Category: HVAC

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality For Business

One commonly overlooked factor that affects the performance and operation of a business is the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ). It directly influences your employees and their health, comfort and productivity. That is why IAQ plays an integral part on the impact of clients and employees working in a commercial center. Indoor air pollution is ranked among the top pollutants by the EPA. That is why many states have strict indoor air regulations. Poor indoor air quality in buildings and business premises has been linked to health conditions and diseases, low productivity, slower learning and mental acuity, and sluggishness. With more states and countries becoming more concerned with IAQ, businesses will soon have to conform to indoor air regulations to avoid fines.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality for Business

Positive Effect on Health

Good indoor air quality attracts clients. They will be pleased to be in a comfortable environment. Indoor air quality also ensures that those with breathing problems can visit your office. It helps employees avoid health conditions and diseases like certain cancers, asthma and sick building syndrome. It results in less sick days, higher employee retention rates and healthier employees. This leads to increased productivity as employees are not missing work due to avoidable health conditions.

Negative Impact on Health

Poor indoor air quality also makes students, clients and employees sluggish, less mentally acute and slows their learning. This means poor performance on the part of employees and students and less interest on the part of clients. This can adversely affect the performance of the business. It is one of the reasons why many clubs and casinos increase oxygen concentration in their premises during late hours. It helps invigorate patrons.

Improving air quality involves dealing with air pollutants in buildings. This simple measure can improve business performance greatly and keep a business’ patrons and employee healthy and content. Content employees and clients will greatly benefit a business. Call the experts at Altemp to learn more about the importance of indoor air quality for your business.

3 Commercial Heating System Tips To Get You Through the Winter

As the weather changes in Minnesota, it is important that business owners pay attention to the quality of the heating in their building. With consistent maintenance and a little research, you can keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the year. Additionally, you may find that upgrading your current heating system will offer much better service at a significantly cheaper price than replacing your entire system. Below are three commercial heating system tips to keep in mind when looking to improve the heating system at your business.

Commercial Heating System Tips

HVAC Heating System Research is Crucial

Many vendors will offer an extended warranty on your unit. In most cases, buying this protection plan will provide not only coverage in the case of total system failure, but also discounts on routine repairs. Compare prices across the market, but often paying a little extra for the protection plan will benefit your system in the long run. Although it may be tempting to cut costs initially, by spending a bit more upfront, you will save untold amounts in future repair fees.

Correctly Install Your HVAC

Although it may seem basic, improper HVAC installation is a huge cause of problems in your heating later. Some businesses look to cut costs by hiring the contractor with the cheapest labor. However, it pays to hire a reputable, licensed HVAC professional. Installing your heating system correctly the first time will reduce the chance of costly repairs later.

Routine Inspection is Key

Consistency is the key to proper maintenance of your heating system. Costly repairs can be avoided simply by creating a routine plan and following it each week or month. Ask an installation professional at Altemp Mechanical about the best way to keep your system running.

Employing these commercial heating system tips are a great way to keep your HVAC heating system working not only this winter, but for many winters to come.

5 Red Flags of an Unlicensed HVAC Contractor

HVAC repairs are expensive, and important to get right the first time. That said, you should hire a contractor that is both experienced and properly licensed. Here are 5 red flags of an unlicensed HVAC contractor to watch out for when hiring a contractor for maintenance and repairs. You will want to make sure that you have quality work done by a licensed contractor to ensure that your system is safe and follows the legal standards set by your local government.

5 Red Flags of an Unlicensed HVAC Contractor

1. Can’t Find a Licensing Number

When it comes to advertisements, you want to know and follow the ads that are as open and honest as possible. When a contractor is legit, they will know that they are required to attach their license number on all printed and digital advertising. So, if you don’t see this number included, it’s a sure tell sign that they don’t follow all of the legal requirements they need to be an HVAC contractor.

2. Fail to Get Work Permit

Getting a permit for the HVAC work that needs to be done can only be accomplished by a licensed contractor. Your local building inspection department won’t give a permit to just anyone, so if you are asked to get the permit you should know that your potential hired contractor isn’t licensed. This are some exceptions to needing a permit for service work done on HVAC systems. You will want to check with your local government to see if the work you need done will fall under that category, or if a permit will be required. This will ensure that your system is up to code and safe to use.

3. No Proof of Insurance

One of the most important things you want to make sure your contractor has is liability and workers’ compensation insurance. When working with this type of equipment there are many obvious dangers and you don’t want to be held liable, as a homeowner, if anything happens to go wrong. You don’t want to be the one to foot the bill if the company was negligent in obtaining insurance for its employees.

4. Lack of References

Just as any employer checks references of a potential employee, you should also check references before hiring an HVAC contractor. Ask for references or check with your local business bureau to see if any complaints have been made about the company. If the company can’t give you any references, then you might want to do some more research to find out if they are actually legitimately licensed.

5. Advanced Payment or Cash

If you are being asked to pay in a large down payment prior to any work being done, you will want to tread carefully. For most projects you shouldn’t have to pay more than 30% of the total bill in advance. This is an exception when it comes to large construction projects that take a longer period of time. Also, if you are asked to pay in cash or to write a check to an individual’s name and not the company’s name, you should know something’s up. Be sure that you are working with a proper business and pay them directly.

If you notice any of these 5 red flags of an unlicensed HVAC contractor, DO NOT hire them. Contractors operating without a license means they are not backed by a larger, or professional company or authority. And licensing, references, cash payments, insurance, and work permits are only 5 red flags of an unlicensed HVAC contractor. Don’t get scammed and risk spending more on your project than needs be. Call the professionals at Altemp instead. Our courteous, knowledgeable, and fully licensed staff is ready to help you with your HVAC problems. Call us today!

About HVAC Inspections From Altemp Mechanical

Running a business takes more than just making and selling a product, or number of products. It is extremely important that you maintain your business space to give your employees and customers comfortable experienced. Find out all about HVAC inspections from the professionals at Altemp Mechanical. We have the knowledge and experience needed to get the job done right every time. Read on to discover more about HVAC inspections.

About HVAC Inspections

At Altemp Mechanical, we understand how important it is to protect your investment. Your building is an asset, along with all of the equipment that’s used to keep it running. HVAC inspections ensure the temperature in the building is comfortable and the air constantly flowing. HVAC inspectors check that the ducts are clean and clear, look for cracks or breaks in the system, and make sure the HVAC unit is running efficiently.

It’s important to hire a HVAC professional when inspecting your commercial system as they have experience in extensive building repairs to back them. Altemp Mechanical professionals know how to recognize when something is wrong. Furthermore, we provide fast and reliable repairs that are made to last, which keeps your doors open, your employees comfortable, and your customers happy.

Our technicians are qualified to repair anything you need. Do not allow any appliance malfunction to get you down at your business. Trust in the experts at Altemp Mechanical to keep you running efficiently 24/7, 365 days of the year. They carry a full one year labor warranty compared to the 30 day one most has in this industry. Altemp and its extensive team of professionals are dedicated to keeping each and every one of our clients up and running so they aren’t losing money. We’re dedicated to getting each of our clients up to par as quickly as we can when needed.

The True Value of an HVAC Professional

As a business owner or manager, you want to be sure that you hire a professional when it comes to your HVAC repair work. Professionals have the education and experience necessary to spot potential problems. As an HVAC expert, we are aware of common problems with various units and can use this information during our repair and maintenance. But that’s only one perk to hiring professionals. Find out the true value of an HVAC professional and what they can do for you.

The True Value of an HVAC Professional

When hiring an HVAC repair expert, you will be getting the reassurance that they are licensed and even a member of the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, the insurance carried by a professional will be there for you if there is any error made or any problem with the work. This means that you are well protected and that you will have the backup that you need if there are issues. If you hire a person that does not do this work professionally you are not going to have this to turn to.

“A professional HVAC repair technician will be available to your 24 hours a day and will have the ability to respond to your needs more completely,” said a spokesperson for Chiller Systems Service, a Denver HVAC contractor. “You will find reliability and dependability with a trained HVAC technician. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, your technician will be able to address them more appropriately than someone that does not work in the field every day.”

If you are in need of HVAC maintenance or repair, you should consider hiring a professional that can provide you with competent and timely service. They will be the best choice for your business and for keeping your heating and cooling system up and running long term. Altemp Mechanical offers quality service and excellent prices for all of their customers. With well trained and loyal employees the repairs will be completed correctly the first time.

5 Benefits Of Hiring A Commercial Ventilation Repair Professional

Commercial ventilation is a critical component of any business or organization, as is having a professional commercial ventilation contractor or repair company on hand to help maintain and oversee the proper function of the ventilation system in the building. Not only does a professional commercial ventilation expert provide reliable assistance in case of an emergency, they can also help you as a business owner maintain the healthiest air possible for you, your patrons and your employees. Below are 5 benefits of hiring a commercial ventilation repair professional.

5 Benefits Of Hiring A Commercial Ventilation Repair Professional

Air Quality

Ventilation systems are not just for circulating hot and cold air they, they are also critical to protecting indoor air quality. If your ventilation system isn’t operating at peak levels, or there are unseen damages or leaks in your ventilation system, the quality of the indoor air suffer, resulting in uncomfortably warm or cool climate control and unhappy people in those areas. A professional ventilation repair technician can diagnose and repair any issues with your system and assure that it’s operating at the healthiest level possible.

Energy Expense

Any type of air leak in your commercial ventilation system can cause massive spikes in your energy bills. Even the smallest of breaches in your ventilation system can drastically alter the efficiency of your HVAC system, ramping up electricity and power usage. Commercial ventilation professionals can find and repair any leaks within your system by providing professional duct sealing or replacement services.


Safety

Proper commercial ventilation is vital for safety within your workplace. Your commercial ventilation system assures that gases and vapors are safely exported outside in an environmentally efficient way. Commercial ventilation professionals will perform checks to make sure that all of the flues and fans in your system are operating properly, assuring that the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is eliminated.

Cleanliness

The cleanliness of your building is highly dependent upon clean ventilation ductwork. Since you cannot see the inside of your ducts on a daily basis, it’s easy to understand how you couldn’t give much thought to the dirt, grime and dust that gathers within the duct work. Professional commercial ventilation professionals are trained with the latest tools and technologies to thoroughly clean your commercial ventilation system, thereby assuring a healthy level of air quality.


Commercial vs Residential

Commercial ventilation systems are complex and very different than residential systems. A commercial ventilation repair professional is the only person that you should trust to upkeep and maintain your commercial system. They are certified and maintain industry standards to keep your system operating at the very best levels.

These are only 5 benefits of hiring a commercial ventilation repair professional. Call the experts at Altemp Mechanical and find out more ways our professional contractors can help you and your business.

The Real History of Air Conditioners

Americans frequently use air conditioners to combat dangerous heat levels and maintain a healthy balance of moisture in their homes during the summer months. While air conditioning is today regarded as a common convenience, the development of this cooling device has a long and storied history. Read on to discover more about he real history of air conditioners.

The Real History of Air Conditioners

Before Modern Air Conditioning

Prior to the invention of the air conditioner, people dealt with hot and muggy weather in many original and creative ways that go far beyond what one might consider. Attempts to regulate cooler air in hot climates have existed for a very long time, but only recently become fairly standard in American homes.

Ancient Romans are noted for using the famous aqueduct systems of their city to circulate cold water throughout the walls of their homes. The emperor Elagabalus built a mountain of snow into his garden to keep himself cooled off during the hot summer months.

The 1800s

As the Roman empire declined, these type of extravagances were non-existent and the concept of air conditioning wasn’t revisited again until around the 1800s by engineers in the United States. In the time periods between the fall of the Roman empire and the advancement of America, people used common cooling devices, such as fans, palms and eventually electric and rotary fans. Homes were built in order to face away from the heat of the sun and reduce the enormous amount of heat that would build up within houses and buildings during these time periods.

The invention of electricity truly spearheaded the advancement of air conditioning. It allowed for rotating and oscillating fans, and spurred the imagination of engineers across America.

1900s

Willis Carrier is credited with inventing the very first air-conditioning system in 1902.
His unit utilized water-cooled coils to send cold air throughout spaces, for the purpose of controlling humidity at a printing plant where he was employed.

Carrier continued to tinker and toil with modifications to this unit, and finally invented an air conditioner that greatly reduced the size of the air conditioning unit in 1922. Businesses were the primary purchasers of these units, and patrons would frequently visit those places on humid and hot days in order to seek reprieve from oppressive heat.

Today’s Air Conditioning:

During the 1930s, air conditioning was quite standard to stores and offices. Home air conditioning units didn’t really begin to be utilized until the 1990s, and by 2010, it was approximated that 85% of homes in the United States had some type of air conditioning unit in their houses. The real history of air conditioners, as we know them today, is really limited to the last 150 years.

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Furnace or Air Conditioner

One of the biggest dangers in a home is using, or at least trying to use, a broken heating or cooling system. Below we discuss some of the biggest red flags that should alert you when you need a new furnace or air conditioner. With the gas that is used to keep these units running, it is for the safety of your home, family members, and neighbors that you replace your furnace or A/C unit when it has reached its end. Watch for these signs you need to replace your furnace or air conditioner this season.

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Furnace or Air Conditioner

Your yellow pilot light turns on.

A yellow pilot light indicates that there is something wrong with the gas combination in your furnace. This can mean that your furnace is releasing gas, such as carbon monoxide. The ideal color of your pilot light is blue/purple. If you are seeing a yellow flame, then something is certainly not right.

Your electrical bill increases.

Paying attention to the amount you spend on your electrical bill will help you determine if your furnace or air conditioning units are working as efficiently as they should be. Your bill will vary throughout the year because you make your units work harder to keep your home a comfortable temperate during different seasons throughout the year. Noticing an abnormally high bill is a red flag that your furnace needs to be replaced or repaired.

You hear unfamiliar noises.

It is likely that you will constantly have some noise coming from your furnace. When the noise is consistently out of the ordinary, you will want to look into it. Hearing noises that can only be described as whining, banging, or groaning could mean that you need to make some repairs to the furnace. It could be a loose belt, a problem with the ignition, or a replacement of another part. Listening for issues with your furnace is just as important as seeing them.

Your Furnace or air conditioner requires frequent repairs.

One tried and true sign that your air conditioner or furnace needs replacing is if they are in need of constant repair. Pouring money into these units little by little can add up quickly, especially if you need to repair them often. The average life of an A/C unit is roughly around 10 years, whereas a furnace can usually last between 12-15 years. If your air conditioner or furnace is getting old, it might be time to quit nickel and diming the repairs and just replace the units altogether.

Keeping your home safe from potential serious issues with your furnace or your air conditioning unit is very important. Checking the pilot light, listening for unfamiliar sounds, and watching your electric bill are all great signs you need to replace your furnace or air conditioner. When your A/C unit or furnace are nearing their life expectancy, start thinking about getting them replaced instead of pouring money into countless repairs. This will keep your family safe and allow you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

How to Maintain Air Conditioners During Summer

If you have an air conditioning unit, the chances are you will have it on full blast during a hot summer. Maintaining your air conditioning unit is vital if you want to keep it in full working order. That’s without mentioning that regular maintenance will make your unit last for much longer. Learn all about how to maintain air conditioners during summer and enjoy the hot season just a little more.

How To Maintain Air Conditioners During Summer

Check your filters.

If you want to keep your unit in full working order during a hot summer, then you should first check the filters. Filters can often get clogged, dirty and blocked over time and this can reduce the airflow that is going through the system. You should try to do this as early as possible if you are expecting a hot summer because dirty filters can blow dirt throughout your home and this is something you want to avoid if you plan to have your air conditioning on for long periods of time.

Clean your coils.

Your air conditioner will have an evaporator coil. This can collect dirt if it has not been cleaned properly for a long period of time. The dirt will insulate the coil and prevent it from absorbing heat efficiently. For this reason, you should clean your coil if you want it to work properly in the summer.

Clean your drains.

Another thing you should do if you want to keep your air conditioner in full working order is to pass a stiff wire or prong through the plastic grid. This will help dislodge any dirt that may be trapped in the channel, not to mention that a clogged drain can increase the humidity in your home. This is obviously something that you want to avoid at all times during a hot summer. Excessive moisture may also discolor your walls so keeping your unit clean has more benefits than one.