NCI Article Library

High-Performance HVAC Resources

Installing Dampers in Finished Ceilings

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to balance a system when it was built without balancing dampers, and the plenum and take-offs are behind a finished ceiling. Here's a little trick we use to install dampers on critical ducts in finished basement...

Insight Air, Phoenix, AZ

Rick Rohrbacher is the owner of Insight Air located in Phoenix Arizona. In addition to having his second daughter two weeks ago and moving into their new home two weeks from now, it's been a very busy spring at for Rick and the rest of his company. As we spoke with...

Induced Draft & Atmospheric Common Venting Interference

When an Induced Draft Appliance (Furnace, Boiler, Water Heater) is "Common Vented" with an Atmospheric Appliance, venting interference can occur. This procedure is the proper method to evaluate this situation and take all precautions to verify safety. Necessary tools...

Increase Temperature Measurement Accuracy

When measuring system or equipment temperatures, take your measurements as soon as the system stabilizes. This will allow your performance calculations to resemble (as close as possible), normal operating conditions. In order to keep the system running during testing,...

Include the Ducts in Your Service Agreements

Adding the ducts to your service agreements is one of the best steps you can take to move your company forward in implementing air diagnostics. It's a small thing that can bring great and immediate results. Spring is the perfect time to implement this new service....

Improving Duct Renovation Quality and Profits

NCI contractors have been testing and renovating duct systems for nearly a dozen years now. Every few years, we review the procedures and forms we provide to support your duct renovation work so they can be upgraded to keep up with the evolution of Performance Based...

Implement the Comfort Survey

In the early days of NCI, one of our first sales tools we created was the NCI Comfort Survey. As our library of tools has grown over the years, this particular piece has continued to be an ongoing favorite. Many techs and salespeople use it when they first implement...

If You Don’t Measure, You’re Just Guessing

If You Don't Measure, You're Just Guessing by David Holt, NCI Director Sales & Service Leadership I’m a huge college football fan. When the games begin in late August, I’m either glued to the TV or I’m visiting football stadiums around the country enjoying some...

IAQ/Mold: No Silver Bullet – Just Get Bullet-Proof

It's amazing how many contractors are still looking for a "Silver Bullet" solution to mold. Ideally we would have some magical pixie dust you sprinkle on a home or building to make it mold-proof, or better yet, to cure all existing mold issues forever. In this attempt...

Hydronic Balancing: A New Frontier for NCI Contractors

As we are in the process of developing a commercial air and water balancing training and certification program for larger systems, we have been creating hydronic balancing forms and procedures. Water systems have been an integral part of commercial air conditioning...