6 Things You Need to Know About Commercial HVAC Regulations

Commercial HVAC regulations are changing. Do you know how these changes will impact your business? Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors in Philadelphia are becoming increasingly aware many business owners remain woefully in the dark.

Why the Push?

Commercial businesses consume a whopping 41% of power produced in the U.S. for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances/electronics, with consumption expected to rise 13% over the next 20-years. This plays a crucial role in the worldwide drive to prevent climate change, safeguard natural resources, and protect the environment. Here HVAC, a leading energy consumer, offers a prime opportunity.

What Do You need to Know About Commercial HVAC Regulatory Changes?

• You Have a 50/50 Chance of Being Effected
  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes over half the commercial building owned in the U.S. utilizing commercial heating & cooling will be effected by current/upcoming changes. New energy code adoption is determined on a state-by-state basis. Though changes vary by state, a number of states have adopted the latest revision for commercial HVAC standards, ASHRAE 90.1-2013.  

• Nationwide DOE Minimum Standards are Already In Effect
  New efficiency requirements for rooftop units , as well as split systems, have already gone into effect as of January 1st of this year (2018), including integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) minimums (previously known as IPLV).

• Efficiency Improvement Requirements will Continue to Rise
  These will be rolled out in 2 phases, requiring a boost in efficiency on new commercial systems of approximately 13% in 2018, and increasing an additional 16%, on average, over the next 5-years.

• New Requirements are Expected to Lower Utility Costs & Pollution
  Though initial investment could be potentially be higher, these newer, more efficient HVAC product purchases are expected to save $167-billion in utility expenditures and reduce carbon pollution by 885-million metric tons over the lifespan of systems purchased nationwide. Rooftop units (RTUs) in particular could save business owners $3,700 per RTU when replacing aged equipment with newer, high-efficiency units (or retrofitting older systems with advanced controls). Multiply this by the typical 20-RTUs an area big box store relies upon, and that’s some serious savings.

• New System Designs are Entering the Marketplace
  To meet – and exceed - 2018 minimums, system manufacturers are releasing new product lines for sale via your local HVAC commercial service, including mid- and premium tiers above minimum required efficiency levels. These newer models may include features such as…
• Modulated scroll compressors, including two-step capacity scrolls and multiples.
• Variable speed scroll compressors.
• Staged blower motor fan speeds with variable frequency drives.
• Larger size due to heat exchanger surface area.

• Not Ready for a New System? Modulation Could Ensure Compliance
  Installing compressors in tandem or trio could serve as a cost-effective means of ensuring regulatory compliance with new efficiency standards. Talk to a knowledgeable H&H professional to uncover if this may be a viable solution for your business.

Does your commercial HVAC service company have the expertise to ensure your business’ regulatory compliance? Avoid unnecessary fines and expenditures, reducing your carbon footprint with the help of H&H Commercial HVAC Services today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/6-things-about-commercial-hvac-regulations/

What Will Happen To Commercial HVAC Upgrade Incentives For The 2019 Year?

As the year draws to a close, commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia have been getting a lot of questions from customers who didn’t manage to squeeze-in an HVAC upgrade in 2018. What tax credits and other incentives will be available to your business in 2019? The seasoned pros at H&H break it down for you…

Federal Incentives for Businesses

• Federal Tax Deductions on Upgrades (& New Installations)

  If your aging commercial heating and air system is still running on R22 refrigerant, you’re playing with fire. After January 2020, R22 systems can no longer be repaired, they must be replaced, potentially leading to a backlog of customers waiting on installations. Luckily there is a great tax incentive for your business: The recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a provision to allow HVAC products to be immediately expensed. Effective January 2018, under Section 26 U.S. Code § 179 Small Business Expensing, all components of a “heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning” system can be immediately expensed in the first year instead of being depreciated over 39 years. Instead of a measly $350 depreciation for the year (based on old rules), deducting the $14,000 system and installation costs from your 2019 business income could earn you a tax break of $5,000+.

• Federal Tax Credits for Geothermal

  If you're concerned your business is a commercial energy hog, now’s a great time to dig into geothermal. Undergoing numerous amendments including one this February, the Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a tax credit equal to 10% of expenditures with no maximum for geothermal property, including components used to produce geothermal energy to those used in the electrical transmission stage, valid through December 2021. (Credit on geothermal heat pumps has no stated expiration.)

• Federal Tax Credits for Combined Heat & Power (CHP)

  As the above, the Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a tax credit equal to 10% of expenditures with no maximum for CHP systems up to 50MW capacity exceeding 60% efficiency, subject to some limitations. This does not apply to CHP systems utilizing biomass for 90%+ of system energy, though the credit may be reduced for less efficient systems.  

• State-Level Rebates

  Concerned about new efficiency requirements for rooftop units? Due to environmental and energy concerns, most states offer financial incentives for businesses interested in boosting efficiency, such as New Jersey’s COOL Advantage and WARM Advantage Programs, which provide rebates for high-efficiency HVAC systems.

• State-Level Corporate Tax Breaks

  Many states also exempt purchases of energy efficient products from sales or use taxes, or offer special sales tax free holidays for Energy Star-rated products.

• Utilities Rebates

  Local utility providers also commonly provide rebates and other incentives for energy efficient upgrades and appliance purchases.

What’s Available in Your Area?

Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy’s DSIRE website and Energy Star. 

Interested in learning more about available system upgrade options for your business and incentives available in your area? Schedule a complimentary consultation from a qualified HVAC contractor from H&H Commercial Services today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/will-happen-commercial-hvac-upgrade-incentives-2019-year/

Is Poor Humidity Control Taking Its Toll On Your Stainless Steel Pool Equipment?

Stainless steel is a popular choice in indoor pool environments for a number of reasons. Providing a sleek look, easy care, and corrosion resistance, it lends natatorium structures and furnishings superior strength and durability. Capable of retaining its beauty and structural integrity well-beyond 25-years of service, commercial HVAC mechanical contractors in Philadelphia still see stainless steel natatorium components taken out of service before their time however, due to inadequate design and use of indoor pool dehumidification systems. Are your components at risk?

Poor Humidity Control Can Take a Toll on Stainless Steel Structures & Equipment

Today’s indoor pool environment has changed since the 70s, trending toward higher water temperatures, a larger number of bathers, the addition of water features such as splash pads, fountains, and slides, and the need for higher levels of chemical disinfectants. Unfortunately, this aggressive indoor environment can wreak havoc with stainless steel structural components and equipment, quickly causing corrosion when inadequate ventilation and excessive pool room humidity control come into play.

What’s Ailing the Air (& Stainless Steel Components) in Your Pool Room?

Pool dehumidification experts know, chlorine-based chemicals, relied upon to disinfect pool water, chemically react with nitrogen-bearing compounds such as urea found in sweat and urine. This creates volatile chloramines which are released into the natatorium atmosphere where, without adequate ventilation (a choice made out of ignorance or the desire to decrease energy expenditures), they are increasingly deposited, forming a buildup on metal surfaces. Combined with evaporation and condensation cycles, a corrosive solution is created that takes a toll on stainless steel components. This calamitous chemical cocktail, exacerbated by lackluster ventilation and poor pool room humidity control, is at the heart of most metal corrosion problems found in indoor swimming pool environments.

Natatorium Components Most At Risk of Corrosion

Structural load-bearing or highly cold-worked stainless steel components above pool level are at the greatest risk of corrosion. This includes deck-level components, elevated balconies, and especially those components located out of reach near the ceiling (ductwork, ceiling components, balconies) where high levels of chloramines may be deposited. In these areas, a lack of cleaning/rinsing takes a toll. Unlike components located at pool level in areas frequently splashed or immersed, these elevated areas never undergo the regular indirect ‘cleanings’ to rinse and remove the chloramine cocktail that can cause corrosion.

Air Replacement & Humidity Control are Key to Safeguarding Natatorium Contents & Structure

Ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control with the addition of a carefully designed pool room dehumidification system, such as a Dectron pool dehumidifier, help keep atmospheric moisture levels and the buildup of airborne chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals under control, curtailing the aggressive conditions that can result in the deterioration of stainless steel and other alloys. This also reduces costly stainless steel maintenance and replacement needs, helping your pool room and equipment maintain an attractive appearance and safeguarding its lifespan.

Ensure a natatorium that’s designed to withstand the tests of time with the help of the best commercial HVAC company in NJ. Schedule a complimentary indoor pool dehumidification system design consultation and quote with the pool room dehumidification experts at H&H Commercial Services.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/poor-humidity-control-taking-toll-stainless-steel-pool-equipment/

Is Improper Maintenance Effecting The Indoor Air Quality In Your Hospital?

Healthcare facilities that excel at controlling hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) understand how integral heating, ventilation and air conditioning is to maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ). Vital for the health of patients and staff, to maintain the highest levels of IAQ, timely commercial heating and cooling repair and maintenance are key to upholding the strict industry standards surrounding hospital HVAC equipment. Is your facility helping or hindering the propagation of infectious agents with its current HVAC practices?

Failure to Maintain Air Quality leads to Increased Hospital-Acquired Infections

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know temperature and humidity are key facets of indoor air quality. As warmth and humidity increase, so to do the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungus. A cool yet comfortable temperature and low relative humidity between 30-60%, kept in check with the aid of your heating and cooling system and a Dectron dehumidifier, are crucial. Without proper care and maintenance, these systems can put vulnerable patients at risk. The CDC estimates hospital-acquired infections occur in 5-10% of U.S. hospital patients annually, infecting 1.7-million, taking the lives of 99,000 people, and resulting in $20-billion in healthcare costs. Are you skimping on HVAC maintenance that threatens the safety of patients, leaving you liable for legal and reputational backlash?

A Properly Maintained HVAC System Prevents the Spread of Infection

With the crucial role temperature and humidity play in this regard, proper HVAC function in all areas of a hospital, but most importantly, within operating and clean rooms, cannot be overstated. Poorly maintained systems may be unable to maintain the temperature and humidity levels necessary to minimize bacterial growth. To prevent dangerous pathogens from building up within HVAC system components and ductwork, or taking hold when your system isn’t performing up to par, regularly scheduled service and maintenance are integral. Commercial heating and cooling contractors are on the frontlines of the battle against hospital-acquired infections, keeping systems operational and clear of mold and organism growth that can lead to hazardous indoor air quality. Such preventative maintenance also helps spot issues before they arise, preventing downed HVAC equipment from threatening the health and safety of patients and staff, and reducing the likelihood of relying on emergency HVAC service to restore comfort and safety in the event of system malfunction.

Servicing Hospital HVAC Systems Requires Specialized Expertise

Commercial HVAC systems, particularly the often highly-customized setups of hospitals containing high-level HEPA air filters, UV light air purification, and dehumidification systems, require the keen insight of a skilled professional. To ensure the health and safety of your patients and staff, trust in the skilled staff at H&H Commercial Services, the best commercial HVAC company in NJ. With 29-years in the industry, our knowledgeable, experienced technicians are equipped to handle the intricacies of any commercial setup.

Experience our winning services first-hand, whether you’re in need of 24-hour emergency service, or are ready to safeguard your system and hospital inhabitants with a customized preventative maintenance plan. Contact H&H Commercial Services to learn more today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/improper-maintenance-effecting-indoor-air-quality-hospital/

What You Need To Know About New Efficiency Requirements For Rooftop Units

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know, staying abreast of changing HVAC codes and standards is a challenge for any business. However, as the public drive for decreasing carbon footprint forges on, new 2018 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mandates for efficiency in commercial rooftop units continue to evolve to reduce HVAC energy use, which is responsible for 50% of all energy utilized in commercial and residential buildings across the country.

How Will Upcoming Efficiency Regulations Effect Your Commercial ­­Business?

Awareness and understanding of government, trade association, and local utility regulations are essential to your business. Announced back in 2015, HVAC commercial contractors are aware the time for DOE compliance guidelines to go into effect has come and gone, effective January 1st, though many commercial businesses find themselves surprised by the new standards. What are the new rooftop regulatory efficiency requirements, and how will they affect your commercial business? 

• New Efficiency Requirements will Effect a Number of Industries.

  Including retail stores, educational facilities, hospitals, and more, including commercial heating and air conditioning rooftop units (RTUs) and systems for low-rise buildings.
  
  

• The New Efficiency Requirements are Being Introduced in Two Phases.

  Phase one is in effect now. Phase one requires commercial rooftop units to improve efficiency by 10%  Phase two will come into play in 2023, when all RTUs and warm-air furnaces must be 30% more efficient than current standards.
  
  

• Performance Ratings will Shift from SEER to IEER Ratings.

  Instead of the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) previously used to evaluate performance, new IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings will now be used. What’s the difference? IIER will measure how a unit performs over the course of the season, rather than solely the coldest and hottest days of the year.
  
  

• Specific Performance Requirements Vary by State.

  Making it essential to verify with state-specific DOE requirements to ensure compliance.
  
  

• New Technology is Popping Up to Meet these Increased Efficiency Requirements.

  Ask commercial HVAC contractors in NJ about new multi-speed blower and condensing fan technology, larger coil heat exchangers, modulated compression, modified controls, and other technology that can help new rooftop systems meet - and surpass – upcoming efficiency requirements. Though such higher efficiency systems will cost more on initial purchase, their lower operating cost will make up for the added expense in energy savings over time.
  
  

• New Performance Requirements will Drastically Cut Energy Use.

  Over the next 30 years, the new performance requirements are expected to reduce HVAC energy use by 1.7 trillion kWh, leaving an average of $7,000 in the pockets of building owners nationwide over the lifespan of their commercial rooftop systems.

Looking for a commercial HVAC repair service that can help you ensure compliance and avoid legal issues? H&H Commercial Services has experience across a range of industries and is up-to-date on the latest industry regulations affecting your business. Don’t wait. Reduce energy costs and ensure compliance with the help of H&H Commercial Services today. 

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/need-know-new-efficiency-requirements-rooftop-units/

Is Your Business A Commercial Energy Hog?

Commercial businesses consume energy in much the same fashion as homes, guzzling electricity to power heating and cooling, lighting, electronics and appliances. Already consuming 41% of the power produced in the U.S. according to 2014 figures from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 2014 statistics, energy consumption in these sectors is expected to rise 13% in the U.S. the next 20-years, while globally it will inflate a staggering 44%, taxing the earth’s natural resources. Is your business doing its part to staunch the flow, or carelessly contributing the world’s ‘carbon footprint’ problem?

Is Your Business a Commercial Energy Hog?

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia get a lot of questions from customers concerning the ‘normalcy’ of their energy expenditures and ways to reduce energy use. Though the usage of the commercial sector varies slightly by industry, whether your business is a medical, office, hotel, retail, sports, educational, religious, or governmental establishment, the biggest energy user of the commercial sector by far is heating and cooling, adding up to over half of your monthly and annual energy expenditures> Nearly all of this energy is provided by electricity (53%) and natural gas (39%), which powers 92% of the energy needs of U.S. businesses.

 

Top Energy Consumers in Commercial Buildings

The U.S. Energy Information Administration 2012 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption reveals what’s consuming the most commercial energy, including:

• Space heating 25%
• “Other” 13%
• Ventilation 10%
• Refrigeration 10%
• Lighting 10%
• Commercial cooling 9%
• Computers/office equipment 8%
• Water heating 7%
• Cooking 7%

 

Industries Consuming the Most Energy

As taken from the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Report:

• Offices: 19%
• Retail/Malls: 18%
• Education: 8%
• Healthcare: 8%
• Storage/Warehouses: 7%
• Hotels/Lodging: 7%
• Food Service: 6%
• Food Sales: 5%
• Public Assembly: 5%
• Service: 4%
• Church/Worship: 2%
• Public Order/Safety: 2%

 

How Concerned Should You Be About Your Business’ Kilowatt Consumption?

Though the global need for energy is rising, America’s energy expenditures could be far worse. Federal and state appliance efficiency standards, in-effect since the 80s, have realized dramatic improvements, particularly with former energy gluttons including HVAC, water heaters, and refrigerators, as have improvements in the lighting arena including more affordable LED lighting options. Minimum efficiency standards have also reduced the use of energy consumed by commercial equipment considerably.
  

Tips for Reducing Energy Costs & Leaving a Smaller Carbon Footprint

Been a while since you scheduled necessary commercial heating and air conditioning repair and maintenance? Your heating and cooling needs may be costing your business and the environment even more than these statistics suggest. Learn more about ways to reduce the consumption of your business’ largest energy consumer with these HVAC tips for reducing energy costs. In addition, when upgrading appliances or your facilities, be on the lookout for these logos:

• Energy Star

  Energy Star labels not only energy efficient products – but energy efficient buildings. Does yours qualify?

• LEED

  The most widely-used green building rating system worldwide.

Looking for new ways to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your annual energy expenditures? Schedule commercial HVAC repair and service and learn more about commercial energy audits from the industry experts at H&H Commercial Services today.  

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/business-commercial-energy-hog/