Rooftop HVAC units (RTUs) are very durable, weather-proof, and can withstand most extreme weather conditions. You’ve probably seen RTUs at your local shopping mall, hospital, school, and other public buildings with flat roofs. They work the same way as other external ground-level HVAC units or indoor HVAC units by providing hot or cold air to a building or home. RTUs are ideal for buildings with flat roofs and you’ll most often find them on rooftops of commercial buildings.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how rooftop HVAC units work: • Fresh air is introduced into the RTU via the air hood or economizer on the side of the unit. Air hoods resemble mini-awnings with a small opening underneath it – this keeps snow and rain out while allowing air to enter. • After fresh air enters the RTU, it then gets mixed with the return air and moves into the system’s filters where any contaminants are removed before it’s released into the building. • After being decontaminated, the fresh air is either cooled or heated depending on the RTU’s settings. • Once the air is the right temperature, the fan circulates it through the building ducts. What Is a Rooftop HVAC Unit? As mentioned above, RTUs work similarly to ground-level or indoor HVAC units, except they’re installed on the roof of a building. Many commercial buildings with flat roofs prefer RTUs because they conserve valuable space and they are less likely to be vandalized or stolen. They’re also easy to access and people in your building won’t be bothered by any noise the units produce. While older RTUs aren’t very energy efficient, there are newer models on the market that are much more energy efficient and can keep your building heated or cooled without resulting in huge monthly energy bills. How is an RTU HVAC different from other HVAC systems? Unlike other HVAC systems, RTUs are sometimes referred to as a “packaged unit” because they contain all the components of a heating system and a cooling system in a single box: • An intake for outside air that improves ventilation • An AC compressor • AC evaporator coils that absorb heat • AC condenser coils that release heat • A fan that blows heated air or cooled air through the air ducts Most other HVAC units have separate components, but with RTUs you’ll find everything in a single unit. Why Install Rooftop HVAC Units? • It saves valuable space. Even small commercial buildings need huge HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere for everyone inside. If you can install a RTU it saves you space, and in real estate every square foot matters. • They’re secure. Sometimes people destroy HVAC units looking for copper to resell, leaving you with no heating and no air, and an expensive problem on your hands. Installing a rooftop HVAC unit gives you an added level of security, because most RTUs can only be accessed from inside the building by someone who has a key to the door. Your RTU will also be safe from vandalism when it’s not on ground level. • They’re quiet. We’ve all been in a room when the heating or air conditioning switched on – the fans can often be heard over the sound of talking. All components of the RTU are located outside of the building, so you won’t have to worry about pesky noises or distractions. • Easy access for maintenance. With all components in a single box, your HVAC technician can access the RTU for maintenance and repairs. For more information about rooftop HVAC systems, or if you have any other questions, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. Original content is posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-hvac/how-does-a-rooftop-hvac-unit-work/
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Your hot water heater is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home. It allows you to take hot showers, run your dishwasher, your washing machine, and gives you a steady supply of hot water for cooking. Most hot water heaters are hidden away behind closed doors, so it can be easy to forget they exist. However, the moment your hot water heater stops working – you’ll certainly notice!
Domestic hot water safety is very important, and this includes preventing sediment build up and leaks, and also ensuring your hot water heater’s temperature isn’t so hot that it scalds you or anyone in your home. Our team at Tri-Tech Energy shares their top tips for keeping your boiler in its best condition and other important safety information you need to be aware of. Hot water heater maintenance and safety tips • Remove any fire hazards near your water heater. If you have a gas-fired hot water tank, take extra caution that no flammable materials or liquids are stored near it. Gas-fired hot water heaters have a pilot light that is highly combustible, so keep the area around your boiler clear. It can be tempting to use the space as storage for winter coats, shoes, and other miscellaneous items, but even the smallest crack in your hot water heater can result in a dangerous outcome. • Check the water temperature settings. We’ve all run our hands under scalding water in the kitchen sink, or accidentally set the shower water a little too hot. Your hot water heater has a temperature control that allows you to set its maximum temperature. For most of us, there’s no need to have scalding water flowing from your boiler, and we recommend a maximum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people prefer to set it even lower than that, so there’s no chance of accidental scalds or burns. • Test the temperature/pressure relief valve regularly. This valve is what keeps your hot water heater from exploding if the temperature and pressure exceeds the safety limit. We recommend testing the valve once a year, because residential boilers sometimes malfunction due to leaks, cracks, or sediment build-up. Simply pull up on the handle and ensure the water flows freely, and that it stops when you release the handle. You’ll know the valve needs replacing if there is no water flow or if it drips out slowly after releasing the handle. Faulty valves are very dangerous, so it’s important to test them on a regular basis. What is the safety device on a hot water heater? The temperature/pressure relief valve is an important safety device. It works by relieving internal pressure if any components of the hot water heater fail, including if the temperature exceeds the safety range. As mentioned above, it’s important to test this valve regularly because it protects your boiler and prevents dangerous accidents in your home. Professional Hot Water Heater Maintenance by Tri-Tech Energy in NJ When’s the last time you had your hot water tanks checked by a professional? Given there are so many dangerous elements involved – the pilot flame, the pressure valve, and very high temperatures – it’s important to ensure your hot water heater is in top condition and free from any hazards. Small cracks or leaks can result in potentially dangerous accidents that can be avoided. Not to mention, when your hot water heater isn’t properly maintained it can be a major inconvenience when your home suddenly has no hot water. We recommend investing in yearly maintenance by NJ professionals you trust. For more information about domestic hot water safety, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. Original content is posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/domestic-hot-water/domestic-hot-water-safety-tips/ |
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