Rising Temperatures Call for AC in Schools. How to Deal With It?

This summer has been a hot one! As schools resume classes, kids and teachers are struggling to deal with the lingering heat. Cool fall days are ahead, but there are still a few weeks of sweltering summer temperatures to navigate, first. These heat waves has educators and school administrators across the country considering how they can add commercial air conditioning to their buildings.

Many school HVAC systems are not designed in a way that makes it easy to add central air. In most cases, the best way to add air conditioning to schools is with wall-mounted units. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you explore this option for your school.

What Are Wall-Mounted AC Units?

Wall-mounted air conditioners are individual air handling units that are installed through the walls. These units are designed to cool a single room. Cool air enters the room directly through these units; there is no need for ducts. Each unit is controlled separately via its own thermostat. This way, each teacher can individually control the temperature of their own classroom.

Where Do the Wall-Mounted AC Units Go?

Wall-mounted units are typically positioned high up on the wall, only a few inches from the ceiling. This way, they are out of the way. This high placement also makes for good dispersement of the cool air. It won’t be blown directly on students. Cooling a room from the top down tends to lead to more even temperatures throughout the space.

What About Bigger Spaces?

For larger spaces, such as the school cafeteria or gym, your air conditioner service contractor may recommend a larger commercial air conditioner. Some schools are having a commercial rooftop air conditioner installed to cool their large, central areas, and then having wall-mounted units installed separately in the classrooms. A rooftop AC unit can adequately cool a large gym or conference area, and it won’t take up any unnecessary space in your building. The cooled air can be blown down from the ceiling, which will bring temperatures down quickly.

What Maintenance Do Commercial Air Conditioners Require?

Whether your school chooses to install a rooftop air conditioner, wall-mounted units, or both, it’s important to maintain the equipment to keep it working properly. Sign up for a commercial air conditioner service contract. An HVAC contractor will periodically lubricate all moving parts, check refrigerant levels, change filters, and perform other necessary HVAC maintenance. Annual maintenance contracts are affordable and will save you money on repairs over time.

As temperatures rise, air conditioning in schools will become more and more important. If you’re thinking of having AC installed in your school, search for “commercial HVAC company near me” and get started today. Contact H & H Commercial Services for HVAC work in the Philadelphia area and beyond.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/rising-temperatures-call-for-ac-in-schools-how-to-deal-with-it/

Restaurant HVAC Design: Things to consider

In any restaurant, proper heating and cooling are essential – not just for your guests’ comfort, but also for the safety and comfort of your kitchen staff. Unfortunately, restaurants are not the easiest spaces to fit with HVAC systems. There are several challenges to contend with, including the heat that comes from the kitchen and the need for extra ventilation. Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors with experience in the restaurant industry are familiar with these challenges and have plenty of ways to address them.

Here are some top things you, as a restaurant owner or manager, should consider as you work with an HVAC contractor to design your system.

Split Systems Work Well

In many restaurants, a split system is a good choice for the kitchen and back of house. This type of HVAC system does not have ducts. Instead, you have air handlers that are mounted through the wall. Have a split system installed in the back, and run a central HVAC system through the dining room and public spaces. This way, heat from the kitchen won’t affect the operation of the central HVAC system up front.

Split systems also work well in kitchens because the equipment takes up little space. The air handler can be mounted high up on the wall where it’s out of the way.

Focus on Good Ventilation

You need good vent hoods in your kitchen, and you need to maintain them so they keep working effectively and efficiently. Not only will they exhaust a lot of heat from your stove and fryers, but they’ll also remove particulate matter and grease from the air. This will help keep your other HVAC equipment, like your air handlers, clean and working well. Sign up for a commercial HVAC service contract to save yourself time.

Install a Makeup Air Unit

Vent hoods exhaust a lot of air from your space as they work. To bring air back into your space, you will need a makeup air unit. This is a relatively simple piece of HVAC equipment that pushes clean, filtered air into your building. It can be configured with your heater and air conditioner. This way, the makeup air will be heated or cooled to the needed temperature before it enters your restaurant. A good makeup air unit will keep the kitchen from feeling too “stuffy.”

Consider Changes to the Duct Layout

If you’re renovating an older building, consider searching for a “commercial HVAC company near me” to make adjustments to the duct placement. This is especially important in the dining area. Make sure the vents are evenly spaced, and avoid placing them in areas where cold or hot air will blow directly on guests.

Keep these tips in mind, and work with a commercial HVAC mechanical contractor to make sure your restaurant’s HVAC system is set up properly. Contact H & H Commercial Services if you have any other questions.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/restaurant-hvac-design-things-to-consider/