HVAC Techs Use Combustion Analysis to Diagnose Issues & Improve Efficiency with Tyler Nelson Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager - Americas, Global Trainer, at Sauermann Group, about his new book, Combustion Analysis: The Essentials, and the Fundamentals of Combustion Testing. Tyler explains how technicians can better understand oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, excess air, and efficiency readings, and how to use those numbers to diagnose and adjust systems properly. The conversation covers light off, steady state, and high fire conditions, fuel selection in combustion analyzers, and how proper adjustments can improve system performance and save money. Gary and Tyler also discuss why combustion testing is a thinking person's skill and how using the right data can help technicians work smarter and deliver better results for their customers.

In this conversation, Tyler talks about the core basics of combustion and why understanding the numbers is key to proper diagnostics. He explains oxygen levels in fresh air, carbon monoxide limits at light off and steady state, and how carbon dioxide is calculated inside a combustion analyzer. Gary and Tyler discuss testing at low fire, mid fire, and high fire on modulating equipment, and why selecting the correct fuel setting matters. They also cover excess air, stack temperature, and how small adjustments can improve efficiency and save customers money. The episode highlights the importance of thinking through the data and using combustion testing as a true diagnostic tool in the field.

Expect to Learn:

• How to understand oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide readings during combustion testing.

• What happens at light off, steady state, and high fire on different types of equipment?

• Why is selecting the correct fuel in your analyzer is critical for accurate results?

• How excess air and stack temperature affect efficiency and system performance.

• How small adjustments can improve efficiency, reduce fuel use, and help technicians diagnose problems with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Tyler Nelson & His New Book in Part 1

[01:32] - Book Purpose: A Field Reference, Not Memorization

[03:44] - Combustion Basics: O2, CO, and CO2 Explained

[09:06] - Why CO2 is a Calculated Reading, Not a Sensor

[11:04] - Troubleshooting Modulating Systems at Different Fires

[15:49] - Efficiency Explained: Stack Temperature & Fuel Savings

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Tyler Nelson, Master HVACR on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nelson-master-hvacr-9a8a981b/

Sauermann Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sauermann-group/

Get Tyler Nelson's Book:

Tyler's book Combustion Analysis: The Essentials is available now. If you want a practical, field-ready guide to combustion testing and diagnostics, grab your copy here:
👉https://tyty5.gumroad.com/l/zfsmxo

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/