< Previous20 DECEMBER 2023HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC TODAY TECHNICAL the heat pump’s efficiency declines, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace. This transition guarantees home- owners reliable heating even in ex- treme cold weather. The science of optimizing dual- fuel changeover settings can get quite sophisticated, and all sorts of variables could come into play including heat pump sizing relative to design loads, detailed performance ratings across temperatures, local gas versus electric prices, etc. I would expect to start see- ing dual fuel controls that can optimize for comfort, econo- my, or even greenhouse gas emissions as controls and the grid get smarter with more communication capability. Today, a practical way to get a great changeover setting on a standard heat pump would be to set it at 25°F or so and teach the customer to increase it a bit if they get cold. For a set-it-and-forget-it option for less savvy custom- ers, a 35°F changeover is a pretty traditional and fool- proof place to start. On an inverter system or a cold weather heat pump, it would be best to consult the manufac- turer detailed performance tables to get an idea of the temperature range at which capacity and efficiency start to drop off. Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Dual-fuel sys- tems offer homeowners the flexibility to manage their energy costs effective- ly. As energy prices fluctuate, users iO HVAC Controls Dual Fuel Kit. This kit can control up to two stag- es of cooling and four stages of heating (two heat pump stages and two fur- nace stages) and includes an outdoor thermostat for setting the changeover temperature. Addressing Cold Weather Concerns: A primary concern re- garding heat pumps is their perfor- mance in cold temperatures. While special cold weather models exist today that can eliminate this is- sue in all but the coldest climates, du- al-fuel systems are perhaps even more reliable. When the outdoor tempera- ture drops below a certain point, where For a more traditional offer, look for a single-stage heat pump that lists fur- naces as compatible options for the in- door coil. A brand-specific thermostat will typically be required to ensure the two work together in the field. At the higher end, systems like the Daikin FIT or Lennox XP25 offer dual fuel capa- bility, sophisticated con- trols, and some of the highest efficiencies on the market. If you’re adding a heat pump to an existing fur- nace, things get a little trickier. The best option for a newer furnace would be to try to find a heat pump that is matched to the furnace by the manufacturer. If the furnace has a multiple- or variable-speed fan, it may be a good candidate for a universal dual-fuel setup like Mitsubishi’s intel- li-HEAT system. It will work with most furnaces, but will not achieve its full efficiency potential when combined with a furnace that only has a single- or two-speed fan. Systems like these in- clude controls for the indoor unit that tell the fan what speed to run in based on the heat pump operation, in addi- tion to determining when to operate the furnace. Lastly, if you have an older fur- nace with a single- or two-speed fan, the best option is to stick with a sin- gle or two-stage heat pump with an ex- ternal dual fuel controller such as the DECEMBER 2023 21HVACTODAY.COM TECHNICAL A WINNING PROPOSITION FOR CONTRACTORS In conclusion, dual-fuel heat pumps are not just a solution to address cus- tomer concerns but also a strategic opportunity for HVAC contractors. By offering versatile and efficient sys- tems, contractors can differentiate their business and tap into a growing market for eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions. In a world where energy efficien- cy and environmental responsibility are paramount, dual-fuel heat pumps stand out as a reliable and adaptable solution. By guiding your customers to choose the right dual-fuel system for their specific needs, you position your- self as a forward-thinking contractor who can provide effective solutions that align with both customer de- mands and the industry’s ever-chang- ing landscape. typically require more airflow per Btu than furnac- es. Existing ducts may be a limiting factor on the heat pump capacity selected. Dual fuel al- lows you the op- tion to put in a smaller heat pump than what is re- quired to heat the home on the cold- est days, potentially avoiding the need to upsize ducts. Of course, a duct ren- ovation is always an option and can add valuable high margin work to the scope. With increased complexity com- pared to furnaces alone or furnace and air conditioning systems, twice year- ly maintenance is critical to keeping a dual-fuel system operating reliably for years to come. With the increased maintenance required, dual-fuel sys- tems are prime candidates for mainte- nance contracts, a valuable source for recurring revenue for contractors. THE FUTURE OF DUAL-FUEL HEAT PUMPS As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions continues to grow, dual-fu- el heat pumps are positioned to play a significant role in the HVAC industry. These systems offer contractors the opportunity to provide versatile solu- tions that address concerns related to cold weather performance, utility bills, and power outages. Moreover, as the energy landscape evolves, dual-fuel systems provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing energy prices and requirements. can select either electricity or gas as their heating source. When electricity is cost-effective, the heat pump can be used, while the gas furnace takes over when gas pric- es are more favorable. This adaptabil- ity empowers homeowners to make cost-effective choices, potentially re- ducing their energy bills. As alluded to above, I expect that in the future real-time pricing signals from utilities could automate operation for the lowest costs. I’m not aware of any solutions to automate these deci- sions currently, so you or your custom- er would need to do some due diligence on heat pump and furnace efficiencies and utility rates to find the best change- over strategy for cost optimization. Reliability During Power Out- ages: Another common concern is the potential loss of heating during power outages. Dual-fuel systems excel in this regard. As stated earlier, the gas fur- nace can be operated using a small por- table generator or a battery backup. In contrast, a standard heat pump would require a larger whole-home generator or an extensive solar and battery setup to function during pow- er outages. With a plan for the small amount of backup power required, dual-fuel sys- tems ensure that homeowners remain warm and comfortable even when the power grid fails. Thinking Beyond the Box: As with any HVAC system, a dual-fuel heat pump is only as good as the ac- tual installation and the system it is installed in. But there are some spe- cial circumstances to consider for dual fuel specifically. Special attention needs to be giv- en to duct sizing because heat pumps Ben Lipscomb, P.E. has more than 16 years of experience in the HVAC industry, including laboratory and field research, Design/ Build contracting, and utility energy efficiency program design. He is National Comfort Institute’s director of engineering and utility programs and may be contacted at ncilink. com/ContactMe.22 DECEMBER 2023HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC TODAYConservatory. They will share timeless principles of airflow measurement and how the latest technology makes it easier to measure. z How to Sell High-Performance HVAC – Presented on Tuesday, Janu- ary 23 at 9:00 AM by Dominick Gua- rino, National Comfort Institute, and Dawn Mroczek , GV’s Heating & Air Conditioning. This session will focus on what it takes to be a High-Perfor- mance Contractor and how to use this differentiation in your marketplace. Dawn and Dominick will show you what it takes to service, sell, and design sys- tem installations that are safer, healthi- er, more comfortable, and more energy efficient than the typical system. z Benefits of Modern-Day Combustion Safety Testing: Real-time vs Steady State – Presented on Tuesday, January 23 at 10:30 AM by Casey Contreras , Na- tional Comfort Institute and Tyler Nel- son , Sauermann Americas. Join Casey and Tyler as they reveal the benefits of modern-day combustion testing and how you can take advantage of new technology. You will learn the differenc- es between steady-state and real-time measurements and how to use them to test, diagnose, and repair hidden safety and efficiency issues. z Where Home Performance Meets HVAC Design – Presented Wednesday, January 24 at 9:00 AM by David Rich- ardson, National Comfort Institute, and Adam Mufich , A-Team Heating & Air Conditioning. In this seminar, David and Adam will show you a systemat- ic approach to testing and diagnos- ing common problems resulting from conflicts between the building and the HVAC system. You’ll learn to exam- ine the connection between building performance and HVAC design and explore what might be missing and how to take advantage of it. In addition, NCI’s Dominick Guarino will participate in the HVACR State of the Industry Leadership Panel discus- sion entitled “Today’s Market, Challeng- es, Opportunities, and What’s Ahead.” The panel takes place on Tuesday, January 23, at 10 AM. We hope to see you there! Register now for free through January 20, 2024. USE MEMBER BENEFITS WHEN SCHEDULING PRIVATE TRAINING With NCI’s unique “Onsite Training” program, bring one of our experienced, professional trainers to your location — to get your whole team certified and working together. If you are an NCI Member you can bank and use NCI Bucks towards the cost of an Onsite training course. NCI offers several Onsite training and certification classes. These include: z Duct System Optimization z Residential HVAC System z Performance z Air Balancing Plus: extra hands-on training is avail- able, and so much more. There is no cost for a consultation and no obligation. Contact Nick Guari- no today to start the process and lock in your training dates while spots are still available. And while you are at it, ask about NCI membership and all the benefits it provides. NCI AT AHR: IT’S ABOUT THE EDUCATION The AHR Expo is nearly upon us, and your Nation- al Comfort Insti- tute (NCI) team will be there in force. The expo is the HVAC Industry’s largest trade show event that brings together manufactur- ers, suppliers, and contractors of all sizes and specialties. Besides showcasing the latest in prod- ucts and technology, AHR Expo also holds concurrent workshops and edu- cational sessions that we highly recom- mend you attend if you plan to be in Chi- cago this January. AHR Expo will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago from January 22-24, 2024. NCI trainers and partners will not only be exhibiting (see us in the South Building, Booth #S9043) but will also lead five free educational seminars and participate in a leadership panel. Here is the breakdown of their events. All NCI sessions will be held in the South Building, Level 4, Room S405B: z Climate Resilient HVAC: Where the Rubber Meets the Road – Presented on Monday, January 22 at 1:00 PM by Ben Lipscomb, P.E., National Comfort Institute and Bill Spohn, P.E. , TruTech Tools. Ben and Bill will delve into the crucial concept of Climate Resilient HVAC systems , which are essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of oc- cupants amid increasingly unpredict- able and escalating climate extremes. z Airflow Measurement: Old School Meets Latest Tech – Presented on Mon- day, January 22 at 3:00 PM, by David Richardson , National Comfort Insti- tute, and Chris Hughes , The Energy NCI UPDATE DECEMBER 2023 23HVACTODAY.COMHVAC SMART MART 24 DECEMBER 2023HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC TODAYAD INDEX HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC TODAY TM Publisher Dominick Guarino Editor-in-Chief Mike Weil Art Director Judy Marquardt Online Development Director Brian Roseman Circulation Manager Andrea Begany-Garsed To Subscribe to High-Performance HVAC Today: ONLINE: Visit HVACToday.com/subscribe for a FREE digital subscription. PRINT: 1 year/$72; single copy $7. Canada: 1 year/$92; single copy $9. Payable in advance with U.S. funds. Prepaid subscriptions may be sent to: High-Performance HVAC Today, PO Box 147, Avon Lake, OH 44012. Phone: 440-949-1850; toll free 800-633-7058; or visit HVACToday.com/subscribe to order online. Go to ncilink.com/ContactMe with your comments and questions. DECEMBER 2023 25HVACTODAY.COM Advertiser Index Arzel Zoning Technology, Inc. | www.ArzelZoning.com .................................................... 24 Baker Distributing Company | www.BakerDist.com ........................................................... 24 Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. | www.northamerica-daikin.com 25 Duct Saddles | www.DuctSaddles.com ..................................................................................... 27 Evergreen Telemetry | www.EvergreenTelemetry.com ........................................................ 2 Lazco Corporation | www.Lazcocorp.com ............................................................................. 17 R.E. Michel Company | www.REMichel.com .......................................................................... 22 Sauermann | www.sauermanngroup.com ............................................................................ 14 TEC (The Energy Conservatory) | www.energyconservatory.com ................................. 5 To Your Success | www.ToYourSuccess.com .......................................................................... 24 Tru Tech Tools | www.TruTechTools.com ..............................................................................9, 2426 DECEMBER 2023HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC TODAY ONE MORE THING... By Dominick Guarino opportunities to sell safety improvements. 3.Show up on time and don’t postpone. Whether on a service call or an estimate, there is nothing more aggravating than a tech or a sales- person not showing up on time. It sends a signal that the customer is not that important to you. A close second is postponing – especially more than once. Sometime this can’t be avoided. The key is good, timely communication to re- duce customer inconvenience. 4.Verify Performance on all your installa- tions.While initial testing is important, testing after an install or renovation is even more criti- cal. This is where many miss the opportunity for wowing the customer. Final verification that you did what you prom- ised closes the loop and leads to increased satis- faction and referrals. Don’t skip this step! 5.Train field technicians to respect cus- tomer property.There is nothing worse than dripping oil in the driveway or to have custom- ers find your installer’s tools laying all over their washer and dryer - or other furniture. Not only does this set you up to have to make it right, it negates the good will you are trying to build. This needs to be taught and reinforced. It is easy to get so focused on the work and for- get that the customer’s home is not a construc- tion site. 6.Perform a quality check on every instal- lation.This step will also reduce callbacks and unhappy customers. I just had a master bath- room remodeled and the contractor had to come back five times to make everything right – and there are still some issues that should have been caught the first time! Even though they did a decent job, I won’t refer them to my friends or family. T his month’s issue focuses on branding, and you’ll find several great articles on the sub- ject. An important part of a strong image is how you treat customers before, during, and after a sale or service call. While by no means exhaustive, the following list can help you maintain a stellar brand and reputation that will help you keep good custom- ers and acquire new ones: 1.Performance test every system your company touches.Basic testing of tempera- tures, static pressures, and airflow should be your standard on every maintenance and ser- vice call. Your salespeople should also test every system they look at. Our industry has never before had better tools and software available to make testing easy, fast and accurate. Be sure to equip your field people with the right tools. Not only will that help you re- duce callbacks, your techs will uncover opportu- nities to upgrade customers’ comfort systems like never before. 2.Help keep customers healthy and safe. Do your field people perform carbon monoxide (CO) safety testing on every service call or instal- lation? If not, you not only expose your compa- ny to liability, you could inadvertently endanger your customers’ health – or worse. Combustion Analyzers have come a long way in terms of affordability and ease of use. Make sure your techs have the tools and certification training to keep your customers safe and uncover Dominick Guarino is publisher of High-Performance HVAC Today magazine and President & CEO of National Comfort Institute, Inc. He can be reached at ncilink. com/ContactMe . ADVERTISE AND TEACH YOUR CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT YOU DO DIFFERENTLY THAN MOST OF YOUR COMPETITION – AND WHY! Click Here to continue reading online 10 Ways to Protect Your Brand and Deliver High Performance in 2024DECEMBER 2023 27HVACTODAY.COMNext >