As a commercial building owner you know how important it is that your HVAC systems work properly at all times. With that in mind, do you have an HVAC maintenance checklist that you follow on a regular basis? We know it’s easy to forget about routine maintenance and checks because HVAC systems are often out of sight, out of mind. However, failing to maintain your commercial HVAC systems can result in costly breakdowns while inconveniencing the occupants inside. Here’s our recommended HVAC maintenance checklist for commercial buildings. Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist Change the Air Filters Regularly. Your air filters catch all kinds of dust, particles, and other debris to keep it from entering your building. As a result, they can get clogged very easily and when that happens, they restrict the airflow and your HVAC system has to work harder to pump air, meaning you’re wasting energy and costing yourself more money. We recommend you change your air filters at least once every three months, but for buildings where the HVAC system is constantly running, they may need changing more frequently. Visually Inspect the System. If you have a building manager or a building maintenance person, they should carry out visual inspections on a regular basis. We often see cases where people don’t conduct visual inspections until something goes wrong, and by then it’s usually too late to fix the problem quickly. So what should they be looking for? Be on the lookout for any leaks, rust, disconnected pipes, and dirty refrigerant lines. They should also check all air vents for any blockages or build-up. Recalibrate Your System Bi-Annually. You use your HVAC system differently in the summer than you do in the winter. But did you recalibrate it to make sure it’s been adjusted to your needs? We recommend checking your HVAC settings twice a year – once before the summer and once before the winter – so you can make any necessary adjustments and ensure your system isn’t wasting energy. Check & Clean Drainage Lines. Your HVAC system creates water vapor when heating and cooling your air, and this vapor must be carried out of your building and disposed of properly in order to avoid damage. Over time your drainage lines can become clogged, so it’s critical that your building manager or your HVAC technician regularly checks your drainage lines and cleans them. The tray that collects the water vapor must also be emptied on a regular basis because it can attract mold, algae, and other bacteria. Clean AC Evaporator & Condenser Coils. The evaporator and condenser coils in your HVAC system attract debris, dust, and other build-up as the air flows through them. Same as with your air filters, when the build-up gets bad it can affect your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency, so we recommend you clean them at least once a year. Most commercial building owners call their HVAC technician when something breaks, however we recommend investing in regular HVAC maintenance to prolong the life of your system, save energy, and keep your costs as low as possible. HVAC breakdowns often result in expensive repairs, or maybe even needing to invest in a whole new system, and it may mean that you have to close your business until the problem is fixed! For more information about creating an HVAC maintenance checklist that will keep your system in top condition, or if you have any other questions, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. Originally published at: www.tritechenergy.com/blog/hvac-checklist-commercial-buildings/
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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/ Does your building have old, run-down heating equipment? Now that summer is here and you’re most likely not using your heating system, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your HVAC unit and replace it with something more energy efficient. While replacing your building’s heating equipment can sound like a daunting task, the help of a trusted technician will have your new HVAC system installed in no time.
It’s time to replace your heating system, if you’re…
If you’re unsure about the condition of your current heating equipment, we recommend contacting a trusted HVAC technician who can conduct an inspection and give you an accurate assessment. They can also recommend newer, more energy efficient HVAC systems if you decide yours needs replacing. How often to replace an HVAC system Depending on where you live and how often you use your HVAC system, we recommend replacing it every 12-15 years. All HVAC units require regular maintenance in order to keep them clean, functioning, and in top condition, but there does come a time when constant repairs and repeated break-downs mean your system simply needs to be replaced. Heating equipment is extremely important in commercial spaces. Whether it’s an office building, a college lecture hall, or a shopping mall, people expect a comfortable atmosphere with clean indoor air – especially since COVID-19 hit. As we mentioned above, this is the ideal time of year to upgrade your HVAC unit since you’ll have several months to test it and ensure it works properly before the cold weather is back again. What to do with your old HVAC equipment Once your heating equipment has been replaced, you may be wondering what to do with your old HVAC unit. It’s important to note that it’s illegal to simply throw your old HVAC system in the trash. You must dispose of it properly, and you can do this by contacting your local recycling center, hazardous waste disposal facility, or asking your HVAC technician what they recommend. HVAC technicians are often licensed to remove your old heating equipment, and this is the preferable option for most commercial building owners. When speaking with potential technicians, be sure to ask about removal and disposal, because it will save you time and ensure you aren’t fined for illegally disposing of materials. For more information about energy efficient HVAC units, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. We’re happy to help you replace and dispose of your old heating equipment. Original content is posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-hvac/when-should-you-replace-your-old-heating-equipment/ Actually, indoor air quality has always been important but perhaps COVID-19 has changed the way we think about, and prioritize the need for indoor air quality. As the country begins to reopen, commercial businesses with an eye on the continued health and wellness of their employee populations, have placed a renewed emphasis on ensuring the right equipment is in place for this.
The team at Tri-Tech Energy is often brought in by engineering companies to assist with the creation of an indoor air quality strategy. This work has included apartments, hotels, factories, and of course, our New Jersey Schools. Our team truly believes in the importance of good indoor air quality for students and will do whatever we can to support the safe return to school. In this article, we will discuss the importance of indoor air quality further, as well as different ways to achieve this in schools, other public buildings, and even at home. Indoor air quality (IAQ) management encompasses several factors related to the quality and cleanliness of the air, including:
IAQ management is also vital for the health of students, teachers, and other school staff. Poor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma, and can cause a range of health issues including headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. Common factors that can affect the air quality in schools There’s no one singular factor that causes schools to have good or bad indoor air quality. Instead, it’s a combination of many common factors, including:
Regularly testing your classroom’s indoor air quality is essential, and so is maintaining your school’s HVAC systems. The health of your students and staff depends on it! Can improving the air quality of your home boost your child’s academic performance? While the indoor air quality at your child’s school is important, equally important is your air quality at home. When children breathe clean, fresh air that doesn’t aggravate their respiratory systems, they’re able to concentrate and perform better in school. We recommend reducing your child’s exposure to airborne pollutants as much as possible by:
If you’d like to speak to a commercial heating and cooling contractor about the indoor air quality of your school, or if you’d like more information about how to improve your indoor air quality at home, please contact Tri-Tech Energy today. Our team is standing by and ready to help, we look forward to hearing from you. To learn more about our HVAC services, please visit our website at: https://www.tritechenergy.com/commercial-hvac-contractor-nj/ Original content is posted at https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/why-is-indoor-air-quality-so-important/ If you’re researching hot water options for your home or business, you’ve likely found several options to choose from. In this article, we’ll discuss three-way valves, a type of control valve and a popular choice for both residential and office hot water systems, and we’ll detail the advantages that come from using this type of valve.
Having a reliable hot water supply is essential, especially when you have a property full of people who need to use hot water every morning before heading off to work or school. We’ve all been in situations where the hot water runs out, or simply stops working, and it can be a major inconvenience to wait for a water heater service technician to fix it. In many professional environments, like hospitals, it’s essential that the hot water supply be reliable around the clock. What is a three-way mixing valve? A three-way mixing valve is a piece of equipment that works in conjunction with your water heater. As the name indicates, it mixes hot water from your water heater with cold water by mixing in cold water with hot water. It then delivers water of your desired temperature to your sinks, showers, and baths, and also to your heating systems like radiators. Think of a three-way mixing valve as a little water temperature regulator – when you turn on the faucet in your bathroom sink and adjust it to warm water, the three-way valve grabs a little bit of hot water and a little bit of cold water to ensure you get water that is exactly the temperature you need. What is the purpose of a three-way mixing valve?
Advantages of the three-way mixing valves The three-way mixing valve adds a layer of safety to your hot water system, saves energy, and supplies your home or office with hot or warm water instantly. You won’t have to worry about wasted hot water, or water that’s way too hot to touch, and even if you have a house full of people you can all still enjoy a hot shower in the morning. These valves can be incorporated into most modern hot water systems, and we recommend consulting with your trusted HVAC company to learn about which one will work best with your set-up. Whether you’re interested in a three-way mixing valve at home or at your office, we know you’ll enjoy all of their advantages. For more information about three-way mixing valves, or if you have any questions about water heaters, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. Original content is posted at https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/what-is-a-three-way-mixing-valve-and-why-do-you-need-one/ HVAC control systems have advanced a lot in the last decade, and one of the most current HVAC trends is using data gathered from a digital twin to improve your building’s performance. A digital twin is an entirely digital copy of all the systems throughout your building, including lights, air conditioning, heating, and security systems, to name a few, and commercial property owners use digital twins to identify areas for reduced energy usage, performance improvement, and to prevent future disruptions or breakdowns.
The job isn’t finished once you’ve gathered data via a digital twin, however. Think about how many people are involved with keeping your systems running on a daily basis, and how many people are involved in the maintenance and repair of these systems. You need all these people to understand the systems and the data, inside and out. So how can you use data to improve your building’s performance?
Investing in commercial HVAC services As you can see, gathering data from your HVAC control system is only the first step of the process. You need a team of people who understand the systems and the digital twins. If one person is absent on a particular day, it should be more than possible for someone else to step in without any issue. You can have the most advanced HVAC system on the market, but if you don’t properly train your team and ensure they understand how to interpret the data and implement the necessary changes, then your building’s performance will not improve. If you’d like to know more about how Tri-Tech Energy can improve the performance of your commercial HVAC control systems, or if you have any other HVAC questions, please contact our team today. Discover why so many property owners choose us as their trusted commercial HVAC contractor. Original content is posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/how-to-use-existing-data-to-improve-your-building/ Improving cooling tower efficiently and knowing the pros and cons of different types of cooling tower tech is essential to delivering a comfortable environment at a cost-effective rate. Read this advice from your local NJ commercial HVAC contractor. Old Cooling Tower Tech vs. New Cooling tower motors are designed specifically for commercial or industrial application, driving the fans and pumps that remove heat and push cool water through the system. In older cooling towers, the motor runs at its full load rating, even if you’re utilizing commercial HVAC control systems to only deliver cool air where needed. New cooling tower equipment utilizing improved motor drive technology can increase overall efficiency, while also improving noise reduction, reliability and safety. This comes in two forms of cooling tower frequency drives – Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and the Reduced Voltage Soft Starter (RVSS). The Advantages and Disadvantages of VFDs Starting the cooling tower motor requires greater torque than running a motor at full load rate, and this means that a surge of power occurs that can lead to malfunctions or wear-and-tear to the system. VFDs work by diverting this stress away from insulation and includes low-speed stability settings to promote minimal oscillation and noise. This way, your motor lasts longer, operates far more efficiently, uses less power and the full load amp is reduced. The one disadvantage of this route is that the initial outlay is costly – but this is off-set over the long-term when you consider the impressive savings from reduced water and electricity use, and low maintenance costs. The Advantages and Disadvantages of RVSSs Soft starters reduce motor voltage so that starting torque can be reduced to safe levels. These manage the cooling tower motor’s acceleration to reduce wear-and-tear, require less maintenance due to active torque reduction that reduces stress on the motor, and the motor acceleration time is fully adjustable to give you greater control. The reduced starting torque means significant energy savings, and the equipment is much more compact than VFDs. They are also much more affordable. There are disadvantages, however – including the fact that there is no modulation, no programming capabilities and no amp reduction. Full Commercial HVAC Control System and Ventilation Equipment Installation from Leading NJ Commercial HVAC Contractors At Tri-tech Energy, commercial HVAC control systems and commercial ductwork and ventilation systems are our specialty. With over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we are able to assist our commercial and industrial clients with all aspects of their building’s system, from repairs and maintenance to developing custom heating systems for re-fitted or new buildings. We also do commercial HVAC ductwork insulation for additional energy-efficiency. For more information on our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.tritechenergy.com/ Original content posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-hvac/tips-for-improving-cooling-tower-efficiency/ Hydronic pumps are a critical part of your commercial HVAC system’s operation, keeping your building cool in summer and warm in winter. Here are some of the most common problems with this unit that we’ve dealt with at our commercial HVAC company in NJ,and how to solve them.
Leaking seals:Seals degrade over time, especially if exposed to high heat or chemicals, and can fail if left too long before replacement. It is important that the seal is replaced quickly, as minor leaks can become excessive in a short amount of time. Maintenance, Repair and Installation of Hydronic Pumps from a Leading Commercial HVAC Company in NJ If your commercial heating or cooling systems require repair, maintenance or replacement, our commercial HVAC company in NJ is here to assist. At Tri-Tech Energy, we specialize in both heating and cooling systems and in the design and installation of custom, cutting-edge commercial HVAC systems, commercial ductwork and commercial ventilation systems. Our commercial HVAC contractors serve the entire New Jersey area and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so our team is ready to help whenever you need it. For more information on our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.tritechenergy.com/ Original content posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-hvac/common-hvac-pump-problems-solutions/ Looking for a commercial HVAC contractorto maintain, repair, design or install a new HVAC system for your building? Here’s some advice to help you find the right team for the job.
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Hiring a Commercial Contractor
Tri-Tech Energy is a dedicated commercial heating systems and HVAC services company in New Jersey, with a reputation for excellence and comprehensive, high-quality services – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team is able to service commercial buildings of any size, from restaurants and hotels to malls, factories and office buildings. With over 30 years of experience in repairs, maintenance and installation, we have what it takes to deliver the heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutionyour business needs. For more information on our company or services which include commercial boiler service and repair, commercial heating system repair, and HVAC repair, please contact us today and speak to a qualified commercial HVAC contractor or visit our website at https://www.tritechenergy.com/ Original content posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-air-conditioning/avoid-hiring-wrong-commercial-hvac-contractor/ Blog, Commercial Air Conditioning, Commercial HVAC contractor, HVAC control systems, HVAC systems, Owning or operating a building with old HVAC systems comes with a wide range of expenses and responsibilities, especially when it comes to repairs and maintenance from commercial HVAC contractors. The cost to replace HFC refrigerants is substantially higher than the newer refrigerants.
The Cost of Harmful Refrigerants is Higher Than You Think, Say Commercial HVAC Contractors Old refrigerants and prohibited refrigerants aren’t just harmful to the environment – they’re targeted by EPA policies that carry stiff fines for businesses and HVAC contractors not conforming to new regulations. These old refrigerants are classified as Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS), and as such are regulated as Class I or Class II controlled substances. R-22, for example, is a Class II controlled substance as it contains hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). This and other old refrigerants are currently being phased out and will become illegal on January 1, 2020. How Can Old Refrigerants be Safely Removed from My Building? The recovery, removal and disposal of old refrigerants is not a simple matter and should be handled by your commercial HVAC contractorto ensure that it is done safely and in line with EPA policies. Tri-Tech is licensed to remove, reclaim and recover refrigerants. Your system can then be either equipped with a new, compliant refrigerant if possible, or it will have to be replaced with a new HVAC system that is able to utilize the new refrigerant. One of the upsides of this expense is that you’ll save in the long-run, as new commercial HVAC systems offer significant cost savings through exceptional customization, control and energy-efficiency. Speak to a Leading Commercial HVAC Contractor in NJ Today With over 30 years of experience in the commercial HVAC industry, and a fleet of commercial crews that operate throughout New Jersey, Tri-Tech Energy is the ideal partner for your commercial HVAC system installation, repair, and maintenance. We also offer 24-hour emergency repair services and are experienced in developing and installing customized heating and cooling solutions for commercial clients, as well as manufacturing our own custom ductwork. For more information on our company or services, please contact us today and speak to a commercial HVAC contractor or commercial ventilation specialist, or visit our website at https://www.tritechenergy.com/ Original content posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/commercial-air-conditioning/used-refrigerants-stuck-commercial-building-need-know/ |
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