System Down? 5 Most Common Commercial HVAC Issues

You rely on your commercial heating and air conditioning system to keep the work environment comfortable and safe for employees without putting your budget in the red. Staying on top of preventive maintenance tasks is key to ensuring the reliable, efficient operation of your system. However, even well-maintained systems require attention from time to time. What causes these unexpected issues?

Clogged Filters

Dirty, clogged filters are a common – and easily preventable – reason for commercial HVAC repair and service calls. Before picking up the phone for help, check your systems’ air filter. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, putting it under stress and decreasing performance and lifespan. Monitor filters frequently and change them at least quarterly for optimal efficiency. This will also improve the indoor air quality in your building, trapping dust, pollen, allergens, and other pollutants that can negatively impact your staff and productivity.

Dirty Condenser/Coils
As with clogged filters, a dirty, clogged condenser or coil can significantly impact HVAC performance.

Leaking Refrigerant

Your system relies on liquid refrigerant contained with the coils of the HVAC system to cool, heat, and dehumidify the air in your workspace. If the system doesn’t contain enough refrigerant, it can’t perform this task as well and the air it produces will not be very cold/warm. This not only makes workers and patrons uncomfortable, but forces your condenser to work harder leading to more (and increasingly costly) repair needs.

Thermostat Malfunction

This issue is commonly overlooked when a system goes down. It is often assumed the issue is with the mechanical components of the system, when it’s actually a problem with the thermostat. As this small piece of equipment regulates the timing of heated or cooled air produced by your unit, when it’s malfunctioning, you could struggle with intermittent temperature fluctuations that make workers and customers uncomfortable. The best commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia can quickly identify this issue, even in workspaces with multiple thermostats.

Improper Airflow

Conditioned air is distributed through ductwork and vent registers before it reaches each room, section, or zone of your business. Dampers are used to alter the flow, reducing airflow in one area to deliver additional flow to another area. When these dampers are not properly set up, it can cause an imbalance where one room heats faster than the other.

Age

We know you may not want to think about it, but all systems have a lifespan. Over time components fail and older systems utilizing soon-to-be banned coolant simply reach a point where they can no longer keep the pace.

Neglected Maintenance

Routine regular maintenance helps you identify minor issues before they become major repairs or result in system failure. If you and your staff have a hard time keeping up with these needs, enlisting in a preventive maintenance plan is a wise investment.

System still down for the count? Stop fighting with your system and knockout repair issues fast with the help of knowledgeable commercial HVAC repair service professionals at H&H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/system-down-5-most-common-commercial-hvac-issues/

Time for a Commercial HVAC Tune-Up? Don't Forget This

Time for spring HVAC maintenance? To ensure your commercial heating and cooling system will run reliably throughout the summer, you will have to tackle a long preventive maintenance checklist. When managing your system’s preventive maintenance needs, make sure you don’t overlook these key tasks. Some tasks are easily handled by your in-house maintenance crew, while some will require the expertise of trusted commercial HVAC contractors in NJ.

As Soon as Weather Warms Tackle these In-House Tasks

• Clean debris surrounding the exterior unit, including weeds, leaves, and trash that can thwart airflow to the system.
• Change your HVAC filter. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, costing you in energy dollars and shortening system lifespan.
• Check the drains for blockages and the drain pan for signs of mold and rust.
• Check coolant levels, and if low, contact an HVAC pro to top them off.

Schedule Annual Preventive Maintenance for a Commercial HVAC Pro

After you have completed the above in-house tasks, schedule annual maintenance you’re your local commercial HVAC company. Professionally trained and experienced, they can identify common and uncommon heating and air conditioning issues. What can a pro manage your maintenance team cannot?

• Identify wiring issues and damage.
• Perform a voltage test.
• Inspect for damage and lubricate the moving parts in your system.
• Check belts for wear and tear or dry rot.
• Check coolant levels and safely add/remove the appropriate coolant.
• Add cooling system additives necessary for protecting system components from corrosion.
• Safely clean internal and external components, including the evaporator and condenser coils and ignition system.
• Repair or replace severely bent coils.
• Check your thermostat and zoning for proper settings and function.
• Perform any needed repairs uncovered during the inspection before weather extremes hit.

Don’t Let Preventive Maintenance Needs Slide

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but your business will come to a screeching halt if your system goes down due to neglected maintenance. Annual preventive maintenance in the spring and fall, before weather extremes occur, can save your business time and money. Routine maintenance can reduce the risk of breakdown up to 95%, so you won’t be on the long list of those waiting for emergency commercial heating and cooling repair in a heat wave or snow storm. With your system running at peak efficiency, you can also reduce your energy expenditures and carbon footprint, saving up to 30% on monthly energy costs according the Department of Energy. Routine maintenance also extends the life of your system, reducing the likelihood you’ll need to replace your commercial system anytime soon. It also helps you maintain factory warranty coverage, showing proof you properly care for your system and its costly components.

Having a hard time keeping up with commercial HVAC maintenance needs? Simplify things with the help of the commercial heating and cooling contractors at H&H Commercial Services. Learn more about our affordable and convenient maintenance agreements today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/time-for-a-commercial-hvac-tune-up-dont-forget-this/

R22 Phaseout: What the 2020 Phaseout Means for Your Business

Pondering system replacement? The phase out of R22 next year should be an important factor in your decision to invest in a new HVAC unit. If your system is leaking refrigerant, this decision is critical. To avoid the need for unexpected replacement during high cooling season, keep these things in mind:

R22 Refrigerant Becomes Illegal in the U.S. January 1, 2020

R22 is being phased out worldwide due to its harmful effects on the earth’s ozone layer. R22 has been phased out gradually over the past few years based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. After January 1, 2020, R22 can no longer be manufactured in or imported to the United States by commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia.

What Does the Phase Out Mean for Your R22 System?

After January 1, 2020, if your commercial heating and cooling system is in need of ANY service requiring the addition of refrigerant to the system, it can no longer be repaired. After this date, R22 systems will become obsolete. Barring simple electrical repairs, your system’s days are numbered. There will be no more ‘getting by’ with emergency repairs and topping off old, leaky HVAC systems. This will leave your business with 3 possible options:

• Wait until your system breaks down to replace it.
• Retrofit your old R22 system to work with another refrigerant.
• Proactively replace your system.

Which Option for Addressing R22 Issues is Best for Your Business?

Not every option is realistic or smart for every business.

• Thinking of waiting?
  For most this is largely a non-option. Commercial HVAC repair and service customers must realize, system breakdown never occur at an opportune time, and system replacement does not happen overnight. Operating a business during times of extreme temperatures without comfort control presents critical health and safety risks, with the unexpected timing of a breakdown putting business productivity on the line.
• Thinking of retrofitting?
  Retrofitting for use with a different refrigerant is not possible for all systems, and requires evaluation by an experienced commercial HVAC technician to determine if this might work. For systems not operating at peak efficiency, which are especially old or leaky, experts are unlikely to recommend spending money on a retrofit.
• Considering proactive replacement?
  For large commercial customers, this may encompass a costly replacement. Though this is bad when you know it is coming, having to deal with the costs and inconvenience of replacement without warning is much worse.

Why Avoid Emergency HVAC Replacement?

System replacement during the peak summer season may take quite a while due to greater demand and limited supply of systems and labor due to the R22 refrigerant phase out. For larger businesses with multiple systems, proactive replacement can also allow you spread out the expense. An HVAC pro can help you prioritize which units to replace first and develop a strategy that works for both your budget and the phase out timeline.

Plan for success. Stay ahead of obstacles associated with the R22 refrigerant phase out and avoid system replacement surprises. Schedule a complimentary consultation from a qualified HVAC contractor from H&H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/r22-phaseout-what-the-2020-phaseout-means-for-your-business/

Spring Allergies: Is Your Employees' Productivity Affected?

Are you and your employees eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring? After a long, wet winter, warmer and dryer spring weather is welcome. However, along with welcoming the weather, there is the potential for inviting in spring weather problems. As trees, flowers, and grass begin budding, pollen will quickly spread, bringing the misery of sneezing, coughing, and itching to the 50-million Americans who suffer spring allergies. These particles can be tracked into the workplace, effecting your staff both indoors and out, reducing feelings of well-being and impacting productivity.  Fortunately, there are many ways you can thwart spring allergens and keep your staff feeling happy, healthy, and productive.

Ways to Reduce the Effect of Spring Allergens in the Workplace

• Address Area Landscaping
  When employees open windows and doors or venture outside for a dose of fresh air, the pollen of area plants can be carried into the workplace. To prevent this from irritating those workers sensitive to spring allergens, reevaluate area landscaping close to the workplace, removing or replanting with less allergenic landscaping options.
• Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
  Your commercial heating & cooling system plays a primary role in keeping your employees healthy and your business productive. However, as it circulates air to provide a comfortable environment, it can circulate irritating allergens through the office. Luckily, this can be controlled with:
  • Regular air filter replacement.
    Dust and pollen particles that are caught and buildup in the filter over time will be redistributed throughout the workplace. Regularly changing air filters reduces buildup and supports the easy flow of air, reducing HVAC system strain and safeguarding HVAC lifespan.
  • A HEPA filter upgrade.
    Upgrading to a HEPA air filter with a  MERV rating of 17-19 can greatly improve indoor air quality, helping your remove a broader array of contaminants, including pollen, from the air.
  • Air duct inspection and maintenance.
    Ensuring air ducts are properly sealed prevents pollen, dust, and other contaminants from infiltrating the system from uninsulated building spaces. Regular inspection and cleaning of ductwork by your area HVAC commercial service pro can remove these accumulations, which effect occupant health and can become a barrier to proper air flow.
• Evaluate Indoor Air Quality
  When a large number of employees feel ill over an extended period of time, indoor air quality testing is essential. This can uncover hidden hazards such as dangerous gases, chemicals, mold, and other pollutants that can negatively impact occupant health. These issues can be addressed with:
  • Improved ventilation.
    An HVAC commercial service professional can help you incorporate ventilation additions to flush pollutants from the air in your workplace.
  • An air purification addition.
    Incorporating an air purification system with UV light into your building’s HVAC system can help you significantly removed harmful contaminants from the air.
  • Proper humidity levels.
    Central dehumidifiers may be necessary to control excess moisture and mold issues, while humidification can help address seasonal dryness that can worsen the spread of pollen, dust, and irritants through the office.

Springtime allergies left your staff feeling under the weather? Address indoor air quality issues with the help of a commercial HVAC service company ou can trust. Contact H&H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/spring-allergies-is-your-employees-productivity-affected/

New to Dehumidifiers? FAQs & Answers

New to the realm of dehumidifiers? Whether you’re trying to decide if a dehumidifier is necessary, determine the best type of dehumidifier for your pool room, or learn the basics of dehumidifier operation, H&H Commercial Services has you covered.

Pool Room Dehumidification Systems Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I Need a Dehumidifier for My Indoor Pool Room?
  Pool rooms, which house large bodies of water, contain much higher humidity levels than those found within the typical residential/commercial building. If not properly controlled, when air becomes saturated (100% humidity) damage can occur to structural components and pool room equipment. Worse, such high humidity levels are not only uncomfortable, but create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria, and other organisms. Proper dehumidification safeguards the indoor air quality, protecting the health of pool room occupants, and ensures the longevity of the pool room structure and furnishings.
• Why Isn’t Outside Air and an Exhaust Fan Enough?
  While ‘Waste Ventilation Systems’ can exchange air, they do not offer sufficient pool room humidity control over the course of the year, such as when conditions are humid in the summer, or rainy for an extended period of time in the winter and spring.
• How Can I Tell if I Need to Upgrade or Replace My Current Dehumidification System?
  Look for these commercial humidity control issues as signs your current dehumidification setup is not up to the task:
  • Corrosion or rust
  • The presence of mold
  • Dripping windows
  • Stained or wet drywall
  • Caving ceilings
• Will a Pool Cover Reduce the Need for Dehumidification?
  Pool covers do not reduce the need for dehumidification or the size of the system.
• What is the Ideal Humidity Level for My Pool Room?
  HVAC commercial contractors recommend keeping relative humidity levels in the 50-60% RH range to maintain occupant comfort as well as the integrity of the building and components.
• What is the Ideal Temperature for My Pool Room?
  For recreational pools, a setting between 75-85-degrees F is best. However, for rehab/retirement centers, diving centers, or other unique situations, these temperatures may be different.
• What Size Dehumidification System Do I Need?
  It is essential to look to experienced commercial HVAC contractors in NJ when determining system size due to the number of factors that come into play for each unique pool room setup (size, ceiling height, climate zone, insulation, tightness/leakage in the building envelope, preferred temperature, pool heating setup, etc.).
• Can I Use a Dehumidification System with a Salt Water Pool
  Most dehumidification units work with salt water pools.
• Should Air Be Directed at the Pool Surface?
  Air movement speeds evaporation of pool water. Rather than directing air at the surface, using a return grill near the surface of the pool is preferred to control the chloramine layer and improve air quality.

Looking for a commercial heating and air conditioning repair company in Philadelphia who can answer all of your dehumidication questions? Talk to the experts at H&H today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/new-to-dehumidifiers-faqs-answers/

How Much is Poor Indoor Air Quality Costing Your Business?

As cold and flu season reaches its end, it’s easy to believe the worst of employee ‘sick days’ are behind you. As the warmer weather makes its way in, however, spring allergies are on the horizon, affecting workers not only outdoors, but inside work facilities where air quality can be 2-5-times worse than the air outside. As each season brings its own challenges, how will you safeguard your employees, productivity, and ultimately your business against the effects poor indoor air quality?

Half of Employee Illness is Caused or Worsened by Poor Indoor Air Quality

This alarming statistic from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology points to indoor air quality (IAQ) as a leading precipitator of employee illness. More than a scheduling headache, poor indoor air quality takes a massive toll, costing the U.S. economy as much as $168-billion a year according to Department of Energy estimates. This includes the cost of medical care and absenteeism. However, when sick workers drag themselves in, the problem becomes increasingly worse.

Quality & Quantity of Work Suffer with ‘Presenteeism’ and Poor IAQ Situations

When sick workers drag themselves into buildings with poor IAQ, a phenomenon dubbed ‘presenteeism,’ they suffer a reduction in individual productivity of 33%. Workers aren’t ‘helping,’ but instead incurring costs 7.5-times more than illness-induced absence and 2-3-times more than direct medical care. This is sustained while spreading illness to others, creating a chain reaction and exponentially increasing productivity loss and cost to the business. However, commercial heating & cooling professionals know these scenarios could be easily avoided with comparatively inexpensive and sensible indoor air quality solutions.

Ways You Can Ensure Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Your Business

Commercial HVAC contractors commonly see business owners overlook easy ways to thwart indoor air quality issues, thinking they are cutting costs when they are cutting productivity. What might you be missing?

• Air filter changes
  All the heated/cooled air in your building goes through your filter. If that filter is coated in layers of dust and dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria, it is not only making your system work harder to push air, it is spreading contaminated air through the building. Cheap filter? You may want to consider the benefits of a HEPA upgrade. A filter upgrade is one of the least expensive ways to improve IAQ.
• Preventative maintenance
  Postponing preventative maintenance gives allergens and contaminants more time to accumulate in filters, ductwork, and other system components. For oil and gas-powered units, carbon monoxide may also be a concern. Commercial HVAC in Philadelphia depends on regular service to safeguard air quality.
• Moisture 
  Moisture is no good for your business, contributing to the proliferation of bacteria, mold, mildew, and more. Yet this could be easily thwarted with a simple and cost-effective central dehumidifier addition.
• Ventilation
  Adequate ventilation reduces carbon dioxide, controls odors, and flushes pollutants from the air. An experienced HVAC pro can recommend simple system modifications based on your unique business’ needs.

Studies show improving IAQ can increase productivity as much as 20%. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Clean things up with the help of the best commercial HVAC company in New Jersey. Contact H&H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/how-much-is-poor-indoor-air-quality-costing-your-business/

Humidity Issues That Plague Indoor Pools In Hotels

Indoor swimming pools are a coveted hotel feature, enhancing your hotel property and attracting guests year-round. However, as HVAC contractors know, the indoor pool environment is quite persnickety, requiring a high level of maintenance and steadfast care. When not kept in optimal condition with proper ventilation and dehumidification, many issues can arise that detract from the guest experience.

Is Your Hotel Also Suffering these Common Natatorium Troubles?

• Uncomfortably Muggy Climate
  Suffocating, sticky indoor pool rooms are far from a welcoming environment for guests. One of the many signs of poor humidity control, an effectively designed dehumidification system should keep climate consistent, regardless of outside temperature.
  
• Structural Damage
  When your indoor pool dehumidifier is not getting the job done, structural damage will occur over time from excessive moisture and the creation of condensation and standing water. Left unchecked, mold, mildew, and corrosion will take their toll not only on metal equipment such as chairs, loungers, and tables, but on the pool room structure itself, breaking down drywall and structural support (wood framing, hardware). For attached natatoriums, these issues could infiltrate the hotel itself.
• Dangerous Germs
  Excess of moisture not only causes structural damage but leads to foul odors and growth of unhealthy bacteria. In a recent Centers for Disease Control report, it was uncovered that one-of-three swimming-related illnesses in the U.S. could be traced back to a hotel/motel swimming pool. These include common and dangerous illnesses such as Cryptosporidium, Pseudomonas, and Legionella. Exposed to a large number of bathers, the odds of illnesses being transferred to hotel pools is increased. If not rigorously maintained with proper pool chemicals and moisture control, germs, which love moisture, will thrive, forming a biofilm ‘slime’ on wet surfaces.
  
• Chemical Hazards
  Poorly managed pool environments can also pose chemical hazards to guests. When not properly ventilated, the buildup of chlorine and other pool chemicals can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, inducing respiratory distress. This can be especially dangerous for sensitive individuals who are predisposed to lung issues/illness.
  
• High Energy Costs
  Unreasonably high energy costs indicate a pool dehumidification system that is performing poorly, wasting energy by exhausting air outside and creating passive heat exchanges. Properly designed, a pool dehumidification should reduce energy costs, including the cost of heating the pool by re-purposing the heat in the room.

How Can You Circumvent these Common Humidity Issues

To safeguard guests, ensure a positive hotel experience, and return stay, investing in dehumidification system you can rely on year-round is key. This will ensure a positive pool room experience, lowered energy costs, and a comfortable pool room environment (even in the winter). Determining the type of dehumidifier that is best for your pool room’s unique design is essential to its ability to remove excess air moisture and maintain an optimal swimming temperature, reducing environmental risks and damages. This makes professional assessment by a skilled pool dehumidification expert, who can identify the right dehumidifier for your pool based on natatorium size/layout, dampness/evaporation, airflow, and other conditions, integral to providing a high-quality, well-structured, and safe pool room.

Don’t suffer hair-raising hotel pool room humidity issues. Contact H&H Commercial Services, today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/humidity-issues-that-plague-hotels-indoor-pools/