NCI Article Library

High-Performance HVAC Resources

Magnehelic® Fundamentals

The Magnehelic® is the go-to test instrument for many NCI-trained technicians for measuring static pressure. This test instrument has been around the HVAC industry for decades and is still the test instrument of choice for many. In this article, we explore the basics...

Magnehelic Magic

There's nothing like a quality tool that speaks to the soul...a good ole Magnehelic Gauge. You know, that shiny, fascinating pressure gauge spun from billet aluminum, solidly attached to the precision ground helix that drives the needle upward responding to even the...

Low-Level Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Know the Symptoms

The most talked about symptoms of CO poisoning are those that mimic the flu, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Fever is another symptom we rarely hear about. These symptoms may be reactions to a short term CO exposure, but what symptoms are common in exposures...

Low Airflow and Thermostatic Expansion Valve Operation

Low Airflow and Thermostatic Expansion Valve Operation by David Richardson The effects of low airflow on the performance of an HVAC system have been taught by NCI for decades. One of the topics we don’t discuss as frequently is the relationship The effects of low...

Lonnie & Eric Robnett, Nevada Heating, A/C & Plumbing – Reno, NV

Eric and Lonnie Robnett of Nevada Heating are quite a father-son team. Lonnie, the dad, is a true marketing guru and Eric the son, is a full-time air and combustion diagnostic testing and selling master. They have found success in their business together by separating...

Link Mechanical, New Britain, CT

Chris Link, President of Link Mechanical located in New Britain, Connecticut starts the New Year as National Comfort Institute's Contractor of the Month. Among other industry leading traits, Chris was selected for his ability to adapt his company to these changing...

Limited Time for Action!

Count to five - One, Two, Three, Four, Five... That's how long it takes for the average reader to decide to read your direct mail, save it for later, or toss it. A brief moment when your postcard comes out of the mailbox and either engages them or loses them! The art...

Lessons From a Quick Lube

We all make mistakes as we evolve our businesses. Each of us can probably tell a few exciting stories about failures we've experienced, and hopefully, enough time has passed so we can finally chuckle about them. I was on the receiving end of a sales experience...

Learning to Test is a Process

Last month we had a contractor attend his first NCI Air Balance training. To protect his honor, we'll call him Brad. Brad was particularly attentive during the training, his questions were sharp and well thought out, and he scored super high on the certification exam....

Learning How to Test

The last couple of days I've been on a number of phone conversations with a great HVAC contractor who is just learning to balance kitchen exhaust systems. He's new to air balancing, but committed and eager to be good at it. I've been impressed with the learning...