Author: Developer

As summer dwells up on us, it is time to get the air conditioning (A/C) units running. For many buildings, the A/C unit has sat idly by since last Fall. Before you begin to turn on your A/C, it might be wise to get an inspection done to prevent it from breaking down on a sweltering day. Here are some of the most common problems a commercial HVAC unit faces during Minnesota’s hot summer weather.

Improper Air Flow

If you sense that your system’s air flow is weak, the first place that may be the problem is the filter. Dirt and debris accumulate over time, and if the filter has not been changed, the blower goes into overtime to ensure air is moving efficiently. Clogged filters not only decrease airflow, but the blower motor consumes more electricity. This results in higher bills and uncomfortable settings. The filter should be replaced regularly throughout the year. Make sure to schedule an appointment with a trusted HVAC company for a thorough inspection.

Clogged A/C Condensate Drain

A clogged drain line is another common problem seen in A/C units in the summertime. Condensate is a byproduct that occurs normally in the air conditioning process. But sometimes, it can be backed up with debris, dirt, or dead bugs. Clogged drains can lead to water leakage from the A/C into your building. A clogged drain is usually a simple fix, but sometimes the HVAC unit will require a more thorough cleaning.

Refrigerant Levels are Low

Your air conditioning unit requires a certain level of refrigerant to keep the building cool and operate properly. However, over time small leaks in the system can cause the refrigerant to escape. This could result in an undercharged A/C unit.

Undercharged air conditioning units will have a difficult time maintaining the desired temperature. The refrigerant used in HVAC systems is regulated by the EPA, so it is essential you have an experienced HVAC technician such as Altemp Mechanical repair any leaks.

Springtime can be one of the worst seasons for allergy and asthma sufferers. HVAC systems can have a direct role in alleviating some of these symptoms, as a highly optimized system can reduce pollutants and improve air quality. There are many straightforward options for optimizing your HVAC to reduce its spread of pollen and other pollutants. Managing your HVAC settings in a commercial HVAC system is just as important as it is in a residential area.

Invest In a Quality Filter

The air filter is crucial in reducing indoor allergens. High-quality filters can trap the smallest particles. Its effectiveness is used on the MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency recording value. This rating system scales from one to twenty, where the higher numbers offer the highest filtration.

Air Purifiers Can Be a Tremendous Help

Centralized HVAC systems work well with high-efficiency air filters. Adding an air purifier can also be a smart investment for trapping the allergens that your HVAC cant catch alone. Air purifiers will help with indoor air quality, making the air much easier to breathe. This is especially important for the warmer months.

Humidity Control

While air purification control is highly advantageous, controlling humidity levels will help alleviate allergy symptoms. Humidity control is also important for creating a comfortable environment/ Dehumidifiers can be installed to make sure that the humidity levels are well-balanced. This will create a safe environment that is both comfortable and healthy for everyone.

Ongoing HVAC Maintenance is Key

The most cost-effective way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms in a commercial setting is to schedule regular maintenance services. A professional commercial HVAC company can identify any existing problems and give guidance on how to best optimize your system given your setting.

It’s that time of year where winter is ending and spring is starting. Although it might not feel like it yet, summer will be just around the corner. And we all know one thing about Minnesota summers: they can be hot and humid. That’s why your AC must be in working condition.

The best time of year to have HVAC maintenance is mid-season. As your furnace is shut off and prepared for the air conditioner in the summer, a little bit of upkeep will be incredibly beneficial. Taking preventative measures will help ensure your system is running perfectly come summertime. Here are some tips for any property owner wanting to keep their HVAC system in perfect condition.

Clear Out Debris From Your Outdoor Unit

Fall and winter bring debris buildup to practically every building and HVAC unit. If you are a busy landscaper or gardener, you are likely used to clearing out debris for your yard. So you should take the extra minutes to clear up any dead foliage and junk that has accumulated by your outdoor unit. This can help cut down on any stress your unit will have during the warm months.

Look For Any Damages

You never know what kind of damage the snow and wind can bring over the winter. Make sure your HVAC unit has a stable surface and look out for any serious damages. A damaged condenser could become a big problem when you need to crank up the A/C in June.

Clean Your Ducts

To enhance your indoor air quality, it might be a wise idea to schedule a duct cleaning. Before your AC is turned on, you should have all the dust, allergens, and mold removed. Since it can be sweltering in the summer, the last thing you want is to develop health complications from poorly maintained HVAC units.

Look For Leaks

Even if you properly maintain your HVAC system, it won’t do much if your building isn’t properly sealed. Look for areas where you feel a draft. These could be doors, windows, and door jambs. If there are any cracks or signs of cracking, it might be time to reseal or replace them. A properly sealed building will help with filtering your air, as well as keeping your building cool.

Every building needs a functioning HVAC system. Regular maintenance is kept in keeping your unit working properly for as long as possible.

There is still a lot to be known about Covid-19, but there is one thing we all agree on: it is highly contagious via airborne transmission. Primary spreads come from infected people who cough, sneeze, and even talk. If an action produces airborne droplets, it can spread the virus. Because Covid-19 can spread via air, it raises the question if an HVAC system plays a role in the spread.

While the virus particles are small in size, which is around .1 microns, they can travel greater distances. Larger droplets, around ten microns in size, can typically travel around one meter before it settles. Smaller droplets typically evaporate before settling, which means the virus particles can linger in the air (this is known as an aerosol).

While it is still not fully known how long they can last in the air, a study done by WHO found that active airborne particles containing the virus may stay in the air for a few hours. The World Health Organization initially claimed there was known airborne transmission, however, that has since been updated.

The Role of the HVAC System

HVAC systems could potentially spread virus particles between ventilated rooms. Because it is possible that airborne transmission could occur, there are ways to decrease the risk of spreading it with specific HVAC settings.

One way that a professional HVAC technician could take is to configure the system to increase the fresh air exchange rate and reduce circulation. Rather than shutting down the system, continuously running with zero interruptions could ramp up the air replacement while minimizing the airflow speed. Due to the concern over airborne transmission, it is crucial to optimize indoor ventilation to help limit the spread.

How To Limit Covid-19 Spread

Changing settings in an HVAC system could help improve air quality and prevent a possible viral spread. In older HVAC systems, it might be smart to upgrade some older parts, such as switching from fixed-speed motors with variable-speed, introducing more robust airflow systems, and installing air purification systems.

There are many options for purifying air. Installing a high quality air filter (such as HEPA or MERV 13), Ionization systems, and UVC light filtration will reduce the risk of virus transmission in your space. There are air filtration systems available that work independently of your existing HVAC systems to help improve air quality.

While there are still no definitive results as to whether an HVAC system can spread Covid-19 on a wide range, anyway we can combat and slow down the spread is worth doing. Make sure to always consult with the professional HVAC companies and never attempt to mess with your settings without the help and guidance of a skilled technician.

Many individuals have differing opinions on HVAC repairs and fixes. How can you recognize what’s a myth and what’s a fact? Here’s our pick of the top five HVAC myths:

MYTH: Anyone can find the source of a leak within their building.

Truth: You would believe it’s easy to discover any leaky part in your building, yet it tends to be more difficult than you expect. Even the most obvious spots can be hard to find. An accomplished HVAC expert will know where to look and will fix any hole or gap that is causing poor circulation. They’re knowledgeable in all the intricate details, so you can trust in their guidance.

MYTH: You should just replace your filter once per year.

Truth: This is one of the biggest HVAC misconceptions out there. Air filter replacement depends on the MERV rating of your filter. Most air filters should be changed once per month, not just once a year. Such a large number of individuals either neglect to do this or they accept that you just need to do it once every year.

MYTH: The best way to viably warm the house is by blasting the furnace.

Truth: While a thermostat can control the general indoor temperature of your office, it won’t do you any good with a faulty HVAC system. There are numerous reasons why your space won’t heat up, which could come down to the efficiency of your HVAC system. Planning regular support and checkups will guarantee that your building will consistently mirror the ideal temperature you are looking for.

MYTH: The larger the HVAC system, the better.

Truth: When it comes to HVAC frameworks, bigger doesn’t generally mean better. Huge HVAC machines are intended for huge structures, not small offices. Truth be told, it very well may be less effective for a building. Inaccurately sized HVAC machines will struggle with controlling the humidity in your building. This is the reason it is urgent to have an expert HVAC company to assess the best size for your building.

MYTH: Don’t fix your HVAC unless it needs a major repair.

Truth: You need to do routine upkeep when you own a vehicle. Just like a vehicle, your HVAC should be checked regularly. Even the most minor fixes should be looked at asap because neglecting maintenance can result in outrageous expenses and repairs.

If you have questions about your commercial HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact Altemp Mechanical online, by phone or in person. We look forward to hearing from you!

Both residential and commercial HVAC systems serve the same central purpose (cooling, heating, ventilating), but they are vastly different. Read on to learn their key differences.

Size is The Biggest Difference

One of the most notable differences between residential and commercial HVAC systems is the sheer size of the units. Commercial HVAC units operate a bit differently, as they serve a larger surface and volume. Some parts that operate differently than residential units are the evaporators, controls, and fans. Commercial HVAC systems will also end up using more power to run.

The Locations are Different

Residential HVAC units are typically found along the side of a home or in the backyard. In commercial buildings, their HVAC systems can often be found on top of the roof or in a room known as the mechanical room. The best recommended solution, however, is rooftop, as this can reduce noise pollution.

Commercial HVAC Systems Are Usually More Complex

A large mechanical unit is bound to be more complex, and that is exactly the case for commercial HVAC units. This complexity exists because commercial units are required to have an adaptable and flexible design, due to needing to meet the unique needs of each and every commercial property. One of the most prominent differences in commercial HVAC is the size of the units. Commercial units can be over 10 times larger than your residential unit.

Maintenance Costs Are Higher for Commercial Units

Because of size difference and complex nature, a commercial HVAC system will have higher up-front maintenance costs. It also should be maintained by highly skilled and capable technicians who specialize in commercial HVAC repairs. No repair should ever be done by a non-professional, as there are many risks in doing so.

While both types of HVAC systems serve the same goal, they are not designed the same. Make sure you are getting regular checkups on either your residential HVAC or your buildings commercial HVAC.

If you have questions regarding your commercial HVAC system, do not hesitate to contact Altemp Mechanical Inc. online or by phone!