Reference libraries · HVAC

HVAC Reference Library

Sizes, standards, wall charts and how to identify what’s in front of you, written for HVAC counters, buyers and the customers they serve.

161 sheets planned · 32 published · 9 sections. New sheets are added as they’re written.

Written in the open: anyone can suggest an edit on any sheet. Help write or review it →

Published now

Technical Reference

HVAC/R equipment, components, controls, air distribution and tools, with the standards that govern them.

Wall Charts

Printable one-page counter and shop charts.

Measure & Identify

How to identify, measure and match HVAC/R parts and equipment.

  • How to Read an HVAC Equipment NameplateModel, serial, refrigerant, charge, MCA and MOP fieldsComing soon
  • How to Decode Serial Numbers for Equipment AgeFinding manufacture date from serial formatsComing soon
  • How to Identify the Refrigerant in a SystemNameplate, service ports, analyzers and when not to guessComing soon
  • How to Measure a Line SetMeasuring OD and identifying suction vs liquid linesComing soon
  • How to Identify and Read a Capacitor LabelMatching microfarads, voltage and terminals safelyComing soon
  • How to Identify a Condenser Fan Motor for ReplacementHP, RPM, rotation, voltage, frame and shaftComing soon
  • How to Identify a Blower Motor TypePSC vs constant-torque vs variable-speed ECMComing soon
  • How to Identify a TXV for ReplacementRefrigerant, capacity, connections and equalizer typeComing soon
  • How to Measure an Air FilterMeasuring actual size and depthComing soon
  • How to Match Universal Igniters and Flame SensorsHot surface igniter types and fitmentComing soon
  • How to Identify Gas Valve TypeStanding pilot, intermittent pilot, HSI and two-stage valvesComing soon
  • How to Identify a Contactor for ReplacementPoles, coil voltage and amperage ratingComing soon
  • How to Measure a V-BeltMeasuring section and lengthComing soon
  • How to Read Duct Board and Flex Duct LabelsListing marks and R-value labelsComing soon
  • How to Measure Registers and GrillesDuct opening vs face sizeComing soon
  • How to Identify a Control Board for ReplacementOEM part numbers and universal boardsComing soon
  • How to Identify Schrader Cores and Service ValvesCore types, port sizes and A2L port differencesComing soon
  • How to Identify Pressure SwitchesHigh, low and loss-of-charge switchesComing soon
  • How to Check Thermostat CompatibilityConventional, heat pump and communicating systemsComing soon
  • How to Identify Refrigerant Oil TypeMineral, AB, POE, PVE and PAGComing soon
  • How to Measure Static PressureTotal external static pressure measurementComing soon
  • How to Read Fire and Smoke Damper LabelsListing marks and ratingsComing soon

Refrigerants & Oils

Refrigerant types, transitions, regulations, cylinders and oils.

  • Master Guide to RefrigerantsCommon refrigerants, their classes, safety groups, applications and regulatory statusRef HV-0080 · Safety-critical
  • A2L Refrigerants: What Distributors Need to KnowMildly flammable refrigerants and what changes in handling and salesComing soon
  • R-22 Phaseout and Reclaimed R-22Status of R-22 supply and servicingComing soon
  • AIM Act Technology Transitions and R-410AEquipment manufacture and installation restrictionsComing soon
  • R-454B and R-32 SystemsReplacement refrigerants for residential and light commercialComing soon
  • Commercial Refrigeration RefrigerantsR-404A, R-448A, R-449A, R-744 and transitionsComing soon
  • Hydrocarbon Refrigerants (R-290, R-600a)Flammable A3 refrigerants in self-contained equipmentComing soon
  • Ammonia (R-717) BasicsAmmonia refrigeration and safety for distributorsComing soon
  • Refrigerant Blends: Glide and FractionationWhy zeotropic blends are charged as liquidComing soon
  • Refrigerant Purity and ReclaimReclaim standard and certified reclaimersComing soon
  • Section 608 Certification and Sales RestrictionsWho may buy refrigerant and what to verifyComing soon
  • Leak Repair RequirementsAppliance leak rate thresholds and repair rulesComing soon
  • Recordkeeping for Refrigerant SalesRecords distributors must keepComing soon
  • Refrigerant Cylinder Types (Disposable, Returnable, Recovery)Container types and rulesComing soon
  • Shipping and Storing Refrigerant CylindersDOT hazmat requirements for cylindersComing soon
  • Recovery Cylinder Fill Limits and RequalificationOverfill hazards and test datesComing soon
  • Refrigerant Oils (Mineral, AB, POE, PVE, PAG)Oil types and compatibilityComing soon
  • Counterfeit and Contaminated RefrigerantRisks and detectionComing soon
  • Refrigerant Safety: Asphyxiation, Frostbite and DecompositionHazards of handling refrigerantsComing soon
  • Refrigerant Detectors and A2L Leak SensorsRequired sensors and mitigation for A2L systemsComing soon

Engineering, Troubleshooting & Failure Analysis

Why HVAC/R systems fail and how problems are diagnosed.

  • Superheat and Subcooling: How Charging Methods WorkCharging methods and why manufacturer data governsComing soon
  • Compressor Failure AnalysisBurnout, slugging, flood-back and overheatingComing soon
  • Acid and Moisture Contamination After BurnoutCleanup procedures and drier selectionComing soon
  • Brazing Without Nitrogen: Scale and RestrictionsWhy nitrogen purge mattersComing soon
  • Evacuation and Dehydration Best PracticeAchieving and verifying a deep vacuumComing soon
  • Low Airflow DiagnosisFilters, ducts, blowers and coilsComing soon
  • Capacitor and Motor Failure DiagnosisTesting capacitors and motors safelyComing soon
  • Frozen Evaporator CoilsCauses and diagnostic sequenceComing soon
  • Short Cycling CausesOversizing, controls and refrigerant issuesComing soon
  • Heat Exchanger Cracks and Carbon MonoxideWhy cracked heat exchangers are dangerousComing soon
  • Condensate Overflow and Water DamageDrain design and protectionComing soon
  • Coil Corrosion (Formicary and Coastal)Causes and coated coil optionsComing soon
  • Oil Return in Long Line SetsOil logging and trapsComing soon
  • Electrical Failures in HVAC EquipmentPitted contacts, burned wiring and loose lugsComing soon
  • MCA and MOP: What They Mean for Wire and Breaker SelectionHow nameplate electrical data is usedComing soon
  • Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality BasicsVentilation standards and filtrationComing soon
  • Hydronic Air and Pump Cavitation ProblemsAir removal and NPSH basicsComing soon
  • Duct Leakage TestingTest methods and standardsComing soon

Specification & Engineering Control

HVAC specifications, matched systems, codes and compliance at the point of sale.

  • Matched Systems and AHRI CertificatesWhy matched ratings matter for efficiency, warranty and rebatesComing soon
  • DOE Regional Standards at the Point of SaleDistributor obligations under regional standardsComing soon
  • Writing an HVAC Equipment ScheduleElements of a complete equipment lineComing soon
  • CSI Division 23 OverviewHow HVAC spec sections are organizedComing soon
  • Mechanical Codes (IMC and UMC)Model mechanical codes and local adoptionComing soon
  • ASHRAE 15 Refrigerant Safety RequirementsMachinery rooms, charge limits and A2L mitigationComing soon
  • Energy Codes (ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC)Efficiency and control requirementsComing soon
  • Rebates, Tax Credits and ENERGY STARQualifying equipment for incentivesComing soon
  • Equipment Substitutions and "Or Equal"Handling substitutions on projectsComing soon
  • Warranty Registration and DocumentationRegistration requirements and recordsComing soon
  • Duct Construction Pressure ClassesSMACNA pressure classes and sealingComing soon
  • Commissioning and Startup DocumentationStartup sheets and commissioningComing soon
  • Combustion Air and Venting SpecificationCombustion air and vent requirementsComing soon
  • Low-GWP Equipment Under the AIM ActSpecifying compliant equipmentComing soon

Procurement & Cost Reduction

Buying, pricing and cost-reduction topics for HVAC/R distribution.

  • Seasonal Buying and Pre-Season ProgramsEarly buys, dating and stocking programsComing soon
  • Equipment Allocation and Lead TimesManaging allocation during transitionsComing soon
  • Refrigerant Price Volatility and AllocationPlanning refrigerant buysComing soon
  • OEM vs Universal Replacement PartsCost and service trade-offsComing soon
  • Warranty Parts and Returns ProcessingHandling warranty claims efficientlyComing soon
  • Consolidating Filter ProgramsStandardizing filter sizes and MERVComing soon
  • Contractor Pricing MatricesStructuring contractor pricingComing soon
  • Quoting Commercial Equipment PackagesBuilding complete quotesComing soon
  • Freight and Damage on Equipment ShipmentsInspecting and claiming freight damageComing soon
  • Utility Rebate and Incentive ProgramsUsing incentives in quotesComing soon

Quality, Compliance & Traceability

Refrigerant compliance, efficiency standard recordkeeping, listings and recalls.

  • Refrigerant Sales Compliance ChecklistSteps to verify each refrigerant saleComing soon
  • Regional Standards Recordkeeping for DistributorsRecords required for regional standardsComing soon
  • Recovered Refrigerant Returns and Reclaim PaperworkAccepting recovered refrigerantComing soon
  • Cylinder Requalification and InspectionCylinder test dates and condemnationComing soon
  • Counterfeit Refrigerant and Parts ResponseWhat to do when product is suspectComing soon
  • Equipment Serial and Warranty TraceabilityTracking serials through saleComing soon
  • Listing Marks for HVAC EquipmentUL, ETL and CSA marksComing soon
  • Receiving Inspection for EquipmentConcealed damage and documentationComing soon
  • Recall Monitoring for HVAC ProductsMonitoring and acting on recallsComing soon
  • Hazmat Training for Branch StaffDOT training requirementsComing soon

Inventory, VMI & Automation

Stocking, vendor-managed inventory and automation for HVAC/R.

  • Seasonal Stocking and ForecastingForecasting for weather-driven demandComing soon
  • Refrigerant Cylinder Storage and InventorySafe storage and countingComing soon
  • Equipment Yard and Warehouse StorageStacking, protection and handlingComing soon
  • Filter VMI for Commercial AccountsScheduled filter programsComing soon
  • Truck Stock Programs for ContractorsStocking service vansComing soon
  • Fast-Moving Parts Min/MaxCapacitors, contactors and motorsComing soon
  • Using Universal Parts to Reduce SKU CountRationalizing repair partsComing soon
  • Bin Labeling and Cross-ReferencesLabels and OEM cross-referencesComing soon
  • Dead Stock After Refrigerant TransitionsManaging obsolete equipment and partsComing soon
  • Cycle Counting Refrigerant and EquipmentCounting high-value itemsComing soon

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