Author: dpadmin

The Climate of Minnesota

Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest, which means its climate is more varied than most places in the United States. It gets cold in the winter, and hot in the summer, with snow and rain and everything in between coming all year round. Here are some facts about Minnesota’s climate.

Winter

Minnesota has hot summer and cold winters, which means it is categorized as having a continental climate. In the winter, the precipitation is predominantly snow, but there can also be freezing rain. Snow is a big part of winters in Minnesota, with amounts ranging from 170 inches to 10 inches, depending on the area of the state. Blizzards are not uncommon throughout the winter months.

Spring

Since the winter can be so cold, the spring is a time for change. There are often snowstorms in early spring, but temperatures warm in late spring. This drastic change in climate can lead to a risk of tornadoes.

Summer

Like anywhere else in the United States, summers are hot and humid in southern Minnesota, and slightly less so in the northern areas. The humidity can cause thunderstorms for 30-40 days out of the year. Temperatures can get to the mid-80s in the south, and upper 70s in the north. The climate is suitable for growing for 90-160 days in the year. The variation is because of shorter Iron Range growing season when compared to the rest of the state.

Autumn

The fall climate is almost the opposite of the spring. The temperatures can change quickly, which can lead to storm systems, which begin to develop into snow storms by the end of autumn.

Lake effect

Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake, so it unsurprisingly can have an effect on the climate in the Arrowhead Region that surrounds it. The lake keeps the area cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. So the temperature does not fluctuate as much as the rest of the state throughout the year.

When it comes to weather, there is no condition that Minnesota does not experience in some form throughout the year. If you live or travel there, make sure to dress for the elements, as you sometimes do not know what you are going to get.

Reference:

“Climate of Minnesota.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Apr. 2017. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.

VRF Market Will See Significant Growth Through 2022

MarketsandMarkets recently released a report stating that the VRF market will see significant growth through 2022. At the moment, sales are expected to reach $24.09 billion by 2022. The global market for VRF (variable refrigerant flow) was valued at $11.08 billion in 2015. That means a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% will be seen in the next 6 years. As a result, manufacturers expect shipments to maintain exponential growth for years to come. Why such a spike in sales? VRF systems are some of the most energy efficient systems on the HVAC market. Furthermore, they are incredibly simple to install, and just as easy to maintain. But that’s not the only reason for their growing popularity. Continue reading “VRF Market Will See Significant Growth Through 2022”

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.

Las Vegas HVAC Convention Sets New Bar For HVAC Industry Conventions

The inaugural Service World Convention 2016 was just held at the end of October at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. The event was presented by Service Nation Inc. and BNP Media, who wanted to do something beyond a traditional seminar. As a result, Service World Convention provided one of the most impressive lineups of keynote speakers, educational seminars, and face-to-face networking opportunities many attendees had ever seen. Consequently, more than 700 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors attended the event from all over the country. CEO Matt Michael commented on the turnout: “If Service World is this good right out of the chute, imagine how much better it will be in 2017. Every contractor owes it to their business to attend Service World every year.” But what was it that made the Las Vegas HVAC convention so successful?

Las Vegas HVAC Convention – Service World 2016

Renowned Industry Leaders

Event organizers recruited an impressive lineup of industry leaders to speak at the convention. Hudson Inc. CEO Adam Hudson and “Blue Collar Coach” Kenny Chapman were among the keynote speakers. In addition, former race-car driver turned motivational speaker, Derek Daly, gave a heartfelt appeal to all HVAC contractors in attendance. “The greatest power we all possess is the power to choose,” he said. “You must make a choice to step closer to extraordinary because, if you do, it doesn’t matter what your competition does.”

Training Seminars

Training and educational seminars were provided in four categories, or “lanes”. These included leadership, sales, business development, and marketing. Todd Liles, founder of Service Excellent Training, provided an in-depth panel on hiring millennials. The presentation was titled Killing the Professional: How to Create a Sustainable Team Member. During his speech, he spoke of the importance of the hiring process and of hiring millennials. “Millennials think differently than older generations. Is it bad? No, but it’s different,” he said. “Millennials are not the future, they’re our now. We have to be flexible and willing to do what it takes to find the help we need.”

A Great Success

Service World Convention 2016 drew more than 700 attendees, all made up of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. Organizers are already beginning to plan next year’s convention, as a result of the enormous success of the Las Vegas HVAC convention. The 2017 Service World Convention is set to take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

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!