Author: dpadmin

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.

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.

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.

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.

Higher Energy Bills Expected With Longer Winter ’16-’17 Season

Americans living from the east coast to the central plains should prepare for a long winter this year. Information released by ACCUWeather and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate we will have the coldest winter in years. By contrast, the southern portion of the country can expect a warmer and drier winter for 2016-2017. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects temperatures to be much colder than last winter. With the temperatures expected to be the lowest since 2010, HVAC contractors are making sure people’s heating systems are ready. Whether you use gas, electricity, or oil, higher energy bills expected with longer winter weather are still hard on your checkbook. But just exactly how much can you expect to pay?

Higher Energy Bills Expected with Longer Winter

Temperature Differences

The NOAA expects temperatures that are 17% lower than last year in the midwest and northeast regions. In addition, the South can expect temperatures to be up to 18% colder. The West, however, will likely see temperatures 2% warmer on average than last winter. Says ACCUWeather meteorologist Evan Duffey, “This warmth will come to an end in January, which could be a big month for HVAC contractors as the jet stream changes and cold air spills into the eastern two-thirds of the nation. This even includes Florida, where we are concerned for a freeze this year, which is a very rare event for the Florida Peninsula.”

Higher Energy Costs

With the longer, colder winter expected this year, households and business spaces heated by natural gas are expected to reach $10.37 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). That’s 11% higher than last winter, and the highest gas prices since the 2010-2011 winter season. In addition, homeowners using heating oil to heat their homes can expect to spend an average of 38% more this winter than last year. Electric heating will also increase by an average of 5% this winter.

Be Prepared

Don’t let the winter chill sneak up on you this year. Prepare your home and business for the colder weather now. Corporate Mechanical can help winterize your HVAC system. Call us today and ask about an inspection and winter HVAC services. With higher energy bills expected with longer winter weather this year, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor. Call today!

HVAC Refrigerant Cylinders Expected in Uniform Color By 2020

Everyone from the professional contractor to the average homeowner experiences frustration with color-coded equipment. HVAC professionals deal with an entire color wheel of refrigerant cylinder colors. There are so many, in fact, that the issue has prompted the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute to take action. New revisions in AHRI Guideline N, “Assignment of Refrigerant Container Colors” state that all refrigerant containers should be a universal gray-green color by 2020. The guideline is a means of equipment identification. However, increasing numbers of approved colors and equipment has lead to concern about confusion among colors that look too similar. Find out how HVAC refrigerant cylinders expected in uniform color by 2020 will affect the market and the industry.

HVAC Refrigerant Cylinders Expected in Uniform Color by 2020

Concerns Behind the Change

Colors are added to equipment in many industries as a safety precaution. For example, refrigerants have different operating pressures and some contain flammable properties that pose serious safety hazards. In addition, using refrigerants in the wrong application can lead to equipment damage, which means expensive repairs. With so many new refrigerants on the market, the new guideline will ensure safe and proper use for contractors.

Support for the Change

AHRI conducted a survey of contractors, suppliers, technicians, and more to determine if the many colors used for refrigerant identification was confusing. More than half of the participants said that they were. As a result, the new change stipulates that all containers will be a universal color, but their individual packages may maintain the original unique assigned color. The goal is to have contractors and other handlers rely more on the labels to identify individual refrigerants.

Concerns for the Change

Ultimately, the cartons or packaging for refrigerant cylinders is not changing. Only the cylinders themselves are getting a new look. Therefore, assigned colors being used today will still appear on cylinder cartons in 2020. In the end, the change to the cylinders will not necessarily make anything easier for contractors. Rather it means that contractors will have to pay more attention to the labels instead of relying on the colors for identification.

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.