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Now that we’re in the middle of heating season, we bet you’re making more and more service calls for malfunctioning or under-performing furnaces. During these calls, it’s important to make sure that the furnace pressure switch is functioning as intended.

The furnace pressure switch opens and closes to prevent harmful combustion gases from entering the living space and to prevent furnace fires and potential explosions. An elastomeric diaphragm within the switch remains open when the furnace is off. When the furnace is turned on and functioning correctly, the diaphragm senses the pressure created by the draft inducer motor. This completes an electrical circuit that allows the furnace to ignite for the heating cycle. If it senses negative pressure the switch shuts down because the furnace is not operating properly and could create an unsafe environment for residents and technicians.

When examining a pressure switch, start by using a CO detector to check for harmful gases to ensure you can work safely. Then, run the furnace through its cycle. If you hear a flapping sound when the furnace is on, that may indicate that the diaphragm or the pressure switch is old and could need replacing. Also, check to make sure that the furnace is properly vented.

If the furnace tries to cycle but stops during start-up and then shuts down, it may be because of a faulty pressure switch. In this case, check for a clogged hose port, corrosion or debris blocking the switch. A bad spring could also be the culprit. All of these should be examined.

To test a pressure switch, an ideal tool is the Fieldpiece SDMN6 Manometer Dual Port w/ Pressure Switch Tester. This versatile manometer allows a tech to use the ports to quickly connect to the switch while it’s still in place, verify that it’s operating correctly and even calibrate it to the manufacturer’s specifications.

When a pressure switch is at fault and requires a replacement, a good piece of advice is to keep a supply of universal pressure switches in the truck. This quickly helps get a furnace back to operating properly and eliminates delays during a call. When replacing a faulty switch with a universal switch, notify the property owner. They may request that an OEM part be used instead.

The pressure switch is an important piece of every heating system and knowing how to examine, test, calibrate and replace them is a critical job for techs and the Fieldpiece SDMN6 is the best tool for the job. See it and more tools like it at Fieldpiece.com.

Content provided by Fieldpiece Instruments

When the weather gets rough, tough workers reach for RefrigiWear

When your “office” is the great outdoors, you’re at the mercy of whatever weather blows your way. Cold, windy and wet conditions make tough jobs even tougher. Now, workers who go toe-to-toe with Old Man Winter can stay safe, warm and productive in any weather with the durable protection of insulated workwear from RefrigiWear.

If you’ve never heard of RefrigiWear, you’re not alone. But step into any refrigerated warehouse or cold storage freezer, and RefrigiWear jackets, bib overalls and coveralls are practically all you’ll see.

“RefrigiWear invented the original freezer suit back in 1954 for people working in the then-emerging frozen food business,” explains Mitch Harden, Vice President of Outdoor Sales. “We quickly earned a reputation for making the warmest, most durable and comfortable clothing for people working in the cold, inside or out — from 50° Fahrenheit above zero to 60°F below zero and everywhere in between.”

Focused on safety and productivity: RefrigiWear understands the unique challenges of working in the cold. As the temperature goes down, the risk of cold stress and cold-related injuries goes up, endangering worker safety and threatening productivity. RefrigiWear-insulated clothing increases warmth and safety for workers so they can focus on getting the job done right.

“Frostbite and hypothermia set in faster, and in milder temperatures, than you expect,” explains Harden. “Mind-numbing cold and wind increase the risk of costly on-the-job accidents. Not having the right cold weather protection can mean you’re literally risking your own life and limb, as well as that of others on the job site.”

After 70 years in business, RefrigiWear is still driven by its commitment to developing products that keep working people warm, whether they’re in a freezer, on a farm, on a highway, or on a high-rise construction site.

Here are three examples of our product offering designed for a range of difficult weather conditions:

Insulated Softshell Jacket

For example, the -20°F Insulated Softshell Jacket is a perennial favorite among people whose work requires long hours in subzero temperatures. Available in black, navy, and black with enhanced-visibility reflective tape, or in ANSI-rated high-visibility yellow or orange, this jacket was purpose-built for fighting frostbite and hypothermia without holding workers back or weighing them down.

Plus, this jacket is loaded with creature comforts, including:

• a flexible outershell that moves with you while you work;
• industrial-strength insulation to capture your own body heat for maximum warmth;
• zippered pockets for holding your phone or small tools;
• wind-sealing cuffs; and
• a water-repellent, wind-tight finish that brushes off winter’s worst weather without breaking a sweat.

ComfortGuard™ Jackets, Bib Overalls and Coveralls

ComfortGuard™ Jackets, Bib Overalls and Coveralls are also popular with winter workers. Fully wind-tight, water-repellent and comfort-rated for -10°F, ComfortGuard gear from RefrigiWear delivers the comfortable and familiar fit-and-feel of denim with the added utility of tool loops, extra pockets and grime-resistant durability.

“Spring brings everything from drizzles to downpours and, at this time of year, most RefrigiWear customers who work outdoors are beginning to look for lightweight waterproof workwear,” adds Harden.

3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket

RefrigiWear can meet workers’ needs in those milder conditions, too. The 3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket, also available in ANSI-rated high-visibility lime, is comfort-rated for 10°F and keeps workers prepared to handle unpredictable weather on the job. When the rain rolls in, roll out the hood on the outer jacket, and add the inner coat when the temps drop.

“We’re here to protect the people who brave the worst conditions to keep our country running at its best,” says Harden.

Protect your workforce from cold, wet and windy weather so they can focus on getting the job done safely. Contact RefrigiWear today at outdoor@refrigiwear.com for all-weather workwear recommendations personalized for your working conditions.

Reznor, the industry-leading unit heater manufacturer, will launch several product innovations at their booth (#S9365) during the American Heating Refrigeration (AHR) Expo in Chicago January 22 through January 24, 2024.

Reznor’s newest universal, gas-fired unit heaters (models UDXC/UBXC) bring safety, comfort and efficiency to standard indoor industrial/commercial buildings like warehouses and retail outlets, as well as residential spaces like garages and workshops. For enhanced performance in dusty, dirty environments, these heaters can be field converted to use fresh air for combustion. Power vented, these units are available in 14 sizes starting at 30,000 BTU/hour up to 400,000 BTU/hour gas input. UDXC/UBXC unit heaters are ETL- approved for installation in the United States and Canada and provide a minimum efficiency of 82% to 83%.

Modern features that complement any aesthetic include two-tone, scratch-resistant paint; clean, rounded corners and edges; hidden screws and fasteners. UDXC models use an axial propeller fan for low static applications, while UBXC models use a blower for higher CFM, static applications. Service and
maintenance are minimal due to the heater’s robust construction, industry-best warranty and convenient features (LED status light, hinged access door and error code display).

For 135 years, Reznor has provided reliable, innovative unit heaters, duct furnaces, air handlers and specialty heaters. As part of Madison Air, Reznor partners with infrared heating manufacturer Roberts-Gordon and HVLS fans manufacturer Big Ass Fans to provide energy efficient, year-round comfort for complex industrial environments.

Over a period of several years, Brookwood Condos in Atlanta, Georgia faced several recurring water damage claims. Building management expressed interest wanted a solution that would give them the ability to monitor building systems directly from their concierge desk. After some research, they reached out to their local Leak Defense sales team for a solution.

What the Customer Needed

Over a period of several years, Brookwood Condos in Atlanta, Georgia faced several recurring water damage claims. Building management expressed interest wanted a solution that would give them the ability to monitor building systems directly from their concierge desk. After some research, they reached out to their local Leak Defense sales team for a solution.

Solution

During installation, The Leak Defense System^® shut off the building’s water supply, an action it is designed to take when settings are exceeded. There was no evidence of water damage, so the team was initially skeptical.

Upon investigation, several leaks were discovered in each dwelling unit, specifically in the shower valves behind the wall, in water heaters, and in toilet flappers. The leaks were too small for the water submeter to detect, but The Leak Defense System identified them almost immediately.

Results (ROI)

The Brookwood Condominium Association decided to adopt the Leak Defense System in all 218 units. Since having the system installed, the team is happy to report there have been zero water damage claims. Based on previous years’ monthly water bills, building management was able to determine that The Leak Defense System has saved Brookwood Condominiums approximately $7,000 and almost 400,000 gallons of water per month. Over the span of a year, that is approximately $84,000 in savings.

The building manager when estimating a 10-year projected savings said it best, “We will save close to one million dollars because of The Leak Defense System.”

To learn more, visit LeakDefense.com/products.