Xergy Currently Developing Greener HVAC Systems

Bamdad Bahar is the founder of Xergy. Xergy is a Seaford startup that is working to find a way to make greener HVAC systems for homes and businesses. Their goal is to find a way to convert the membrane technology used in fuel cells for climate control purposes. As a result, modern HVAC systems will be more environmentally friendly. Says Bahar of the project, “There are literally hundreds of applications for this membrane technology in everything from electronics to industrial to medical. But right now refrigeration and air conditioning is our main focus.” But what does this technology entail? How is it different from traditional HVAC technology? And how is Xergy currently developing greener HVAC systems to use on a larger, nationwide scale? Continue reading “Xergy Currently Developing Greener HVAC Systems”

Contractors Review the Benefits of Smart HVAC Technology

We live in a world of ever-changing technology. Almost everyone has a smart phone. Smart televisions and cars are available on the market. Not surprising, HVAC contractors are looking to the future of smart air and heating technology. Whether you’re a bit old-school or are all about new-age tech, smart technology is paving the way for the HVAC industry. As a result, contractors are reviewing the benefits of smart HVAC technology into the market. But how will this new technology affect your home or business? Continue reading “Contractors Review the Benefits of Smart HVAC Technology”

Wearable Technology Is Becoming Popular in the HVAC Industry – Industry News

Wearable technology like smart watches, glasses, and cameras are huge in law enforcement, construction, and even sports and action/adventure-based fields. But in 2017, it is also breaking into new fields most people might not have ever considered before. One such field is the HVAC industry. Several companies across the United States have already begun implementing wearable technology as part of their technicians’ standard equipment. As a result, contractors can share and review their work with consumers and utilize the recordings for educational and training purposes. But that’s not the only reason wearable technology is becoming popular in the HVAC industry in 2017. Continue reading “Wearable Technology Is Becoming Popular in the HVAC Industry – Industry News”

New Rooftop HVAC Efficiency Regulations Are Going Into Effect In 2018

It’s only been 20-odd days, and already 2017 has brought with it a whirlwind of change. While many people are busy watching the news or protesting in the streets, HVAC contractors are making preparations. They have less than a year to get ready for the “largest energy-saving standard in history”. The US Department of Energy (DOE’s) new [energy conservation standards for commercial air conditioners and heat pumps, and commercial warm-air furnaces] are set to take effect January 1, 2018. In other words, new rooftop HVAC efficiency regulations are going into effect in 2018, and contractors need to start preparing now! The DOE estimates the new rooftop HVAC standard will save 1.7 trillion kWh over 30 years. In addition, the changes have the potential to net building owners up to $10,000 over the life of a single rooftop unit. The standards will take effect in two phases. But with less than a whole year to go until the first phase, are HVAC contractors ready? Continue reading “New Rooftop HVAC Efficiency Regulations Are Going Into Effect In 2018”

New Administration Issuing A Freeze On The Latest Efficiency Regulations

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus recently issued a memorandum declaring a government-wide hold on both new and pending HVAC regulations before they can be published in the Federal Register. HVAC professionals, especially the ACCA, are happy to hear the news. The freeze, they say, has allotted time for further review and discussion of installation and regulation problems that have resulted from past efficiency regulations. ACCA senior vice president for government regulations Barton James stated the “freeze allows ACCA the opportunity to further help the new administration to better understand how critical it is that future HVAC efficiency regulations must address the installation problems that are rampant in the industry”. But not everyone is happy about the new administration issuing a freeze on the latest efficiency regulations. Continue reading “New Administration Issuing A Freeze On The Latest Efficiency Regulations”

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”

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.

Tips for Office and Warehouse Air Conditioning

We all know it is tough in the summer to live in a home with no air conditioning. Sleeping can be difficult and uncomfortable, cooking makes it even hotter, and you probably do not want to snuggle with your kids or a significant other. What about work, though? It is important for workplaces to be kept comfortable as well, so keep staff and customers happy. Here is some advice regarding air conditioning in commercial settings.

Capacity

With larger spaces holding more people, the unit at your office or warehouse should have more capacity than a residential unit. People, plus machinery, combine to heat up the property, so you need to have the power to cool everything down.

Evaporative System

In a factory or any large commercial space, there are extra challenges when it comes to cooling them down. An evaporative air conditioner might be a good option. They use less energy than traditional air conditioners, which means they’re cheaper to run. They are very good at cooling large factory settings with lots of hot machinery, as well.

Machinery

Speaking of machinery, you would be surprised at how much they can add heat to a building. And it is not just large factory machines, either. Computers, printers, and photocopiers will also give off heat and make any office hotter. When you’re getting a quote for air conditioning, make sure to notify the contractor how much machinery you have, so they can get a good gauge on how much capacity you’ll need.

Keep Everyone Happy

There is no doubt that productivity can suffer if a workplace is not property air conditioned. Instead of working, staff will be fanning themselves, talking to each other about the heat, and generally being distracted by their discomfort. Also, if you have an office or a shop where clients come in to see you, then they may not come back if they were not comfortable. The important thing is setting your thermostat so there is a good balance between too cold and still hot. You’ll have staff and clients that have different comfort levels, so it is important to try to please everyone as best you can.

It is important for any workplace to provide a comfortable space for both workers and clients. Use these tips to keep productivity and comfort at high levels.

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.