system to their clients. This will likely take the form of annual/semiannual visits to perform the inspection and applicable remediation actions, though the exact frequency may vary. The performance objective of the system will be based primarily on the equipment manufacturer’s performance data. Acquiring this performance data, however, may be more difficult for older equipment. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will generally have performance data for equipment dating back several decades, and the data is usually available at the distributor level. ICM: Does ACCA have a troubleshooting flow chart/check list that contractors can refer to? DP: ACCA provides a consumer checklist on its website that can benefit contractors as well. There is some confusion on what a maintenance service actually is. Maintenance service is done to an operational piece of equipment that needs the routine cleaning, lubrication, filter change and operational checks done. Maintenance rarely covers diagnostics for operational problems. The additional diagnostics and part replacement is generally done during a service call. The advantage of having seasonal service is, when the maintenance technician finds a problem, it should trigger a service call so the HVAC system is fixed before it is actually needed. Manual J is an industry standard that describes a method for determining, basically, how “big” an air conditioning system should be for the size and type of house one lives in. It’s required by most building codes nationwide, because only Manual J offers the precise determination of system size needed to ensure that systems last longer, operate efficiently and actually makes customers comfortable. Manual J is important, but it’s just the first step toward “Quality Installation,” or QI. QI isn’t just a generic term—it actually refers to a very specific standard, the ANSI/ACCA Quality Installation Specification, which details all the steps that a contractor must take to ensure that a heating and air conditioning system is properly installed for the highest possible quality. ICM: What type of training do technicians have to go through/certifications do they have to obtain? DP: Generally, technicians receive HVAC training in a two year post-secondary school or equivalent, and many will have certifications for the type of work they do such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) or an equivalent. Consumers should look for contractors who support technician certifications, and the related ongoing training required to keep those certifications. ICM 12 ICM/March/April 2017
ICM March-Apri 2017
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