Category: HVAC

Why HVAC Maintenance Is Important For Warehouses

Warehouses are the pillars of the supply chain for any company. While companies lease or own their spaces, many things need to be considered to make them space-efficient.

Warehouse spaces have seen a rise in demand over the last five years. With the rise of eCommerce sales and return rates, rationalizing warehouse space is becoming an essential part of the job.

Maintaining a comfortable environment for a warehouse is crucial to the success of the employees working there. The temperature for storing products might also need careful consideration, depending on the sensitivity of them. Because the indoor environment of a warehouse should always be the top priority of many large businesses, regular commercial HVAC maintenance is incredibly important.

Common Temperature Control Problems

In warehouses, temperature control is one of the most commonly requested maintenance repairs. During the summer, the temperature can rise to extremes and make workers unconformable. It may also damage products. In the winter, the temperatures can be bitter cold.

Maintaining the temperature of a warehouse can be fairly complicated due to its massive volume and size, and the abundance of windows and large doors can lead to leaks. For this reason, properly ventilated warehouses are critical for both the workers and products.

How HVAC Systems Solve Ventilation and Temperature Problems in Warehouses

Advancements in technology have led to highly efficient HVAC systems. Modern systems can be designed to direct air conditioning to areas where it is needed, such as places where workers frequently work. Also, a well-maintained ventilation system will help with the airflow, making it a better breathing environment for the employees.

HVAC systems are crucial for every commercial building, but they are incredibly important for the safety and comfort of your warehouse employees.

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.

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.

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”

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.

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.

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”

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.