Troubleshooting a Broken Thermostat

The thermostat serves as the control center for an HVAC system. When it goes bad, the entire unit follows suit. When the entire HVAC system doesn’t seem to budge, a damaged thermostat is one of the most likely causes. Here are a few troubleshooting tips.

The thermostat must be installed in the proper location. Owners need to ensure that the thermostat is installed in the correct place; for instance, a thermostat installed on a wall with high heat gain or heat loss will never work properly as it will mainly react to the temperature of the wall and not to the air indoors. Also, a thermostat exposed to direct sunlight is going to experience problems.

Is there a big hole behind the thermostat that feeds either cool or warm air drafts to the device? Virtually every thermostat is designed with a hole that lets wires in. If the wiring hole happens to be situated at the back of the component, the hole must be stuffed with insulation and covered with tape to prevent drafts from affecting the thermostat’s functions.

Checking the heat anticipator is also vital. A main part of most mechanical, non-digital thermostats, the heat anticipator needs to be set according to the amp draw on the heating control circuit. It offers a small amount of energy savings, and it also prevents thermostat overshooting as it shuts off the main burners and allows the fan to continue running and dissipating heat.

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A Brief History of HVAC Systems

HVAC doesn’t always mean air conditioning. In fact, the acronym stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning”, which covers everything related to controlling thermal comfort. HVAC systems have come a long way since their inception, and this blog post will delve into several main points of HVAC history.

1000s-1400s – During this period, the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians all churned up pioneering heating and cooling solutions. One notable invention was the Roman hypocaust, which is a central heating system consisted of a furnace in a basement that distributed heat throughout homes. By the 1400s, chimneys were pretty common. It is also known that Leonardo Da Vinci once built a water-driven fan to ventilate several rooms during that time.

1500s-1800s – During the 1500s, ventilating machines were extensively used in French mines to direct fresh air into the shaft. The U.S. House of Parliament also had a crude ventilation system to cool the building during sessions. By the 1800s, Benjamin Franklin introduced the world’s first stove, which also happened to be the first steam heating system.

1900s – Furnace systems with centrifugal fans, as well as high-pressure steam heating, were extensively used during this time. On the cooling side, it was mainly about Willis Carrier, the inventor of the modern air conditioner. Carrier’s invention resulted into numerous other innovations, much of which are still in use today.

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Facts about Commercial HVAC Maintenance

Property managers should see to it that they know just about every aspect of what makes the inner workings of their commercial buildings function properly, and a large part of that job is maintaining the HVAC system. Air conditioners and heating equipment can be quite troublesome, so it’s always important to keep these facts and tips in mind when dealing with them:

Get Professional Help

Don’t even try to DIY any problem with your HVAC that you know couldn’t simply be fixed with a mere adjustment in the thermostat or temperature control. These equipment are incredibly complex, and only the professional knowledge of HVAC repair and maintenance contractors can truly get a faulty unit back into gear.

Find Licensed Contractors

In most states, a license is required of professional contractors before they can render their services. However, even if your locality doesn’t require it, it’s still best to choose pros who are certified, because they could provide higher-quality services that other fly-by night operators simply couldn’t.

Early Troubleshooting

Even if you’re not an expert, you can always look out for trouble signs that your HVAC might be failing, and then have your unit checked by pros as soon as possible. Watch for red flags like strange odors or noises coming out of the unit, insufficient heating or cooling, and leaks, among others. The sooner you can have a problem fixed, the less inconvenient things could be for you. 

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A Look at When to Change Your HVAC Unit

As a business owner, you cannot possibly expect good results if your employees are not comfortable enough to focus on their jobs and responsibilities. This is why an HVAC system is important for businesses, especially if the majority of your employees work inside a building and are in front of a computer screen from nine to five.

However, just like any other type of machinery, HVAC units will eventually malfunction. While most errors can be repaired by a trusted contractor, it is important for business owners to decide whether to call it quits with their current HVAC unit or have it fixed. Here are some factors for a business owner to consider:

Age

If the HVAC unit is at least a decade old, that means it’s nearing the tail end of its service life. It also means that in terms of efficiency, it pales in comparison to more recent units.

Operational Costs

A business owner will probably feel the inefficiency of the HVAC unit on operational costs. If the energy bills keep piling up due to the inefficacy of the unit, then it is time to replace it. The frequency of maintenance should also be a telltale sign.

Discomfort

Finally, if the office feels too humid, hot, or cold, then it means that the HVAC unit isn’t doing its job. That also means production will take a hit, as employees will feel too uncomfortable to work properly. 

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Indicators that HVAC Maintenance Is Necessary

One more season to go and it’s summer again. The smell of the beach is getting more fragrant to vacationers. However, for office workers who are not going on a vacation anytime soon, this could mean additional stress as heat can worsen their working condition. Fortunately, with a fully functioning cooling system, any job in summer won’t be too hard to take on.

No wonder business owners invest in regular HVAC maintenance. They don’t want their employees to suffer while working, which could affect their productivity. Before calling in experts, they initially look for signs that there’s a need for maintenance or repair. Here are some of the most common indicators.

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Up-to-date Commercial HVAC System Will Help Avoid Heat Wave Problems

An urban environment only exacerbates high temperatures with its lack of natural foliage and other things that may help people cool down. Thus the primary way for people to keep cool are through the commercial HVAC systems in their buildings. Lacking them only increases their chances of suffering a heat stroke.

A trusted commercial HVAC service can help make sure that a building’s HVAC systems are up-to-date, ensuring that no breakdowns or malfunctions happen even on the hottest of days. Altus Mechanical and other dependable HVAC providers should always be on-call to deal with any problems that can occur. Keep in mind that keeping cool these days is a matter of life and death.

http://altusmechanical.com/up-to-date-commercial-hvac-system-will-help-avoid-heat-wave-problems/

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Variable Frequency Drives in Single Zone Rooftop HVAC Units as Installed by Commercial HVAC Contractors

It is our understanding that VFDs are now required in single zone units in California and that other states may follow. ASHRAE standard 90.1-2010 requires VFDs in single zone, direct expansion (DX) units with cooling capacities of greater than 9.1 tons. If you are not familiar with the term, DX units are your typical package rooftop units which have internal compressors. ASHRAE standard 18931-2009 also requires VFDs in single zone DX units with cooling capacities of greater than 9.1 tons and, in addition, two stages of cooling in units with cooling capacities of greater than 5.4 tons. This may provide additional savings because having multiple stages may allow you to use lower blower speeds than with single stage, on/off, compressors. You may check with your local code authority to see if these standards have been adopted by your jurisdiction, and/or consult with commercial HVAC specialists

As with any equipment modification, there are a few things you need to be aware of when having qualified commercial HVAC contractors install VFDs on single zone units. From the service contractors’ viewpoint, the most immediate issue is to ensure that the low-speed setting moves enough air across the coil in the cooling mode to prevent “flood back,” a condition where the refrigerant does not absorb enough heat and returns to the compressor in liquid form. In severe cases, flood back can damage even the newest scroll compressors. Concern for this may be the reason that both ASHRAE standards will accept a low setting of two-thirds of full speed. Since even slower speeds may work in many applications and provide greater savings, the safest approach would be to check each unit individually. Existing problems external to the unit such as undersized or restricted duct work, closed diffusers or dampers, leaks between the supply and return ducts and other issues may not allow for sufficient air flow when the blower speed is reduced. Insufficient air flow would also be a problem in the heating mode because it may result in the short cycling of the safety devices, overheating of the heat exchangers, and possibly an increase in the air temperature above the safe design temperature for that equipment.

http://altusmechanical.com/variable-frequency-drives-in-single-zone-rooftop-hvac-units-as-installed-by-commercial-hvac-contractors/

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Benefits of HVAC Maintenance for Businesses

The recent American cold wave has affected a lot of American cities. The record low temperatures and high levels of snowfall has affected education, services and transportation. The extreme weather reminded a lot of communities of the importance of heat in people’s lives.

Heat is usually provided to homes and buildings by furnaces and similar heating systems. Like a lot of other machines, however, furnaces tend to malfunction after a certain period of time. This is the reason why HVAC maintenance is required for both commercial and residential HVAC systems.

A reduced risk of HVAC failure when it is needed most is one of the greatest perks companies and families will receive out of regular HVAC maintenance. Businesses located in cold places cannot function properly if the heater malfunctions, which can cause these businesses to lose profits. A well-maintained heater prevents that unfortunate circumstance from happening.

Another positive that businesses can obtain from regular HVAC maintenance is a better heater. A regularly maintained heater can run much more efficiently, which means less expenditures for the company. A well-maintained heater can help businesses profit.

Thirdly, heater maintenance can have an effect on air quality. Dirty heaters equate to poor air quality that is detrimental to employees allergic to dust. Regular HVAC maintenance helps employees maintain good health and perform much better at work, which results in a better output for the company. 

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Commercial HVAC Services Provider Launches Newly Redesigned Website

Altus Corporation is proud to launch their newly redesigned website to improve the overall browsing experience of visitors when looking up their services. The company offers honest and reliable commercial HVAC repair and replacement options to customers in most of the Eastern United States, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland, among other states.

The website, redesigned by TripleE Fusion, now has a cleaner and fresher look that makes it easier for readers to learn more about the company. The overhaul starts with the updated logo that still uses the same red and gray colors but represents the movement of air in HVAC better and features a cleaner sans-serif font type. In every page, the banner now indicates the toll-free number and has a button that links to the contact page for immediate access to the company’s contact details.

http://altusmechanical.com/commercial-hvac-services-provider-launches-newly-redesigned-website/

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Tips for Energy-Efficient Commercial HVAC Systems

Climate change and improper use contribute to the risks and inefficiency of any commercial HVAC system. In addition, failure to conduct regular cleaning, tune-ups, or preventive maintenance results in costly repairs and, even worse, the need for replacement. Here are some pointers to help keep commercial HVAC systems fully functional and energy efficient.

Calculate your establishment’s energy needs to determine the most effective HVAC system. Decrease HVAC use by reducing lighting use, insulating windows, and sealing duct leaks. Install high-efficiency units with proper sizing, as well as take advantage of timers and fans.

Significant energy savings can be achieved when you enforce the use of your HVAC units only when and where necessary. Proper maintenance of not just the integral components but the entire unit can be the key to longevity and optimum efficiency.

Installation of an entirely new system may be necessary to cut energy costs. Carefully evaluate and compare the pros and cons of repairing and replacement. An experienced HVAC contractor can provide you with reasonable and cost-effective options.

Consult with reputable companies for more appropriate HVAC solutions and services that satisfy your needs. Invest in fully-functional and energy efficient commercial HVAC systems to ensure a pleasant, productive, and safe environment for your employees and customers.

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Commercial HVAC Maintenance

Commercial HVAC is, in itself, its own league. Unlike residential HVAC, commercial heating and cooling units operate for longer periods in addition to enhancing indoor air quality for a much bigger area.

As the rule of thumb goes, the more frequent HVAC is used, the more frequent the maintenance it needs to keep it in tiptop shape. Studies show that cooling consumption alone in a business establishment can reach up to 3,000 kWh a week while the average home only uses around 940 kWh a month.

Commercial HVAC systems may undergo routine maintenance once every four months to a year. Given the size of a commercial HVAC system including the ducts and cooling towers, no amount of do-it-yourself work will come close to a thorough inspection, repair, and maintenance.

Property owners can keep their heating and cooling units in excellent running condition by contracting professional maintenance services. HVAC specialists can conduct a thorough inspection to determine what measures need to be taken to optimize heating and cooling for your business. They can ensure that your systems are calibrated according to manufacturer specifications and that there are no problems with your units that may turn into costly expenses in the long run.

Putting your commercial HVAC system in the hands of professionals is a must to maximize energy-efficiency and prolong service life. Ask your local contractor about commercial HVAC maintenance.

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