Category: HVAC

What to Expect During an HVAC Inspection

Getting a heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system inspection can help improve your system’s efficiency by finding any trouble spots. Once those problems have been found, then you can go about repairing them. For commercial buildings, it is best to have an inspection on a biannual basis to keep your system running smoothly and upgraded at all times. Here is what goes on during an HVAC inspection.

Checks on Safety

There are many moving parts to an HVAC system, and also a lot of heat. Gas-powered units are susceptible to fire and explosion if they are not maintained and checked properly. The technician can make sure that everything is clean and free of safety hazards. They will also inspect the already existing safety measures to make sure they are functioning properly.

Checks on Efficiency

Cleanliness will also help with the efficiency of the system, so the technician will make sure that the vents and ducts are clear of debris. Dirt and dust will also harm the air quality of a building, so they will make sure that there is not too much buildup. In some cases the inspector can handle the cleaning right away, but if the job is too big you may have to schedule a longer appointment.

Output Of Your System

The technician will also check to make sure that the system is heating or cooling the building appropriately. There is a lot that goes into making a system as efficient as possible. The components must be in good condition, well-lubricated, and installed correctly. Also, the size of the unit must be appropriate for the size of the building. If the system is not as efficient as possible, then you will notice it by the discomfort you will feel every day. You will either be too hot or cold, or you will have to turn the thermostat higher to reach the same temperature that it was at before.

No matter how new your system is, you must have it inspected regularly to make sure that it is running at its peak effectiveness. These inspections will help you keep on top of any issues that may arise to compromise the efficiency and safety of your HVAC system.

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.

4 Signs of a Faulty Air Conditioner

Air conditioning systems can be quite complex and have many different diagnoses for an issue. There are some common issues that homeowners tend to have that can either be solved by simple solutions or signs that it is time to replace your air conditioning unit. Remember these 4 signs of a faulty air conditioner the next time you are having issues.

Signs of a Faulty Air Conditioner

Sign #1: Utility Bills are Sky High

One telltale sign that something isn’t working as efficiently as it should be is if your utility bills are much higher than normal. When something is wrong, the air conditioner simply stops working, making it obvious that something is wrong. Or, things just aren’t working as efficiently as they should be; making it far less easily known that something is amiss.

With these systems having many parts, your first plan of action is going to be calling a professional to come up and inspect your unit. It may just be time for a tune up or some other type of repair and doing this will get your utility bill back down to normal, saving you money in the long run.

Sign #2: Odd Noises

If you are hearing abnormal sounds coming from your air conditioner, you definitely want to get it checked out. When it is properly working, you shouldn’t hear any rattling, ticking or buzzing types of sounds. You should just be able to hear the normal sounds expressing that it is working. These noises can mean a variety of issues. It could be as simple as tightening up a bolt or lubricating some moving pieces. On the other side it could be your air conditioner telling you that it needs more extensive repairs.

Sign #3: The Water Puddle

Seeing a puddle on the floor next to your furnace is a sign that something isn’t as it should be. It is in fact normal for an air conditioner to produce condensation while it’s cooling your home. There is a pan that collects the dripping water so that is doesn’t drip on the floor. It should essentially be self-containing. When you see a puddle on your floor, this could mean that the drainage canal is blocked, forcing the water onto the floor instead of in the drip pan where it belongs. The blockage needs to be cleaned out and possibly may show that a tube needs to be replaced.

Sign #4: No Sign of Life

This last sign is the most depressing sign of all. It’s when your air conditioner shows zero signs of life when you go to turn it on. No matter what you do, it just won’t make an attempt to do its job. This is when you need to consider replacing your air conditioner. The cost of repair for a burnt-out compressor is more than half the cost of purchasing a new unit. So it is oftentimes worth starting fresh. Then you know you can count on it for years to come.

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.

Prevent Your Business from Spending Too Much on Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling costs in large office buildings can be tens of thousands of dollars each year. It costs well over a dollar to maintain comfortable temperatures for each square foot of a commercial building, making these bills add up quickly. As a business, keeping costs low allows for a higher profit margin at the end of the year. In order to keep your HVAC system costs to a minimum, you want to be sure that you have the most effective and efficient system that you can have. If you have a faulty commercial HVAC system, your business is going to be spending more money paying bills than getting your furnace repaired would cost in the long run.

Prevent Your Business from Spending Too Much on Heating and Cooling

Efficiency is key. When it comes to saving money, efficiency is the key. In order to pay the least amount possible for your heating and cooling costs, you have to have an efficient working system. As HVAC systems in commercial buildings are quite complex, there are many pieces that could be faulty, making your whole system a bit less efficient than it should be.

A money-saving contract. One of the best ways to make sure that you HVAC system is in mint working condition is to have regularly scheduled inspections. By finding a licensed commercial HVAC contractor and signing a maintenance agreement with them to come do regular inspections, it can actually save you money in the long run. This may seem like a wild idea, but it’s true that you will be getting a more efficient working system throughout the year so that your heating and cooling bills are as low as possible.

Having regularly scheduled inspections by a licensed contractor will give you the best bang for your buck. At each inspection they will be able to troubleshoot any potential issues, such as tighten loose bolts and screws, grease moving parts and keep your equipment in good condition. If there happens to be any small problems, the inspector will be able to address it before it becomes a big, dangerous or expensive problem.

Plus, with a maintenance agreement, you won’t have to keep track of when your HVAC unit was last inspected or worry about having to schedule inspections. With the agreement, you plan on when and how often the contractor should come. Then you won’t have to worry about this part of maintaining the building, so that you can put your efforts towards building and growing your business.

Overall, to keep your commercial HVAC system running without a hitch you want to have a professional contractor around to do regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance. This is the best way to keep your equipment working in the most effective and efficient way possible. By creating a maintenance agreement you will be able to address smaller issues with your heating and cooling system before they turn into large, expensive problems.

Researchers Look to UVGI To Improve HVAC Performance

HVAC Innovation

Researchers are looking into a new way to improve the air quality and energy efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A team from Penn State University have been testing whether ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) would work to help maintain cooling coils and keep them clean.

The team went about testing the air flow, humidity, and pressure drop before and after cleaning the cooling coils with UVGI. They will then use that data to measure what the benefits would be of using it.

HVAC Operations

When an HVAC system is running, microorganisms collect on the coils that transfer heat throughout the system. These fungi and bacteria, along with other materials, can build up to a point that affect the performance of the system as a whole. More energy is used to make up for the gap in performance. Not only that, but the microorganisms are also spread into the building. The condensation that forms on heat transfer coils are what make them particularly susceptible to contamination.

What to Do

There are a few current options for cleaning the coils. They include mechanical and chemical methods. UVGI is also currently used, but because there is very little research about its effectiveness, it is not common. UVGI is a common disinfectant for other applications, but there are concerns not just about the effectiveness for HVAC systems, but also whether it negatively affects air quality. This new research is meant to make determinations on these questions.

The project is currently operating at two test sites. Not only will they be collecting immediate data, but they will also collect data over time to see if the results hold up in the long term. That way, they can see if UVGI continues to be safe and effective after several uses.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have been working to “maximize the actual operational energy performance of buildings and facilities,” and this research coincides with that effort. The hope is that UVGI will prove to be a safe and effective cleaner for HVAC systems, and can be used more widely.

There is a movement across all industries and sectors to be more energy efficient and safer in all things. HVAC systems will continue to improve in both factors through research like this.

If you have any needs for commercial HVAC services, Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call us at 763-533-3070

Why Hire a Ventilation Service Professional?

Ventilation in your office building is one of the most important aspects of an airtight and environmentally friendly facility. It can help to control the moisture level in the home and to provide energy efficiency, comfortable and healthy place to work. Many people don’t understand just how important it really is. Not only does it eliminate bacteria and disease, but it also allows the exchange of outdoor air with indoor air. Ventilation minimizes odors, moisture and indoor pollutants. Poor ventilation can lead to the growth of volatile organic compounds, radon and formaldehyde in your business. Even high levels of moisture can raise the humidity level leadings to mold growth and structural damage.

When ventilating your business, a professional company such as Corporate Mechanical can make sure that your building is accommodated at a rate of .35 air changes per hour. Proper ventilation should be able to accommodate the best quality of indoor air. The standard ventilation rate is 15 cubic feet per minute. As you can see, it’s important to hire a professional who is used to these calculations and can ensure the proper ventilation is used in your particular building.

It’s also critical that the company you hire for this service understands the basic functions of ventilation before a plan is devised. The ventilation system created should be able to draw in air from the outside, which can consist of less pollutants as well as water vapor. Corporate Mechanical offers a complete ventilation solution using the most updated equipment for your next project at your business. For a properly ventilated business, choose a professional company that is properly trained, experienced and insured. Serving Minnesota residents, they believe in providing a quality service experience to each of their customers time and time again.

Johnson Controls to Provide Rebates on HVAC Equipment For Hurricane Victims

At times of great devastation, it’s important for communities and countries to come together to help those in need. Johnson Controls is doing just that by offering discounts to homeowners in Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. To qualify, residents must live within the designated disaster area as defined by FEMA. The rebates can be used towards the replacement of air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation equipment.

Which Products Qualify?

There are several products that qualify for the rebate, with ones that provide the best Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) offering the best rebates. The more efficient the product, the better. Certain products from Champion, Fraser, Cole, Luxaire, Johnston, Guardian, and Evcon qualify. For air conditioners, if they have a SEER of 20, there is a $250 rebate. It’s $200 for an 18 rating, $150 for 16/17, and $100 for 14. For furnaces, there is a $150 rebate for 90% AFUE models, and $75 for 80% AFUE.

How To Apply

To apply for the rebate, homeowners or Johnson Controls employees can visit johnsoncontrols.com/harvey, or call (855)324-3650. The rebates cannot be used with other rebate offers, but fortunately they can apply retroactively. At the same website, homeowners will find a locater to find certified dealers in their area to make sure that they have a trusted source for their new equipment.

Other Initiatives

Johnson Controls also encourages everyone to donate to the Red Cross to help the recovery effort. The company already donates $500,000 every year to the charity, but have a spot on the site to donate. They’ve also set up a Harvey Relief Fund for employees who have fallen victim to the hurricane. Johnson Controls will match all donations to the fund as well. They have also created a team within the company to help with a strategy to meet the needs of affected employees.

Johnson Controls has stated that its prime concern is with the health and the needs of its employees. With the rebate initiative, and the relief fund for employees, they are showing that everyone must come together to help when disaster strikes.

Corporate Mechanical: Who We Are & What We Do

When it comes to energy conservation and HVAC services, we at Corporate Mechanical bring the most expert experience to the table. While designing and installing all different kinds of mechanical systems, such as piping, plumbing, water treatment, and ductwork, we are sure to be able to engineer the most energy efficient system for your company’s needs.

Our Expertise. We are not a great company all on our own. As our customers look to us to provide high quality services with integrity, we have to give credit to the 30+ licensed and certified technicians on our staff. It is our people that make Corporate Mechanical look good, because they provide superior products with strategic designs. We also back our installations by having our own in-house mechanical engineer. By keeping our engineering in-house, it also provides more cost-effectiveness than outsourcing it to another company. We hire all the best people in order to make our systems work well, and provide quality maintenance services from the best technicians as well. We understand the critical needs of our customers, so we make sure that we set high standards for ourselves in order to meet those needs by using the best minds in the business.

Our Energy Star Certified Products. By offering products that are Energy Star certified, you know that you have a product that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, plus help you save money on energy bills. In order to meet the certification standards, each product must meet the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE energy efficiency guidelines. The Energy Star label can also be given to buildings that show high-energy conservation performance as well. So by using all Energy Star products, your building could receive this label that can give your company an upper-hand in the industry. By improving your business practices by reducing the impact on the environment, the whole world benefits.

We are proud at Corporate Mechanical to offer products and services the can help our customers stay committed to energy conservation and that want to be Energy Star recognized. These special Energy Star products can even get you rebates from Xcel Energy. By working with our Energy Rebate Specialists, we can help you find all of the rebates possible from your equipment, to help you not only save energy, but also save money.

Quick Xcel Energy Rebate Summary:

– Boiler, Cooling Efficiency
– Various Energy Conservation Programs
– Compressed Air
– Lighting & Heating
– Process Efficiency
– Efficiency Controls & Proposals

By choosing Corporate Mechanical for your commercial and industrial mechanical needs, you will have confidence that you will be able to get the most energy efficient system on the market. Our experts work hard to engineer high quality systems that will be Energy Star compliant. Keeping your energy usage and costs to a minimum not only helps your company but also the community.

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.