Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2018

News Magazine November, 2018

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACRNewsMagazine

Need your EPA 608 Certification Association brings test to you (Contact Association for information) City of Little Rock REQUIRED DUCT TESTING Update and New Class Article pg. 39

More Classes Central / Little Rock January 10 & 11

Northcentral / Mountain Home January Date to be Announced Tuition $350 includes Software $50 if student has version 2018 Article pg. 37

ByArkansans

For Arkansans

Table of Contents

Chapter Meeting Schedule

PG 3

Feature Article : Sign a Disclosure & It’s Legal

PG 5

Editorial & Opinion

PG 8

What No Regulation Looks Like

Tech News

PG 12

Duct Testing : Best Practices by Sam Meyers, Retrotech Manual S : Sizing Equipment by Bill Smith, Elite Software SHR : Sensible Heat Ratio & Sizing Equipment by Bryan Orr

PG 18

PG 21

PG 24

Gas Vent Sizing by Bill Smith, Elite Software

State, national, chapter news EPA May Open Door to Anyone for Substitute Purchases and Use

PG 30

PG 31

ACCA Clears Air On EPA & Substitute Refrigerants Lennox Partnered with Dealers on “Feel The Love Day”

PG 35

Education News Manual J Training Update

PG 37

PG 39

Duct Testing Update

New Products FilterFetch : A Filter Service From Factory to Dealer to Consumer

PG 40

PG 42

CardConnect : Reducing The Cost of Credit Card Servcie

Rebate Programs & Incentives

PG 43

Recipes, eateRies, Huntin’, FisHin’ & Fun

PG 53

Chocolate Mice : Tasty Holiday Fun for Kids and Adults

Time To Count Your Blessings

chapter meetings

November 27 February 26 March 26 April 23 October 22, 2019 November 26, 2019

Central Chapter 4 th Tuesday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Whole Hog 2516 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72202

December 4 January 8 February 5 March 5

Fort Smith Chaper 1 st Tuesday

5:30 Meal : 6:00 Program Location : Golden Corral 1801 S. Waldron Road Fort Smith

April 2 May 7 October 8, 2019 November 5, 2019 December 3, 2019

Hot Springs Chapter 1 st Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Smokin’ in Style BBQ 2278 Albert Pike Hot Springs North Central Chapter 4 th Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin’ 905 Hwy 62 – 65 North Harrison

February 12 March 12 April 9 October 8, 2019 November 12, 2019

February 28

March 28

April 25

September 26, 2019

October 24, 2019

chapter meetings

North East Chapter 3 rd Tuesday

November 20 February 19 March 19 April 16 October 15, 2019 November 19, 2019

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin’ 2405 East Highland Jonesboro 870/ 336 - 4417

North West Chapter 2 nd Thursday

February 14 March 14 April 11 October 10, 2019 November 14, 2019

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Golden Corral 2605 Pleasant Crossing Drive Rogers 479/986-9201 South Central/ Camden 1 st Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Ouachita Partners for Economic Development 625 Adams Avenue Camden 870/ 836 - 9354

February 7 March 7 April 4 October 3, 2019 November 7, 2019

South West / Texarkana 3 rd Thursday

November 15 February 21 March 21 April 18 October 17, 2019 November 21, 2019 Call for meeting Location

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Rotates between restaurants. Call for a meeting location. 501/487-8655

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The wording, well that is pretty much open: i.e., I understand that I am entering into a business contract with a person or business that is not licensed in the State of Arkansas.

THE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING CONSUMER ACT

Well the newest argument of those claiming their desire to protect a poor Arkansan from unreasonable restriction to be in business has taken another turn. The Association has long argued that a person wanting to be in business should have a license that establishes a modicum of knowledge and experience before they present themselves to the unsuspecting public as a professional. We have spoken often in defense of Arkansas consumers who have no experience or reason to know if a so called tradesperson is competent. Now, the Institute for Justice is making available a model “Occupational Licensing Consumer Act.” The bottom line is this, if they can’t prove that a trade shouldn’t be licensed, then they say that a consumer should be able to do business with whomever they choose without regard to a license. So, if the Arkansas consumer signs a statement acknowledging they are doing business with an unlicensed company or person, then it is OK. Yes, this law puts the onus on the consumer. Under the guise of economic freedom, the legislature would make it legal for a person or company without training or experience to offer their service to the public. A mere honest face, a recommendation from a relative or friend, a person that can walk and chew gum, the ability to con, scam, or bamboozle a trusting Arkansan is all that it takes to make doing business legal. Oh, I forget. The company or person must get the Arkansas consumer to sign a disclosure.

No, Mam!

We don’t need no license.

We’re certified by the First Association of Economic Freedom for the Practice of Heating and Air Conditioning

You can trust me Just sign on the disclosure & you’ll save a lot of money.

If it were a truly honest disclosure, it would also say, I understand that this person or company may not have elected to take the necessary training, or complete the necessary experience, or pay the very minimum license fee to help support inspection should I have a problem. But that is OK! They just seem so nice. I also understand that while I am not surrendering my right to civil action, if this person takes advantage of me, the cost of the law suit will be too expensive and I will be better off just letting this person or company off the hook. I understand there is no real civil remedy and I am totally trusting in this person because they just seem so nice. What has training,

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experience, and licensing got to do with it anyway. Even worse, the person or company can use their affiliation with an organization to support their claimed credibility in lieu of a license. The law would say that one of its purposes is to, “ Empower industry groups, trade organizations, and similar private associations to self-regulate without the participation of government;” So, you, a friend, and I, a group of three, could start the First Association of Economic Freedom for the Practice of (insert the trade name) to Serve Arkansans. As a bonafied Arkansas non-profit corporation, we could certify ourselves as certified tradesman in virtually anything. Any trade or occupation not exempt from the law would be our market. Electrical, plumbing, HVACR, etc., etc., etc. Having our certification could be used by the untrained and inexperienced to confuse and fool trusting Arkansans into believing that the prospective company was legitimate. Truth is, they would be. Legitimacy is not the question. Competency is the question. Consumer protection is the question. This is a very sly and onerous way to eliminate or severely limit consumer protection through licensing. We must realize that our work of defending the trades and the consumer is not over. It has merely taken a new path. The 2019 legislative session will be here soon and we all must take note of our state representative and senators. You must know their phone number and be ready to express your feelings about this legislation should it be presented. That’s right, it has not yet been

presented, but we believe that those who worked so hard to promote similar legislation will again follow the Institute for Justice down this new labeling of the same goal. The State is in a state of change— maybe good, maybe not so good. One thing is certain. No one is going to look out for you, your family, your business, your employees, or your customers like you will. You know them, not as numbers or votes but as good people. You care more for their comfort, safety, and success than someone in the legislature. This is not to say that the legislator is bad—only that your proximity to the situation gives you a clearer perspective. Share that perspective and protect your family.

A Truly Honest Disclosure

I understand that this person or company may not have elected to take the necessary training, or complete the necessary experience, or pay the very minimum license fee to help support inspection should I have a problem. But that is OK! They just seem so nice. I also understand that while I am not surrendering my right to civil action, if this person takes advantage of me, the cost of the law suit will be too expensive and I will be better off just letting this person or company off the hook. I understand there is no real civil remedy and I am totally trusting in this person because they just seem so nice. What has training, experience, and licensing got to do with it anyway. Signed _____________________ “Trusting Consumer”

What NO REGULATION Looks Like

regulation. While I have always wondered why and if the EPA 608 rule would extend into the new refrigerants, new information has made me realize how important it is to consumers that ONLY trained and licensed persons should “mess” with these new refrigerants. A lack of training within our industry has already created an “iceberg” of future problems for consumers. So called drop ins and change out of refrigerants without properly cleaning of the system will lead to AC and heat pump failure. Sure, the improper change out brings the system back to life but it is really only on “life support”. Here’s the point, training is critical to proper maintenance of HVACR systems. We cannot perpetrate on consumers the idea that ours is an industry where any monkey can do the work Whether we are talking about new refrigerants, change outs, or gas furnaces, consumers must be protected by reasonable regulation. Otherwise, we may see our industry follow the metaphor of electric distribution in India. Anyone want to volunteer to climb that pole?

America has achieved unparalleled success and progress due to our freedom, capitalism, and our entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, we have found that there are justifiable and much need times that regulation creates an orderly and more safe forward progression that actually facilitates the progress. The pictures clearly demonstrate the need for government imposed rules that make the installation and distribution of electricity safer, more efficient, and more effective. Everyone wins, including the poor Indian entangled within the maze of wire as he tries to install or make repairs. Only in India? These days, many recoil from the very thought of regulation in America. We are on a spiral that may very well end up creating this same kind of maze in many industries. These pictures are a metaphor for where we may be headed. This issue of the NewsMagazine contains an article by Howard Weiss of the ESCO Group about a possible roll back of new refrigerant

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duct testing fan is taped to the main return with the filter removed. Retrotec’s DucTester comes with a clear flange that clips directly to most return grills. This prevents the assembly from falling and makes it easier to tape the flange to the return. If needed, the flange can also be installed at the air handler by removing the service panel door and using duct mask or a homemade rigid panel to secure it. In the photo below, there is a DucTester attached to the air handler with a piece of corrugated plastic used to set the flange in place. This practice is handy if you are frequently testing the same units. It is good practice to extend the flex out and keep it in as straight of a line as possible. It is important to make sure all supply, return and outside air ventilation diffusers and inlets are taped over. If the house is built on a conditioned crawlspace, make sure supplies are not missed there as well. Also make sure a window or door is open so the indoor pressure is matched with that of the outside. Once everything is sealed, install the reference tube (blue if using Retrotec) in the supply register that is closest to the air handler. The

Duct Testing Best Practices Effectively Total Leak Testing Residential Ductwork Residential Duct Testing Best Practices Testing ductwork in residential HVAC systems for air tightness is essential to ensure a home will be energy efficient and comfortable. Tighter ducts help homes perform better by allowing conditioned air travel to its intended destination. They also keep newly conditioned air from escaping to the outside of the home. More states and municipal code jurisdictions are including duct sealing and testing requirements in their energy codes for residential new construction. It is also part of the RESNET HERS Rating process as well as a function of BPI Analysts when they perform energy audits. There are two methods used for testing ducts: Total duct leakage and leakage to outside (LTO). It is best to verify with local code requirements to see which method is specified. Some state and local codes specify a target for both methods. Both methods require the use of a calibrated duct testing fan combined with a pressure and flow gauge such as the Retrotec DucTester and the DM-32 gauge. Total Duct Leakage Total duct leakage tests measure all leakage in the duct system which includes leakage to both inside and outside of the conditioned space. In most cases, the flex duct from the

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other end of this tube attaches to the B channel of your gauge (blue hose to blue port). This measures the pressure in the duct system with respect to the main space when the test is in progress. Do not use the end of the hose to poke a hole in the tape at the register as this can clog the end. Use your finger or a knife to make a small hole and insert the tube. Add more tape around the hole to keep the tube from falling out. Make sure tubes connecting the fan and gauge are appropriately connected. If using Retrotec, match the yellow tube the yellow ports and green tube to the green ports. For TEC equipment, refer to your manual. For most standards, you can pressurize or depressurize the ducts. Retrotec recommends depressurizing so that tape is pulled toward the diffuser to make a tighter seal. Pressurizing ducts can sometimes loosen or blow tape off of diffusers. At this point, all that is left is setting up the gauge. Make sure it is set up to read flow in CFM and the duct testing fan you are using is selected powered on. If you are using a DM- 32, tap on “Set Pressure” and enter “25” and “Set”. This will run the test to + or -25Pa automatically. If you’re using a DM-32 gauge and cannot reach + or -25Pa, change the range on the fan to a larger hole size. Also with the proper ring or range setting. Make sure the fan is

appearing, that means there is not enough fan pressure which means you need to change your range to reduce the hole size at the fan inlet. Testing at Rough-in In some standards, testing at the rough-in stage of construction is accepted or required. This is for new construction homes or homes that are getting a gut rehab. Since drywall is not yet installed, testing at this stage makes it easier to locate and access leaks that need to be sealed in the duct system. This is a best practice for installers to ensure that all leaks are sealed before floor cavities and duct chases are encapsulated with drywall. It also ensures that the installer doesn’t need to return later in the construction process to seal leaks, so long as no other trades puncture or pull duct connections apart by accident. Refer to the Quick Tips for Testing at Rough-In article for more information on testing at the rough- in stage of construction.

make the change in the gauge accordingly. If two dashes are

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2018 Code REgulation Legislation

Free Public Access to Arkansas Codes from International Code Council These are non-printable PDF files. Assess these codes through the following web site: https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/AR You can purchase these code books at http://shop.iccsafe.org/state-and-local-codes/arkansas.html

Remember that the Arkansas Mechanical and Energy codes have limited amendments to information that you may find in these books. Also, local city code authorities may have more stringent regulations than those adopted by the state. It is always the best policy to consult your local authority/inspector for clarification on issues or topics of concern.

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login. For those sites requiring an account, obtaining an account can be as simple as registering, no credentials required, while others may require permission from a local distributor, or they may require the applicant to have an EPA number or contractor license number.

Balancing Load and Equipment Capacity

Taken from an article by Bill Smith President, Elite Software

The latest residential code (IRC) requires that a designer calculate the correct heat load of the building and compare that calculated load against the actual net capacity of the equipment being installed. One of the greatest difficulties in doing this is finding expanded ratings data and software that helps you determine the actual net capacity of a unit for the given operating conditions. Expanded ratings data for HVAC equipment are data that show how the capacity and efficiency of the equipment vary under different operating conditions. The capacity of a unit varies primarily from changes in the outdoor dry bulb temperature, but also from changes in air flow and the entering dry and wet bulb temperature of the indoor air entering the cooling coil. Given that there are four parameters that affect the cooling performance of a unit, there are many variations in the way that manufacturers show these data sets in table form. Some HVAC manufacturers make their expanded ratings data open and available to the public, while others have special web sites that require an account in order to

Capacity vs Load

Note that for many manufacturers there are multiple sites containing product data. Sometimes a manufacturer will offer both a public and private login site for these data sets. Typically, the data will be provided as a pdf, with nominal capacity data listed up front, and the expanded ratings data shown at the very end of the document. Continued next page Comprehensive performance data is required for the equipment selection process. This data should document the sensible and latent capacity of the equipment for a wide range of operating conditions.

ACCA ,Manual S, Section 3

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(We thank Bill Smith, President of Elite Software Products for his input in this article. He is a longtime developer of HVAC design software for such applications as ACCA Manual J, D, and S calculations along with duct, pipe, and wire sizing. Bill can be contacted at Elite Software in College Station, Texas, phone 979-690-9420 www.elitesoft.com )

The following image is one example of an expanded ratings table

Having this information is important as a nominal capacity may not be actual capacity. This is particularly important if the load is close to a nominal sizing. Even more so if the load has a greater SHR than 70%. That expands the topic and one that Bryan Orr develops in his article, “Sensible Heat Ratio” which appears in this issue of the HVACR NewsMagazine.

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capacity at a set of conditions would produce 21,000 BTUs of sensible cooling and 9,000 BTUs of latent removal because 30,000 x 0.7 = 21,000 and the rest 30,000 x 0.3 = 9,000. Higher SHR (closer to 1.0) = More change in temperature and less humidity removed Lower SHR = less change in temperature and more humidity removed In the HVAC industry, there is a set of standard conditions used to compare one piece of equipment to another. When a system has an SHR rating listed it would often be at AHRI conditions unless the specs state

SENSIBLE HEAT RATIO (SHR)

By Bryan Orr, HVAC School

Every piece of air conditioning equipment is capable of moving a certain amount of heat BTUs (British Thermal Units) at set conditions. In most cases during the cooling mode, a portion of those BTUs will go toward changing the temperature of the air and a part will go towards changing vapor water in the air into water that collects on the evaporator and then drains out. The BTUs that go towards changing the TEMPERATURE of the air are called SENSIBLE and the ones that go toward removing water from the air are called LATENT . The percentage of the capacity that goes toward sensible cooling at a given set of conditions for a given piece of equipment or space is called SENSIBLE HEAT RATIO (SHR). So a system that has an SHR 0f 0.70 and 30,000 Total BTUs of

otherwise.

When doing a load calculation a good designer will calculate and consider the internal and external latent and sensible loads and match up with equipment accordingly based not only on one set of design conditions but on the range of seasonal and occupant conditions that the structure is likely to experience based on the use, design and climate. By following ACCA (Manual J & S) and ASHRAE (62.2 & 62.1 for example) standards a designer will have guidelines to

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follow and this includes matching the space SHR to a piece of equipment that will make a good match at similar conditions. It does often need some digging into manufactures specs to interpret this data for the equipment. In the following example from a Lennox unit, you can see that the SHR is listed and highly variable based on outdoor temperature, air flow setting as well as indoor wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures.

In this example, you would need to multiply the total capacity x SHR to calculate the actual sensible and latent capacity. The cool thing is that this understanding can help both designers and commissioning technicians to match equipment properly and even make further adjustments using airflow to get a near perfect match which leads to lower power consumption, less short cycling and better humidity control.

This edited article was provided in its original format by Bryan Orr with HVAC School for Techs. HVAC School for Techs has a plethora of material including articles, newsletters, podcasts, and videos. Link to their site @ https://hvacrschool.com/

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Gas Vent Sizing The proper sizing of gas vents and connectors for furnaces, boilers, and water heaters is very important. Carbon monoxide poisoning, collapsing chimneys, fire hazards, corrosion of vents, draft inducers, heat exchangers, and non-conformance with building codes are all problems associated with gas vent design. There are many terms associated with appliance venting such as flue pipe, flue collar, liners, Type B metal wall pipe, manifolds, vents, and connectors. Good definitions for all these terms and more can be found in this document by Hart & Cooley. From the perspective of the International Fuel Gas Code, which governs the design of venting Category I gas appliances, the two main terms to understand are vents and vent connectors. A vent is the final pathway of the combustion gases to atmosphere. The vent could be a tile lined Masonry chimney, flexible liner inside the chimney or a stand alone Type B metal wall vent. A vent connector is the first pipe leading from an appliance to the vent. A vent

connector can be a single wall metal pipe or a Type B metal pipe. When only a single appliance is being vented and circumstances allow for the vent to be placed directly over the appliance, then no vent connector is needed. The vent simply begins at the appliance flue collar or draft hood and goes straight up. A single appliance will need a vent connector if there is any lateral distance of the appliance from the outlet of the vent. In such a case the vent connector will use elbows to traverse and then connect to the vent. The whole arrangement will appear as a single pipe path, but the vent connector portion can be made of a thin, single wall, 28 gauge metal pipe while the vent portion of the path would have to be a double wall,

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Type B vent pipe, tile lined chimney, or chimney with a flexible liner. Any time multiple appliances are involved, vent connectors are always needed. In addition, the vent section becomes known as the common vent since it serves multiple appliances. And if the common vent needs to have a lower lateral section, that lateral section of the vent becomes known as a manifold. Vent connectors are short runs of pipe, and there are many restrictions on where they can be installed. Vent connectors may not be installed in an enclosed location (such as within an enclosed wall), and they may not pass through walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. These restrictions do not apply to vent connectors made from a vent capable material such as a Type B vent pipe. If the vent and connectors are not properly designed, acidic condensate from the vent gas can easily form on the inside of the vent pipe and cause rusting and pitting. As the corrosion process continues, the vent pipe becomes riddled with holes and ultimately fails. This same condensate can wreak havoc on masonry chimneys as well. Whenever this happens, a chimney could collapse or combustion gas containing carbon monoxide and all the other products of combustion

can leak into occupied areas of the building. Low efficiency gas appliances such as old 78 percent AFUE furnaces rarely have a condensate problem because the combustion gas exits with a relatively high temperature, making condensation difficult to occur. However, many furnaces and heaters have an efficiency above 78% and just below 83% with combustion gases that exit much cooler. These are known as Category 1 gas appliances that are noncondensing, and operate with negative pressure in their vent. These appliances are not designed as condensing type appliances, but they are prone to producing unwanted condensate if they are connected to improperly sized vents and connectors. Because of the many dangers related to acidic condensate, the sizing of vents and connectors is extremely critical for Category 1 type gas appliances. Besides Category 1 appliances, there are Category II, III, and IV appliances. Category II appliances are no longer made, but some are still in operation. These are appliances that operate with a negative vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that may cause excessive condensate in the vent. Category III appliances operate with a

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positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that usually avoids excessive condensate production in the vent. These appliances are direct sidewall vented without any additional apparatus. Positive pressure in the vent requires joints in the vent system to be sealed. Because these are 80 percent efficient sidewall vented appliances with combustion gases close to the dew point temperature, corrosion resistant materials must be used for the vent. And because condensate is possible, drains are typically incorporated to remove condensation before it can enter the heat exchanger. Category III appliances are typically used to solve installation problems where a vertical vent is not available. Category IV appliances operate with a positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that causes excessive condensate production in the vent. Same as with positive pressure Category III appliances, Category IV appliances must also have all joints sealed in the vent system. Category IV is intended to cover 90 percent plus efficient appliances. Category IV appliances are designed to dispose of combustion gas condensate as well as condensate formed within the

secondary heat exchanger of the appliance. Unlike with Category I appliances, there is no standard vent design procedure for Category II, III, and IV appliances. Every manufacturer of these type of appliances has to design a custom vent system specific to each model. Installers simply have to follow the manufacturer directions for these type appliances. For Category I appliances, there is a standard vent and connector design procedure. This procedure is in the International Fuel Gas Code , which is published by the International Code Council. Many in the industry refer to this procedure as the "vent tables." In addition, you will often find these vent tables reproduced in the literature of many manufacturers that produce venting products. Many factors affect the required vent and connector sizes for gas appliances. The appliance input Btuh rating, outlet diameter of the appliance, number of elbows, single or multi-story application, vent gas temperature, ambient air temperature, vent wall conductivity, vent connector type, vent thermal mass, vent pressurization (fan assisted or natural draft), vent height, and vent lateral length all affect vent design. The IFGC manual

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provides a whole array of vent tables that take all these factors into account so that both minimum and maximum allowable vent and connector sizes can be specified for any given situation. Vents oversized and undersized cause problems. Undersized vents cause too much restriction for the amount of gases being released, and thus a proper draft may not be established to keep the gases moving upwards. If the under sizing is severe enough, a backdraft can occur such that combustion gases could reach occupied spaces with disastrous results. Oversized vents cause numerous problems as well. The main problem with oversized vents is that the combustion gas can become too cool, as the velocity of the gas is slow in large vents. A low exhaust velocity allows the gases to cool, and condensate begins to form. A Category 1 appliance needs the combustion gases to stay above the dew point, typically 136 F for natural gas exhaust, in order for acidic condensation not to occur. Large masonry chimneys also make keeping the gases above this temperature very difficult, and that’s why flexible liners for chimneys are frequently needed for Category 1

appliances. See more on chimney venting issues here . The first step in designing a Category I vent system entails selecting the vent and vent connector material types. The vent connector is the pipe that connects the appliance to the vent. A vent connector can be either single-wall metal pipe, or Type B, which is double-wall metal pipe with an insulating effect. The vent can never be made of single-wall metal pipe. It must be either Type B pipe, tile lined masonry chimney, or a flexible metal liner within a chimney. Selection of single-wall metal or Type B vent connectors is mainly governed by cost and applicable restrictions. Single-wall metal vent connectors are lower in cost than Type B connectors, but they operate at much higher surface temperatures than do Type B connectors. Consequently, there are many restrictions on the use of single wall metal pipe connectors. For example, single-wall metal connectors cannot be used in attics due to the fire hazard, and they must have greater clearances on all structural components than Type B connectors. A good strategy for maximum safety and minimum it. If there is any doubt as to the presence, size, and quality of a tile

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liner in a chimney, a flexible metal liner of the appropriate size should be used. Once the vent connector and vent types are decided on, the proper sizes can be read from the IFGC vent tables. In the simplest case with only a single appliance, the information needed to size the connector and vent includes whether the appliance venting is fan assisted or natural draft, the appliance input Btuh rating, appliance outlet diameter, lateral distance from the appliance to the vent, height from the appliance to the top of the vent, and the number of 90 degree elbows used. For the given data, the vent tables list the minimum and maximum size vent and connector diameters that can be used. Sizes from the vent tables can be easily read in a straight forward fashion. However, the size from the table must often be adjusted according to over 30 notes and exceptions explained in the IFGC manual. For example, for every 90 degree elbow beyond the quantity two, the Btuh capacity for a vent size must be reduced by 10%. Similarly, there are maximum horizontal connector length limits. The Btuh capacity of a vent must be reduced 10% for each multiple of a specified horizontal connector length.

There are many more such qualifiers on using the vent tables, and making sure all of them are honored is the main difficulty of vent sizing. It is not uncommon for a vent design to need three or more adjusting factors. This is particularly true for multiple appliance and multi-story applications. Fortunately, the table look-up values and all the adjustments for special conditions have been computerized. Elite Software has created the only computer program on the market today for this purpose, and it is called GasVent . Sizing vents is fast and easy with the GasVent software. A designer can quickly enter the information and instantly see the minimum and maximum allowable vent sizes, with all the checks and adjustments automatically done. GasVent is very graphic and visually intuitive with detailed help provided for every input item. As can be seen in the sample GasVent screen, all of the required input dimensions are clearly labeled so it is easy to know what to enter. Calculation results are instantly displayed on the same screen. There is no question that gas vent sizing can be quite technical and tedious to perform. While software can't remove all the risks in vent

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design and installation, it can definitely help you do more accurate designs in much less time. (This, the second of two articles, was contributed by Bill Smith, President of Elite Software Products. He is a longtime developer of HVAC design software for such applications as ACCA Manual J, D, and S calculations along with duct, pipe, and wire sizing. Bill can be contacted at Elite Software in College Station, Texas, phone 979-690-9420 www.elitesoft.com )

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Example of GasVent by Elite Software

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• It would be illegal to vent substitute refrigerants, but there would be no requirement to recover them. • Educators having just revised their curriculum, would have to do so again. • Wholesalers would have to prepare their customers and update their point of sales software to comply. • Publishers would have to revise their textbooks and supplemental materials. • Certification programs would need to revise the training materials and exams. According to Obrzut, “It has taken two years to prepare the workforce to comply with the 2016 regulations. Another change now would require a massive effort to retrain everyone. The HVACR industry collaborated with the EPA for two years, to modernize the Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program. While no regulation is perfect, this regulation has always been good for business and the environment, and we should voice our opinions to keep it that way. You can view the ruling and comment here . However, to be heard, you must submit your comment no later than November 15, 2018. (This article was taken from articles by Howard Weiss and Jaon Obrzut of ESCO Institute, the country’s leading provider of 608 education and testing and curriculum for HVACR programs.)

EPA May Open Substitute Refrigerant Door

The EPA has submitted a ruling affecting everyone in the HVACR industry. This will revise the refrigerant management requirements. One of the changes is to rescind the refrigerant management requirements of substitute refrigerants. These requirements include a sales restriction for substitute refrigerants. So what does this mean? According to Jason Obrzut of the ESCO Group, • Substitute refrigerants and equipment could be sold by anyone, including big box or online retailers. • Anyone could purchase refrigerants and work on their own systems. What will this do to warranty costs, and brand perception? • The HVACR industry would have different regulations for different refrigerants, confusing for all.

Need your EPA 608 Refrigeration Certification? The Association can provide ESCO EPA approved testing prior to Chapter meetings. Call 501-487-8655 for details.

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refrigerants. They are simply requesting public comments on whether individuals should be required to hold a Section 608 card to purchase, handle, and charge/recover non-ozone depleting refrigerants. • R-22 is considered an ozone depleting substance (ODS), while products like R410a are considered non-ODS. However, R410a has a high global warming potential (GWP) value, which is why the EPA restricted the sale to only Section 608 certified individuals. • The sales restriction issue is being discussed because the EPA is reviewing its authority to regulate non-ODS. R-22 is an ODS and is being phased out of the market due to the Montreal Protocol. To replace R- 22, the industry has been using substitute refrigerants like R-410a. The current popular substitutes are considered to have a high global warming potential (GWP), which is why the EPA wanted to phase them down out during the Obama Administration. chemical manufactures filed a lawsuit against the EPA stating that the EPA did not have the authority to regulate non- ODS. That is, the plaintiffs stated that EPA does not have the authority to regulate refrigerants with high GWP values. Following the court case Mexichem Fluor inc. V. EPA , the courts ruled in favor of Mexichem, et al., stating that EPA could not “order the replacement of substances that • However, several

ACCA Clears Air on EPA & Substitute Refrigerant Question (This article reprinted in part from “ACCA Regulatory Alert” with permission from Todd Washam, ACCA.)

ACCA REGULATORY ALERT EPA SECTION 608 UPDATES –

Myth vs. Fact There is a lot of confusion amongst contractors about updates to EPA’s Section 608 certification, especially the possibility of allowing non-certified individuals to purchase refrigerants. ACCA has been working closely with the EPA, for more than two years, on changes to the EPA’s refrigerant program and Section 608 updates. ACCA is publishing this special alert to clear up the confusion that has been created by entities who do not regularly interact with government officials, like ACCA does. As an ACCA member, you will always have access to reliable information and we encourage you to follow our government relations blogs on a regular basis, so you remain “in the know.” Myth: The EPA published a rule that would rescind the Section 608 certification and allow any person to buy refrigerants.

Fact: The EPA has NOT proposed removing the sales restriction on

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are ozone depleting but that contribute to climate change.” Therefore, the EPA is currently reviewing its ability to regulate HFC and other refrigerants, which are considered to be non-ODS, but have a high GWP. Myth: ACCA has not been actively involved in these discussions and did not attend the EPA’s October 16, 2018 to address these issues with the EPA. Section 608 test updates for more than 2 years. Additionally, ACCA’s professional government relations staff does not need to attend public meetings, like the Oct. 16 meeting, because we meet directly with the EPA Administrator’s staff and the professionals who write these proposals. Fact: ACCA has been involved in the EPA’s refrigerant updates and that they would need to update refrigerant regulations to comply with the Mexichem ruling. Additionally, ACCA will be submitting comments to the EPA requesting that the EPA maintain the sales restriction of refrigerants to those who are Section 608 certified. • More than two years ago, ACCA hosted the New Refrigerant Rules from the EPA – What You Need to Know Now! w ebinar. This webinar featured the EPA’s professional staff • ACCA has been working with EPA officials since 2017 when it was clear

(who wrote the current proposals) and ACCA recruited them to teach ACCA members about changes to the Section 608 program and the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). • ACCA’s technical staff also served on the Section 608 test revision committee with the EPA, and we were one of the first organizations to update our Section 608 testing materials . Fact: The rule that the EPA is proposing to update is the 2016 leak detection and repair regulation for HVAC equipment that use refrigerants that are considered substitutes to ozone depleting substances (ODS), like R-22. The proposed roll back would impact appliances with 50 or more pounds of substitute refrigerants, therefore contractors would not be required to: • conduct leak rate calculations when refrigerant is added to an appliance, • repair an appliance that leaks above the EPA-prescribed threshold leak rate, • conduct verification tests on repairs, • conduct periodic leak inspections on appliances that exceed the threshold leak rate, • report to EPA on chronically leaking appliances, • retrofit or retire appliances that are not repaired, and • maintain related records.

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ACCA has spoken to our commercial contractor committee about the leak detection regulation, and they were not concerned that this would have a negative impact on their operations. This should clear up some of the confusion that has been spread in the contracting industry. Thank you to ACCA’s members who have been in touch regarding these updates. Be assured, ACCA will continue to fight on your behalf, whether it’s with the EPA or in the halls of Congress. ACCA is here for you! ( This article was added to the November Issue of the Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine after ACCA responded to our article on EPA and Substitute refrigerants. We appreciate ACCA’s Todd Washman bringing another perspective to the table. It is always our desire to get the facts straight understanding that two people can see the same car accident and have different accounts. We encourage all persons to have the courtesy to and friendship with the NewsMagazine to share different perspectives on articles that we write or reprint. We’d much rather have our friends bring differences of opinion and correction to our attention than to have the NewsMagazine unknowingly misrepresent an issue.) There is nothing on earth to be more prized than true friendship. Best Wishes, Todd Washam

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Lennox’ Partnered with Dealers on October 26 to Install Furnaces for Deserving Families

Feel The Love Day

Milestone Heat and Air Installs Free Furnace

Lennox dealers installed, high-efficiency Lennox gas furnaces for deserving families free of charge as part of the company’s North American community outreach initiative, Feel The Love, on October 26. Lennox donated all heating

and cooling equipment and Lennox dealers and their employees donated the time, materials and labor needed to install the new, high-efficiency gas furnaces.

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Manual J Training Update and New Classes Seven Manual J classes featuring Wrightsoft J and RightDraw® Software were completed in October and November in Jonesboro, Texarkana, Little Rock, Camden, Harrison, Fort Smith, and Bentonville. The last of the original eight is scheduled for December 12 & 13 at National Park College, Fredrick Dierks Building, Room 116, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs. The class runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Due to demand, another class has been scheduled for Little Rock on January 10 & 11 at the PTC Business & Industry Outreach Center at 3303 East Roosevelt Road, Little Rock. The first class had 30 students with requests from others but the class could not accommodate any more. Using the RightDraw® program to generate a Manual J load can be frustrating at first. That is why the class is so important. It helps students get their toe in the water and answer most of the basic RightDraw® questions. On the second day of the class, students develop a familiarity that makes using the program easier—on the path to being a pro. The class covers drawing and running a load on a single story, two story, and split level house. Additionally, the class covers

vaulted and tray ceilings, bonus rooms, and zoning. One important feature of the class is a comprehensive discussion of building structure components with a focus on local construction methods. A common refrain in the class is “If you sell it you own it!” meaning you have a responsibility to provide the promised comfort and equipment service after the installation. In the HVACR business, one doesn’t just install and leave. The contractor “Owns the Job.” Manual J New Classes

• Little Rock, January 10 & 11 PTC Business & Industry Center 3303 Roosevelt Road, Little Rock • Mountain Home, January Date & Location to be announced

Tuition $350 including the Software $50 if you already have current 2018 software

Contact Association for more information 501-487-8655 or tomhunt@arhvacr.org