In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Howard's question about how to deploy a dehumidifier (dehum) in a sealed home. He addresses things like location and fresh air requirements in green-grass markets with high dew points.

Before deploying a dehumidifier, you will need to know about the climate, the structure, and the client's complaints, budget, and comfort goals. You need to make sure the HVAC system is properly installed; the most common obstacle to proper dehumidification is oversizing. HVAC systems need a cold coil to pull moisture out of the air, and we need adequate (but not too much) ventilation in the structure before deploying a dehumidifier. Common obstacles include leaky structures, venting exhaust air into the attic, and constantly running exhaust ventilation (like range hoods or bath fans).

Bryan's preferred setup is to have a dedicated dehumidifier just for the sealed attic, though you can make the HVAC do this if you plan it out during the construction phase. If you bring in outdoor air, you should plan to bring it in through the dehumidifier, but that can interfere with attic dehumidification. You can either use two dehumidifiers or use powered dampers to dehumidify either the attic or house at different times.

You can consult the expertise of groups like the HVAC Grapevine and manufacturers like Santa Fe Dehumidifiers. HVAC School also has a range of dehumidifier topics; you can search for videos, podcasts, and tech tips on the topic in the app.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this episode of the Spidey Sense series, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the art of refrigerant leak detection, sharing their wealth of experience and practical tips for HVAC technicians. They emphasize the importance of using one's senses and observation skills before relying solely on electronic tools, highlighting how this "Spidey Sense" approach is a hallmark of senior-level expertise in the field.

Visual and tactile cues, including warm suction lines, frosted components, and signs of oil, are vital. Different symptoms point to specific kinds of leaks and various scenarios, so you need to understand the behavior of the system.

Bryan and Bert also discuss the strategic application of soap bubbles, electronic leak detectors, and nitrogen for pressurization. Each method has limitations, and you'll need to know when to employ them for maximum effectiveness. When detecting leaks, consider recent home renovations or equipment vibrations that might contribute to leaks.

Topics covered in the podcast include:

• Visual and tactile cues for identifying potential refrigerant leaks
• The debate on frosted lines as indicators of low refrigerant charge
• Proper use of electronic leak detectors and their limitations
• Strategic application of soap bubbles in leak detection
• The importance of checking common leak locations (e.g., flare fittings, evaporator coils)
• Considerations for leak detection in newly installed or recently serviced systems
• The role of nitrogen in leak detection for systems with very low refrigerant charge
• Estimating the severity of a leak based on system pressure and charge level
• The pros and cons of isolation tests for line set leaks
• Techniques for detecting very small, slow leaks that might not show up in pressure tests
• The potential use of ultrasonic leak detection tools
• The importance of thorough inspection and patience in the leak detection process

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.