HVAC Shop Blog

Reading a manifold gauge correctly is a foundational skill that separates confident diagnosis from guesswork. This step-by-step guide covers gauge layout and scales, superheat and subcooling calculation, and how to interpret abnormal pressure readings to diagnose what's actually happening in the system.

Proper evacuation is the difference between a system that lasts and one that fails early. This step-by-step guide covers the complete Mastercool vacuum pump evacuation procedure: pre-job checks, starting the cycle, reading the micron gauge correctly, troubleshooting plateaus and leaks, and interpreting the decay test before you charge. Written for ARCtick-licensed technicians and apprentices learning the right habits from the start.

Accurate TAB and commissioning results depend on more than just owning the right instrument. This step-by-step guide covers the complete Testo 420 measurement process: setup, Bluetooth pairing, hood selection and mounting, reading stabilisation, on-site data logging, and the most common errors that cause incorrect readings on real jobs. Practical guidance for Australian HVAC technicians doing commercial commissioning and air balancing work.