Month: May 2021

What To Know About Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing is a way for those who work with specialty metals to test for imperfections, such as cracks or gaps. These flaws are detected by electromagnetic induction. It can catch these flaws on the surface of the material, but also in the sub-surface. Not only that, but eddy current testing can also be used to measure the conductivity and thickness of a material. Here are some things that you might find interesting about eddy current testing.

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

Eddy current testing is categorized as a nondestructive testing method. This means two things. For one, the system is reliable, safe, and cost-efficient. The other is that the testing is conducted without causing harm to the material or any parts connected to it. It will also do nothing to affect the use of them in the future. There are several NDT techniques, including simply using the eyeball test, and eddy current testing is one of the most important.

It is Vital in Everyday Life

It may surprise you to hear that eddy current testing is an important part of our lives, but it is absolutely true. Eddy current testing is used in many industries and for many of the products we interact with daily. As an example, eddy current testing is the preferred method to use for testing oil and gas pipelines, chemical manufacturing, nuclear reactors, and our local water systems. There is portable equipment for eddy current testing to perform inspections on site, such as on bridges. Public safety is greatly enhanced by using eddy current testing, which makes it important to us. Not only can it be used for those large components, but it can also be used for smaller parts that also have an impact on safety.

Different Probes Depending on the Mode

ECT uses test probes that come in several styles and sizes. They do not just have different shapes, but also have varying modes of operation. Take, for example, an absolute measurement probe. This probe creates eddy currents by using a coil. These currents then track any changes in the current field. Another probe has two coils, so that the operator can use comparisons to find flaws. If there is a coil lingering over an imperfection, and the other is over a good spot, then the operator gets a signal.

There are Several Factors That Can Affect Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing equipment generally comes with several settings. There is amplitude, frequency, and sensitivity, among others. These all need to be considered when performing ECT. That said, there are other factors in play as well. You must consider anything that might affect the flow of the currents, such as any properties of the material you are testing. If there are obstructions, then an adjustment to the settings may be required.

Magnetic permeability is one of those factors that can affect how easily the currents flow through a material. When measuring permeability, there can be interference created when using ferrous materials. That makes it hard to use eddy current testing for accurate results. To get over this, technicians can use magnetic saturation or different coil arrangements to get accurate readings.

When it comes to interference, even ambient room noise can cause problems for eddy current testing. The best option is to try to filter out any noise in the environment to get a good signal. There can also be issues if the part or material being tested has sharp or geometrical edges. Technicians can use a special scanning technique to overcome this.

The eddy current testing procedure is used on several materials, such as tungsten and molybdenum rods. It is an effective way to inspect materials for damage, cracking, fractures, and pitting.

If you want your HVAC system to run more efficiently, the experts at Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call 763-533-3070.

How Air Conditioning Impacts Productivity

How can the loss of commercial air conditioning impact productivity during hot summer days?

It’s hard to believe that after one of the coldest winters in history, summer is about to embark upon us, bringing with it much anticipated warmth, sunshine and the ability to be far more active outdoors. However, if you own a business, summer doesn’t necessarily equate to happier employees due to increased exposure to the Vitamin D supplied by the sun. In fact, chances are, that as a business owner, you probably already know that the loss of your commercial air conditioning for even a day can dramatically impact the productivity of your employees in a very negative way.

How Air Conditioning Impacts Productivity

Despite commercial air conditioning being created for the benefit of cooling machinery (mainly the paper press), it was quickly recognized as a breakthrough invention that benefited businesses greatly as consumers flocked to air conditioned movie theaters and stores. Hypothesizing that climate controlled environments could benefit not only machinery, but humans, as early as 1950, government researchers began studying the effects of air conditioning within the workplace. They quickly recognized the increased productivity of employees working within offices and factories that were commercially air conditioned. The initial study noted that air conditioning boosted the productivity of employees by at least 25 percent, as well as led to less employee absenteeism when compared to employees that didn’t work in air conditioned environments.

In addition to providing physical comfort to employees in various workplaces like offices and factories, commercial air conditioning also provides added health benefits as well. Medical journals are full of documented studies citing the adverse effects that extremely hot temperatures can have on a persons health. These studies include indisputable correlating data between summer heat waves and increased mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Loss of commercial air conditioning within your business, for even a day, can attribute to high levels of frustration, stress, exhaustion and thereby, naturally, decreased productivity.

William Nordhaus, an acclaimed Economist at Yale University, created a mapping analysis that found that individuals living and operating in cooler climates generated 12 times the economic production versus their counterparts living in the hottest climates across the globe.

Humidity also plays a large role in the comfort of employees and their productivity. The loss of commercial air conditioning within a work environment can wreak havoc upon the desired humidity level, attributing to sluggish employees and diminished work output. If the weather is highly humid, air doesn’t just feel heavier, it is heavier, and moves differently. High humidity doesn’t allow the human body to evaporate sweat as easily as it can at comfortable humidity levels. Commercial air conditioners supply climate controlled comfort by including condensing units that draw the humidity out of the air as it cools the workplace down.

The loss of commercial air conditioning within your business can have devastating effects on the productivity of your employees, so as warmer weather looms on the horizon, savvy business owners should be preparing to assure that their air conditioning systems are up to par in order to avoid not just the cost of emergency repairs, but also to assure that productivity remains at an optimal level.

Oversized HVAC Systems and Design Temperatures

In recent years, there has been a shift away from oversize HVAC systems that are simply too much for the space they need to heat and cool. This is because more emphasis in building and energy codes is towards energy efficiency. Buildings are required to have more accurate cooling and heating load calculations to prevent the problems associated with oversized systems. These problems can include short cycles and poor dehumidification, among other things. However, sometimes systems are still not sized correctly.

Things Are Heating Up

One of the problems that lead to oversized HVAC systems is that the installer used the incorrect design temperatures when making their load calculation. Here is how that happens. In the winter, heat bleeds from the building to the outside. In the summer, the building absorbs heat. How much heat is gained or lost, and how fast it heats or cools, is dependant on the difference in temperature from the outside to the inside. There is a table that provides the industry standard for the proper design temperatures for each season. However, too many contractors ignore or tweak those recommended temperatures when they are making their calculations.

Temperatures are always in flux, whether inside or outside a building. How much heat a building games or loses is in flux as well, even from hour to hour and day to day. If the goal is to keep the temperature of a building at a constant, such as 72 degrees, then the difference in temperature from outside and inside will be less in the evening and morning during the summer when it is cooler. When the temperature difference goes up, then the cooling load will have to rise as well. In most cases, buildings have air conditioners that are not designed to change the amount of cooling based on the change in temperature. THis would require split heat pumps, which are not common.

Design Temperatures

This is where design temperatures come in. Since most HVAC equipment is fixed capacity, and not variable, the design temperature will help make sure your system is operating at its best. The question is, what do these temperatures represent? In Winter, the 99% temperature refers to the level that the outdoor temperature will be above for 99% of the time. This is based on a 30-year average. This means that in the climate in which the building is located, the temperature will only be below that point for 1 % of the time. For example, in hotter cites, the 99% winter design temperature may be 25 degrees or so.

In the summer, the 1% design temperature is the point that your climate will be above for just 1% of the time. In a hot place, that point could be in the 80’s, for example. In the past, there used to be 97.5  and 2.5% temperatures. Those are no longer used since the current design temperatures have become the new standard.

Contactors and Design Temperatures

In general, contractors do not like having to return to the scene of a job to adjust things if the customer complains about being uncomfortable. This is why they will install oversized systems to make sure there is always enough cooling and heating. They do not know how about the other factors that come into play with the temperature of a building, such as insulation and infiltration. Despite this, if you are having a new system installed, make sure that the contractor uses the correct design temperatures so that you will not only be comfortable, but you can avoid any issues with having an oversized system for the space that you have.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC?

Residential and commercial HVACs provide the same purpose for their respective buildings, however, the systems are vastly different from one another. Here are the biggest differences between the two.

Commercial HVAC is Larger

The biggest difference is the size. Residential HVAC systems are much smaller than that of commercial sites. Commercials systems also operate differently, as they have different components, such as compressor, evaporates, condenser fans, and thermostats. Residential units rely on less power to operate, as there are likely less people coming in and out of a residential home.

They Both Have Different Locations

In residential homes, the HVAC system is usually in the backyard or along the side of the house. Commercial units, however, tend to be located in a “swamp cooler” or on a building’s roof. Putting a commercial HVAC system on the roof is a great solution to saving space. This also helps with prevent noise pollution, due to the HVAC system’s ability to generate loud noise.

Commercial HVAC are Much More Complex

Due to the sheer size difference between the two, the structure is much different. Commercial systems require more adaptability, due to each and every business’s unique building structure. They also typically serve many more people than residential ones do. The drainage system is one of the most notable differences. In commercial HVAC systems, multiple pans and pipes are used to ensure the drainage is completely evaporated.

Commercial HVAC Has a Higher Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of a commercial HVAC system is much more than single residential units. This is due to all of the differences listed above, such as size and complexity. Commercial HVAC systems require highly skilled technicians to work on, as they also need to be professionally installed. You should never attempt to repair an HVAC system yourself.

Both residential and commercial HVAC systems serve the same purpose, however they are completely different machines.To ensure that your HVAC system (commercial or residential) is performing its best, make sure you are always getting routine checkups.

Why Now Is the Time to Have Your Furnace Looked At

No one wants to think about the cold days of winter, however, you should always have your furnace prepared before the season begins. A fully working furnace is imperative to surviving the harsh temperatures of winter, and it is best to ensure it is in working order sooner than later. Here are three reasons why you should have your furnace inspected right now.

Completing maintenance on your furnace before the weather gets too cold can give you peace of mind because knowing your furnace is in the best shape will alleviate any stress if there is an issue during the cold months ahead. A furnace that operates at its best performance is crucial to surviving the winter, as it can be incredibly difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature without it.

When your furnace sits and collects dust in the warmer months, it can get grimy and dirty. This makes it so it doesn’t perform as well as it should be, and it can end up using more energy than intended. Not only will this end up costing you more money for utility bills, but it can also lead to serious problems down the road. Getting preemptive inspections and cleaning will ensure that your furnace is in running condition, saving you more money and having a lesser impact on the environment.

Inspecting and repairing a furnace before it is running will make it prepared to handle the cold before it gets too late. Early maintenance will ensure all of the mechanical parts and lubrication are proper, which in turn will allow a smooth airflow. Regularly scheduled maintenance will extend the lifespan of your furnace, so you won’t ever have to worry about major repairs shortly.

Why your heating bill is too high

As cooler weather approaches, you will eventually have to turn the heat on. While it is obvious that your heating bill will be higher in the Fall and Winter, sometimes it seems too high. Learn which factors can contribute to raising your bill, and some tips you can follow to prevent an outrageous monthly cost.

What are the main factors that contribute to high heating bills?

Change in seasons
The most obvious factor is the change in season. When it’s cold out, we want our home’s to be inviting and warm. Some people will end up dialing their thermostats too high temperatures to rapidly heat the home. If the change is too drastic, your furnace will work even harder, which will consume more energy.

Laundry machine
Surprisingly, another factor is your laundry machine. When it’s cold out, we wear extra layers and blankets. Naturally, our laundry room will be a bit busier, since it will require more washing. You might not realize it, but you probably will end up doing more laundry in the winter. This also contributes to higher utility bills.

Your home is poorly insulated
If you live in an older home, or if it doesn’t have proper insulation, you could be losing a lot of heat through leaks. This could be the main reason why your home never gets to the desired temperature you set on your thermostat, especially if you have it always running.

Your furnace isn’t functioning properly
If you’ve decided that none of the above are possible reasons, then it could, unfortunately, come down to the efficiency of your furnace. Old and outdated furnaces lose their power after quite some time, and if you don’t have regular maintenance on your furnace, its lifespan could be much shorter.

How to keep your heating bill low
Lowering your heating bill is much simpler than you’d expect. Here are the steps you can take to reduce the overall energy consumption in your home.

Lower your temperature
This sounds counterproductive in the cold, but in all reality, you will likely not notice a drop in a few degrees. Yet, the minor adjustment could save up to 10% of your heating cost.

Use a programmable thermostat
Regular thermostats cycle at every hour of the day, which means it can run when you’re asleep or not home. This is not very efficient. Programmable thermostats, however, can be set to your daily routines. If you’re not home, you can adjust it so your heater isn’t running and wasting energy. This can reduce the cost of your heating bill significantly.

Wear more layers
You can stay cozy and warm but bundling up indoors. While you have your thermostat set to a lower temperature, doing more laundry won’t have as much as a consequence on your bill. Find a cozy sweatshirt, or cuddle with your favorite blanket. These are great ways to keep yourself warm in your home, while still having a comfortable room temperature.

Have your furnace inspected
If you are actively implementing these steps, and are finding no solace, then it might be time to have your furnace inspected. You should have your furnace looked at yearly to ensure everything is in working condition. A professional HVAC company can do a quick checkup to make sure everything is functioning as it should.

The Most Common HVAC Myths

A lot of people have differing ideas on HVAC services and repairs. So how do you know what is a myth and what is the truth? Here are the five biggest myths regarding HVAC repair services.

Myth #1: You should only replace your filter once a year
Truth: This is one of the biggest HVAC myths out there. And not only is this a big myth, but it is also a big mistake! You should be changing your filter once a month, not every year. Too many people either forget to replace it, or they believe that you only need to do it once a year. This is even worse for households that have pets.

Myth #2: The bigger the HVAC, the better
Truth: When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Especially if it’s for a residential setting. Large HVAC systems are designed for large buildings, not houses. It can be less efficient for a home. Incorrectly sized HVAC systems will have a difficult time eradicating humidity in your home. This is why it is crucial to have a professional HVAC service company to evaluate the best size for your home.

Myth #3: Don’t repair your HVAC unless it’s broken
Truth: When you own a car, you bring it in for routine maintenance. The last thing you’ll want is for it to break down while you’re driving it. Like a car, your HVAC system should have regular checkups done. Inspections ensure that everything is working, which can prevent any unexpected and outrageous costs from happening.

Myth #4: You can easily find air leaks around your home.
Truth: You would think it’s simple to find an air leak in your home, but it can be impossible for an ordinary homeowner to find them all. Even the biggest leaks can be difficult to spot. An experienced HVAC technician will be able to find and fix any leak. They’re well versed in all the ins-and-outs, so you can trust their guided expertise.

Myth #5: The only way to effectively heat the home is by cranking the thermostat
Fact: While it’s clear that your thermostat controls the overall temperature of your home, in reality, it won’t ever achieve the level of comfort with a faulty HVAC system. There are many factors for why your home won’t heat up, which could come down to its overall insulation. Scheduling regular maintenance will ensure that your home will always reflect the desired temperature.

The Most Common HVAC Problems During the Winter

Every season has its fair share of challenges. For your HVAC system, winter can be one of the most challenging. Here are the top five problems that can arise during the wintertime.

1. Freezing Pipes

As temperatures decrease and ice begins to form, coils and pipes can be subjected to freezing. This can result in a systemwide failure. Hydronic systems, like steam radiators and water heaters, could cause the water to stop flowing. And there is nothing worse than not having hot water during the cold winter months.

In extreme cases, the frozen pipes can burst, and the damage can be more catastrophic. This is why it is always important to double check your pipes and systems to ensure there is no freezing, and if there is, contact a professional HVAC company to come inspect it.

2. Inadequate Airflow and Temperature Regulation

HVAC systems that aren’t optimized and inspected for winter could lead to irregular temperatures in the house. Imagine the frustration when you discover one room is colder than the other. Uneven airflow isn’t always an HVAC problem, but if your windows and doors are properly closed, and there are no holes or leaks you are aware of, then it could be an HVAC issue.

3. The Heat Pump Could Malfunction

Not all homes are heated equally. Some rely on heat pumps that are usually outside. Winter weather can cause damage to them, such as coil blockage and broken fans. Another common issue is defrost failure. A properly working heat pump requires its fans and coils to be clear of frost and ice. Luckily, some options allow for automatic defrosting. But in older heat pumps (and malfunctioning ones) you may have to manually scrape the ice and frost off.

4. Heater Filters Need Cleaning

When a heater is overused, the filter can become filled with dirt, dust, and debris. A blocked filter will decrease the air flow, which means the home will be cooler. And unfortunately, not many people realize that they have poor air circulation.

5. The Thermostat is broken

At times, the issue isn’t with the hardware, rather, the thermostat itself. There could be some electronic issue, possibly a faulty wire. It can be a simple fix that can solve a huge problem! A functioning thermostat controls the temperature and can promote energy efficiency.

Wintertime HVAC Emergencies

Wintertime can cause many problems for your building’s HVAC system, however, HVAC emergencies can happen any time of the year. The fact of the matter is, these problems tend to be more common during the winter months. Your building may need emergency HVAC repair services if the following issues happen.

Heat Pump Failure

While these tend to occur in residential buildings, failing heat pumps can happen in commercial buildings. Heat pumps efficiently provide solutions to heating, but they need to be repaired as soon as possible when a problem occurs. Common problems are damaged heating elements, damaged electrical components, and low refrigerant levels.

Furnace Issues

Furnaces can also cause system-wide heating problems, but these are typically due to pilot light or other heating elements. Failing pilot light and ignition are common occurrences, however, electrical problems can be to blame. When furnaces fail, this can lead to freezing pipes.

Blower Issues

When the HVAC’s blowers go out, it can lead to inadequate heating. This can be a nuisance during the winter months. Some repairs that may need to be done are, motor fixed, replacing bushings, blower fan repair. A blower motor should be repaired as it can cause the heat to not spread to all parts of the building.

Hazards With Dysfunctioning HVACs

There is a potential for a carbon monoxide leak during the colder months. Other common wintertime HVAC emergency hazards are damage to electrical wiring and gas furnace leaks. These issues should not be taken lightly. You want to make sure you get a professional HVAC specialist to check your equipment as soon as possible for an emergency repair.