Operating motors at reduced speed and horsepower to meet actual load conditions is an integral part of evolving HVAC codes and standards. The need to reduce flow under part-load conditions, in fact, has made variable-frequency drives (VFD) a "de facto requirement" for many applications. This article explains how energy codes relate to motor and drive selection, with dramatic energy savings as the overriding goal.

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Considering how critical cooling towers are for heat transfer in facilities, one would think that they are carefully maintained. But often the lack of cleaning and preventive maintenance lead to equipment failures and interrupt production. To help keep cooling towers running,Engineering 360 offers a three-part series that starts with heat transfer fundamentals, continues into design features that maximize heat transfer, and concludes with chemistries for keeping harmful organisms like algae and fungi out of cooling systems.

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A noisy HVAC system can be a huge hassle for building occupants, as well as an indicator of a growing mechanical problem within the system itself. How do you fix it? Since most of the noise is probably being generated by vibration, there are a number of solutions to quiet things down, from isolation pads to flexible pipe connectors. Still, it can be a challenge to simply track down the source of the unwanted noise in the first place. Consulting Specifying Engineer takes an in-depth look at diagnosing and addressing noise in HVAC systems, including the two biggest components of vibration management.

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Uber, the on-demand car service, uses an app that directly connects riders to drivers-and it's been hugely successful for investors. Is this business model crossing over into the HVAC industry? Already, multiple on-demand labor sites like Pro, Porch, and Amazon Home Services allow homeowners to instantly purchase or schedule such tasks as HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation. ACHR News reports that most contractors don't view these sites as serious competition yet, since contractors rely on customer loyalty and relationships. But things could change. Here's how on-demand service companies could one day pose a threat to traditional professional contractors.

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Bruce Willis crawling through air ducts in Die Hard. Nerve gas getting released into the HVAC system in 24. Scores of movies where ducts are used for escape routes and attack points. Hollywood often includes plot points hinging on HVAC systems. But how often do they get the details right? Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning Engineering decided to find out. Professional engineer Ron Wilkinson takes a detailed look at the depiction of HVAC systems in 11 movies and two TV shows including Mission: Impossible, Entrapment, Dr. No, and Star Wars. Want to know what he found out? Here's a hint: Hollywood takes a lot of liberties.

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