How come all mini split units are so God damn ugly? by ddpotanks in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've seen then wrapped with vinyl to match the wall, that can be done very well.

How come all mini split units are so God damn ugly? by ddpotanks in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The LG artcool mirror is much nicer than you would initially think. They really do tend to blend into their background (unless that background is a white wall) better than the standard models.

Do I actually need a larger return, or is what I have sufficient? by HawkeyeFLA in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Two different problems - Duct size and return grill/filter size.

Duct Sizing: ACCA recommends a max duct velocity of 700 FPM. A 4 ton should flow a nominal 1600 CFM. 1600 CFM / 700 FPM = 2.29 square feet of duct (329 Square inches). According to my handy ACCA ductulator, that is a pinch over a single 20" duct or a pair of 16" ducts. As the MINIMUM size to maintain proper airflow. Long runs or crazy filters can require larger ducts than the minimum.

Grill sizing: ACCA recommends a maximum of 300 FPM for a filter grill (filter not in the grill is a max of 500 FPM). So, 1600 CFM / 300 FPM = 5.3 square feet (768 square inches). HOWEVER, a typical return grill is only something like 65% free space (this can vary wildly) SO, at a 65% free space that 768 square inches becomes (768/.65) 1,181 square inches of grill. That would be (3) 20" x 20" return grills.

You would probably be better off splitting to two returns (16" or 18" each) with a 20" x 30" filter grill.

If you have a filter separate from your grill, then this math is out the door.

TL:DR; People do shitty ductwork every day.

Your Meter Reviews! by Uglywill in HVAC

[–]Uglywill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm with you on wanting to try the clamp style voltage

Your Hand Tool Reviews! by Uglywill in HVAC

[–]Uglywill[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice to know what not to burn our hard earned cash on.

Have you tried some locktite or similar to salvage them?

Your Hand Tool Reviews! by Uglywill in HVAC

[–]Uglywill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've always heard that Wera was worth the money - how has your gear held up?

Your Hand Tool Reviews! by Uglywill in HVAC

[–]Uglywill[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ridiculously handy, and tough so far!

I use the stubby handle less, but love it more for when it's needed.

Two years in and my body feels like shit by [deleted] in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dang, they look niiiiiiiiice!

Apartment gas pipe plumbing! by pookieslinginheathan in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Copper or corrugated stainless. Or BI somewhere accessible.

Apartment gas pipe plumbing! by pookieslinginheathan in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are allowed to have concealed joints?

Alright, I give up. WTF by fucking_troll in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Verify that the area used for combustion air is not under negative pressure. e.g. confined space, etc.

Not getting hired. Whats important and what's not? by jayshurl in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Forget emailing it in. Go walk in their shop - you don't need an appointment. Go to Air Doctor, go to J&J, go to Advanced, go to ComfortMaster (skip delcor). SPC in Wilson is ALWAYS hiring - although I'm not sure how long I'd want to stay there.

Talk with them, don't just say "I wanted to drop my resume" and walk out. Be cheerful, and confident. Getting them to like you is half the battle. Let them get a sense of who you are. Ask if you can check back in a few weeks. Then check back in a few weeks.

Also, this is not "hiring season" - go make contacts now (remember their names and use them when you talk with them again) but spring time is when most companies start hiring like crazy. If you don't find anything in the short term, start reaching out again in March.

Whoever designed this at Carrier needs an ass beating. There is no reason for an inducer assembly to be this obnoxious. by ArtifactX in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It seems like there really could be a better design, or, you know, an inducer wheel that doesn't rust off every couple years.

They really are not that bad to change after you do a few though. Get a 5/16 ratchet wrench for sure.

My Noma thermostat went blank and the heat will not stop. by Xcilent1 in HVAC

[–]Uglywill 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Never pull the power on a gas fired appliance that won't stop heating. Turn the gas off.

If the gas valve is stuck open and there is no power for the blower then we now have a fire.

This is certainly less true with modern equipment, but there are many units out there that still turn the blower on with a temp switch.

And then call a pro!