Is The Summer Humidity Affecting Your Commercial Space? Consider This!

Are humidity issues impacting your bottom line? Moisture poses unique risks in commercial environments. Left unchecked, it could quickly result in damage to goods and equipment, unexpected downtown, health issues, and financial losses. Fortunately, whether you’re suffering early spoilage in your restaurant, moldy paper in your print shop, or corrosion and electrical problems in your machine shop, there are a number of dehumidification strategies to help you mitigate issues surrounding excess moisture. 

Ways to Combat Humidity In Your Commercial Business

Many business owners mistakenly believe commercial air conditioning will be enough to manage high summer humidity. While running your air conditioner can remove some moisture from the air, it doesn’t offer complete humidity control. What are the best ways to manage excess environmental moisture?

• Commercial Dehumidification Systems
  Industries that require strict moisture control need dedicated dehumidification systems, designed to meet their unique industry and building needs. Skillfully designed by a commercial dehumidification expert, these systems offer precise control of relative humidity, keeping humidity levels at 50% or lower during the summer to reduce the negative impact of moisture buildup and condensation. 
  
• Thoughtful Pool Room Design
  For facilities that house indoors pools, such as gyms and hotels, pool room climate control is an essential part of controlling humidity in neighboring areas of your property. Without proper humidity control in your natatorium, alongside an adequate pool room dehumidification system, excess moisture will invade the structure and interior of nearby gym and hotel areas. These issues are more than a matter of patron discomfort, as over time they can result in mold and mildew issues, as well as the decay of furnishing and building structure. 
  
• Outdoor Air Exchange
  If your space is contaminated by outside moisture from your rooftop air conditioner or makeup air from your building exhaust, a 100% outdoor air dehumidification system could help. These systems separate moisture from the outdoor air before it enters the building. Later, a recirculating dehumidifier can also be used to remove additional moisture from interior building air if further control is needed.   
  
• Proper Packaging
  Used in conjunction with a commercial dehumidification system, proper product packaging is another way to fight the effects of high relative humidity. For instance, storage of powdered foods for commercial purposes would be best in non-permeable containers, versus permeable or semi-permeable packaging.

Humidity issues making you sweat? The dehumidification experts at H & H Commercial Services can solve your toughest dehumidification challenges. Let us help you create the ideal climate for your business, ensuring your goods, equipment, customers, and employees are protected year-round. Contact us and schedule an on-site evaluation today. 

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/is-the-summer-humidity-affecting-your-commercial-space-consider-this/

Keep a Check On Humidity And Ventilation Of Your Commercial Spaces

Alternate Title: Mitigate COVID Risks by Controlling Temperature & Humidity

Americans spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, at home, work, and school. All this time inside in shared spaces is especially ominous, as of late, given the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, it is possible to ensure a healthy indoor environment and reduce COVID-19 risks with the right indoor air quality strategies.

Reduce Infectious Disease Risks in Your Commercial Space with These Tips

• Think of your building as a tool for health.
  Adopting healthy practices now will deliver benefits long after the coronavirus threat has passed, protecting your employees, safeguarding productivity, and reducing healthcare costs.
• Reduce building population to minimize risk.
  Minimize risk in active outbreaks by having as many people as possible work from home, keeping only minimal, essential staff members in the building.
• Ensure sufficient personal space.
  People who work closely together in open spaces with no barriers between them call in sick more frequently than those with their own office space.
• Eliminate viral contaminants in indoor air.
  Increasing the ventilation and filtration of indoor air is crucial to diluting viral contaminants in the workplace. Talk to your commercial HVAC service company about ways to increase the rate at which indoor air is exchanged with outdoor air, as well as opportunities for removing dangerous pathogens from the air using improved filtration, UV light air purifiers, and other methods.
• Control humidity levels to reduce the lifespan and spread of viruses.
  Humidity levels of 50-60 percent reduce the lifespan of viruses and also prevent the spread of pathogens. This middle range is key. Humidity levels that are too high lengthen the lifespan of undesirable microorganisms. Levels that are too low can cause particles to remain airborne longer. Proper levels can be easily maintained with commercial dehumidification systems and humidifier additions.

Arm Your Building for Success

It is possible to retrofit your existing building for the new post-coronavirus reality. A layered approach, incorporating multiple measures, will be most effective at mitigating the risk of transmission. Your commercial heating & cooling system can incorporate a host of these helpful measures, offering Improved HVAC air filtration, air purification, and UV light disinfection, to name a few. It can also incorporate humidifier/dehumidifier solutions and airflow adjustments that help minimize risk in shared/open plan spaces.

These solutions are accessible for businesses at all levels, offering affordable solutions to preventing potential health and liability issues. Before the pandemic, it was hard to get Americans to take the steps necessary to preventproblems, but now we are facing a new reality. The benefits are clear, not just for those with friends and loved ones at high-risk of complications from COVID-19, but for employees concerned about catching the coronavirus within the walls of your building.

Take proactive steps to protect your employees. Learn more about ways to ensure a healthy workplace from H & H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/keep-a-check-on-humidity-and-ventilation-of-your-commercial-spaces/

Guide To Checking Your HVAC Systems Before Your Commercial Spaces Reopen

It’s been a few months since your commercial heating and air conditioning unit has been put to the test. While under restrictions, your building – or large portions of it – have likely remained unoccupied. For this reason, your HVAC system has probably been used minimally, if at all. Before reopening for business, make sure your HVAC system is operating safely and efficiently. What maintenance should be performed on your HVAC equipment prior to allowing occupants back into your building?

Post-COVID-Reopening Checklist for Commercial HVAC Equipment

Our HVAC commercial contractors recommend treating your building as you would one opening after new construction, beginning these tasks 1-2 weeks before reopening.

• Schedule inspections.
  Check with local building officials to determine if any inspections are necessary prior to returning equipment to service, such as boilers, steam generators, and components linked to your fire safety system.
• Verify HVAC is in good condition and functioning properly.
• • Catch up on neglected maintenance and ensure proper operation. Contact your HVAC system installer to verify your system is running efficiently, within safe operational parameters. (Should the need for future shutdowns occur, we recommend continuing maintenance through these unoccupied periods whenever possible.)
  • Start fresh with clean air filters. Consider upgrading to better-performing products such as HEPA filters and UV light filtration to reduce the incidence of airborne particles and contaminants like coronavirus.
  • Check your outdoor unit(s) for debris, landscaping overgrowth, insect/bird nests. Visually inspect for signs of damage, leaks, dust/dirt accumulation, and fungal growth on all HVAC system components, including the coils, casing, drain pan, ductwork, and surrounding nearby building finishes (ceilings, walls, etc.).
  • Make sure damper seals are intact, and dampers, actuators, and valves are functioning properly. Check to ensure bearings are lubricated, and drive belts and direct drive fans are functioning properly.
  • Check space ventilation rates, and ensure outside airflows are balanced to the correct parameters.
  • Verify the function of your Building Automation System.
• Carefully examine chillers and boilers.
  If you’ve left chillers and boilers off, it is imperative to call for professional commercial HVAC service before operating your equipment. This is not recommended. Stagnant water supports the growth and microorganisms that can negatively impact the performance and lifespan of your equipment.

• Consider recommissioning systems 3-5 years passed their initial commission date.
  A commissioning provider can help you prepare these plans, ensuring your system is performing based on operational parameters, overseeing functional performance testing of your HVAC system based on ASHRAE standards/guidelines.

Tested Equipment is Safe Equipment

When your building is shut down, the integrity of your HVAC system can rapidly deteriorate. To safeguard its lifespan and the health of your employees, be sure to check all components prior to reopening thoroughly.

Already have a long to-do list? Take a load off with the help of H & H Commercial Services. We can help you make sure your system is performing properly, to ASHRAE COVID-19 recommendations, so you can get back to more pressing matters. Contact H & H Commercial Services to schedule post-shutdown service and maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/guide-to-checking-your-hvac-systems-before-your-commercial-spaces-reopen/

Improve Comfort & Save Money with Pool Room Dehumidification For Hotels In Summer

Are you skimping on running the comfort system for your indoor pool? This decision might be costing you more than you think. Proper temperature levels and indoor pool humidity control are crucial safeguarding your bottom line and keeping your indoor pool or spa in top condition.

High Humidity Levels in the Pool Room Have Steep Consequences

• High Humidity Levels Cause Structural Damage

Heating a pool to a comfortable temperature generates a large amount of water vapor. As humidity levels rise, water will accumulate on the floors, walls, and ceilings. Any structural components that remain wet will grow mold, mildew, and bacteria, eventually rotting your natatorium from the inside out. Furnishings will also breakdown and corrode faster in this environment, costing you a great deal of money in the long run.

• Uncomfortable Temperatures Affect Pool Room Enjoyment

In addition to causing an unsightly, unhealthy pool environment, too much humidity can ruin the pool room experience for hotel guests, causing uncomfortable conditions and aggravating asthma and allergies. This could negatively impact decisions surrounding return visits to your establishment.

Proper Dehumidification Saves Money & Improves the Guest Experience 

• Well-Designed Pool Room Comfort Systems Decrease Energy Costs
  Instead of bringing in fresh outdoor air to reduce humidity levels in the pool room, which wastes energy and leaves your heating and cooling struggling to maintain temperature, a Dectron pool dehumidifier can help you keep the conditioned air in your natatorium to temperature while simply removing excess humidity.
• Dehumidifiers Improve Comfort in Cold & Warm Weather
  In the summer, dryer air can help guests in your pool room feel cooler, even when the temperature is held at a constant level. At lower relative humidity levels, sweat can more easily evaporate, allowing the body to cool off through perspiration.
• The Most Efficient Systems Put Latent Heat to Work, Reducing Pool Heating Costs
  Commercial heating and cooling contractors a dehumidifier offers more than summertime advantages. In the winter, a dehumidifier can help you lower heating costs by repurposing the heat created in the dehumidification process, putting it to use heating the water in your pool and reducing your energy bills.

A Pool Room Dehumidifier Isn’t a Nicety, It’s a Necessity

Using a pool room dehumidifier offers significant savings over the years, lowering energy costs, preventing damage to furnishings and the structure of your pool room, and upholding a beautiful, comfortable experience for guests. The relatively small costs of this system are easily recouped in the lengthened lifespan of your pool room structure and furnishings and year-over-year energy savings.

Ensure an inviting pool room environment while gaining control over your energy costs. Talk to pool room dehumidification experts at H & H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/improve-comfort-save-money-with-pool-room-dehumidification-for-hotels-in-summer/

Top 3 Factors That Contribute To Indoor Pool Humidity Problems

Your pool room is a unique and delicate ecosystem. Without a watchful eye, this environment can quickly fall out of balance. Humidity issues are a common problem in this setting, making the indoor pool room experience uncomfortable and unpleasant at best, or resulting in health problems and structural damage at worst.

The Dangers of Poor Pool Room Humidity Control

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know high humidity levels leading to condensation buildup and a damp environment can quickly lead to airborne and surface mold. This can cause a wide range of health issues, from respiratory issues, headaches, and skin irritation, as well as structural issues, deteriorating building components that can put natatorium occupants at risk.

Signs Your Indoor Pool Space is Too Humid

• A difference in air and water temperature greater than 2 degrees.
• Humidity levels above 50-60% relative humidity.
• Condensation on pool room surfaces.
• Visible mold on surfaces, indicating the need for immediate attention.
• Premature corrosion of structural components and pool room furnishings.
• Frequent cycling of your dehumidification system.
• Overflowing condensate drain pan.

How Can You Stop Pool Humidity Levels from Getting Out of Control?

• Humidity Control Begins with Proper Construction

Including the proper vapor barriers and installing them to spec is essential to preventing harmful condensation from accumulating in the walls of your pool room.

• Maintain a Comfortable Temperature and Safeguard Air Quality Well-Designed Ventilation 

The design of your ventilation system can help you prevent condensation and preserve air quality. Well-designed ventilation systems direct conditioned air to exterior windows, keeping the temperature above dew point and preventing condensation. Properly designed ventilation systems also circulate conditioned air down to the breathing zone, supporting good air quality.

• Install an Adequate Dehumidification System

It takes more than an open door or an exhaust fan to maintain proper humidity levels in the natatorium environment. A thoughtfully designed indoor pool dehumidification system is a critical part of indoor pool humidity control. The best systems rival complete HVAC systems, cooling or heating air to the proper temperature, and keeping relative humidity to healthy levels based on your temperature settings.

Addressing Pool Room Humidity Issues

High pool room humidity levels can’t be managed by your pool service – they require the attention of a trained HVAC technician. Dectron dehumidifiers, and other pool room dehumidification systems, are highly specialized. They require careful attention to detail in design and maintenance to ensure your pool room remains a safe, healthy environment. Regular diagnostic checks and maintenance are essential to preventing minor humidity problems from turning into major issues. This professional attention keeps your dehumidification system in good running shape, improving its efficiency, and preventing unexpected repairs.

Prevent indoor pool humidity problems,ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable, safe swimming environment. Let the pool room climate control experts at H & H Commercial Services help your design the ideal dehumidification system for your pool room and budget. Contact us to schedule a free system consultation today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/top-3-factors-that-contribute-to-indoor-pool-humidity-problems/

Maintain Indoor Air Quality in Your Commercial Establishment. Keep Your Team Healthy and Productive!

Spring is here, and summer will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to tackle spring cleaning tasks, including maintaining your commercial heating and air conditioning units to ensure optimal performance over the sizzling summer season. What improvements can you make to provide a comfortable, healthy, productive business environment?

Swap Out Grungy Old HVAC Filters

The best commercial HVAC contractors in NJ know dirty, old air filters can become a breeding ground for contaminants. They can also thwart airflow, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder to cool and distribute air. Swapping dirty filters for new, clean ones improves air quality, system performance, and energy efficiency.

Instead of standard options, which do little more than remove large dust and dirt particles, consider bumping up your filter to one of better quality, supporting a healthier indoor environment with more advanced filtration, such as HEPA air filters. This minor investment can yield significant gains in productivity, particularly during allergy season.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

Routine service and maintenance in the spring from a knowledgeable commercial HVAC repair contractor, completed before summer temperature soar, guarantees integral system components are clean and in good working order. This ensures your air conditioner will be at peak performance, keeping staff and customers cool, comfortable, and safe, even in the most extreme summer weather conditions.

Amplify Cooling Power

Modular rooftop units are designed for easy modification. If your business dynamic has changed, such as adding new tenants or services, consider adding cooling power to your modular commercial system to meet your evolving needs.

Improve Comfort & Guard Against Mold and Mildew with Dehumidification

Mold, mildew, bacterial, and even pests thrive in high humidity environments. Fight back against sticky, heavy summer humidity levels that cause employees to feel sluggish and impact the safety of your work environment with a dehumidification system. Keeping relative humidity levels between 30-60 percent in the summer with the help of a dehumidifier ensures comfort and productivity, supports respiratory health, and guards against illness-inducing, structurally-damaging mold and mildew. Learn more about the benefits of commercial dehumidifiers now.

Remove Efficiency Robbing Pollutants

Consider incorporating an in-duct air purifier with UV light technology, banishing pollutants from your work environment that impact performance and productivity. In-duct air purification systems with germicidal UV light air purifiers work in conjunction with your HVAC components, removing harmful pollutants such as dust, dust mites, pollen, and VOCs, and neutralizing mold, mildew, and bacteria, to distribute clean, fresh air throughout your entire building via ductwork.

Your commercial heating and cooling system plays an essential role in employee performance. Ensure employee health and productivity. Give your air conditioner – and your employees – the help they need to do their jobs more easily. Learn more about comfort and indoor air quality solutions for your property from the HVAC commercial service experts at H & H Commercial Services today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/maintain-indoor-air-quality-in-your-commercial-establishment-keep-your-team-healthy-and-productive/

Commercial AC System Tune-Ups: What you need to know

The summer heat can really sneak up on you. Is your commercial property ready to manage the intensity of heat the summer months will throw your way? Your employees and customers are counting on you. Be ready, scheduling a commercial air conditioning tune-up for your Pennsylvania business now, before the sizzling summer heat sets in.

Ensure Optimal Performance

Routine commercial HVAC service and maintenance is the best way to guard against sky-high cooling costs while maintaining comfort through the summer season, trimming energy costs up to 30 percent. During routine service, our knowledgeable technicians will thoroughly inspect your system, identifying any potential issues that could impact system performance, such as:

• Clogged air filters that put a strain on your system and inflate energy bills.
• Costly refrigerant leaks and resulting low refrigerant levels.
• Dirty blower fans, condenser, and evaporator coils that make it difficult for your system to maintain temperature.
• Thermostat malfunction issues that lead to office “thermostat wars.”
• Burnt wires and shorts from rodent or insect damage.
• Drain line clogs that can lead to water damage, mold, and mildew in your commercial building.

Avoid “Surprise” Repair Bills and the Need for Emergency Service

Our trained commercial air conditioning contractors can also find and address issues that could leave you sweating the cost of emergency HVAC service in peak summer heat. Poorly maintained commercial HVAC systems are up to 75 percent more likely to suffer mechanical issues than those that are routinely serviced. Even well-performing systems experience wear-and-tear in summer temperature extremes. However, neglected systems are left increasingly vulnerable to breakdowns over time. They often end up giving business owners a nasty surprise during a heat wave, when they have to wait in a long queue with others experiencing system breakdowns due to neglected maintenance.

Improve Safety

Well maintained systems support better indoor air quality, as well as experience a reduced risk of electrical and fire dangers.

Save Energy Dollars

Well performing systems save you a pretty penny annually in energy dollars, helping you better manage your monthly budget, especially in summer temperature extremes. If you struggle to keep up with HVAC system maintenance tasks due to a hectic schedule, an annual HVAC maintenance agreement can really pay off, taking a load of your to-do list and your annual energy bills by ensuring optimal performance. You’ll also enjoy added perks, including priority service in the event of emergency, and discounts on parts and labor.

Extend System Life

Regular maintenance extends system life, keeping your air conditioner in service years longer and helping you avoid untimely replacement.

Ensure a cool, comfortable summer, avoiding energy bills and repair costs that make you break out in a cold sweat in the summer heat. Contact your local commercial HVAC service company, H & H Commercial Services, to schedule spring air conditioner maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/commercial-ac-system-tune-ups-what-you-need-to-know/