How to Use HVAC Combustion Tools
Knowing how to use HVAC combustion tools is important for any person doing HVAC work, but knowing how to use these tools is especially important for a person who is not a professional and is trying to do some work himself. While using these tools is fairly simple, they can easily be altered and start to work improperly if they are not maintained. Therefore maintenance of these tools is just as important as their proper use.
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Instructions
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Understand the readings on the combustion tools. Some HVAC combustion tools will include an oxygen (O2) and a carbon dioxide (CO2) reading on them. They may also include an excess air reading. The important thing to remember is that all three readings mean the exact same thing.
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Be aware of surrounding equipment. Although it is rare, it is possible that some HVAC combustion tools could be sensitive to other substances. For example, sometimes the presence of hydrogen can cause some HVAC tools to falsely detect carbon monoxide.
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Be sure that the probe is in the proper place during calibration. In most instances, the probe should not be placed in the stack until the start-up calibration has concluded. This calibration typically lasts about one minute. Although placing the HVAC combustion tools in the wrong place likely will not damage the tools, it likely will provide an inaccurate oxygen reading. To get an average oxygen reading, test for oxygen levels five times and divide the sum total by five to find the average.
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Disconnect the hose after use. By doing this, the instrument is more easily able to remove any condensation that may have settled within the device. Doing this will help ensure that the sensors within the HVAC combustion tools continue to work properly. Some instruments include yarn in the moisture trap, which can be replaced. The yarn should be replaced by pulling it out if it becomes damp. One way to keep condensation from accumulating is by leaving the moisture trap open when the device is not in use.
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Remember to maintain the tools. Makers of HVAC combustion tools and testers recommend that CO sensors are calibrated twice a year. If an instrument is sent away to be calibrated, this is also a good time to check the flow rate, temperature and pressure features of the device to make sure they are working properly. When not using this equipment, be sure that it is stored properly. If the outdoor thermometer reads that the temperature is less than 30 degrees, the device should be stored indoors.
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Tips & Warnings
Use petroleum jelly when removing the fittings on HVAC combustion tools. Not only does this make removal easier, but it also creates a tighter seal. Cold air itself does not damage these instruments. The instruments are damaged if they are left in the cold and then brought into a warm environment, where condensation will occur.
Keep the sensors dry. If moisture gets into the sensors and stays there, the acidic elements can eat away at the metal surrounding it.
