Is Improper Maintenance Effecting The Indoor Air Quality In Your Hospital?

Healthcare facilities that excel at controlling hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) understand how integral heating, ventilation and air conditioning is to maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ). Vital for the health of patients and staff, to maintain the highest levels of IAQ, timely commercial heating and cooling repair and maintenance are key to upholding the strict industry standards surrounding hospital HVAC equipment. Is your facility helping or hindering the propagation of infectious agents with its current HVAC practices?

Failure to Maintain Air Quality leads to Increased Hospital-Acquired Infections

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know temperature and humidity are key facets of indoor air quality. As warmth and humidity increase, so to do the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungus. A cool yet comfortable temperature and low relative humidity between 30-60%, kept in check with the aid of your heating and cooling system and a Dectron dehumidifier, are crucial. Without proper care and maintenance, these systems can put vulnerable patients at risk. The CDC estimates hospital-acquired infections occur in 5-10% of U.S. hospital patients annually, infecting 1.7-million, taking the lives of 99,000 people, and resulting in $20-billion in healthcare costs. Are you skimping on HVAC maintenance that threatens the safety of patients, leaving you liable for legal and reputational backlash?

A Properly Maintained HVAC System Prevents the Spread of Infection

With the crucial role temperature and humidity play in this regard, proper HVAC function in all areas of a hospital, but most importantly, within operating and clean rooms, cannot be overstated. Poorly maintained systems may be unable to maintain the temperature and humidity levels necessary to minimize bacterial growth. To prevent dangerous pathogens from building up within HVAC system components and ductwork, or taking hold when your system isn’t performing up to par, regularly scheduled service and maintenance are integral. Commercial heating and cooling contractors are on the frontlines of the battle against hospital-acquired infections, keeping systems operational and clear of mold and organism growth that can lead to hazardous indoor air quality. Such preventative maintenance also helps spot issues before they arise, preventing downed HVAC equipment from threatening the health and safety of patients and staff, and reducing the likelihood of relying on emergency HVAC service to restore comfort and safety in the event of system malfunction.

Servicing Hospital HVAC Systems Requires Specialized Expertise

Commercial HVAC systems, particularly the often highly-customized setups of hospitals containing high-level HEPA air filters, UV light air purification, and dehumidification systems, require the keen insight of a skilled professional. To ensure the health and safety of your patients and staff, trust in the skilled staff at H&H Commercial Services, the best commercial HVAC company in NJ. With 29-years in the industry, our knowledgeable, experienced technicians are equipped to handle the intricacies of any commercial setup.

Experience our winning services first-hand, whether you’re in need of 24-hour emergency service, or are ready to safeguard your system and hospital inhabitants with a customized preventative maintenance plan. Contact H&H Commercial Services to learn more today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/improper-maintenance-effecting-indoor-air-quality-hospital/

What You Need To Know About New Efficiency Requirements For Rooftop Units

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know, staying abreast of changing HVAC codes and standards is a challenge for any business. However, as the public drive for decreasing carbon footprint forges on, new 2018 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mandates for efficiency in commercial rooftop units continue to evolve to reduce HVAC energy use, which is responsible for 50% of all energy utilized in commercial and residential buildings across the country.

How Will Upcoming Efficiency Regulations Effect Your Commercial ­­Business?

Awareness and understanding of government, trade association, and local utility regulations are essential to your business. Announced back in 2015, HVAC commercial contractors are aware the time for DOE compliance guidelines to go into effect has come and gone, effective January 1st, though many commercial businesses find themselves surprised by the new standards. What are the new rooftop regulatory efficiency requirements, and how will they affect your commercial business? 

• New Efficiency Requirements will Effect a Number of Industries.

  Including retail stores, educational facilities, hospitals, and more, including commercial heating and air conditioning rooftop units (RTUs) and systems for low-rise buildings.
  
  

• The New Efficiency Requirements are Being Introduced in Two Phases.

  Phase one is in effect now. Phase one requires commercial rooftop units to improve efficiency by 10%  Phase two will come into play in 2023, when all RTUs and warm-air furnaces must be 30% more efficient than current standards.
  
  

• Performance Ratings will Shift from SEER to IEER Ratings.

  Instead of the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) previously used to evaluate performance, new IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings will now be used. What’s the difference? IIER will measure how a unit performs over the course of the season, rather than solely the coldest and hottest days of the year.
  
  

• Specific Performance Requirements Vary by State.

  Making it essential to verify with state-specific DOE requirements to ensure compliance.
  
  

• New Technology is Popping Up to Meet these Increased Efficiency Requirements.

  Ask commercial HVAC contractors in NJ about new multi-speed blower and condensing fan technology, larger coil heat exchangers, modulated compression, modified controls, and other technology that can help new rooftop systems meet - and surpass – upcoming efficiency requirements. Though such higher efficiency systems will cost more on initial purchase, their lower operating cost will make up for the added expense in energy savings over time.
  
  

• New Performance Requirements will Drastically Cut Energy Use.

  Over the next 30 years, the new performance requirements are expected to reduce HVAC energy use by 1.7 trillion kWh, leaving an average of $7,000 in the pockets of building owners nationwide over the lifespan of their commercial rooftop systems.

Looking for a commercial HVAC repair service that can help you ensure compliance and avoid legal issues? H&H Commercial Services has experience across a range of industries and is up-to-date on the latest industry regulations affecting your business. Don’t wait. Reduce energy costs and ensure compliance with the help of H&H Commercial Services today. 

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/need-know-new-efficiency-requirements-rooftop-units/