This Blog was posted by Smithson Valley Services Air Conditioning. We serve the Texas Hill Country, including Blanco | Bulverde | Canyon Lake | Fisher | Kendalia | New Braunfels | North San Antonio | Sattler | Sisterdale | Smithson Valley | Spring Branch | Startzville

On-Site Variable Air Volume Controls Training

Isn’t it Time You Gave Your Building A Tune-up? On-Site VAV Controls Training

No matter how long you’ve been in the HVAC business, there is always more to learn. Just when you think you’re getting close, you run into something new you’ve never seen before. Control systems are the same way. They are enhanced, upgraded, and modified all the time. The shear quantity of different system configurations and the different types of controls that can be put on them often confuse. This ultimately leads to some system performance problems in many buildings today. Service mechanics and building operators find it tough to keep up with all the design concepts and changes.

A system that highlights this syndrome is Variable Air Volume (VAV). It enjoys the growing popularity of being one of the most energy-efficient systems, but at the same time, it takes the bad rap of being a poor operating system. Problems can result from many areas like design, balancing, controls, filters, operators, etc.

We specialize in training mechanics and technicians to troubleshoot and properly calibrate automatic temperature controls and set up the VAV terminal units. The quality of a system’s performance often depends on the knowledge level of the people who operate it. So, if the people servicing or operating a VAV system do not know the system or how the controls work, they crank on the controller knobs to correct problems. Often, they turn into adjustments that have nothing to do with the problem and destroy the efficiency of a perfectly calibrated system. Understanding the theory and the calibration of components is essential to a well-tuned system. We conduct on-site, hands-on training sessions to show “how to’s” of calibrating components in a VAV system to achieve peak
performance.

Many perceived control problems are mechanical problems. Problems might include a simple flex duct blown off a collar up to a clogged airflow sensor. But, because of a mechanic’s lack of training, they begin turning screws and pushing slides on controllers because the symptom is assumed to be a control problem (let’s say the zone is too hot). After someone fiddles with the controls, the zone could still
be too hot. Needless to say, in any VAV system, there are many knobs to twist. This attempt to get the zone temperature back in control could result in a building full of tweaked knobs! By cranking on these knobs, the controls go out of calibration, resulting in energy waste and a building out of control. Before tweaking any knobs, consider training your technicians in the proper troubleshooting of VAV systems.

Even with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) becoming popular, most older jobs still use pneumatic controls to operate the VAV boxes. Today, there are more than 200 different types of VAV boxes. Manufacturers like Metal Air, Temp Master, Titus, and Trane, to name a few. There are also many varieties. These boxes can be pressure-dependent or pressure independent, including auxiliary fans which are parallel or series flow fans. Boxes might have heating; if they do, it could be electricity, hot water, or even steam. The valves could be Normally Open or Normally closed; thermostats can be Direct Acting or Reverse Acting . . . well, you get the idea – a wide variety of configurations. This is one of the big contributors to the confusion in VAV systems, which is made clearer in training.

Proper calibration of controls can be the single most important item in reaching the most energy-efficient system possible. Simple thermostat calibration and volume reset control settings should be performed yearly for the first step in a productive preventative maintenance program. These and other simple, “real world” step-by-step calibration instructions and training are available through
our company’s HVAC services.

Mosquitos

Will the Mosquito Slayer kill ALL the mosquitoes in my backyard?

No, however, customers regularly report substantial reductions in the number of mosquitoes and midges. We can say however that our system is proven to be the most effective method on the market to control mosquitoes.

How big is a CO2 gas cylinder? How long will it last?

As a rough guide, a 20lb gas cylinder will last 2-3 months depending on environmental factors such as heat. Larger cylinders are available on request. Please phone us for more information.

What is your delivery time?

As soon as funds are cleared into our account, we will ship your order. Typical freight times are 5 business days from the date your funds have cleared. A consignment number is available on request which you can use to track your order.

What is your warranty? Can you supply spare parts?

The standard warranty is 12 Months back to base which covers parts and labor. The return freight to us is at the customer’s cost, subsequent return to the customer is at our cost. We can supply spare parts for all models of Mosquito Slayer. Call us for more information.

How long is the power cable? What if I need a longer length?

All Mosquito Slayer units come with a 10-meter power cable. Cables can be custom-made to your specific requirements. Please call us for more information.

Does the Mosquito Slayer have a timer function?

No, however, we can supply AC power timers which will easily perform this function. Please check our “Accessories” category.

How is the Mosquito Slayer Mounted?

The Mosquito Slayer Series 4 is mounted easily via a keyhole bracket mounting system. A few well-placed screws into any surface is all you need. The Mosquito Slayer Pro is mounted on a supplied mounting bracket which can be screwed into any flat surface. Additional Mounting brackets are available if you wish to move your mosquito slayer to more than one fixed location.

How does the Mosquito Slayer differ from the Mosquito catchers I can buy from eBay?

Firstly, the Mosquito Slayer produces its own Octenol and does not require strips of Octenol which oxidize very quickly. This drastically reduces effectiveness and turns the device into nothing more than a UV light with a fan and some water. Secondly, the Mosquito Slayer pro is a scientifically proven system that utilizes every possible means of attracting Mosquitoes and Midges. Lastly, the Bantol range of proven mosquito attractants is only available to those who have purchased the Mosquito system.

How much does the Mosquito Slayer cost to run? What are the ongoing costs?

The Mosquito Slayer costs around $30USD per month of use to run. Your local gas supplier may also charge for an initial (once-off) hire of a gas cylinder which may be around $150USD. Alternatively, we now supply 20lb gas cylinders which reduces the running cost per year by around 50%. Call us for more information.

Do I need to use the Mosquito Slayer all rear round?

No. Only the months you intend on spending time outdoors and are affected by mosquitoes. For many people, this is only 3-4 months a year.

Are spare parts available for the Mosquito Slayer?

Yes. Simply contact us. Spare parts are available for both the Mosquito Slayer Series 4 and Mosquito Slayer Pro.

Can the Mosquito Slayer be moved around?

Yes definitely. Trolleys are available which hold both the Mosquito Slayer your CO2 cylinder. We can also supply power inverters to enable you move your Mosquito Slayer to areas without AC mains power. Perfect for camping and remote outdoor events.

How long will it take for the Mosquito Slayer to start killing Mosquitoes and Midges?

Immediately providing there are Mosquitoes or Midges / Sand Flies in the area. We have recorded catches of over 10,000 insects in a single night. Typical results will vary depending on your location.

Is the Mosquito Slayer safe for children?

All attractants and fumes released by the mosquito slayer are naturally occurring. The attractants used in the Mosquito Slayer are made from food grade products and are non toxic.

RV Owners Clubs:

Other Related RV Clubs & Associations:

American Camping Association – a non-profit organization that helps you find the right camp for your kids
Camper Clubs of America – $5.00 per night RV sites, including hookups
Campers’ Group – (New York City) organizes camping and cabin trips
Campers on Mission – (Virginia) national fellowship of Christian campers
Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association – RV association of Canada
Coast to Coast Resorts – discounts at their private member campgrounds
Computer Trails – Birds-of-a-Feather group for computer enthusiasts who live and travel in RVs
Converted Coach Group – a group for people interested in converted coaches
Eagle Fleet RV Travel Club – an international organization of RV owners
Escapees RV Club – a support network for RVers
Explorer RV Club – Canada’s largest RV club
Family Campers & RVers – where strangers become friends and friends become family
Family Motor Coach Association – motorcoach ownership and travel
Family Motorhome Club – for motorhome travelers
Family Travel Trailer Association – for 5th wheel and travel trailer owners
Florida Popup Campers – a group that camps in pop-up campers in Flordia
Florida RV Trade Association – RV trade association
Flying J RV Club – interstate services and fuel discounts to RVers
Freightliner Chassis Owners Club – a chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association
Fulltiming America – for the full-timing RV lifestyle
Good Neighbor Club – Good Neighbor Parks a network of public campgrounds
Good Sam Club – travel club for RVers
Good Sam Club BC Canada – travel club for RVers in British Columbia, Canada
Handicapped Travel Club- RV/travel club for people with disabilities
Happy Camper Club – 50% discount at over 600 campgrounds nationwide
Indiana Manufactured Housing Association (IMHA/RVIC) – promotes the general welfare of the manufactured housing and RV industries
Life on Wheels Association – educational services for RV enthusiasts worldwide
Loners of America – travel club for widows, widowers, divorced and single-by-choice
Loners on Wheels – serving the community of single campers and RVers
NAARVA – National African-American RVers Association
NAM – National Association for Members (of campground resorts, condominiums, and timeshares)
National Camping Travelers – A Masonic family camping club
National RV Owners Club – offers numerous activities, rallies, travel resources, and campground discounts
NJRVDA – New Jersey RV Dealers Association
North American Family Campers Association – good, honest family camping with fun and fellowship
Overland Trailblazers – motorhome club – a chapter of the FMCA
PA Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association – RV and camping association of Pennsylvania
Passport America.com – camping club with a network of 450 campgrounds across the U.S.
Passport America.net – discount camping across the USA, Canada, and Mexico
Roamin’ Rigs – Tampa Bay, Florida area chapter of FMCA
RV Club – RVers helping other RVers
RV Consumer Group – a non-profit organization to promote the RVing lifestyle
RV Network – an organization to unite the internet RV community
RV Overnighters Association – an organization for $5.00 nightly RV parking
RVDA – Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association
RVDA Canada – Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada
RVIA – Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
RVOABC – RV Owners Association of British Columbia
RVRA – Recreation Vehicle Rental Association
RVing Women – support, information, and networking for women RVers
RVingFlyFishers – interest group for RVers who Fly Fish
SMART – Special Military Active-Retired Travel Club
Texas Recreational Vehicle Association – home page
United Motorcoach Association – an association of bus and motorcoach companies
United RV Campers Club – discount RV travel club
Vintage Vacations – vintage and antique travel trailer club
Wisconsin Campers Association (WCA) – promoting family camping with local chapters throughout Wisconsin