With no two jobs being the same, HVAC technicians must learn to adapt to the challenges of the jobsite environments – including working efficiently in small spaces.
How do I apply HVAC tape in tight spaces?
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Why does tape often fail on reflective insulation?
Why does tape often fail on reflective insulation?
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...
Mission: HVAC 2019 – Mission Three: Bridge the Gap
Mission: HVAC 2019 – Mission Three: Bridge the Gap
For their third mission, Blake, Brenan and Michael were challenged to help us bridge the skilled trades gap. We asked them to talk to the industry and their peers and to think about it themselves - then tell us what we can do as an industry to attract and retain...
What is the “R-value” in reflective insulation?
What is the “R-value” in reflective insulation?
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...
What’s the value of a stucco tape being water-resistant or waterproof?
What’s the value of a stucco tape being water-resistant or waterproof?
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...
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 7: Measuring Efficiency
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 7: Measuring Efficiency
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...
Why are some stucco tapes red?
Why are some stucco tapes red?
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...
Why do I need a UL listed tape for HVAC reflective insulation?
Why do I need a UL listed tape for HVAC reflective insulation?
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...
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 6: Necessity or Nuisance?
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 6: Necessity or Nuisance?
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...
What’s the difference between a two-step and three step stucco application method?
What’s the difference between a two-step and three step stucco application method?
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...
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 5: What’s Trending?
Mission: HVAC 2017 – Challenge 5: What’s Trending?
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...
Why can’t I use general purpose duct tape on HVAC ductwork?
Why can’t I use general purpose duct tape on HVAC ductwork?
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...
What’s the value of a UV-resistant stucco tape?
What’s the value of a UV-resistant stucco tape?
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...
Why are some HVAC tapes printable?
Why are some HVAC tapes printable?
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...
What does stucco tape failure look like?
What does stucco tape failure look like?
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...