Month: May 2021

Tips to Save Air Conditioning Energy This Summer

There may be nothing better on a summer’s day than to come in from the hot weather, thirsty and sweaty, to a nice cool building. Air conditioning has become a lifeline for so many in the summer who cannot stand the heat. Unfortunately, your air conditioner uses a lot of energy, and can be quite costly. Here are some tips to keep your energy consumption low this summer.

Seal and Insulate

Make sure your building is well insulated, and seal any spots where air from the outside can get in. If hot air is coming in, then your HVAC system will have to work harder to cool down the building, which will cost you money. Your entire building should be well insulated as well, to keep the heat out and the cool in.

Use a Fan and Shades

Yes, a traditional fan can save energy. A standing fan or a ceiling fan can help circulate the cool air to better cover every spot in the building. On days that are not too hot, you can turn off your AC and use fans to be cooled by their breeze. Shading your windows will also help prevent your building from getting heated up by sunlight like your car does on a hot day.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can be set to only run the air conditioning at certain times of day when it is most needed, or to maintain a certain temperature. You can set it to a slightly higher temperature than what you originally want, as well. Instead of setting it low to get an immediate blast of cold air, set it a bit higher. You’ll cool more slowly, but you will not work your AC system as hard.

Use A Swamp Cooler

A swamp cooler evaporates water in the air, so that the area cools. It uses much less energy than a compressed air AC system. The windows should be left open for this method.

Maintain Your Filters

Your filters can get clogged with all sorts of debris, so make sure you change them regularly, especially if you have pets. The less airflow there is because of a clogged filter, the harder your AC unit will work.

Do not let your energy costs get out of control this summer. Save energy with these helpful tips.

What New Technology is Changing the HVAC Industry?

We live in a world where we are becoming more connected all the time. We can contact whoever we want from a device we keep in our pocket, and access any information we need using that same device. Our homes are no different. More and more products are coming to the marketplace to help us be connected to, and automate, our home lives like never before. Should HVAC contractors be selling these products along with traditional ones, or leave that to the larger companies and big box stores?

Fringe Items

“Fringe items” is the new buzz term for items that will help connect several aspects of your home. They include locks, sprinkler systems, and lighting systems, for example. For heating and cooling, there are many new options on the scene that contractors can potentially offer to their clients. However, the HVAC industry as a whole has not embraced this new technology in the same way that other industries have. It may be time for contractors to start training both themselves and their staff on new technologies, so they can start seeing the benefits. Once they see the benefits, they will be able to more effectively sell those products and services to their customers and improve their lives.

How it Could Be Successful

It seems that for many contractors, it is all or nothing. They have either embraced home automation, or ignored it completely. The latter group may end up being squeezed out. Selling fringe items means getting to know your clients, and finding out what their needs are. The best thing about new options and technologies is that there is more of an ability to customize, so there’s no reason a client canot get what they want. HVAC contractors are in a unique position when compared to contractors from other industries who are in the home automation game. They often already have paid memberships, and they visit clients’ homes several times a year in some cases. With that relationship comes trust.

Since the world is getting more connected, there’s no reason that the HVAC industry should not embrace the changes. Making clients’ lives easier and providing them with the service should be the primary goal.

A New Cooling Tower From SPX Cooling Technologies Is On The Way

The Marley AV line of cooling towers are getting a makeover. The popular single flow, factory assembled cooling towers are going to get a boost in power and some special features in a new redesign announced by SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. Here is a rundown of what you need to know.

Features

The new features include a new cross flow design that that will come in both single and multi-fan models. Plus it will have a flow rate of 117 to 1541 gpm, and a tonnage range from 122 to 772. Despite this, it will be even more energy efficient. It will be able to handle household air conditioning and refrigeration, but will also be able able to handle lighter industrial loads.

It will come standard with a bearing housing belt drive system. However, also available on some models will be the Marley Geareducer and motor outside airstream options. There are a plethora of other design and usage options, such as stainless steel basins, access doors, sweeper piping, and mechanical access doors as well. These are all features that will make inspecting and maintaining the tower much easier and safer. Along with this, the tower will also have a hot water basin guardrail system and a plenum walkway that’s slip-resistant. Safety and functionality are the calling cards of the redesign.

Also a part of the redesign will be the brand new, Markey Drift Eliminator, patent-pending. These will help the cooling towers get even an even lower drift rate, at .0005% of water flow. That means that the tower will retain water much better than previous models. Customers will also have a choice between quiet and ultra-quiet fan modes as well. The Cooling Technology Institute has fully certified the AV, so you can expect quality. This new product will be available around the world.

SPX Cooling Technologies is a worldwide leader in manufacturing cooling towers and other cooling equipment and accessories. They are committed to providing an exceptional customer experience, from customer service to quality products.They have been innovators in the HVAC industry for more than 100 years.

Johnson Controls to Provide Rebates on HVAC Equipment For Hurricane Victims

At times of great devastation, it’s important for communities and countries to come together to help those in need. Johnson Controls is doing just that by offering discounts to homeowners in Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. To qualify, residents must live within the designated disaster area as defined by FEMA. The rebates can be used towards the replacement of air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation equipment.

Which Products Qualify?

There are several products that qualify for the rebate, with ones that provide the best Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) offering the best rebates. The more efficient the product, the better. Certain products from Champion, Fraser, Cole, Luxaire, Johnston, Guardian, and Evcon qualify. For air conditioners, if they have a SEER of 20, there is a $250 rebate. It’s $200 for an 18 rating, $150 for 16/17, and $100 for 14. For furnaces, there is a $150 rebate for 90% AFUE models, and $75 for 80% AFUE.

How To Apply

To apply for the rebate, homeowners or Johnson Controls employees can visit johnsoncontrols.com/harvey, or call (855)324-3650. The rebates cannot be used with other rebate offers, but fortunately they can apply retroactively. At the same website, homeowners will find a locater to find certified dealers in their area to make sure that they have a trusted source for their new equipment.

Other Initiatives

Johnson Controls also encourages everyone to donate to the Red Cross to help the recovery effort. The company already donates $500,000 every year to the charity, but have a spot on the site to donate. They’ve also set up a Harvey Relief Fund for employees who have fallen victim to the hurricane. Johnson Controls will match all donations to the fund as well. They have also created a team within the company to help with a strategy to meet the needs of affected employees.

Johnson Controls has stated that its prime concern is with the health and the needs of its employees. With the rebate initiative, and the relief fund for employees, they are showing that everyone must come together to help when disaster strikes.

How To Protect Your HVAC System During a Hurricane

From the recent hurricane activity over the summer, it should be obvious to anyone that hurricanes can cause a massive amount of damage. When it comes to protecting your home, it’s always best to be prepared well before a hurricane strike is imminent. This includes protecting your HVAC system from the elements. Your system can sustain massive damage in several ways from a hurricane. Here’s how to protect it.

Disconnect The Power

If you air condition your home through window units, then make sure to disconnect the power. Also, you should remove them completely from the window. The high winds could end up blowing the units into your home and causing damage and injury.

Put a Cover On Your HVAC Unit

If you don’t use window units, then you’ll need to protect your outdoor unit as well. It can’t be moved indoors, so a simple tarp that covers the entire unit should work just fine. You will need to strap it down securely, however, so it doesn’t blow away. The tarp will help protect it from the elements, as well as from any flying debris. While you won’t be moving it, you should also try to anchor the unit in place. It may be too heavy for you, but it might not be too heavy for the hurricane. You can purchase straps that have been specifically designed to anchor your HVAC unit in place.

Get Surge Protection

A big part of hurricanes is the amount of lightning that comes with them. If your home gets hit and has a power surge, your HVAC system could be destroyed, along with any number of other appliances. You can purchase a surge protector that will ensure that everything in your home is protected. It’s also wise to switch off breakers to the thermostat and the HVAC unit until the storm passes.

Inspect Your Yard

While a tarp will provide some protection, it won’t defend well against certain things. Inspect your yard for lawn equipment, toys, large branches, and other objects that can be swept up in the wind.

Do not be caught flat-footed when a hurricane strikes. Make sure to take every precaution to protect your HVAC system.

Researchers Look to UVGI To Improve HVAC Performance

HVAC Innovation

Researchers are looking into a new way to improve the air quality and energy efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A team from Penn State University have been testing whether ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) would work to help maintain cooling coils and keep them clean.

The team went about testing the air flow, humidity, and pressure drop before and after cleaning the cooling coils with UVGI. They will then use that data to measure what the benefits would be of using it.

HVAC Operations

When an HVAC system is running, microorganisms collect on the coils that transfer heat throughout the system. These fungi and bacteria, along with other materials, can build up to a point that affect the performance of the system as a whole. More energy is used to make up for the gap in performance. Not only that, but the microorganisms are also spread into the building. The condensation that forms on heat transfer coils are what make them particularly susceptible to contamination.

What to Do

There are a few current options for cleaning the coils. They include mechanical and chemical methods. UVGI is also currently used, but because there is very little research about its effectiveness, it is not common. UVGI is a common disinfectant for other applications, but there are concerns not just about the effectiveness for HVAC systems, but also whether it negatively affects air quality. This new research is meant to make determinations on these questions.

The project is currently operating at two test sites. Not only will they be collecting immediate data, but they will also collect data over time to see if the results hold up in the long term. That way, they can see if UVGI continues to be safe and effective after several uses.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have been working to “maximize the actual operational energy performance of buildings and facilities,” and this research coincides with that effort. The hope is that UVGI will prove to be a safe and effective cleaner for HVAC systems, and can be used more widely.

There is a movement across all industries and sectors to be more energy efficient and safer in all things. HVAC systems will continue to improve in both factors through research like this.

If you have any needs for commercial HVAC services, Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call us at 763-533-3070

How To Maintain Your HVAC System

You may think that your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system does not need regular maintenance, but you would be wrong, even if it is a brand new system. The fact is, not only can your system fail if it is not properly maintained, but the health of the occupants of the building can suffer as well. Besides, HVAC systems are an expensive investment, and there is no reason why you should not protect that investment with regular maintenance. Here are some steps to take when maintaining your system.

Filters

Changing the filters regularly may be the single best way to prevent illness and poor air quality. It helps prevent water from pooling and collecting mold and bacteria. Filters are rated using a system called MERV. The higher the rating, the more effective the filter. A clear filter allows the system to more easily cycle air through. If it is clogged, then it will spend more energy pushing air through the system, plus that air will be contaminated by the nasties stuck in the filter.

Do Not Allow Pooling Water

The air conditioner intake is a prime spot for water to collect, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning back the tree line and keeping the roof clear will help keep debris and dirt from getting into the unit. The drain lines that carry condensation away from the unit should also be kept clear and free flowing.

Evaporator and Condenser Coil Cleaning

Evaporator coils collect moisture, which promotes the growth of mold. Air coming into the building passes over those coils as well, meaning contaminated air gets spread throughout the building. Coils should be cleaned using and antimicrobial cleaner. Ultraviolet lights may also be effective in preventing mold. However, most HVAC systems do not come with ultraviolet lights, so they would have to be installed afterwards, potentially using a separate power source.

The best thing for your HVAC system is to keep it running at its best at all times. That means even if it is a brand new system, maintaining it regularly and keeping it clean. This will make sure that the air in the building is not causing illness, and also ensure that the system is running as efficiently as possible.

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

The Benefits of Getting a Commercial HVAC Retrofit

The Benefits Of Getting a Commercial HVAC Retrofit

There is not a company in the world that is not looking to save energy and money. Those with older heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems may want to replace their entire system, but might find the cost prohibitive. Luckily there is a way to save energy and costs by retrofitting your current system with add-on components. Here are some of the benefits to this practice.

Energy Saving and More

Energy savings are certainly a big benefit, but there is more that you can get out of retrofitting your system. For one, you can squeeze more life out of the old unit, which means saving your capital dollars for other things. You can also continue using the refrigerant that is already in your current unit, so there is no need to purchase any more. These retrofit add-ons will also help your HVAC system run more efficiently, which means it will heat your building faster and with less cost.

Retrofitting Options

Here are some of the different options you have for retrofitting your HVAC system. You can install more efficient screw compressors. This will lessen the amount of energy used in chilling the building. You can also use air-side economizers. These components will use outside air to help with cooling your building, as opposed to refrigerant. Supply fan speed controls assist with monitoring how hard the system works by allowing you to adjust the fan speeds to suit the time of year and the climate.

Kits For Retrofitting

Many retrofit components are available in kits. These kits make it simple for a home or building owner to retrofit their system without having to put in a lot of shopping and thought. Some kits are made specifically for certain types of systems, and others will work with any system.

How To Know If Your System Will Benefit From Retrofitting

It is not necessarily about the age of your system to decide whether it needs retrofitting. If your system is running long hours in a day, then you will save more money through retrofitting. Or, you may simply notice that your energy bills keep increasing. No matter what your situation, you can always call in a professional to inspect your system and discuss your retrofitting options.

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.