HVAC Maintenance: Keep your Business Running Despite Peak Temperatures

In the heat of summer, it’s important to keep your commercial HVAC system running well. After all, neither your employees or clients will want to spend much time in a hot, humid building. The secret to keeping your HVAC equipment running well is maintenance. A well-maintained system is less likely to fail, and it will also cool your building off more efficiently keeping energy bills low.

So, how do you maintain a commercial HVAC system in the summer? Here’s what our commercial HVAC contractors recommend.

Change Your Air Filters

If you do just one thing for your HVAC system all summer, this needs to be it. Change your air filter every month during peak temperatures. A dirty, clogged air filter will not only allow your building to become dirty. It will also restrict airflow and increase your cooling bills. Your AC won’t work as hard to push air through a fresh, clean filter.

Clean the Condenser

Road grime, dust, and pieces of leaves can all dirty your condenser. A dirty condenser will increase energy consumption and your likelihood of an HVAC malfunction. Have a company that offers commercial HVAC mechanical services come clean your condenser at least once a year.

Clean the Condensate Drain Line

Air conditioners produce condensation as they operate. This condensation flows out a tube called the condensate drain line. If the condensate drain line becomes clogged, you’ll notice a puddle near your AC equipment. Have your commercial HVAC repair and service company clean out this line. They can often do so at the same time they clean your condenser.

Lubricate the Belts

Lubrication keeps parts moving smoothly over one another, which reduces wear and tear and decreases your risk of equipment failure. Air conditioner motors have at least one belt inside of them. An HVAC contractor will typically lubricate and maintain this belt during an HVAC maintenance session, which is another reason regular maintenance appointments are so important.

Check Your Thermostat

Look at your thermostat closely. Make sure your building is reaching the temperature setting on the thermostat. If it is not, ask your HVAC mechanical contractor to come take a look. Also, make sure your thermostat setting is appropriate for the season. If it’s still set to your preferred temperatures for spring, you may need to make some adjustments as the outdoor temperatures change.

If you follow the tips above, your business should stay comfortably cool throughout the hottest days of the year. Remember to rely on your commercial HVAC company for additional tips and advice. Contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. if you’re looking for a new HVAC company in the Philadelphia area.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/hvac-maintenance-keep-your-business-running-despite-peak-temperatures/

Moisture Ruining Flooring in Your Building? Here's How to Prevent it.

Moisture and flooring don’t always mix well. Most flooring is made to withstand occasional moisture exposure. Washing the floor or walking across it with wet shoes should not be a major issue. However, continual exposure to moisture is another matter. If there is no break from the moisture, the floor won’t get a chance to dry out. It may start to peel, break down, or develop water stains as a result.

So, how do you go about protecting your floor from moisture damage? One solution is to have commercial HVAC contractors install a dehumidifier.

How Dehumidifiers Keep Floors Dry

At first, it may seem strange that a dehumidifier would keep a floor dry. But consider that any moisture in your air comes into contact with the flooring — continually. Also, if the air in your building is moist, any liquid water on the floor will take longer to evaporate. If you wash the floor, the water will remain on the surface much longer. If someone walks across the floor with wet shoes, the puddles they leave behind will linger.

A dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air. So, the air that comes into contact with the floor won’t be introducing new moisture to the floor. Your floor will also dry quickly after washing or a spill. Water simply evaporates more quickly into dry air.

Having a Dehumidifier Installed

There are small, portable dehumidifiers on the market. These work okay in residential settings when you’re just trying to dehumidify a certain room. However, in any sort of larger commercial space, you really want to install a central dehumidifier. Commercial dehumidification systems are also recommended in homes with indoor pools, which give off a lot of moisture.

A commercial humidity control system will coordinate with your existing HVAC system. It will remove moisture from the air before the air is circulated back through the ducts. These systems allow you to monitor the level of moisture in your air. If you notice your floors are still moist, for example, you can turn the relative humidity setting down a bit more. Once the air is dry, the floors will dry.

Replacing or Repairing a Dehumidifier

What if you’re having trouble with moisture on your floors, but you already have a dehumidifier? In this case, it’s a good idea to have a commercial HVAC service company come look your system over. They may find that your dehumidifier needs repairs or replacement. Once it’s up and running, your building and floor will stay dryer. Modern dehumidifiers are easy to control and require little regular maintenance.

If your floors are moist and you’re interested in having a dehumidifier installed, contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. We’re commercial HVAC contractors Philadelphia residents trust, and we’ll make sure you receive top-quality service and care.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/moisture-ruining-flooring-in-your-building-heres-how-to-prevent-it/ 

What's the difference between a mechanical contractor and an HVAC contractor?

The terms “mechanical contractor” and “HVAC contractor” are used pretty often by building owners and maintenance professionals. Sometimes people assume these terms are interchangeable, but that’s not really the case. Keep reading to learn what mechanical contractors do, what HVAC contractors do, and who you need to call for various services and repairs.

What Are Mechanical Contractors?

“Mechanical contractor” is a general, umbrella term for people who oversee the mechanical systems of buildings. They work on refrigeration units, plumbing, electrical systems, and commercial heating repair.

A mechanical contractor may design a plumbing and electrical scheme for a building. They may work alongside an architectural designer and engineers for this type of work. These contractors also install various systems, and when those systems break down, they repair them.

Most mechanical contractors have a specialty. Some, for example, work on commercial plumbing systems. They would install the pipes, tanks, water heaters, and sanitary lines in a building. If the building owner wants to install a new plumbing appliance, like a water softener, a mechanical contractor could figure out the best way to integrate the water softener into the existing system.

What Are HVAC Contractors?

HVAC contractors are a subset of mechanical contractors. In other words, they are mechanical contractors who specifically work on HVAC equipment. Some of their core duties are installing, repairing, and maintaining air conditioning and commercial heating systems.

HVAC contractors work with more than furnaces and AC units — especially in a commercial setting. They also install ventilation equipment, such as central fans and dehumidifiers. They can also install and maintain heat pumps, which have become quite common in recent years.

You may see the term “HVAC mechanical contractor” sometimes. This is interchangeable with the term “HVAC contractor.” However, we do like the term “HVAC mechanical contractor because it makes it clear that these contractors are in a specialized field under the mechanical contractor umbrella.

Who Should You Call?

When you have a problem with your building’s heating, cooling, or ventilation systems, call an HVAC mechanical contractor. You should also call an HVAC contractor if you’re unhappy with the temperature or humidity regulation in your space. They can look over your current systems and recommend the best upgrades.

If your electrical system is acting up, then you want to call an electrician or an electrical contractor. And if you’re having trouble with your plumbing, then you should call a plumber. Some mechanical contracting companies offer a range of these services. If you call and request a service they don’t offer, they can generally refer you to a company that does offer that service.

Hopefully, this article has cleared up the confusion that exists with the terms “mechanical contractor” and “HVAC contractor.” If you’re looking for commercial HVAC service in the Philadelphia area, contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-mechanical-contractor-and-an-hvac-contractor/

Energy Consumption In Commercial Buildings: 4 Ways To Save in Summer

Commercial buildings need to be comfortable for clients and for the workforce. In the summer, this means running the air conditioners, which can quickly ramp up your energy bills. Some buildings require as much as 50 kWh/square foot, and up to 35% of that is dedicated to air conditioning.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce energy consumption and keep your cooling bills under closer control. Here are four key strategies to help you reduce HVAC energy consumption in your commercial building this summer.

Have Your System Professionally Maintained

First and foremost, have a commercial HVAC service company come look over and maintain your system. They can identify any worn or damaged parts that may be making your HVAC system less energy-efficient. They can also clean and lubricate the moving parts and motors in your HVAC system, which allows it to run more efficiently.

Cool During Off-Peak Hours

Energy companies charge a higher rate for electricity during certain hours, which usually include afternoon hours during the warm months. The same electricity tends to be cheaper during the morning and evening. Program your HVAC system to cool the building off a few extra degrees in the morning and evening. This way, it will be extra cool going into those peak afternoon hours, and the system won’t need to run as often.

If your current thermostat does not give you this level of control, talk to your commercial HVAC contractors. They can install a smart thermostat that allows you to program your AC schedule around peak hours.

Install Smart Blinds

Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors Philadelphia residents trust have seen smart blinds work well in many commercial buildings. These blinds open and close on-schedule, protecting your building from the sun’s heat during the hottest hours. Some models even sense light and close automatically when it reaches a certain brightness. The more sun they bock, the less your AC needs to work.

Use Energy Recovery Ventilation

Ventilation is an often-overlooked component of HVAC. If your ventilation system is set up to transfer heat and humidity from the vented air to the incoming air, this reduces the burden on your air conditioner. Have a commercial HVAC repair and service company come look over your commercial building’s setup and see whether adding energy recovery ventilation is an option. If it is, this upgrade could save a vast amount of energy.

Don’t let high energy bills weigh your business down this summer. Make some of the changes above, and get in touch with H&H Commercial Services, Inc. Our experienced technicians can help you improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/energy-consumption-in-commercial-buildings-4-ways-to-save-in-summer/

Grow Room Ventilation 101

Climate makes a big difference in the health and productivity of your cannabis plants. The good news is if you’re growing indoors, you get to create that climate! The key to a good grow room climate control is proper ventilation. Keep reading to learn why grow room ventilation is so important, and also to discover the key components of grow room ventilation systems.

Why Ventilation Is Important

Ventilation means “moving air.” In a grow room, you want to move old air out and new air in. There are four core things good ventilation allows for in a grow room.

Humidity Control

As plants photosynthesize, they create water. The water passes out through the leaves in a process called transpiration. This is why grow rooms become so humid if there’s not enough airflow. Proper ventilation circulates the air to keep humidity levels in check. Too much humidity can cause plants to suffocate or rot.

Pest Control

Pests, like spider mites and fungus gnats, thrive in humid zones. A good ventilation system is therefore important for grow room pest control.

Temperature

Grow room lights are necessary, but they do give off a lot of heat. Ventilation ensures this heat dissipates, ideally keeping your grow room temperature between 75 and 85 degrees F.

Carbon Dioxide Levels

Plants give off oxygen, and they take in carbon dioxide. A good ventilation system makes sure fresh carbon dioxide is always coming in for the plants to use. It also pushes out the oxygen.

Components of Grow Roof Ventilation Systems

Every grow room setup is a bit different. Some grow rooms only need one or two of these ventilation components. Other grow rooms need them all.

Oscillating Fans

These large fans circulate air throughout the space. This helps keep the temperature and humidity even throughout the grow room.

Air Intake

The air intake brings fresh air into the grow room. There are two types of air intakes commercial HVAC mechanical contractors can install. Passive intakes use negative pressure to bring air into the room. Active intakes use a fan to essentially pull air into the grow room.

Exhaust Fan

The exhaust fan exhausts stale air from the grow room. Exhaust fans should be placed on the opposite wall from the air intake so air is continually moving through the space.

Dehumidifier

In more humid climates or large grow rooms, you may need your commercial HVAC service company to add a dehumidifier to the system. It removes moisture from the air, condensing it into water.

CO2 Injector

If your plants are not getting enough CO2, then you can add a CO2 injector to your ventilation system. It adds extra carbon dioxide to the intake air.

Perfect your ventilation system and your plants will thank you with better health. If you’re looking for a commercial HVAC repair and service company, contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. We offer grow room ventilation services and more.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/grow-room-ventilation-101/

4 Reasons a Licensed HVAC Contractor Costs You Less in the Long Term

Hiring a licensed commercial HVAC service company can be a bit of an investment. As such, you may be tempted to try and do the work yourself or hire a less-qualified handyman service. But these approaches are rarely wise. Hiring licensed, commercial HVAC contractors does cost you more upfront, but it will actually save you money (and headaches) in the long run. Here’s how.

Experienced Professionals Make Far Fewer Mistakes

If you or a less-qualified handyman try to fix your commercial HVAC system, you might succeed. But it’s likely that you’ll make some mistakes due to your lack of skills and experience. These mistakes can be costly to repair. They may also lead to damage and other issues elsewhere in the building. For example, if you make a mistake when connecting the vent system, you could end up with a CO leak that forces everyone to evacuate.

Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors Philadelphia residents depend on have the skills and experience to make repairs correctly the first time. You can avoid spending money fixing bigger issues down the road.

The Right Professionals Have the Right Tools

HVAC repairs require a lot of specialized equipment. If you were to do the repairs yourself, you would have to go out and buy this equipment beforehand. Specialized HVAC equipment can be quite expensive, and you can’t always find it at general home improvement stores. Often, hiring a pro who has both the equipment and the knowledge to make the repairs is not only easier but less costly.

Professionals Carry the Right Insurance

In a perfect world, nobody would ever be injured while doing HVAC work. But sadly, injuries do happen from time to time, and when they do, the related medical costs can be quite high. It is essential that anyone who works on your home and your HVAC system carries a good insurance policy. You can rest assured that licensed HVAC contractors carry the necessary insurance.

Insurance will cover the HVAC contractor’s medical bills should they become injured on your property — so your insurance won’t have to pay. Licensed HVAC contractors also carry liability insurance that will pay for any damage that may accidentally happen to your property during the repair process. Hiring licensed contractors is simply the safest choice.

Professionals Maintain Your Equipment’s Warranty

HVAC equipment is generally protected by good warranties. However, those warranties usually specify that they only remain in effect as long as all work is done by professionals. Hiring an HVAC professional ensures your warranty remains intact so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs.

Hiring a licensed HVAC contractor is the most affordable choice long-term. If you’re looking for a commercial HVAC repair team in the Philadelphia area, contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. Our licensed, experienced technicians have you covered.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/4-reasons-a-licensed-hvac-contractor-costs-you-less-in-the-long-term/

Grow Room Ventilation Guide; The Do's & The Don'ts

If you want your plants to grow strong and healthy, then you need to maintain ideal conditions in your grow room. Ventilation is a key component of grow room conditions, and it often goes overlooked. A good ventilation system will bring in plenty of CO2 for the plants to use. It will also help maintain a consistent temperature and humidity within the grow room.

So, how do you go about ventilating your grow room? Start by following these dos and don’ts for better grow room climate control.

Do: Install AC if needed.

Air conditioning isn’t necessary in all climates, but if you live in a hot area, it may be essential. When you have a central air system in your grow room, you can rely on the AC not only for cooling, but also for ventilation in the summer. Air passes through a filter before your AC system blows it into your grow room, which helps keep the space cleaner overall. Have a commercial HVAC service company come look at your grow room and recommend an AC system.

Don’t: Just open the windows.

Opening the windows might seem like a good way to get some airflow, but it’s problematic in a grow room for several reasons. First, the air you let inside will likely be humid, which can make mold a concern. Second, the air that escapes the windows will have a potent scent, which the neighbors may not appreciate.

Do: Incorporate an exhaust system.

Have a commercial HVAC mechanical contractor create an exhaust system for your grow room. This way, you’ll be able to expel the oxygen-rich air from your building without letting too much scent escape. These exhaust systems typically are fitted with carbon filters, which remove scented particles from the air.

Don’t: Install an intake without calculating the size.

People who grow in tents often rely on a small, simple air intake to bring air into the space. However, such an intake generally won’t be large enough for a true grow room. Your intake needs to be properly sized for your growing space and for the air exchange system. As such, you should always have a commercial HVAC repair and service company size and install your intake.

Do: Include a carbon filter.

Make sure your ventilation system is fitted with a carbon filter. Beyond removing particulate matter from the air, the carbon filters ensure that toxins like pesticides don’t make their way into your grow room. They also remove odors from the air before it is exhausted.

If you adhere to the dos and don’ts above as you design a ventilation plan for your grow room, you will be on the right track. Contact H&H Commercial Services Inc. if you’re looking for a commercial heating and air conditioning repair company that works on grow room systems.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/grow-room-ventilation-guide-the-dos-the-donts/