[RFI] An HVAC NO RFI experience

[Matt Foster]

We recently had to replace our entire HVAC system. Our existing system had
been causing me RFI from its ECM fan motor (the "birdies" about every 18
KHz). Needless to say, I was concerned about RFI from the new system and
expressed as much to each of the three contractors from whom we received
bids.

The contractor we ended up going with was an authorized Trane distributor,
and they spent the better part of a day investigating the potential for RFI
with their regional Trane representative. I had provided them with
information regarding the Trane "RFI Kit" that I had seen referenced in
email lists from about 9-10 years ago. They ended up concluding that the
components of the RFI Kit were now included routinely on Trane equipment (I
was unable to confirm that independently, so I took them at their word). As
for the other two contractors, one seemed to not understand the issue at
all and had no interest in learning about it, and the other was basically
pushing it back on me to deal with.

I'm happy to report that our new system (XR16 compressor and XV80 furnace)
is causing ZERO RFI in my shack! I'm hoping that others who are shopping
for new HVAC equipment will find this useful.

73, Matt, N0EYE