How Sam Wyatt with Protec Industrial uilized RLS press fittings to deliver high quality work, win more jobs and increase efficiency, profits.
The knowledge of how to service, install and operate HVACR systems is a science. In theory, HVACR systems often rely on the similar basic components and fundamental concepts from one project to another. However, even an untrained eye will recognize that no two projects are identical. Some take an afternoon and others can take weeks or months depending on factors like project scope, location conditions, and crew size.
That’s why understanding the science behind HVACR systems is only part of what makes contractors successful in this industry. To be prosperous, contractors need to master how to efficiently apply their technical knowhow to the unique circumstances of each job, and do so efficiently, which is undeniably an art. The best are always looking to work smarter, because minutes add up to hours and hours translate to dollars.
Sam Wyatt, a mechanical foreman at Protec Industrial in Asheville, North Carolina, knows this firsthand through his work on-site at a nearby liberal arts college in Brevard. The college enlisted the services of Protec Industrial to outfit two of its on-campus residence halls with air conditioning, when they previously relied on only a boiler and open windows for temperature control. Over the course of nearly five months, Wyatt and only one apprentice installed a Mitsubishi City Multi unit at each of the two buildings on custom, ground-level deck areas that could be later concealed by landscaping.
Throughout the installation process, Wyatt turned to RLS press fittings to eliminate the need for the open flame, nitrogen gas, and fire protection that are unavoidable requirements for brazing line connections. A flameless installation was important for this project because the line set was to be installed in the dropped ceilings of each building, which only provided about twelve total inches of clearance—much of which was already occupied by other utility components.
“The fire considerations for this project were very significant and brazing would’ve posed a real challenge, even for the most experienced contractor,” Wyatt said. RLS press fittings allowed Wyatt and team to prep, press and establish reliable, mechanical connections in the lines with a quick press of a hand tool, saving him the time, effort and potential challenges that come with brazing in a confined space.
The time and efficiency advantages of RLS press fittings also played an important role in why Wyatt used them almost exclusively over brazing. The massive scope of this project included 1,300 feet of line that ranged from 1⁄4” up-to 1-1/8” and required over 300 line connections, which RLS press fittings helped him to accomplish with only the assistance of an apprentice.
“I am never going to braze again unless I absolutely need to,” said Wyatt. “RLS press fittings are faster and safer to install, but provide just as reliable of a connection as if it had been brazed. They are a gamechanger that have saved me countless hours of installation and fire prep.”
Press fittings from RLS allow Sam, his colleagues at Protec Industries, and other contractors nationwide get more done in less time, without compromising on installation quality. Learn more about how RLS can help improve the efficiency of your next job at press-fits.com.