HVAC Instant Answers [Paperback]

Peter Scott Curtiss (Author), Newton Breth (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071387013 | ISBN-13: 978-0071387019 | Publication Date: July 3, 2002 | Edition: 1

The book will be published in a flexible, 5" x 8" format filled with schematic system layouts and graphics showing how commonly measured data can be used to identify operating problems with the HVAC equipment. It is expected that about one quarter to one third of the book will be line drawing system schematics, graphics showing expected data in fault and no-fault states, and a few photographs of systems (used only when such a figure is required for clarifying points made in the text.)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

IDENTIFY AND SOLVE EVEN THE MOST COMPLEX HVAC OPERATING PROBLEM IN SECONDS!

Here’s a single-source reference that provides quick accurate answers to even the toughest HVAC questions! Portable, simple, well-illustrated and with just enough text to get the job done, HVAC Instant Answers provides fingertip access to the HVAC solutions needed to solve even the most difficult problem – in a flash.

Packed with schematic diagrams, system layouts, flowcharts, and graphics for the quickest, most understandable solution possible, HVAC Instant Answers is both a great learning tool for those entering the field as well as a reliable reference from which even experienced pros will learn something. You’ll find crystal-clear descriptions of common symptoms, controls, and problems – along with the best solution.

HVAC Instant Answers will tell you exactly what to do when problems occur with:
* Air distribution systems
* Central cooling plants
* Compressors
* Condensers and cooling towers
* Converters
* Fans and Pumps
* Rooftop units
* Steam distribution
* Thermal energy storage systems
* Valves and dampers
* Water loops
* Zones

You’ll also find a handy list of tools, sensor specification charts, and just about everything else you need to get the job done right.

About the Author

PETER SCOTT CURTISS is a consulting engineer in Boulder, Colorado. He received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado, where he was one of the first to investigate the use of neural networks in the control and optimization of large HVAC systems.

NEWTON BRETH has worked as an Instrument Technician at the University of Colorado since 1977. Prior to that, he spent time in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the Denver Water Board. He is certified by the Instrument Society of America and holds several U.S. patents related to automatic control devices.

Product Details

• Paperback: 514 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (July 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071387013
• ISBN-13: 978-0071387019
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,035,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info on every HVAC topic, September 28, 2008

By 

J. Preece (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HVAC Instant Answers (Paperback)

I am not an HVAC expert or technician, but I was looking for a book that would give me enough information to be able to troubleshoot and work on residential and small commercial units.

This book has a TON of information in it. Charts, graphs, photos, and a great deal of in-depth topics related to HVAC. It is probably too deep for the average home-owner, but it does cover a lot of the basics, especially in the heating realm. For air conditioning, it leaves a tad to be desired. I was hoping for more detailed schematics of the wiring of modern A/C units and it doesn't really get into that very much.

I have the Plumbing "Instant Answers" book which is very good (it's the only one I saw that covered how to install natural gas lines!) so I bought this hoping it would be as useful. So far, it remains a good reference tool, but you do need to know a little about HVAC basics to understand it. It's not a Dummy's Guide!

For me, I think it was worth the money and will come in handy the next time I am able to nail down a problem and save hundreds of dollars in technician fees.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HAVC BOOK, January 19, 2009

By 

karsykay (kokomo, IN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HVAC INSTANT ANSWERS (Paperback)

Great book written above novice understanding with critical specifications for HAVC installation and repair information.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hvac instant answers, September 19, 2011

By 

eagle45 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HVAC Instant Answers (Paperback)

This Was A Real Good Book For The Price. It Is Well Written And Has Everything You Need For Troubleshooting If You Are A Green Horn Like Me.