The Utilitiesman

The Closet Auger

2008-04-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the most useful tools in the UT's arsenal is the closet auger. This is a pretty good video that demonstrates how to use the closet auger.

Cross-Connection

2008-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Cross-connection is when there is a possibility of sewage or other contaminates of entering the water supply. This is an important concept for a UT to know.

Check out this article, it has good information:

Prevalence of Cross-Connections in Household Plumbing Systems

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Backflow

2008-04-05T08:48:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting article relating to backflow. As a UT, backflow prevention is an often misunderstood concept that we really need to understand to fulfill our roles as protectors of the health of the force.

Stop Backflow News

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Indoor Air Pollution

2008-03-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

The UT needs to know about indoor air pollution. It is important because the UT will be called to figure out how to deal with these issued during a career.

Below is a link to an interesting article:

Indoor Air Pollution

Xeriscaping

2008-03-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Landscaping based on native, water-efficient plants to minimize the need for irrigation. Consider xeriscaping around your home this spring.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Windows with Low E Glass

2008-03-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

Windows built with glass that has been treated to prevent heat or cold emission. Look for these types when replacing windows.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Volatile Organic Compounds

2008-03-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

Substances produced from solids and liquids that convert to gases, such as benzene and methylene chloride, that may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Avoid products that contain VOCs, which can be found in paints and adhesives.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Renewable Energy

2008-03-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Energy obtained from sources that do not run out, such as wood, tidal and geothermal sources.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Planet Friendly

2008-03-04T14:05:00.002-08:00

Products and services that do not negatively affect the Earth and its resources.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Linoleum

2008-03-04T14:05:00.001-08:00

A flooring product made from natural ingredients based on renewable resources, such as linseed oil, wood flour and cork. Linoleum, not to be confused with vinyl, is degradable, has a very low volatile organic compound emission and is long lasting. Consider this product as an alternative to other flooring types.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

2008-03-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

Devices that contain chemical compounds that illuminate when they come into contact with electricity. LEDs don't require a heating filament so they burn cooler and use less electricity to produce light. They also last longer than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Greenhouse Gas

2008-02-27T10:07:00.002-08:00

A gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Reduce greenhouse gases by installing Energy Star-rated appliances, using LEDs, biking, walking or carpooling more often and buying products made of recycled materials whenever possible.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Green Seal

2008-02-27T10:07:00.001-08:00

A nonprofit organization that provides science-based environmental certification standards for everything from filters to air chillers.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Gray Water

2008-02-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

Nondrinkable water used for irrigation, flushing toilets and other purposes as a way to help conserve water and energy in the home. Gray-water sources include water from tubs, showers, non-kitchen sinks and washing machines. Consider installing a gray water recycling system, which filters the nondrinkable water and stores it in a short-term storage tank for use around the house.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Global Warming

2008-02-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

The gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere.

**There is some scientific and political debate regarding this theory**

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Fossil Fuels

2008-02-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

Oil, natural gas and coal.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Extensive Garden

2008-02-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Low-maintenance gardening areas that feature more shallow soil depths and hardier species that do not require artificial irrigation.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Energy Star

2008-02-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy dedicated to helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Look for products that have earned the Energy Star rating.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Energy Efficiency

2008-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

A product's ability to use less wasted energy but still maintain the same result, such as an energy-efficient light bulb.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Dual-Flush Toilets

2008-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Dual-flush toilets are designed to conserve water and allow consumers to choose either a low- or full-flush capacity.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

2008-02-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

These bulbs contain a gas that produces invisible ultraviolet light when the gas is stimulated by electricity. Illumination is a result of the light reflecting off a white coating inside the bulb. The bulbs use less energy because the process doesn't require heating a filament to produce light. They also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Chlorofluorocarbons

2008-02-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

Used in refrigeration, insulation and aerosol propellants, these chemicals drift into the upper atmosphere and destroy the ozone layer. Look for products that are CFC free.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Certified Sustainable Forestry

2008-02-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

Forest owners and members of the wood and paper products industry replace trees harvested by man or that are lost to fires or disease. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies products that are produced with sustainable woods. Look for products bearing the "FSC-certified" label.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Carbon Neutral

2008-02-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

A process that doesn't add to the net amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Look for ways you can reduce carbon emissions, such as maintaining your car, reducing travel miles and conserving energy in the home.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Biofuel

2008-02-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

A derivative of biological material, such as food waste, used oil from fast-food fryers or poultry litter, that can be converted to fuel and be both sustainable and carbon neutral. One way to take advantage of biofuels is to drive a car that runs on it.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Alternative Energy

2008-02-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

Energy from a source other than fossil fuel sources, like natural gas or coal, such as wind, sun or running water. To take advantage of alternative energy, consider installing solar tubes, panels or solar electricity generation systems.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Rough Plumbing

2008-02-25T20:03:00.001-08:00

This is an interesting video that has some good information:

Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual

2008-02-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Below is a link to a Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual.

http://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/ABS_PVC_pipe_fittings-TM.pdf

From Charlotte Pipe and Foundary Company. This is a real insteresting and handy thing to have around.

Copper Tubing

2008-02-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a link from the Copper Development Association. http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techref/cth/tables/cthindex_table.htm

This has some interesting specifications about copper tubing.

How To Solder Copper Pipe

2008-02-20T19:42:00.001-08:00

This is a handy video about this lost art. Something every UT needs to know.

Design Requirements for Air Admittance Valve

2008-02-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Attached is the Design Criteria for Studor air admittane valves. These valves can be very handy when installing plumbing.

Design Criteria

Lennox SureLight Ignition

2008-02-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Below is a link for the service manual for the Lennox SureLight Ignition System...just remember when in doubt, read the manual.

Surelight Ignition System

Vent Pipe Problem

2008-02-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting video that talks about some vent problems that you might encounter.

Macerator

2008-02-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a link that talks about macerators. If you have to install a toilet in a basement or in a place where there is no slope, you should use a macerator.

What is a macerator?

Faucets Acorn to American Standard

2008-02-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a catalog that shows exploded views and part numbers for faucet manufacturers Acorn through American Standard. These are used to show how faucets go together and what parts to order.

Faucet Repair

AC

2008-01-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

Abbreviation for alternating current, a type of electric current in which the polarity is constantly reversing causing the electron flow to reverse.

Courtesy of: trane.com

ACCA

2008-01-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

Courtesy of: trane.com

Acoustical

2008-01-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Of or pertaining to sound.

Courtesy of: trane.com

AC or DC

2008-01-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Abbreviation for equipment capable of operating on alternating or direct current.

Courtesy of: trane.com

A-Coil

2008-01-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

A heat exchanger consisting of two diagonal coils that are joined together in a manner that looks like the letter "A".

Courtesy of: trane.com

AFUE

2008-01-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A measure of a gas furnace's efficiency in converting fuel to energy - the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.

Courtesy of: trane.com

AGA

2008-01-15T20:58:00.002-08:00

Abbreviation for American Gas Association, Inc.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Air Conditioner

2008-01-15T20:58:00.001-08:00

Any device that can change the temperature, humidity or general quality of the air.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Air Filtration System (also Air Cleaner)

2008-01-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

Removes airborne allergens from your home.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Air flow volume

2008-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

The amount of air the system circulates through your home, expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm). Proper air flow depends on the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, the ductwork and even whether the filters are clean.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Air handler

2008-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

An air moving and/or mixing unit. Residential air handlers include a blower, a coil, an expansion device, a heater rack and filter. Heaters for air handlers are sold as accessories. In some models heaters are factory installed.

Courtesy of: trane.com

ARI

2008-01-15T20:54:00.002-08:00

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute

Courtesy of: trane.com

ASHRAE

2008-01-15T20:54:00.001-08:00

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers

Courtesy of: trane.com

BTU

2008-01-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

British thermal unit; the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs.

Courtesy of: trane.com

BTUh

2008-01-15T20:52:00.002-08:00

British thermal units per hour. 12,000 BTUh equals one ton of cooling.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Burner

2008-01-15T20:52:00.001-08:00

A device that uses fuel to support combustion.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Burner orifice

2008-01-15T20:51:00.001-08:00

The opening through which gas flows to the air/gas mixing chamber of the burner.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Burner (sealed combustion)

2008-01-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

A burner that obtains all air for combustion from outside the heated space.

Courtesy of: trane.com

CADR

2008-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) provides the number of cubic feet of clean air a unit delivers each minute. Efficiency of the system times the air flow of the system.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Capacity

2008-01-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

The output or producing ability of cooling or heating systems. Cooling and heating capacities are referred to in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Celsius

2008-01-15T20:46:00.002-08:00

The metric temperature scale in which water freezes at zero degrees and boils at 100 degrees, designated by the symbol "C". To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply a Celsius temperature by 9, divide by 5 and add 32 (25 x 9 equals 225, divided by 5 equals 45, plus 32 equals 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Courtesy of: trane.com

CFM

2008-01-15T20:46:00.001-08:00

Abbreviation for cubic feet per minute, a standard measurement of airflow. A typical system requires 400 cfm per ton of air conditioning.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Charge

2008-01-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

To add refrigerant to a system. This is refrigerant contained in a sealed system or in the sensing bulb to a thermostatic expansion valve.

Courtesy of: trane.com

CleanEffects™ (also Trane CleanEffects™)

2008-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Trane Air filtration system that removes 99.98% of airborne allergens down to .1 microns from the filtered air, making it 100 times more effective that a standard 1” filter.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Climatuff® Compressor

2008-01-15T20:43:00.002-08:00

The Trane Climatuff® Compressor was the world's first successful heat pump compressor. To this day it's the only compressor Trane uses in its residential systems. It's well known for its superior durability, its low noise levels, and high efficiency.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Comfort™ Coil (also Evaporator Coil or Indoor Coil)

2008-01-15T20:43:00.001-08:00

Part of an indoor air unit, it functions with the air conditioner or heat pump outdoors to cool and condition indoor air that flows over it by drawing out heat and moisture.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Compressor

2008-01-15T20:42:00.001-08:00

This is the heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit and pumps refrigerant in order to meet the cooling requirements of the system.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Condensate

2008-01-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

Vapor that liquefies due to the lowering of its temperature to the saturation point.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Condenser coil (or outdoor coil)

2008-01-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

In an air conditioner, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In a heat pump system, the coil absorbs heat from the outdoors.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Condenser fan

2008-01-15T20:39:00.001-08:00

The fan that circulates air over the air-cooled condenser.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Contactor

2008-01-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

A switch that can repeatedly cycle, making and breaking an electrical circuit. When sufficient current flows through the A-coil built into the contactor, the resulting magnetic field causes the contacts to be pulled in or closed.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Crankcase heater

2008-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is the electric resistance heater installed on compressor crankcases to boil off liquid refrigerant that may have combined with compressor oil. Many newer cooling systems do not require crankcase heaters, however heat pumps do require crankcase heaters.

Courtesy of: trane.com

CSA

2008-01-15T20:36:00.002-08:00

Canadian Standards Association.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Damper

2008-01-15T20:36:00.001-08:00

Found in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow. Dampers can be used to balance airflow in a duct system. They are also used in zoning to regulate airflow to certain rooms.

Courtesy of: trane.com

DB (Decibels)

2008-01-15T20:35:00.001-08:00

A unit to measure sound.

Courtesy of: trane.com

DC

2008-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

Direct current electricity. This type of electricity (as opposed to Alternating Current, or AC) flows in one direction only, without reversing polarity.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Defrost

2008-01-15T20:33:00.002-08:00

To melt frost; as in from an air conditioner or heat pump coil.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Degree-day

2008-01-15T20:33:00.001-08:00

A degree-day is a computation that gauges the amount of heating or cooling needed for a building. A degree-day is equal to 65 degrees Fahrenheit minus the mean outdoor temperature.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Dehumidifier

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

An air cooler that removes moisture from the air.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Diffuser

2008-01-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

A grille over an air supply duct having vanes to distribute the discharging air in a specific pattern or direction.

Courtesy of: trane.com

DOE

2008-01-15T20:30:00.002-08:00

Department of Energy

Courtesy of: trane.com

Downflow furnace

2008-01-15T20:30:00.001-08:00

A furnace that intakes air at its top and discharges air at its bottom.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Drain pan

2008-01-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

This also referred to as a condensate pan. This is a pan used to catch and collect condensate (in residential systems vapor is liquefied on the indoor coil, collected in the drain pan and removed through a drain line).

Courtesy of: trane.com

Dry bulb temperature

2008-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Heat intensity, measured by a dry bulb thermometer.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Dry bulb thermometer

2008-01-15T20:27:00.002-08:00

An instrument that measures air temperature independently of humidity.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Dual Compressors

2008-01-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

An outdoor unit featuring two compressors, one for everyday cooling and a second larger one for extreme temperature days. Provides superior durability designed for cost-saving efficiency and low sound levels.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Ductwork

2008-01-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

A pipe or conduit through which air is delivered. Ducts are typically made of metal, fiberboard or a flexible material. In a home comfort system, the size and application of ductwork is critical to performance and is as important as the equipment.

Courtesy of: trane.com

DX

2008-01-15T20:25:00.002-08:00

Direct expansion; a system in which heat is transferred by the direct expansion of refrigerant.

Courtesy of: trane.com

EER

2008-01-15T20:25:00.001-08:00

Energy Efficiency Ratio (steady state)

Courtesy of: trane.com

Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC)

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Electronically filters out magnetized airborne particles, from contaminants in indoor air sending them to a collector plate.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Energy Recovery Ventilator (also FreshEffects™ or TRANE FreshEffects™)

2008-01-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

Energy efficient system to exchange stale indoor air for an equal amount of fresher outdoor air.

Courtesy of: trane.com

ENERGY STAR®

2008-01-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Trane high efficiency systems carry the ENERGY STAR label. The result of Trane's partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR products are more energy efficient and help reduce our whole earth's pollution problems. Choosing a Trane ENERGY STAR Comfort System assures homeowners of lower energy bills and improved indoor air quality for their home.

Courtesy of: trane.com

EPA

2008-01-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

Environmental Protection Agency

Courtesy of: trane.com

Expansion Valve

2008-01-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

A refrigerant-metering valve with a pressure or temperature controlled orifice.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Evaporator Coil (also Comfort™ Coil or Indoor Coil)

2008-01-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

Part of an indoor air unit, it functions with the air conditioner or heat pump outdoors to cool and condition indoor air that flows over it by drawing out heat and moisture.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Fahrenheit

2008-01-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

The temperature scale on which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees; designated by the letter F. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit number, multiply by 5 and divide by 9 (77 -32 equals 45, times 5 equals 225, divided by 9 equals 25 degrees Celsius).

Courtesy of: trane.com

Fan

2008-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Any device that creates air currents.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Filter

2008-01-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Any device that removes impurities through a straining process.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Flue

2008-01-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

Any vent or passageway that carries the products of combustion from a furnace.

Courtesy of: trane.com

FreshEffects™ (also Energy Recovery Ventilator or TRANE FreshEffects™)

2008-01-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

Energy efficient system to exchange stale indoor air for an equal amount of fresher outdoor air.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Furnace

2008-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

That part of the heating system in which the combustion of fossil fuel and transfer of heat occurs.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Fuse

2008-01-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

A metal strip in an electrical circuit that melts and breaks the circuit when excessive current flows through it. The fuse is designed to break in order to save more expensive electrical components.

Courtesy of: trane.com

GAMA

2008-01-02T08:48:00.001-08:00

Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

Courtesy of: trane.com

Gas Furnace Heat Exchanger

2008-01-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

Located in the furnace, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout your home.

Courtesy of: trane.com

Heat Exchanger

2008-01-02T08:46:00.002-08:00

An area, box or coil where heat flows from the warmer to the colder fluid or surface.

Courtesy of: trane.com