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.

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!

More Ways to Prepare a Building for Winter Weather

People are usually well-versed in ways to winterize their homes, but can sometime neglect to apply the same treatment to their commercial buildings. Understanding the precautions necessary to winterize your commercial property is important to maintaining the operations of your business.

Maintenance for the Building

  • Make sure that gutters have been cleared of any objects, including leafs or other organic material. This ensures proper draining during the cold months.
  • Make sure that nothing is blocking your drains. If moisture is not draining properly in the winter, it could cause significant damage. Inspect and roof flashing penetrations or building envelopes as well, and seal them to prevent water from flowing into the building.
  • Inspect gutters to make sure they are properly attached to the building
  • Make sure any accumulated debris is removed from basement and foundation drains, especially the storm drains in the parking lot.
  • Trim any nearby trees or large shrubs to reduce the amount of leaves or branches that could enter the drains
  • Service your heating equipment early. This will ensure that nothing breaks down when it is being used constantly during the winter.
  • Test all carbon monoxide detectors
  • Discourage the use of space heaters, but in cases where they are permitted, make sure they have a UL label

Removing Ice and Snow

A representative for a Denver roofing company offers the following pieces of advice:

  • Make sure you already have the proper tools before winter. This includes shovels, salt and other material to melt the ice, and anything else necessary to facilitate the removal of snow in your area.
  • Review any contracts you have with the maintenance crew if you have hired one. This will reduce the amount of unanticipated bills later in the winter, and ensure you receive the service you desire.
  • Make sure your exterior lighting works. This makes it much easier to remove ice and snow during the evening when the building is closed for business.
  • Start any parking lot repair before winter begins, especially pot holes and curb damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

A spokesperson for Asbestos Abatement in Denver offers the following:

  • Make sure any irrigation system is turned off. This will keep water inside the pipes from freezing.
  • Make sure any wall or attic pipes are sealed to prevent airflow near the opening.
  • Consider a temperature alarm in any high risk areas, and add extra insulation near pipes in your attic or basement
  • If possible, let a sink drip if it happens to be in an extremely cold area (only if the water cannot be drained or turned off).
  • Make sure all your windows and doors have the proper sealant, especially if they are in an unheated area of your property.

7 Ways to Winterize a Building

An unpleasant fact of life is that a lot of the energy in your structure or commercial structure spent on heating is wasted due to failing insulation and lack thereof. If you address a lot of the issues you will have a chance to make that a thing of the past, so consider what you can do to make it happen. With the proper insulation, your structure and its HVAC system will be much easier to work with and they won’t waste as much energy trying to keep your building warm. The biggest consumers of energy happen to be large appliances such as freezers, water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, but HVAC systems can also eat up a lot of energy when they are working with poor insulation. You can work on this before the winter season, allowing you to install all of these and to deal with house cleaning when the job is done. Be careful when working as you may need to perform upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning if you work with foam. The following examples will explain how you can winterize your building properly to avoid any issues up ahead:
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