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/

The Best Pool Dehumidification Solutions Available Today!

Your choice in indoor pool dehumidification systems is an important one, with far reaching ramifications. Preventing mold proliferation, safeguarding your pool room’s structure and contents against corrosion and deterioration, and protecting you from high energy costs and system failure, matching the right dehumidifier to your precise application is key to ensuring longevity and satisfaction with the performance of each unique system. With so many on the market, however, the selection process can be quite confusing. How can you find the right indoor pool dehumidification system for your pool room?

Look to Industry Leaders in Pool Dehumidification  

• Dectron Dehumidification Units
  
  A global provider of custom and semi-custom systems, Dectron specializes in  dehumidification, indoor air quality (IAQ), and precision HVAC systems across a range of industries, from recreation and hospitality to medical and industrial applications. Offering some of the best humidity control solutions on the market today, Dectron solutions include…

1. Dectron Dry-O-Tron: This mechanical system controls humidity, re-harnessing energy by-products to maintain comfort.
2. Dectron Eco-Tron: This custom integrated system offers not only air conditioning and dehumidification, but integrates energy recovery techniques and serves as a makeup air system as well.
3. Dectron Circul-Aire: This single-source system can meet ASHRAE standards in multiple arenas: Comfort, humidity, air purification and ventilation.
4. ThemoPlus Air: Offering unique design solutions for custom and specialty applications.

• PoolPak Dehumidification UnitsPoolPak also offers an amazing line of indoor pool dehumidification systems designed for high performance, efficiency, and extended lifespan. Preferred by architects and engineers for value and rapid return on investment, PoolPak systems are found in pool facilities, schools, and healthcare facilities worldwide. PoolPak solutions include…

1. Mechanical Refrigeration & Outside Air Systems: These systems both recycle heat captured in the dehumidification process for heating air/water, and capture heat from the outside system’s exhaust stream.
2. Small Application Systems: With a moisture removal capacity of approximately 60lb/hour, these systems, engineered for less expansive applications, are available in a variety of sizes/configurations.
3. Customizable Systems: PoolPak’s MPK and SWHP and VHR systems offer custom-tailored solutions from dehumidification and heating to exhaust and purge control.
4. High-Capacity, High-Efficiency Systems: Choose from PoolPak’s HCDV and HCDH Series for optimal heat recycling and reduced energy costs.  

Protect Your Investment with Professional Sizing & Installation

When selecting your system, be sure to seek out the expertise of commercial HVAC contractors you can trust who will take the time to determine your exact dehumidification, heating, indoor air quality and ventilation needs. Proper sizing and installation safeguards comfort, performance, air quality, energy savings, and most importantly the warranty and longevity of your indoor pool dehumidification system investment.

For over 30 years, H&H Commercial Services has been providing superior HVAC, dehumidification, and indoor air quality solutions to residential and commercial customers in Philadelphia City and surrounding area from industry leading manufacturers like Dectron and PoolPak. Take advantage of our years of expertise, and let us help you find an indoor pool dehumidification system that’s the perfect fit for your space. Contact the comfort control experts at H&H Commercial Services today.


This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/pool-dehumidification-solutions-today/

Maintaining The Right Climate In Your Gym – What You Need To Know

When maintaining the temperature in a gym or other fitness establishment, a few degrees of adjustment to the thermostat of your commercial HVAC system can make a world of difference. Temperature control is essential not only to a safe workout, but an effective one as well. Is your thermostat in the zone?

Warm Up or Cool Down? 

OSHA identifies safe workplace temperatures as between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels as best between 20 to 60% relative humidity. However the gym is not a typical workplace. The ideal temperature for your gym should vary by setting and activity. Even client age plays a role, with pregnant women and children requiring cooler environments due to their propensity to overheat, and the elderly preferring far warmer gym environments due to their sensitivity to cold.
  

What’s the Big Deal?

Despite common misperceptions, the gym is not the place to encourage clients to ‘sweat it out’ under the guise of a greener planet. Extreme temperatures – both hot and cold – can have a negative effect on member workouts. Cold environments can result in muscle injury. Overwarm environments, cause patrons to suffer performance lags that can reduce workout effectiveness by 50%, resulting in dramatic declines in fitness levels or lack of progression over time. Worse, muscle injuries from excessive cold or health risks from overheating such as dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiovascular issues could put you at risk of costly lawsuits and lost clientele.

How Can You Find the Right Gym Temperature?To find the perfect temperature, look to industry tips and clientele age. Though in general the American College of Sports Medicine advises temperatures in the 68 to 72 degree Fahrenheit range alongside proper humidity and air circulation, optimal temperatures are more activity-specific. Thus, the International Fitness Association (IFA) has developed guidelines based not only on OSHA and IFA guidelines, but activity:

• Aerobics & Cardio
  For aerobics cardio classes, a temperature of no higher than 68 degrees is recommended.
• Weight Training
  Weight training, like aerobics, is recommended in the temperature range of 65-68 degrees by the IFA as well. However, "Iron Man," a sports magazine geared to body builders, suggests a room temperature at approximately 70 degrees to allow comfort while training but keep muscles warm at-rest.
• Yoga
  Yoga temperatures are generally warmer, but no higher than 80 degrees.
• Water Activities
  Pool areas are typically kept in the 70-80 degree range. ASHRAE, however, recommends temperatures of 2 to 4 degrees above water temperature for ideal pool room humidity control, as improperly maintained air temperature, water temperature and humidity can quickly overwhelm HVAC equipment.

Don’t Breeze By Humidity & Air Movement

Humidity and air movement are also integral to clientele perceptions of temperature. High humidity, even at optimal temperatures, can make gym spaces feel stuffy and hot. Proper circulation with fans can likewise increase comfort and facilitate the evaporation of sweat, keeping clients comfortable and cool.

HVAC system feeling the burn? Need commercial air conditioning repair? Contact the    and air conditioning repair experts at H&H Commercial Services and get your system back in shape today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/maintaining-right-climate-gym/ 

What Are HVAC Rooftop Units, And How Do They Work?

Roof top units, or RTUs, are a common fixture of commercial buildings. Nearly half of all commercial buildings across the nation take advantage of RTU technology, including office buildings, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, retail venues, and schools. Providing heating, cooling, and ventilation, RTUs have been servicing the comfort needs of large buildings since the early days of electro-mechanical air conditioning in the early 1900s.

Why Rooftop HVAC Systems?During the early 20th century when these systems were introduced, most large businesses were located in crowded urban areas, where no room existed between buildings for the large outdoor units necessary to provide adequate cooling. To get around this issue, manufacturers designed systems that could access ventilation and operate from the roof.

Plentiful Benefits
Newer, albeit more efficient versions of RTUs are still in use today, remaining at the top of building where they take up less space, require less maintenance in the form of weed, grass and debris removal, and keep the grounds more attractive. This location also makes the systems less prone to theft and tampering, and allows for easier commercial HVAC maintenance without interfering with daily work routines. Because there are few space and design concerns with RTUs, expanding the heating, cooling, and ventilation capacity of these systems is also much easier due to their out-of-sight, limited use locale.

How Do Rooftop HVAC Systems Work?Far more flexible in design today than they were just a generation prior, RTUs work a little differently than the standard home HVAC system. When cooling is necessary, RTUs draw warm air from within the building, cooling it with the help of a cooling coil, and redistribute it to the space below. When the outside air is cooler than the air inside, however, RTUs have the capability to save energy, taking advantage of outdoor conditions with the help of a specialized control system called an economizer. The economizer system opens up an air damper when outdoor air is cooler, reducing the need for the system to cool indoor air mechanically, and taking a 15-80% bite out of energy use depending on outside climate conditions. In addition, if a building requires added ventilation, outside air is always available. When paired with an occupancy or CO2 sensor, the system can bring in necessary fresh air on demand, responding to ventilation changes on an as-needed basis.

How Efficient are Rooftop Units?
While older RTUs are notoriously inefficient, newer RTU tech and retrofits offer far more reliable and efficient operation. With heating and cooling accounting for over 25% of the average commercial building’s energy use, such improvements in efficiency have a lot to offer in helping businesses cut energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and meet regulatory standards, not to mention in boosting productivity and protecting workers against temperature extremes.

Looking for opportunities to improve the efficiency of your rooftop unit? Contact the experts at H&H Commercial Services to schedule a system evaluation and learn more about opportunities for savings today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/hvac-rooftop-units-work/

A Quick Guide to the Clear Benefits of Our Commercial HVAC Repair and Service Work

Companies throughout the industries depend upon their HVAC equipment to ensure their team is comfortable and their heating and cooling costs are kept to a minimum. This means when a HVAC systems issue occurs, it can cause significant challenges for any organization. Here at H&H Commercial Services, we have many years’ experience responding to commercial HVAC repair and service challenges, and in this latest post, we’ll explain why so many companies now turn to us when they need HVAC expertise.

We Offer Tailored Computer Room Services

One of the most critical areas within many organizations is the IT suite and the connected computer room. This is the hub of their work with customers and it requires a consistent temperature to keep computers from overheating and a significant data loss issue from occurring. Here at H&H Commercial Services, Inc., we’re adept at responding to all commercial HVAC repair and service requirements. This means we have the experience to build tailored heating and cooling systems for your computer room. Whether you’re a small business with only a few computers supporting your IT operations or a large organization relying on your systems to support internal and external communications, H&H Commercial Services, Inc. can install a leading-class computer room system to safeguard your equipment.

Expert Troubleshooting Guidance

Our team understands the value placed upon HVAC equipment. We know that your teams cannot thrive in an environment that is either too hot or too cold. And that’s why we offer round-the-clock troubleshooting services. You can depend upon us because we have experience working with a range of systems and in ensuring these systems are repaired within a consolidated timeframe. We work to find the fastest and best available solution to your technical maintenance issue and we only employ those who have significant industry experience. This means you never have to wait to find the right response to your HVAC challenge with H&H Commercial Services, Inc.

High Level Communication

Working in a technical field such as HVAC requires teams to have a clear understanding on all the latest technology. But if they are not able to adeptly communicate the issue to their clients, they cannot ensure the problem won’t return on the future. Our team at H&H Commercial Services, Inc. are masters in communication. We can help explain even the most technical concepts so that those without experience in the industry understand the reason for the problem and our solution. We’ll give you all the details so you can continue to make prudent choices on your commercial HVAC repair and service needs in the future. It’s what makes H&H Commercial Services, Inc. a market-leading partner for all businesses.

Our team is available now to respond to all technical needs. By turning to H&H Commercial Services, Inc.  today, your business can reduce its HVAC expenditures and ensure it retains high level productivity from its workforce. To begin reviewing our services and book a free quote for your installation, maintenance, or repair requirements, contact our technical team now at 610-532-8745.