Category: Heating

Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Cause for Concern?

 

If you have a commercial HVAC system, you must know the signs of a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can cause your system to break down and can also be dangerous. This blog post will discuss the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger and how to tell if your system has one.

Carbon Monoxide Risk

One of the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger is that it can release carbon monoxide into your home. This is because the cracked heat exchanger allows outside air to enter your system, which mixes with the fumes from your furnace. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, so you should never ignore signs of this problem in your HVAC system.

Furnace Malfunction

Another danger of a cracked heat exchanger is that it can cause your furnace to break down. This is because the cracks create air gaps in your system, which will lead to reduced efficiency and can even result in the furnace turning off completely. If you ignore the problem, this could eventually lead to extensive damage to your furnace or other parts of your system.

Repair Immediately

If you suspect your heat exchanger is cracked, it’s a good idea to have it repaired immediately. An HVAC technician can test the exchanger to determine if it has cracks or other damage. Then, depending on the condition of your system, they may recommend replacing some parts or even the heat exchanger itself.

 

It’s essential to be aware of the signs that your heat exchanger is cracked, as this can pose a serious risk to you and your family. If you suspect a problem with your system, contact an HVAC technician immediately so they can repair or replace the damaged parts.

 

 

Is Your Commercial Heater Making Strange Noises? Here’s What You Should Do

 

It’s the middle of winter, and your commercial heater is making strange noises. You’re not sure what to do – should you be worried? This blog post will discuss what you should do if your commercial heater starts making strange noises this winter. We will also provide tips on preventing this from happening first!

 

One of the most important things to look out for when it comes to commercial heaters is strange noises. If your commercial heater makes odd or unusual sounds, it’s essential to take action immediately.

Your Heater May be Overheating

There can be several potential causes for these strange noises, including issues with the fan, overheating, or problems with the thermostat. To determine what is causing your commercial heater to make these strange noises, you should take it to a professional for an inspection.

Preventative Measures

In addition to detecting and fixing any issues with your commercial heater, there are also steps that you can take to prevent this from happening in the first place. For example, you should always keep your commercial heater clean and well-maintained, as dust and debris can easily get trapped in the fan or other components.

 

If you are concerned about any strange noises coming from your commercial heater this winter, it’s essential to take action immediately. Whether you do the inspection yourself or consult a professional, being proactive and addressing any potential issues can help keep your commercial heater running all season smoothly.

Is Your Furnace’s Bad Smell a Sign of a Bigger Problem?

Do you smell something strange when your furnace is running? Commercial furnaces can sometimes give off an unpleasant smell, but don’t worry – it’s not always a sign of a bigger problem. This blog post will discuss the different scents that your furnace might produce and what they could mean. We’ll also provide some tips on how to fix the issue if there is one. So keep reading to learn more! 

Burning Dust

One possible reason for a foul smell coming from your commercial furnace is the burning of dust or debris on the heating element. During operation, these materials can build up and eventually be burned off, causing a burning or smoky scent. This is usually not caused for alarm and will dissipate once the debris has been burned off. However, if the smell persists or is accompanied by strange noises, it could be a sign of a malfunction, and you should contact a professional for inspection and repair. 

Dirty Air Filter

Another potential cause for an unpleasant smell from your commercial furnace is a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict proper airflow and lead to an accumulation of dirt and dust in the furnace itself. This can result in a musty or dirty smell, reduced efficiency, and increased energy bills. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly change your air filter to prevent this issue and maintain optimal furnace performance. 

Gas Leak

In rare cases, a gas leak could also be the source of bad smells from your commercial furnace. If you notice a strong, sulfur-like smell, or if the smell is accompanied by eye or throat irritation, it’s important to evacuate the building immediately and contact your gas company for assistance. 

 

Overall, a foul smell coming from your commercial furnace can have a variety of causes and may only sometimes indicate a significant problem. However, if the scent persists or is accompanied by strange noises or symptoms, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your system to ensure proper functioning and safety. Also, remember to regularly change your air filter and address any potential issues as soon as they arise.

 

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Commercial Furnace

While it’s not the most enjoyable thing in the world, there comes a time in every furnace’s life when it has to be replaced. As much as you would like to believe that your furnace will never need replacing, it can be all too easy to notice signs that it is on its way out. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. Keeping on top of maintenance and repairs can help increase the lifespan of your furnace by up to 15 years in some cases. If you want to make sure that you are acting before something goes wrong, here are five key signs that it is time for a new commercial HVAC system or commercial heating unit:

1. Your commercial HVAC unit is over 15 years old

2. You notice a fall in your furnace’s energy efficiency

3. It’s starting to give you the heebie-jeebies – literally!

4. Constant repairs and maintenance are no longer an effective solution

5. A dirty commercial HVAC commercial heating commercial air conditioner commercial furnace commercial unit

You can check to see the age of your commercial HVAC unit by looking at the sticker or nameplate. If it is more than 15 years old, even if it’s still in good working order and you maintain it regularly, chances are that changing technology has made a replacement commercial heating commercial air conditioner commercial furnace commercial unit a better option. You can also refer to your energy bills – if they are up 15 percent over the last couple of years, it is probably time you considered replacing your commercial HVAC commercial air conditioner commercial furnace commercial unit.

The more efficient your commercial HVAC commercial heating commercial furnace commercial unit is, the lower your energy costs will be. If you find that commercial furnace systems are costing you more and more money or aren’t operating at their highest level of efficiency, it may be time to get a new commercial HVAC system installed.

Commercial HVAC Winter Maintenance

Unlike residential comfort, the needs of a commercial establishment vary dramatically. There are many benefits to a commercial HVAC system, and there are many different types available. Before making a decision about which type is right for your building, it’s important to consider the size and type of the space you want to heat or cool.

In summer, commercial HVAC systems can run all day and all night without any issue. During winter, the HVAC system is even more important, because it’s much harder to work outdoors. When the weather gets cold and you’re not able to keep employees or clients comfortable, the energy bill can rise. You don’t want to spend a fortune on repairs if your commercial HVAC system is causing a problem for your business.

For commercial HVAC repair jobs, it’s important to choose an experienced technician. A professional HVAC technician is familiar with the structure of commercial buildings and their unique heating and cooling needs. It’s important to have a functioning heater for winter.

Scheduling yearly inspections are key to your commercial HVAC’s success. This can prevent total failures and costly repairs, especially when the weather demands a functioning system. Working with experienced HVAC technicians is beneficial as they will pass on any tips to the property managers or business owners to help them optimize their system to the fullest.

The Importance of Gas Furnace Maintenance

As the weather cools down, it’s time to get the heaters running. If your building’s heating system relies on a gas furnace, you should be aware of the potential hazards that arise when it is turned back on. Although it is not inherently dangerous to run a gas furnace, there are potential risks. Here is what you need to know about gas furnace safety.

Understanding Potential Hazards

Any appliance that combusts natural gas for operating has the potential of combusting or leaking toxic substances. Carbon monoxide is the toxic byproduct of natural gas combustion. Most people know the dangers of carbon monoxide, as prolonged exposure could result in death. But all of this is preventable with proper maintenance.

How to Keep Your Furnace Safe

The best precaution you can take is to perform annual maintenance right before the system goes live. Professional HVAC technicians will look at the furnace to ensure everything is in working condition, and most importantly, there are no cracks on the surface. Cracks can leak carbon monoxide into the air, so they must be identified before your furnace runs.

While gas furnaces don’t pose a serious threat to a building, there is always a risk of carbon monoxide leaks or fires if a furnace is not regularly inspected each year.

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.

A Comprehensive Guide to Variable Frequency Drives

Variable frequency drives (VFD) are used in appliances and compressors of all sizes. They can help make electrical motors more efficient. They work by managing the frequency and the voltage so that they use energy in the most efficient manner possible. They are being used more and more as the development of the technologies has made the drives smaller and improved their performance. Here are some things to know about variable frequency drives.

AC Motor
Usually the motor for a variable frequency drive is a three phase induction. This is because such motors are generally the most economical. Less commonly used are wound rotors, permanent magnets, and synchronous motors.

Controller
A VFD has a controller that runs because of three sub-systems. Those sub-systems are the converter, the DC capacitor, and the inverter assembly. The converter stage is where the AC voltage is converted to DC voltage. The DC capacitor assembly and the inverter assembly work in tandem to initiate the three phase voltage. In 1983, the insulated gate bipolar transistor made it so that a VFD cost less and improved its amperage ratings.

Operating
VFDs have an extensive operator interface. It can start and stop the motor, as well as adjust the speed. There are types that allow for reversing the motor and even switching from manual control to automatic. VFDs are operated by either a computer network, digital controls, or the operator interface controls on the unit.

Drive Operations
A VFD will have three options for driver operations. Single quadrant operations are most common, and involve using constant or variable torque. Two-quadrant loads are needed when the torque alters its polarity but the speed is constant. For the highest performance, a four-quadrant load can handle speeds and torques that change direction and force.

Types of Variable Frequency Drives

Controlled Source Inverter
A controlled source inverter (CSI) works by using a SCR converter to convert all the incoming power to DC. CSI have a large internal inductor so that they can work efficiently and properly to handle the incoming power load. The advantages of this type of VFR are that the circuitry is relatively simple, they are very reliable, and they are capable of regeneration. Some of the drawbacks are that it relies on that large conductor, which is expensive, and that it is not compatible with multi-motor applications.

Voltage Source Inverter
Voltage Source Inverters (VSI) are similar to CSI in that the prime function is the covert power to DC by using a SCR converter section. However, VSI drives cannot regulate current, which the CSI drive can do. The VSI can create an adjustable frequency output for motors.

Pulse Width Modulation
The pulse width modulation (PWM) design is the most common drive controller. It can work with the largest variety of motors, and is very reliable. It is the most sold by manufacturers as well, so there are many brands from which to choose. As opposed the the VSI and CSI drives, PWM converts AC voltage to DC voltage. It does this by using an inverter section that also has gate bipolar transistor that are insulated. This creates a near-sine wave output. These drives are a low cost upfront, are compatible with multiple motors, and can operate through a power loss. The only issues are that it cannot regenerate, and can break down because of the switching transistors.

Benefits of Variable Frequency Drives
VFDs come with a host of benefits. For one, they are very energy efficient, in particular with regards to centrifugal load service. Estimates show that well over 60% of all used electrical energy is consumed by power motors. VFDs and other efficient technologies help to reduce that energy footprint.

Performance Control
VFDs allow you to regulate the amount of power a motor delivers. With fixed speed drive, a motor might be delivering more power than is needed. To have better process control, VFDs will regulate that power and only use as much energy as is required.

Now you know about the different types and benefits of using VFDs. Make sure to choose the right one for the job you have to do.

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.

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”