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.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/5-reasons-why-commercial-hvac-systems-are-placed-on-the-roof/

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.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/signs-you-need-a-quality-hvac-contractor-on-your-side/

Choosing the Right Programmable Thermostat for Your Business

Many business owners are surprised to discover just how much a programmable thermostat can save them on commercial heating and cooling costs. There are added incentives as well, including regulating comfort, reducing the incidence of office thermostat wars, and simplifying thermostat management for those with multiple locations.

How Much Can a Programmable Thermostat Save My Business?

A smart thermostat can save your business money daily, adjusting temperature settings when your building is unoccupied and discouraging employees from tampering with thermostat settings. Today’s programmable thermostat can save you upwards of 20% on your heating and cooling bills, lowering your carbon footprint and rapidly returning your investment on a new smart thermostat.

Which Programmable Thermostats is Best for My Business?

Commercial HVAC contractors report some of the best models on the market today include:

• Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostats

With the official designation of ‘Best Overall’ and ‘Best Value’ smart thermostat for 2019, you can’t go wrong with a Sensi Smart thermostat. An affordable addition at under $150, the Sensi gets outstanding reviews for its ease-of-installation, intuitive app design, and unparalleled customer support. Adjust the temperature with pre-sets, programming settings for each day of the week, take advantage of Sensi’s flexible scheduling function, or utilize the thermostat’s geofencing technology, programming it to the smartphone location of key staff members for automatic response. Change settings from anywhere from your smartphone or tablet, or integrate with your business’ preferred automation technology, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Wink.

• Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Thermostat
  Honeywell’s T6 Pro Smart Thermostat is Energy Star certified. At around $100, this thermostat is a bargain. Program it based on your schedule, or simply let it adjust to daily life at your place of business. Easily controlled by smartphone or tablet, operation is simple, helping you ensure employee comfort while saving on monthly energy costs. Program it to the smartphone location of key staff members for automatic response, or pre-set a schedule based on your preferences. Smart office? The Honeywell T6 Pro is compatible with the latest automation technology, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Echo, and more.
• Ecobee3 Lite
  Save energy and reduce heating and cooling costs with the Energy Star certified Ecobee 3 Lite. This system pairs with up to 32 Ecobee room sensors (sold separately), which respond based on occupancy and temperature preference. With this unique system, you can now manage hot and cold spots for more even temperature control. The Ecobee 3 Lite sets up quickly in about 30 minutes, and costs around $169, plus the cost of sensors. Operate with your smartphone, tablet, and or even your Apple Watch. It is compatible with smart setups, working with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, IFTTT, and more.

Take control of your business’ energy expenses with smart thermostat technology. Contact H & H Commercial HVAC Services and uncover the best smart thermostat setup for your business today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/choosing-the-right-programmable-thermostat-for-your-business/

Rooftop Units, Boilers & VRF: Tips for Choosing the Best Commercial System

Time to upgrade or install a new commercial heating & cooling system? We’ve got the information you need to make the best choice for your business, helping you understand the comfort, efficiency, performance, and initial investment costs of top commercial system styles.

Tried & True Tech: Commercial Boilers

Boilers are the oldest heating technology, used for over 200 years, though technology has infinitely improved. Today’s boilers have a smaller footprint and less piping than their predecessors, and are easier to install and service. They can adapt to outdoor weather, adjust to user comfort needs, and heat multiple building segments to specified requirements. Boilers cost more initially, but offer a faster return-on-investment compared to other options, saving money on monthly utility costs.

Popular & Affordable: Rooftop Unit (RTU)

RTUs offer heating and cooling for commercial buildings. They have been in use for decades, controlling the climate in approximately 40% of all commercial buildings. The main advantage of RTUs is simple implementation. Once connected to power and ductwork, they are ready to go.

Another advantage is their ability to precisely maintain comfort and air quality in ways previously available only in more sophisticated systems. Direct-drive fans and a moderated wheel speed allow for precise, incremental adjustments in single and multi-zone variable air volume systems, as well as dedicated outdoor air systems with demand-control ventilation modulation.

Rooftop units are flexible and customizable on-demand, with the ability to control temperature, ventilation, and overall airflow to every unique space. This flexibility of design translates into improved performance, energy savings, and minimized commercial repair and service. ‘Smart’ software and control allow contractors to login remotely to investigate service and maintenance needs.

RTUs offer a simpler installation and have a lower initial cost compared to similar systems, however, costs vary depending on the application. Packaged systems for single-story rooftop installations go in quickly and easily, with little issue. Systems can also be enhanced with modulating gas burners, ECM direct-drive fans, and inverter compressors for improved performance and savings.

Innovative & Environmentally Friendly: VRF Systems

Variable refrigerant flow, or VRF systems, entered the U.S. market about 10 years ago. They offer simultaneous heating and cooling using a heat recovery method. This method provides precise temperature control, the lowest energy costs among comparable systems, eliminates the need for a separate heating system, and reduces environmental impact.

VRF systems are not only extremely efficient, they are also flexible. VRF systems can be designed as ducted, ductless, or hybrid systems (with gas or boiler-based heating), making them the perfect choice for projects where traditional systems aren’t compatible. These systems are also cost-effective, requiring few structural, mechanical, and electrical alterations for installation.

Confused over commercial system options? Design the ideal system for your business and your budget with the help of your local commercial HVAC company. Contact H & H Commercial today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/rooftop-units-boilers-vrf-tips-for-choosing-the-best-commercial-system/

Which Method of Pool Room Dehumidification is Best?

Indoor pool dehumidification systems are a critical part of pool room infrastructure. A temperamental environment, moisture issues would quickly take their toll on your pool room without the right kind of humidity control. The pool room environment would be sticky and uncomfortable, the excess moisture creating a cascade of issues that threaten the structural integrity and lifespan of the pool room. Which pool room dehumidification system can best help you avoid these issues and ensure a lasting, enjoyable pool room experience?

The Right Pool Dehumidification Choice is Essential

A number of factors impact pool room humidity and dehumidification needs. These include outside climate, water temperature, occupancy, and more. Choosing the best pool room dehumidification system for your natatorium can help you keep relative humidity (RH) in the optimal 50-60% RH range, and your pool room and pool to a comfortable temperature of 84-degrees F. A properly designed system can monitor and manage temperature, humidity, evaporation rate and condensation formation. However, balancing comfort and appearance with cost involves compromise.

Which Method of Pool Room Dehumidification is Best?

PoolPak offers mechanical and outside air systems to meet your needs:

• Ventilation-Based Pool Room Dehumidifier
  • How Ventilation Based Systems Work
    Ventilation-based systems rely on outside air to remove moisture.
  • System Cost
    Lower initial investment than mechanical dehumidification systems, but higher operating costs over the life of the system.
  • Drawbacks
    Ventilation-based systems offer limited temperature and humidity control. They can only maintain the temperature within +/- 30% from set-point. This makes it difficult to cool below ambient temperature in the summer. Ventilation-based systems are also less efficient than mechanical pool room dehumidifiers, especially in the winter.
  • Benefits
    Simple design and less complex installation.
  • Something to Ponder
    In climates with cold winters and short, hot summers, the efficiency of ventilation-based systems may be improved with an air-to-air heat recovery addition. This can reduce winter space heating needs by 50%. However this addition inflates installation cost 25-30%.
• Mechanical Pool Room Dehumidifier
  • How Mechanical Based Systems Work
    Mechanical pool dehumidification systems work much like conventional heat pump style HVAC units.
  • System Cost
    Mechanical dehumidification systems cost more to install than ventilation-based systems, but much less to operate over the life of the system.
  • Drawbacks
    More complex installation and system design.
  • Benefits 
    These systems offer the added function of reclaiming heat energy used created in the dehumidification process and repurposing it for use in controlling pool room or water temperature (no auxiliary heat needed). Mechanical systems can provide ventilation as needed, and unlike ventilation-based systems, they manage set-point humidity levels regardless of outside conditions.
  • Something to Ponder
    These systems are strongly-recommended by HVAC contractors in regions with extended hot weather and high humidity.

Pool Room Climate Control

Don’t sweat pool room dehumidification system selection. Ensure a beautifully designed system with the help of the pool dehumidification experts at H&H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/which-method-of-pool-room-dehumidification-is-best/

R22 Refrigerant Goes Extinct 1/1/2020 - Are You Ready?

Since 2010, the country has been in the process of phasing out R22 refrigerant because of its effects on the earth’s ozone layer. As of January 1, 2020, the EPA ban on R22 will be in full force. R22 can no longer be manufactured or imported after this time, nor can R22 be used in new commercial heating and cooling installations after this date.

Is Time Up for Your Old Commercial HVAC System?

The price of R22 has steadily climbed over the course of the phase-out. After January 1, 2020, R22 will be available only by purchasing from recycled or stockpiled supplies, at a hefty premium. If your commercial system needs a refrigerant top-off to continue to run, you may find yourself balking at the cost.

How Do I Know if My HVAC Uses R22?

It’s best to consult a trained commercial HVAC technician to be certain what type of refrigerant your system uses. No R22 systems were manufactured after 2010, though some remained on the market. In addition, R410 systems have been manufactured since 1996, so it can be difficult to determine by purchase date alone.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your R22 System

Replacing your R22 system is just a matter of time. However, in these scenarios, commercial HVAC repair companies recommend replacing sooner than later.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/r22-refrigerant-goes-extinct-1-1-2020-are-you-ready/

• HVAC System Regularly Leaks Refrigerant
  If you’ve had to top-off the refrigerant in your system recently, this indicates a leak. Because refrigerants circulate under high pressure, and components age over time, these leaks typically worsen, releasing more and more refrigerant year-after-year.
• HVAC System Manufactured in 2010 or Earlier
  HVAC systems only last 10-15 years, on average. The last units made with R22 were manufactured 10-years ago, and old enough to warrant replacement.

Considering Waiting One More Year?

Because you’re not the only one with this thought in mind, be prepared to expect higher prices and longer wait times next year. Demand drives up the prices for systems, and even if you are able to locate an affordable new system, you’ll likely join a throng of others waiting for a knowledgeable commercial service technician to install your system. If your system goes down during this time, you could find yourself going weeks without heating or air conditioning.

What If My Business is Short on Funds for HVAC System Replacement?

Financing is available to help you pay for a new commercial system. In addition, talk to your heating and cooling contractor about available energy efficiency incentives from your state and local government and rebate programs from your utility provider. These, in combination with fewer repair bills and the far lower energy costs you’ll enjoy with a new commercial HVAC system, can help you offset the costs of replacement.

On the fence about the replacement of your older R22 system? Schedule a complimentary consultation from a qualified HVAC contractor at H&H Commercial Services today.



This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/r22-refrigerant-goes-extinct-1-1-2020-are-you-ready/

7 Reasons to Consider Commercial HVAC Units

Ready to install a new HVAC system for your business or eking by with an older, residential unit? A new commercial system offers serious advantages. While residential and commercial heating and air systems have many underlying similarities, they are not the same. Why should you consider a commercial HVAC unit?

Commercial Systems Are Space-Savers

A commercial rooftop system is an ideal solution for businesses. Commercial systems are typically packaged, not split as in residential HVAC. They combine heating and cooling into a single rooftop unit, typically locating it rooftop and out of the way of real estate, office, and industrial space. This saves space and reduces noise pollution in the building.

Commercial HVAC Systems Are More Powerful

Because commercial areas are typically larger than residential spaces, commercials systems are larger and more powerful. This allows them to heat and cool your space more efficiently and effectively when properly sized by a skilled HVAC mechanical contractor.

Commercial Systems Support Zoned Heating & Cooling

Commercial systems are typically designed to support multiple thermostats, managing temperatures in your building by zone. This approach can help you save annually on energy expenses, lowering your carbon footprint.

Commercial Systems Are Easier to Install and Service

The out-of-the-way location of rooftop systems make them easier for your commercial HVAC company to install, maintain, and service without disrupting day-to-day activities.

You Can More Easily Increase/Decrease Capacity with Commercial Systems

Because commercial systems are modular, not standalone as residential units, they offer more flexibility. Modifications and expansions are far easier with commercial systems. Simply add modules, take them away, or integrate new features to increase/decrease cooling capacity and accommodate the changing needs of your business.

Commercial HVAC Systems Offer Superior Ventilation

Unlike residential systems, which typically rely on windows, commercial systems offer a wide range of ventilation options. Mechanical ventilation additions such as local systems that remove contaminants directly at the source, and general ventilation systems that reduce contaminants throughout the building, help you provide a safe environment and good indoor air quality for your staff.

Commercial HVAC Systems Provide Superior Humidity Control

In the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area, the climate can range from humid in the summer, to dry in the winter. Commercial humidity control is a must to protect your staff, inventory, and equipment. When the air is too dry, asthma, allergies, and colds can flare up as pollen and bacteria are more easily distributed. Wooden structural components and furnishings can crack and split, and static electricity become a constant annoyance. Too humid, and mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, and pests thrive. With a commercial system, it is easy to keep your indoor environment in the optimal 30-50% relative humidity range, customizing it with the right humidification and dehumidification equipment to protect your employees and assets.

Design a system that is customized to the unique needs of your business. Learn more about powerful, space-saving commercial systems from the commercial heating and cooling contractors at H&H today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/7-reasons-to-consider-commercial-hvac-units/