Friday 22 November 2019

5 Reasons why Commercial HVAC Systems are Placed on the Roof

Are you wondering why your commercial heating and air conditioning system – or your neighbor’s – is placed on the roof? This is not an uncommon location for heavy-duty commercial HVAC systems. Commercial systems are not the same as those used for residential homes. Locating them on your rooftop offers a variety of advantages, despite their seemingly odd location.

Why are Commercial HVAC Systems Placed on the Roof?

  1. Rooftop placement makes maintenance easier and minimizes disruptions.
    The rooftop environment is cleaner with less dust, debris, and greenery, minimizing maintenance. When service is necessary, your local HVAC technician will enjoy easier access to the system. Out of the way of employees and customers, ladders, tools, parts, and the noise of service and repair will not disrupt your business.
  2. Placing HVAC on the roof saves valuable space.
    Space comes at a premium. With rooftop installation, you don’t have to lose usable floor or property space. Noisy components are located out of sight and don’t interfere with property or workplace activities.
  3. A rooftop location is a more secure place for your system.
    A rooftop locale safeguards your system against the theft of valuable components, as well as damage from vehicles, falling tree limbs, and more.
  4. Rooftop units offer opportunities for improving efficiency.
    Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors in Philadelphia know rooftop units offer a wider selection of efficiency-enhancing technology. With a rooftop system, you can more easily create temperature zones within your building, allowing for better sizing of HVAC components and more efficient operation.Energy-saving technology additions are also more readily available for rooftop units, such as fresh air dampers (FAD). These flaps, located inside ductwork, allow for cool outside air to mix with conditioned air from your system. Programmed to your specifications, they enable you to vary the volume of air flowing through your ductwork. This option is now standard on rooftop installations.
  5. Rooftop systems offer more flexibility in design.
    With rooftop equipment, you can better facilitate changing needs without needing to replace your entire HVAC system. They are an ideal solution for those renting commercial or retail space, allowing you to meet the demands of new customers more easily. With a modular design, rooftop systems allow you to add or subtract units, adding heating and cooling as needed.Because you have lots of free space on your roof, it is also easier to locate units just where needed to reduce the overall length of ductwork. This not only reduces heat loss via ductwork improving performance and efficiency (less ductwork = less opportunity for heat loss) but can also reduce duct cleaning costs.In addition, rooftop units also give you the option to use natural gas for heating and air conditioning, a widely used, extremely efficient heating, and cooling solution.
Are you up for improved system performance? Learn more about the flexibility and performance advantages of rooftop systems from the knowledgeable commercial heating and cooling contractors at H & H Commercial Services today.

Friday 8 November 2019

Signs you need a Quality HVAC Contractor on your side

Do recent events have you questioning your recent choice of HVAC contractor? The local heating and air conditioning service professionals at H & H have cleaned up a lot of messes left behind by shady contractors. Is your current contractor out to take your money and run? Watch out for these signs you need a quality HVAC contractor on your side.

No Written Estimate

Without a detailed written contract, you will have no idea if you are getting what you are paying for. A written contract and estimate, noting specific materials and completion date, ensure you and your HVAC contractor are on the same page.

Contractor’s List of References Unreachable

If you can’t reach any references, or your contractor cannot give you any, it doesn’t bode well. Even if someone claims to be just starting out, your heating and air conditioning system one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home – pass for someone with more experience.

Cash-Only Payment Requirement

A contractor who only accepts cash is not someone who wants your lasting business. These shady characters know payment by credit card or check affords you more options should a dispute arrive. Without documentation, it’s your word against theirs should you pursue legal action, and you’ll have difficulty recouping expenses.

High Down Payment

Down payments are normal, as contractors have materials and workers to contend with. However, the state of Pennsylvania regulates the amount of money contractors can collect for down payment, limiting it at 50%. If any contractor requests more than 50% down up-front, this should set off alarm bells.

No Credentials

All professionals should have a physical address where you can track them down should things go awry. They should also belong to professional associations and have earned certifications in their field, such as those from NATE or the EPA. Good contractors also warranty their work and products for years, not months. Remember: You get what you pay for.

No License or Insurance

Always ask to see licensing and insurance before any work begins, even with emergency HVAC service. These are required by law in most states. Reputable contractors typically post them on estimates, vehicles, and business cards. You don’t want a shady contractor’s damages or injuries to end up as a claim against your insurance policy.

They Tell You No Permits are Necessary

Most municipalities require permitting for work. One reason for this is to make sure the contractor doing the work actually has a license!

Excessive Outsourcing

While it is common to outsource jobs that require significant specialty knowledge, such as electrical, if you have a surplus of contractors running through your home, you have cause for concern. Are these contractors licensed and background-checked?
Safeguard your system and your finances with heating and air conditioning service and maintenance you can count on. Get back on track with the A+ BBB and Angie’s List Super Service Award-winning services of H & H Heating & Cooling today.