NCI Article Library

High-Performance HVAC Resources

Does CO Certification Impact Your Liability?

What's my liability when I make the job right? This is a commonly asked question once contractors are taught how to diagnose and fix combustion safety and efficiency problems. My first response is another question: "Does ignoring or not diagnosing problems reduce your...

Diagnostic Tests That Teach and Sell

Since the mid 1980's most contractors have been selling air conditioning and heating using methods like slick calculations that promised return on investment and energy savings. Times have changed and so have our customers. Today's buyers are better equipped to make...

Diagnosing Water Heater Pilot Defects

Trying to solve water heater pilot problems is one sure way to experience feelings of frustration and uncertainty. The challenge is to learn to recognize all the conditions that can cause them to go out and then quickly bring to mind the host of repairs available to...

Diagnosing Cooling Systems

Compared to the majority of the service techs in our industry, airheads have a distinct advantage when it comes to diagnosing cooling systems. The general idea that the system is "working" means it's typically only producing 60% or less of the equipment rated BTU...

Davis Services, Inc. – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Davis Services, Inc., of Spartanburg, South Carolina is June’s NCT Contractor of the Month.

David Richardson, Richardson Heating and Air, Frankfort, KY

David Richardson cut his teeth in the industry in the low bid game of residential new construction air conditioning and heating. He works in a small family business and was thinking about getting out of it. He knew there was more to the HVAC industry, but didn't know...

Converting High Static Readings to Diagnostic Sales

Include the ducts in your service agreements by adding static pressure testing. This test adds a new dimension to service by including the entire system, not just the equipment. It provides better service to your customers, more opportunity to increase system...

Combustion Diagnostics Yield High-Margin System Repairs

Those who have implemented Combustion Diagnostics in their service agreements know that technology has given us the ability to uncover mechanical deficiencies with fuel burning appliances like never before. Combustion analysis helps us detect improper fuel input,...

Combustion Air Diagnostics

According to NCI's Protocol, rising CO readings indicate combustion air or venting problems. In either case, flue gases are spilling into the space, requiring immediate attention. By measuring draft you can differentiate between venting and combustion air problems....

CO and Combustion Diagnostics: Cause Versus Symptom

Jim Davis, Senior Instructor, National Comfort Institute When using the NCI Combustion Diagnostic Reports and Diagnostic Matrix, it is important to recognize the most likely defect/cause of the problem, versus a symptom that it creates. Specifically, a defect/cause is...