer Steven Gowan, who works for the City of Auburn. Q1: What does it mean to be code compliant? A: Code compliance is all about public safety. Without building codes, there would be no way...
Stucco tapes go through a variety of both physical tests and application tests. Physical tests ensure that the tapes perform at the required specification limits for shear, stretch, strength, and adhesion. These types of tests are common procedures for many different...
Have you ever had your Air Conditioning unit malfunction during the hottest week of summer? Ever come home to a freezing house after your heater breaks down in the dead of winter? You know that a broken-down HVAC system is no joke, and depending on where you live, the...
In HVAC work, the application and service temperature of your HVAC tape might not be the same, and each can have an impact on the tape’s performance. Application Temperature is exactly what it sounds like: the temperature at the point that the tape is applied....
Cloth stucco tapes and polyethylene (PE) stucco tapes are both useful for stucco application, but each has advantages and disadvantages resulting from the differences in construction. Cloth stucco tapes are more prominently found because they typically hold up better...
The term “LEED” stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a certification system for “green,” or environmentally sustainable, buildings. LEED was developed by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a precedence for building design...
Our Mission: HVAC students have just completed their first mission! To start off their time, we asked them to reach out to someone in their professional network and interview them about their HVAC careers – how they got started, how they became interested, and what...
Stucco application can be messy, making it essential to find the right tape to stand up to the job. Stucco tape needs to be able to: Adhere strongly to a variety of surfaces, such as vinyl, wood, metal, concrete, brick, stucco, and poly-sheeting Conform to irregular...
Mission: HVAC is back for a third year! We started this program because we wanted to highlight the skills and hard work associated with pursuing a degree in HVAC, as well as provide an educational resource for students in the field. Three HVAC students from different...
You might have noticed that some HVAC tapes have liners, while others do not. So what is the purpose of the liner? HVAC tape liners are actually crucial to the tape’s use and performance. The liner’s objective, simply put, is to keep the roll of tape from sticking to...
The first thing to understand about the difference between general purpose duct tapes and stucco tapes is that they were designed for different purposes. Duct tape is built to be robust enough for use in a wide variety of applications and day-to-day use as needed. It...
Inspections are critical in HVAC work because they ensure that systems are constructed properly and that safety regulations have been met. Inspectors search for leakage in the system, especially around connections that require several pieces of tape. Air leakage can...
There are two types of tapes that are predominately used in the stucco process: cloth and polyethylene (PE). Each offers its own set of benefits to the user, but the main purpose of both tapes is to protect surfaces from damaging plaster and water used in the stucco...
Duct tape, foil tape, masking tape…not all tapes are created equal! Having the right tape for your HVAC job is crucial to ensure a successful and safe project. So what are the consequences of using the wrong tape for your HVAC project? The system becomes susceptible...
You may not be aware that tape is an important tool used in exterior stucco application. Applying stucco involves carefully spreading plaster across an exterior surface with a metal trowel, almost like wide painter’s strokes. Just like with painting, it is important...
We wanted to know: What are the most valuable lessons our students learned from their time in school and with the Mission program. And...what is in store for their bright futures? Read on to see what Derick shared with us. Derick: Looking Back and Taking Steps Forward...
Throughout their educational journey, the Mission: HVAC students have been taught several safety measures. So, we asked them to share with us a few tips everyone should practice on the jobsite. Derick: Safety - Fundamental to All Trades Safety is an ongoing precaution...
From building codes to LEED qualification, there are many things to consider when choosing an HVAC tape - and many options out there. Watch this video to learn more about what you should consider when selecting. Learn more about Shurtape HVAC tapes at Shurtape.com.
HVAC systems are meant to be completely closed systems. See why it's important to know what you're sealing. Learn more about Shurtape HVAC tapes at Shurtape.com.
Henry Ford once said: “You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.” As our Mission: HVAC students are starting out in their HVAC careers, we feel it's important to make sure they are aware of what will be expected of them in the future. Those values...
The cleanliness of an HVAC system is a frequently ignored component of indoor air quality. But really shouldn’t be.
For this mission, we sent the Mission: HVAC students some rolls of our HVAC tapes to share and test. Then, we asked them to tell us how and why tape is important to the HVAC trades. Derick: AF 100 Foil Tape There are various kinds of tapes used for various operations...
Code compliance is crucial in the HVAC field. If a job does not meet code – for whatever reason – it doesn’t pass inspection. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it’s more work, less money and damage to your reputation. For their sixth mission, the Mission: HVAC students...
Indoor air quality is the quality level of air inside a conditioned home or building. This relates to the health and well-being of the occupants, including comfort level. Your indoor air quality can be compromised if the HVAC system gets contaminated by foreign...
Dale Belman, professor at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations at Michigan State said, “As the Baby Boomer generation leaves the work force, you no longer have that very large pool of experienced trade workers.” There’s a lot of growth opportunity and job...
In HVAC work, tape has many uses: For seaming and sealing joints and connections on ductwork For additional sealing to mechanical connections where a tape may not be approved as a mechanical connector, For sealing and seaming insulation wrap on ductwork There are many...
In the HVAC world, full system closure is a hot topic among technicians. Watch this video to learn more about what it is - and why it's important to a job well done.
Mastic is a water-based paste that can be applied to seams in an HVAC system in order to help seal the system. It is typically used to fill crevices that an HVAC tape can’t reach, especially because of its peanut butter-like consistency, which allows it to conform to...
From professional organizations like Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and Associated General Contractors of America (AGC of America) to non-profit certification and...
They say we spend 90 percent of our day indoors – whether in our homes, at school, at work… So, it’s critical we work to control the amount of indoor pollution we come into contact with. Things like pollen, dust and dander, dirt, bacteria, viruses, mold and more can...
Tape is a commonly used tool in HVAC work. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many options to choose from. Take a look at this video for a few tape characteristics to keep in mind as you select the best tape for the job....
Making a mistake on the job could result in costly call-backs and damage to your reputation. Bottom line: Everyone wants to a hire a good contractor – someone who takes pride in the job. Simple things like being prepared to taking the extra time to clean up the...
The HVAC field offers hands-on work, job security, the ability to start your own business and so much more. For students preparing to enter the field, there is certainly plenty to look forward to. In their bios, the Mission: HVAC students told us a little bit about...
In 2015, we launched the Mission: HVAC program as a way to shed some light on the skilled trades gap, as well as highlight the hard work associated with pursuing an HVAC degree. We followed three students from Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia, who delivered...
Read moreBy participating in the Shurtape Mission: HVAC program, I have become more familiar with all the different aspects of the HVAC field.
By participating in the Shurtape Mission: HVAC program, I have become more familiar with all the different aspects of the HVAC field. Daniel, Matt and Josue have reached their final mission in our inaugural Mission: HVAC, Educating for Success program. To cap off the...
We all have our own idea of what constitutes fine craftsmanship. So, for their ninth mission, we asked Daniel, Josue and Matt to reflect on their definition of craftsmanship and tell us about it. Who and what in their life best exemplifies a job well-done – and why....
Read moreThere are more people retiring than entering the industry, so there is a sense of urgency to recruit new blood to meet the growing demands of the industry.
There are more people retiring than entering the industry, so there is a sense of urgency to recruit new blood to meet the growing demands of the industry. To be successful, it’s important to know what lies ahead...but it’s also important to know where we’ve been. The...
It’s sweltering outside. You’re drenched in sweat. At this point, you're ready for a cool breeze. It’s times like these that we truly appreciate the modern conveniences of air conditioning. It’s also why we celebrate National Air Conditioning Appreciation Days from...
Highly functioning HVAC equipment allows schools, businesses, churches and other organizations to avoid unneeded headaches. It also means residential customers can feel confident they have the best technology around them. Part of keeping an HVAC system working at full...
Full system closure means that an HVAC system is installed with absolutely no air leaks. It’s important as an unsealed system may allow moisture, dirt, dust, bacteria or insects in, negatively affecting indoor air quality. Not to mention the increased risks for energy...
Gravitating toward risky activities on the jobsite will raise employers’ eyebrows. One ill-informed decision can have long-reaching, unpleasant consequences workers may regret for years to come. From monitoring machinery and equipment to wearing the right clothing and...
The Pride. The attention to every detail. The striving to do the next job better than the last. This attitude is one our Mission: HVAC students – along with every other HVAC professional – will come to know quite well as they build their careers in the HVAC field. To...
Mistakes can be costly. That’s why choosing the right tools for the job is critical – to ensure it’s done right, the first time. So we asked Daniel, Josue and Matt to create the “perfect” toolbox. To tell us what tools they think every HVAC contractor needs - and the...
Our three HVAC students are working hard, attending classes and gaining valuable hands-on experience to get ready for their careers in the field...but we wanted to give them some insight into their futures based on the career paths they’ve chosen. So, for their first...
Read any trade journal...it’s headline news. The skilled trades, including the HVAC field, face a worrisome future as many skilled workers will be retiring over the next several years with few replacements. And for those entering the field, a quality education will...