The ABCs of Optimizing Indoor Air Quality at Restaurants

Encouraging mask use, regularly cleaning surfaces, and social distancing are essential for reducing the spread of COVID 19. However, reducing the presence of potentially infectious airborne virus particles can increase confidence in dining at your restaurant. Broaden your approach to optimizing indoor air quality with these ABCs of pollutant control.

A – Enhance Filtration

Upgrade the air filter on your commercial heating or cooling unit to one with a MERV 13 rating or better.  MERV 13-rated filters remove less than 75% of bacteria and airborne particles 0.3-1 micron in size and 90% of particles over 1 micron. For the best protection, consider HEPA filters (not “HEPA-style”). True HEPA filters trap particles 0.3 microns and larger with 99.7% efficacy.

B – Increase Fresh Air

When possible, avoid recirculating indoor air, opting instead for 100% outdoor air. Introducing fresh air can be accomplished with outside air units or outdoor air economizers. You can use these units to pretreat dining rooms and kitchens, improving air quality and comfort inside your restaurant. Compared to typical restaurant HVAC designs, these systems over-ventilate, delivering 125-180% more fresh air than required by code while reducing energy use.

In fact, during moderate seasons, it may be easier to maintain your desired restaurant temperature and humidity levels with this design. In more extreme weather conditions, your HVAC system must have the capacity to compensate for this; otherwise, ventilation levels should be adjusted for comfort.

C – Add UV Technology

Add a third layer of protection, reducing the presence of microorganisms with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. These lights can be installed within your restaurant HVAC system or ductwork or the upper regions of dining and kitchen areas. The duration and intensity of UV-C exposure are crucial to efficacy and safety. Limiting direct exposure of patrons and staff to UV is essential to avoid eye and skin damage. Your local HVAC commercial contractor must professionally install these systems to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Specialized computations using the Wells Riley rate should be conducted to determine how to best use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation at your restaurant, including the number of lamps and duration of exposure. This formula is widely used to identify the probability of infection in an occupied space, including studying airborne infections and the link between sick leave and ventilation systems.

Optimize the air quality in your restaurant, improving the dining experience and ensuring repeat business. Contact H & H Commercial Services to uncover ways to boost patron confidence in your restaurant’s indoor air quality today.

NOTE/Disclaimer: ASHRAE, in alliance with recommendations from the CDC and WHO, offers recommendations specifically to operating your commercial HVAC system during COVID. However, given the many unknowns and continued study of COVID-19, HVAC systems and products have not yet been tested for their effectiveness in reducing the spread of this disease.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/the-abcs-of-optimizing-indoor-air-quality-at-restaurants/

10 Best Energy Saving Technologies for Your Commercial Space

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning account for over half of your business’ monthly energy costs, offering tremendous opportunity for cost savings. Fortunately, many commercial HVAC system modifications can help you save energy and control operational costs, from the tried-and-true to the latest cutting-edge technology. Shrink your carbon footprint and improve occupant comfort with these commercial HVAC additions.

Top 10 Energy-Saving Commercial HVAC Technologies

Note – The technologies mentioned below offer significant savings but may not always be the best solution for your business. Talk to your local commercial HVAC contractor to uncover the ideal additions for your application or industry.

1. Duct sealing
   One of the easiest ways to save energy is to eliminate duct leakage. Duct leakage is a significant source of energy waste, so be sure to make this part of your regular commercial HVAC maintenance routine.
2. Variable-speed blower motors & adjustable speed drives
   Reducing blower motor speed to meet commercial heating and cooling demands offers significant savings.
3. Dedicated outdoor air systems
   Reduce load on your cooling system and improve comfort, removing moisture from outdoor air and conditioning it separately from indoor return air with a dedicated outdoor air system.
4. Demand-controlled ventilation
   Using carbon monoxide sensors and economizers, demand-controlled ventilation helps you maintain indoor air quality while avoiding wasteful overventilation.
5. Energy recovery ventilation
   ERV systems repurpose energy from exhausted air, using it to precondition incoming air, reducing commercial heating and cooling loads while maintaining comfort.
6. Displacement ventilation
   Improve indoor air quality, introducing a low-velocity stream of cold air at the floor level to displace stale air near the ceiling.
7. Desiccant dehumidification
   Using liquid desiccants to remove moisture, evaporate heat, and precool makeup air reduces cooling load
8. Zero-degree heat pumps
   Today’s latest heat pump technology works efficiently in climates as cold as 0 F. Because these systems move heat rather than create it, they offer more than 100% energy efficiency.
9. Variable refrigerant flow systems
   These flexible ductless-style systems utilize multiple compressors to deliver partial load performance and zoned temperature control, improving occupant comfort while saving energy.
10. Microenvironments
    These personal desktop-style climate control systems offer environmental control in a single unit. Attached to a work surface, they create a virtual zone for each occupant, improving staff comfort and productivity.

Low Tech Commercial HVAC Energy Savings Solutions

In addition to taking advantage of the latest available technology, routine commercial HVAC maintenance is essential for optimizing performance and efficiency. Regular inspection for leaks and mechanical issues and the cleaning of system components reduces energy losses, keeping your operational budget under control.

Keep your facility comfortable while controlling costs. Contact H & H Commercial Services to schedule a commercial HVAC system energy assessment today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/10-best-energy-saving-technologies-for-your-commercial-space/