For example, let’s say that you need a simple drain hose.
It probably began when we assigned numbers 1 and 2 to a pair of natural bodily functions. It’s simply less awkward than uttering the true names in a social situation or when teaching children to express their need to “go”. This practice of numbers replacing names carried over to manufacturing facilities where many parts are assembled to create a final product. Part number schemes helped differentiate between a purchased part, an intermediate assembly, and a top-level build. Like those single-digit bathroom function designations, workers found it easier to refer to a part with a number sequence instead of a complex name. In some cases, the part number might become synonymous with the actual name. Part numbers are particularly important with HVAC systems that often need replacement parts. Trane, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, has an online catalog of almost 1000 pages. U.S. based Carrier offers a series of brochures and catalogs filled with information and, of course, part numbers. Finding the right part is easy if you know the exact part number or the exact description. If you don’t, it can be a true nightmare locating the part that you need. For example, let’s say that you need a simple drain hose. After some searching, you see a listing on page 426 of the Trane catalog where there are six choices, each with a different part number and description followed by the list of fittings and connectors needed to install the part. By this time, you should be convinced to end your search and call a local HVAC professional to schedule your next cleaning and maintenance service. Chances are that tech will arrive with just the right parts to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and with the exact items needed to replace that drain hose.