Is your Commercial HVAC System Operating at Peak Efficiency?

When it comes to maintenance, commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia see a lot of neglect. According to recent reports from the Building Efficiency Initiative, less than 50% of companies perform routine, preventative maintenance critical to efficient HVAC operation. And they’re paying for it. Is your commercial HVAC system operating at peak efficiency?

Signs Your Commercial HVAC Energy Dollars are Going Up in Smoke:
Poorly functioning HVAC systems cost businesses billions in wasted energy annually, alongside hidden healthcare and productivity losses resulting from the negative impact ailing systems can have on employees. Does your system show signs of inefficiency?

• Abnormally High Energy Bills
  Unexpectedly rising energy bills are a sure sign your HVAC system is running inefficiently.
• Running Constantly
  A system that runs constantly is struggling to keep up with cooling demands. This can result from something as simple as neglected air filter maintenance or coil cleanings, or be as serious as a dying system in dire need of replacement.
• Uneven Heating/Cooling
  Warm and cold spots in the workplace are sure sign something’s amiss with your system.
• Frequent Cycling On/Off
  Frequent cycling could point to dirty coils, a malfunctioning thermostat, compressor issues, or an aging system struggling to keep up with demand.
• Excessive Dust
  Excessive dust resulting from an ancient air filter or leaky ductwork ruins both efficiency and air quality.
• Constant Repair Needs
  If you’re on a first-name basis with your local HVAC mechanical contractor, you may be spending more on commercial air conditioning repair, commercial heating repairs, and energy bills over the long run than you would on a newer, more efficient system.
• Age
  Systems more than 10-years-old are substantially less efficient than their newer, higher-SEER counterparts.

How Can Your Business Safeguard Commercial HVAC Efficiency?

• Change Air Filters Regularly
  This simple, inexpensive maintenance can save you 5-10% on HVAC expenses, safeguarding system life, and preventing system strain, comfort, and air quality issues that can negatively impact employee productivity. Be sure to swap them monthly.
• Keep the Outside Unit Clear
  Clearing airflow-blocking debris is a cheap and easy way to safeguard efficiency.
• Ensure Ductwork is Properly Sealed
  Properly sealing and insulating ductwork, particularly ductwork located in unheated/uncooled spaces, can help you improve heating and cooling efficiency by 20%. That’s some serious dough!
• Install a Programmable Thermostat
  Ask your local HVAC service pro about programmable and smart thermostats that could help you save hundreds annually – and prevent office temperature control battles.
• Schedule Regular, Preventive Maintenance
  Routine maintenance and cleaning in the spring and fall, before temperature extremes hit, is an affordable insurance policy against exorbitantly high energy bills and the highly-costly possibility of catastrophic system failure. Keep things on-schedule with a maintenance plan.
• Upgrade Your System
  HVAC systems account for 39% of energy used in commercial buildings nationwide. Replacing your ailing unit with a newer, high-performance system can save you 10-40% in energy and emissions annually, making dollars and sense for your business.

HVAC operating and repair expenses taking a bite out of your bottom line? H&H Commercial Services can help. Contact us to learn more about ways you can lower operating expenses via preventative maintenance and other smart system investments today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/commercial-hvac-system-operating-peak-efficiency/

Getting the Right Humidity and Temperature Levels in Server Rooms

Are your computer room climate control needs being met? Even the smallest server rooms require precise temperature control to safeguard server function and lifespan.

Bumping Down the Thermostat is Not Enough

Because computer room heat loads vary, the temperature control needs of every data center are unique. Simply programming the thermostat for the 61-75° F sweet spot is not enough. Different gear generates different levels of heat at different times, requiring more precise temperature control. And if your thermostat isn’t even located in your server room, you’re playing with fire, literally and figuratively.

How to Properly Manage Server Room Temperature & Humidity Levels

There are a number of affordable ways to more precisely manage your data center climate control needs. However, finding the right fit for your setup is key to overall performance and satisfaction with your server room climate control system. According to Industrial Market Trends, racks of servers and associated equipment can get as hot as a 7-foot tall stack of powered toaster ovens, making careful consideration of climate control needs essential to safety, comfort, and controlling operating expenses.

Types of Climate Control Systems

After considering your equipment and evaluating your server room setup, a professional HVAC mechanical contractor can help you tailor a commercial heating and cooling system designed to your business’ exact needs, including server room specific equipment such as…

• Computer Room Air Conditioning Units (CRACs)
  The most commonly used data center cooling equipment, CRAC units are rising in use, continuing to replace the everyday air conditioning units once used to cool server rooms. CRACs carefully monitor and maintain the temperature, air distribution, and humidity, keeping levels between 45-55% to safeguard hardware against corrosion and premature failure.
• In-Row Cooling
  Installed on the floor or suspended overhead to bring them closer to server racks, in-row cooling offers the precise delivery of cooling to the banks of server cabinets, boosting speed, capacity, and efficiency.
• High-Density Cooling & Containment Systems
  High-density data centers require more effective and efficient cooling solutions to minimize energy consumption and guard against the substantial risk of cooling failure. In this situation, keeping hot/cold air separated via containment-style cooling systems delivers results, offering the superior airflow management today’s high-density data centers depend on.

More than an Equipment Swap 

Today’s technologically-advanced server room climate control equipment requires more than the simple swapping of HVAC components. Proper equipment selection and setup is key to smooth, efficient operation, as is identifying potential issues uncovered during the setup process which, if overlooked, could cost your business in major repair expenses. When selecting commercial air conditioning contractors to install your computer room air conditioning or dehumidification system, be certain to shop for a provider with experienced, trained technicians who take the time to answer your questions, solve your cooling problems, and most importantly, guarantee their work by providing service for the life of the system.

Safeguard the lifespan of your costly computer equipment, protecting your business from the financial and reputational setbacks of downtime with the skilled commercial HVAC services of H&H Commercial Services. Contact us and schedule your server room evaluation and complimentary climate control quote today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/humidity-temperature-levels-server-rooms/