Our time with Blake, Brenan and Michael has come to an end. So we asked them to tell us about their experiences – what they learned, what surprised them, and let us know if they still feel like they made the right decision in pursuing a career path in HVAC. View Blake...
Time to pick their professors’ brains. This month, Blake, Brenan and Michael took some time to chat with their favorite HVAC educators about what it takes to make it in the HVAC world – starting with the decision to go to school, the journey through school, and entry...
Blake, Brenan and Michael did some thinking about all the time they’ve been spending inside class and in the real-world from an HVAC perspective. For example: the most challenging aspect of their last year in HVAC trade school. And what advice they would give to...
What are the struggles HVAC students and new techs face? The struggles that face students and entry level HVAC pros have not changed much in the past 40 years. Proper training is really hard to get and then working for someone who is aware of the proper methods and...
It’s called a skilled trade for a reason. You need skills to get the job done. Thinking skills. Hands-on skills. People skills. So, for this mission, Blake, Brenan and Michael were challenged to share three qualities, skills or characteristics that they think they’ll...
For their sixth mission, we asked Blake, Brenan and Michael to think about where they live and work. To consider the potential differences by region and investigate some of those seasonal and regional differences that make their market unique. And, to consider how, as...
Common Code Violations and Tape and Sealant Application Mistakes This mission is about the most common code violations, along with other tape and sealant application mistakes. Unfortunately, the codes are very foreign to many technicians and company owners and that is...
The key to success is being prepped for the job. For their fifth challenge, the Mission: HVAC students had to think like pros and tell us about the tapes they want in their toolboxes to help them get the job done. With options like HVAC foil and film tapes to duct and...
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...
When taping a plenum, it is recommended to use a UL Listed foil tape. The plenum is usually made from sheet metal and is connected to the supply outlet of an HVAC system.
The skilled labor shortage has taken over headlines in the past few years and with the continued (and ever-growing) demand for technicians, the HVAC industry is facing a crisis.
Chris Walters, Instructor – The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCHouston, TexasChris Walters began his work in the HVAC industry at the age of 17 when he began taking classes at Houston Technical Institute. Later he went on to start...
Michael doesn’t want to be chained to a desk – he’s excited by the HVAC field and the hands-on work it requires. His dream is to own his own HVAC business in his hometown, Harlan, IA.
Brenan understands the importance of a hard work ethic – he doesn’t back down from a challenge. He’s willing to do anything that will further his career and benefit him in the future.
HVAC runs in Blake’s blood – his family has been in the business for 50 years and counting. Gary’s Heating Service was started by his grandfather in 1957 and Blake has been working for the family business since his junior year of high school.
Mission: HVAC has officially launched for a fifth year! This program was created with the intention of equipping students for success in the HVAC field and to bring awareness to the hard work that is required to pursue a career in the industry.
There’s no denying the impact that an HVAC technician can make on a family or the employees of an organization when you consider the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). IAQ has a direct effect on our health – and poor indoor air quality can lead to health concerns...
It’s the end of a jam-packed year for our Mission: HVAC 2018 students! To close out their time in the program, we asked each student to reflect on their year and share their favorite (and least favorite!) experiences, in addition to suggestions and advice for next...
There are a lot of misconceptions around HVAC tape - and we're here to straighten out the facts. Knowing the truth will equip you to always choose the right tools to get the job done right, the first time. To find an HVAC tape that meets the demands of your job, visit...
An HVAC tape's performance is directly related to its measurable characteristics, and understanding the impact each quality makes is critical to choosing the right tape for the job. Does your HVAC tape measure up? Looking for an HVAC tape that meets the mark? Find a...
HVAC tapes are subjected to a wide range of conditions throughout the life cycles of the systems they seal – between hanging out in sub-freezing temperatures throughout snowy Winters and sweating it out during sweltering Summers, only the toughest materials are up for...
The shortage of skilled labor in trades such as HVAC has become a hot topic in the industry – as seasoned pros reach retirement age; many positions are left unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants. Because of this, many HVAC businesses are having trouble...
Foil. Film. Cloth. When it comes to HVAC tapes, there are a lot of options to choose from. The backing type has an impact on the tape’s performance, and it’s important to know how to choose the best type for the application at hand. Foil is the most common backing...
We live in a time when there is always something new. The newest generation of smartphones, appliances that you can control remotely, thermostats that learn your habits – sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the latest technology, even in the HVAC industry. That’s...
HVAC businesses often specialize in either commercial or residential systems – or some may offer both. However, it is important for technicians to keep in mind the differences in the two types of systems and the best practices for working in either situation. While...
Working in HVAC is very rewarding – and one benefit for technicians is the ability to finish a day’s work with tangible evidence of a job well done. However, no HVAC business wants to receive callbacks from dissatisfied customers to address continuing problems or...
HVAC jobs range from installation of brand new systems in new construction to improvements of existing systems by repairing or replacing only the malfunctioning or worn-down components. The age and condition of the HVAC system you are working with has a major impact...
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to HVAC systems – and many of the common opinions don’t match up to the facts. For their third mission, our Mission: HVAC students shared some of the most common HVAC myths that they have come across in the field and set...
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. Attics and crawlspaces are often where HVAC maintenance and repair takes place, but with little to no...
Whether you are working with a foil or film tape, applying to sheet metal, flex duct, or rigid duct material, knowing the proper way to apply the tape can make the difference between failure and long-lasting performance. Follow along to learn how HVAC tapes are...
Every true craftsman knows that it is essential to be prepared for everything the job might throw at them, and in the HVAC field, there is no limit to the unexpected. Different materials and environments demand the use of different types of tape, and coming unprepared...
The importance of proper tape use is often overlooked when it comes to HVAC installation and maintenance tasks. When system efficiency is on the line, choosing – and properly applying – a tape that is right for the task at hand can make the difference between an...
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...
Shurtape is seeking up to three HVAC students to participate in the fourth year of the Mission: HVAC, Educating for Success program. Selected students for 2018 will have the opportunity to: Participate in HVAC-themed missions to further their knowledge of the industry...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
An HVAC system is comprised of an air supply side and an air distribution side. The air supply side pulls air in, it is conditioned either to warmer or cooler, and then pushed back out the air distribution side. This air has been conditioned. Sealing this system is...
Many HVAC tapes are pressure sensitive, which means pressure must be applied to ensure proper adhesion - delivering a permanent, lasting bond to the surface it is applied to. Failure to apply proper pressure during application of the tape could result in tape failure,...
Environmental conditions - particularly weather - can impact the performance of tape during installation and afterwards. Temperature is one of two primary consideration factors: Application temperature (conditions when tape is applied) can affect the adhesion of a...
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...
In some HVAC applications, UL listings are critical for code compliance. This means the HVAC tape used has the proper adhesion and exceptional shear strength needed to stay in place effectively for the life of the HVAC system. In order to receive a UL 181 listing,...
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....
HVAC tapes are typically constructed with an adhesive and a backing. Some may also require a liner to ensure the tape doesn't stick to itself. Each part of the tape's construction plays a vital role in its performance. Backings aren’t just for aesthetic appeal. They...
With so many HVAC tapes to choose from, picking the right tape for the job is important for success. Among the considerations when selecting is the type of adhesive, which can impact the tape's stickiness, usage, durability and more. Let's break down the differences...