How Much Air Conditioning Do You Need For Your Server Room?

Server rooms need to be kept cool in order to protect the sensitive IT equipment they house. If the room becomes too warm, even if only for a few hours, the equipment could fail and important data could be lost. As such, it is highly important for any server room to be properly air-conditioned. Here’s a closer look at what that means.

Temperature Requirements

The air conditioning system you install should be sufficient to keep the server room between 18 and 27 degrees C, or 64 and 80 degrees F. This is the server room temperature range recommended by ASHRAE,  the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Your commercial HVAC mechanical contractors will take this into account when recommending air conditioning units.

Humidity Requirements

Air conditioners do more than simply cool air. They also remove humidity from the air. In a server room, it is very important to keep humidity levels between 40 and 60% relative humidity. Too much moisture in the air could lead to the corrosion of certain metal components, and air that is too dry can perpetuate static.

Your commercial HVAC repair and service contractors will generally try to satisfy humidity control requirements with an air conditioner alone, but in some cases, they may also opt to install a dehumidifier. These appliances remove excess moisture from the air and can usually be coordinated with your thermostat for easy control.

Amount of Equipment

Calculating the best-size air conditioner for a server room is a bit more complicated than calculating the best-size air conditioner for the average space. Server equipment gives off a substantial amount of heat as it runs. The air conditioner has to be capable of exhausting this excess heat. The more equipment a server room contains, the more heat will need to be removed. In other words, a very full server room requires a more powerful air conditioner than a nearly empty one.

If you have plans to add additional IT equipment to your server room, tell your HVAC contractor about these plans. They will need to take the added equipment into account when calculating how many BTUs of cooling your AC unit needs to offer.

Server rooms can hold millions of dollars worth of equipment, and proper air conditioning is essential to protect that equipment. The best way to determine what size air conditioner you need is to consult with commercial HVAC contractors Philadelphia residents have come to depend on. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor will look over your server room and precisely calculate your necessary cooling capacity.

If you’re in need of a commercial HVAC company in the Philadelphia area, contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. We offer comprehensive AC installation, repair, and maintenance services for computer rooms, server rooms, and more.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/how-much-air-conditioning-do-you-need-for-your-server-room/

Choosing the Right Climate System for Your Grow Room

Good climate control is central to grow room success. In the summer months, this means having a good air conditioner. But what kind of air conditioner is best for your grow room? That depends on a number of factors including the size of your grow room, its layout, and the local climate. Below, take a look at the three most common types of air conditioners for grow room climate control.

Portable Air Conditioners

If your grow room is really small, such as if it is a single room in a larger building, then you may want to consider a portable air conditioner. These small units can be picked up and moved by one person. They don’t require installation or intensive setup. Most just have an exhaust tube that you point toward a window.

If you decide to use a portable AC unit, choose one with a digital thermostat. This way, you can more closely control the temperature of your space, which is vital for plant health.

Mini Split Air Conditioners

In a larger grow room, you’ll need a more powerful AC unit to adequately cool your space. Mini-split systems tend to work well in this case. These systems consist of two components. The first is an air handling unit, which your HVAC mechanical contractor can mount on the wall. The second is the condenser, which your commercial HVAC contractor will set up outside.

Mini split air conditioners do require professional installation, but they are a lot easier to install than full-size, commercial AC systems. They are easy to maintain and suitable even for the hottest of climates.

Commercial AC Units

If you have a full-scale, large growing operation in a warehouse or similarly sized building, then even a mini split AC system may not be able to keep up. To cool such a large space, you’ll want a commercial air conditioning unit. These units can cool a large space down rapidly and keep the temperature under close control, which is exactly what you need in a large growing operation.

Commercial AC units are usually installed on the roof. They need to be integrated with your existing ductwork, or your commercial heating and air company will need to run ducts to deliver the cooled air through the space.  When properly installed, a good commercial AC unit can discharge all the heat produced by carbon dioxide generators, dehumidifiers, and other grow room equipment.

Having the right grow room HVAC system is so important for your plants’ overall health and productivity. If you’d like to have a mini split or commercial air conditioner installed in your grow room, contact the experts at H&H Commercial Services, Inc. We’ll look over your space, review your needs, and recommend the HVAC equipment that’s best for you and your plants.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/choosing-the-right-climate-system-for-your-grow-room/

Equipments Needed to Maintain Proper Climate in Your Indoor Pool Room

An indoor pool room is meant to be a relaxing place. You want to be able to go for a swim, then step out of the water and dry off poolside, perhaps while chatting with friends. In order for you to enjoy your pool room in this way, its climate needs to be closely controlled. You don’t want the room to be too hot, too cold, or too humid. Indoor pool humidity control and temperature control come down to having the right equipment. Here are the key HVAC components commercial HVAC mechanical contractors typically install in indoor pool rooms. 

Dehumidifier

Your pool room is a room with a huge tub of water in it, so of course, the space will tend towards being too moist. A dehumidifier is therefore essential for removing excess humidity from the air. In most cases, you should maintain the relative humidity between 50 and 60% in your pool room. This is the perfect level to prevent mold growth and other consequences of high moisture without making swimmers feel too dry and uncomfortable when they step out of the pool.

Dehumidifiers used in typical homes are not powerful enough for pool rooms. So, a commercial HVAC service company will usually install specialized dehumidifiers made just for this purpose. These dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air rapidly, and they give you ample indoor pool room humidity control.

Fan

A large fan is important to keep the air inside your pool room moving. This ensures an even humidity throughout the space. A commercial HVAC service company will typically install a powerful, overhead fan to keep air circulating in the pool room. This fan will push warm air down, helping to maintain an even temperature all through the room.

Air Conditioner

Pool rooms are usually fitted with separate air conditioners from the rest of the home. These AC units have to work over time to remove heat that’s released from the warm pool water. A good pool room air conditioning system also pulls plenty of moisture from the air, reducing the burden on your dehumidifier.

Heater

Some pool rooms do not need heaters as the ambient heat from the heated pool is enough to keep them warm. In cold climates, however, heaters are often installed. It’s wise to have a separate heater from the rest of the home so you can keep your pool room a bit warmer than your other spaces. There are lots of smaller, easy-to-install heater options to discuss with your HVAC team.

Maintaining indoor pool air quality is so important for an enjoyable, comfortable swimming experience. If you need assistance with your pool room climate control, get in touch with the HVAC contractors at H & H Commercial Services. We can recommend and install the best dehumidifier and other HVAC equipment to suit your needs.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/equipments-needed-to-maintain-proper-climate-in-your-indoor-pool-room/

7 Tips for Controlling Energy Costs in Your Commercial Building

Energy costs in a commercial building are no joke. Between keeping the lights on, heating and air conditioning the space, and running any equipment you may use, it’s easy for energy bills to creep higher and higher. If you’ve been having sticker shock when your energy bills arrive, it’s time to take action. From upgrading your lighting to commercial heating service, here are seven ways to conserve energy in your commercial building.

Turn equipment off at the end of the day.

Computers and other machines on stand-by usually still draw some power. If you turn all equipment off at the end of the workday, you’ll use less electricity. Remind all employees to turn off their workstations daily.

Switch to LED light bulbs.

If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to make a change. LEDs use a small fraction of the energy than incandescent bulbs use. In a big commercial building, this one small change can save you a lot of money. As an added bonus, LEDs last a lot longer.

Install energy-efficient window coverings.

Insulated shades or blinds can save you money year-round. In the summer, they block the sun and lower your AC bills. In the winter, they keep heat from escaping though your windows, lowering your heating bills.

Install a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats are pretty popular in residential homes, but a lot of businesses are a bit behind in making this upgrade. Switching to a smart thermostat makes it easier to turn the AC and heat down when nobody is in the building, which saves a lot of energy. A commercial heating and cooling company can help you make the switch.

Schedule HVAC maintenance.

A well maintained HVAC system is an efficient HVAC system. You want to be sure your furnace burners, AC coils, and vents are all clean. You also need to have your filters changed regularly. Talk to your commercial HVAC mechanical contractors about scheduling yearly or biannual maintenance to keep your system running safely and efficiently.

Get rid of unnecessary appliances.

Appliances like refrigerators and coffee makers do use a certain amount of energy in your commercial space. Of course you need some of these appliances, but you don’t want extras. If there is a fridge or other appliance nobody uses, remove it.

Install self-closing doors.

If you do not already have self-closing doors at your entryways, have some installed. Doors that swing shut on their own are left open less often. Less of your heated or air conditioned air will escape, which will keep your heating and cooling bills more manageable.

With the tips above, you can help keep commercial energy bills in check. If you’re looking for commercial heating and air conditioning repair or industrial chiller repair service, don’t hesitate to contact H&H Commercial Services, Inc. We love helping our customers save energy.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/7-tips-for-controlling-energy-costs-in-your-commercial-building/

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/