Category: Cooling

4 Ways to Make Your Commercial HVAC System more Energy-Efficient

If your commercial HVAC system is outdated or inefficient, it could be costing you a lot of money in energy bills. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient system can help you save money and make your business more sustainable. Here are four ways to make your commercial HVAC system more energy-efficient:

  1. Upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system

If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer, energy-efficient systems can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. There may also be utility rebates to help offset the costs of your new system.

  1. Get regular maintenance and tune-ups

Regular maintenance and tune-ups can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer. Dirty air filters and coils cause your unit to run longer, be less efficient, and consume more energy. Be sure to schedule tune-ups at least twice a year to keep your system in good condition.

  1. Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances

Upgrading energy-efficient lighting and appliances can help reduce the heat load in your building. Energy-efficient bulbs use less electricity and generate less heat, which can help keep your business cooler in the summer and allow your HVAC system to run less.

  1. Educate your employees about energy efficiency

Educating your employees about energy efficiency can help them be more conscious of their energy use. Encourage them to turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, and to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid overusing the air conditioning.

Implementing these energy-efficiency measures can help you save money and make your business more sustainable. For more tips on how to improve the energy efficiency of your commercial HVAC system, contact a local HVAC contractor.

Makeup Air Systems Repair and Installation

A working makeup air system is essential for sustaining the quality of the air in commercial structures. It will help maintain an appropriate air balance pressure throughout a building to regulate airflow. Simply put, it helps your staff and customers feel comfortable. Proper makeup air systems repair and installation is necessary to guarantee the system’s full effectiveness in the event of an issue. Furthermore, your makeup air system must be correctly maintained or promptly repaired to prevent costly repairs down the road. Our experienced technicians understand how to fix and maintain makeup air systems rapidly so that lost time is reduced. Because we have wide-ranging experience working with this technology, you can rest assured that your project will be finished properly and on budget.

Makeup Air Systems Repair and Installation

Exhaust systems vent a huge amount of air from a structure. If this air is not change at the same time it is removed, the air pressure outside the structure will be greater than the air pressure inside it, creating an occurrence known as negative pressure. The most common signs of a negative pressure issue involve suction pressure that causes exterior doors to become hard to open, exhaust fans that do not function correctly, drafts near doors and windows, inadequate indoor air quality, and the intrusion of air from outside.

Makeup air systems substitute the air that is ejected by a structure’s exhaust unit, preserving the correct stability between inside and outside air pressures. Additional advantages include:

  • delivers conditioned air that can be heated or cooled
  • significantly decreases the intrusion of cold outdoor air
  • enhances the quality of inside air
  • eradicates suction pressure at external doors
  • reduces the burden on your current HVAC unit
  • cuts energy expenses

Altemp Mechanical provides makeup air system repair, replacement and installation for Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN business owners. If you would like to set up an appointment or learn more about makeup air systems, contact us online or by calling 651-275-9111. Our dedicated team has earned the reputation of surpassing expectations at every service request.

Exhaust Unit Repair and Installation

Altemp Mechanical offers dependable commercial exhaust unit repair and installation in Minneapolis – St. Paul. When you work within rough chemical fumes, smoke or other air impurities, using a strong exhaust system is important for the wellbeing of your staff. Altemp has collaborated with a variety of companies to help them maintain their commercial exhaust systems. If you have detected odd sounds coming from your exhaust fans or they are not functioning properly, contact us ASAP.

Exhaust Unit Repair and Installation

Fan Motor Replacement.

Because it is used so often, your exhaust fan’s motor can wear down and create problems. Not only can we replace the fan motor, we can repair it as well. Oiling the bearing in the motor is a normal repair that we complete.

Fan belt replacement.

Exhaust systems are essentially made up of a fan and a cycle of ducts. Unsurprisingly, one of the most regular commercial exhaust repairs relates to the fan. The fan’s motor is attached to its blades via a belt. The belt will begin to shriek if it is worn down and can impact the fan’s operation.

Clogged commercial exhaust filters.

If there is a filter in your exhaust system, it most likely needs to be replaced recurrently. If your exhaust fan is not functioning properly, it might be a result of the air filter being blocked. This will limit the air that flows out of your building. Clogged air filters can impede the function of your fan’s motor as well, causing it to wear down faster.

Do you have an exhaust unit that is working improperly? Contact the exhaust unit repair professionals at Altemp Mechanical online or by calling 651-275-9111. We provide exhaust unit repair, installation & replacement services for companies in Minneapolis – St. Paul.


Ductless Mini Split Systems

Ductless mini split air conditioning systems are increasing in popularity in the Twin Cities, and the reason why is understandable. They are extremely energy-efficient and provide an incomparable alternative to conventional heating and cooling selections.

When a building’s temperature relies on an ineffective system, energy bills can rapidly increase. Ductless mini-split systems use less energy. They are smaller in size than conventional forced-air systems, and because the air is transported straight into a room, efficiency is maximized.

How Do Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioning Systems Work?

Ductless mini-split systems operate almost in the same way as central heating and cooling. However, they do not necessitate immense ductwork. Your ductless mini-split system will utilize both indoor and outdoor equipment, yet installation will involve only a tiny opening being made through the exterior wall. In your structure’s interior, the air will be conditioned and sent back into the room by the same unit.

Installation

The systems can be installed throughout a structure to enable precise and effective heating and cooling or in individual rooms to deliver small-scale conditioning. Though building owners often use this equipment for cooling, we suggest installing heat pumps so they can be employed for both heating and cooling.

Benefits

The primary benefits of ductless mini-split systems are their miniature size and elasticity for zoning or heating and cooling specific rooms. While old-style heat pumps and air conditioning systems push cooled and heated air through ducts, ductless systems transport it into assorted zones. If you wish to install ductless mini split air conditioning systems in your Twin Cities commercial structure, do not hesitate to reach out to Altemp Mechanical as soon as possible!

Schedule an Appointment Today

The professionals at Altemp Mechanical can answer any request that you may have regarding ductless mini split air conditioning systems. If your business is located in Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN, contact us online or by calling 651-275-9111 to schedule an appointment or to receive additional information.

Improving Refrigerator Efficiency: What to Know

Because most refrigerators, ice makers, and freezers are constantly running, it is normal for these kitchen appliances to make up roughly fifteen percent of your building’s total energy bill. Such a significant percentage means that improving refrigerator efficiency will result in cost savings for your business.

Improving Refrigerator Efficiency

Installing an evaporative fan controller is a great way to reduce energy expenditure. Most current refrigeration systems use a motorized fan that is in constant operation as long as the machine is turned on. Running a fan like this actually works against the refrigerator because it produces heat. This means that a traditional fan not only uses energy constantly to stay running; the refrigerator uses more energy than necessary trying to cool itself as the result of the increase in heat.

Ultimately all of this extra work will lead to a premature breakdown of your refrigerator. An evaporative fan uses a high-efficiency motor that solves many of these current problems and can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40 percent. Such a high reduction in energy means that you can recoup the cost of the installation in less than a year.

Other practices can help reduce your refrigeration system’s energy consumption:

  • Keeping up with maintenance and making necessary repairs quickly
  • Keeping the refrigerator coils clean
  • Upgrading to an Energy Star- certified, solid-door unit
  • Turning off door heaters
  • Using night curtains on any refrigerated display cases

The Benefits of a Commercial Rooftop Air Conditioning System

Commercial air conditioning systems can be a pain due to their large units that take up a lot of space. When installed on the roof, however, they not only incur low installation costs, but come in a wide range of options and allow more versatility than many other commercial cooling systems. Read on to discover the benefits of a commercial rooftop air conditioning system.

Benefits of a Commercial Rooftop Air Conditioning System

Flexibility. Rooftop air conditioning systems are modular units that can be modified if you choose to redesign or expand the space. These modules can be placed at different locations on the roof, based on the building’s cooling and heating load requirements. Moreover, temperature settings can be customized for specific areas to track their energy usage.

Reduced noise pollution

Although newer air conditioning units make less noise than their forerunners, they still have a discernible sound. Because these systems are installed on the roof, their sound is out of range, making the building seem quieter.

Increased security

Rooftop air conditioning systems do not involve the risks of theft or vandalism that ground level air conditioning units are subjected to. This is because they are generally out of reach of potential wrongdoers.

Minimized dirt and damage

Due to lower dust, dirt and debris on the roof, the rooftop units stay cleaner. Their location ensures their safety from accidental damage as well.

Power choices

Two options are available: natural gas and electrical.

Improved energy performance

Rooftop air conditioning provides a lot of options as far as features are concerned. These include:

  • Economizers use the outside air when the outdoor temperatures permit, to cool the building making it economically viable.
  • Programmable thermostats can be used to adjust the operating controls based on the season as well as the occupancy schedules.

Easy Maintenance

Rooftop air conditioning requires regular professional maintenance to prevent mechanical problems and wear and tear. However, basic maintenance – like changing filters or checking for leaks – should be done on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Because of their convenient location, a technician can easily access the modules without having to enter the building for maintenance or repair.

“Rooftop air conditioning ties directly into the building’s ductwork. The systems are not only more convenient and less expensive; they enhance the energy performance and opulence of the building,” said Corey Sias, Service Department Manager for Central Roofing Company.

For further information on the benefits of a commercial rooftop air conditioning system, contact the Minnesota air conditioning professionals at Altemp Mechanical!

Determining the Proper Cooling Unit Size For Your Business

The importance of a proper cooling unit size in a restaurant cannot be emphasized enough. It is a must-have for cold storage, allowing food and drinks to be stored well before consumption by your customers. There are numerous options available for a business owner looking for the ideal refrigeration unit. With the right planning, it can be easy to find this ideal unit.
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Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance and What It Involves

Commercial refrigeration units cost thousands of dollars. It is essential for you to keep them in good working order to avoid costly replacements or new installations. Regular maintenance is essential for this. A number of these tasks can be performed by business owners themselves. Others are complicated and will require professional assistance. Find out exactly what commercial refrigeration maintenance involves below.
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Cooling Tips for Hot Homes You Can Do Today

Keeping your home cool in the summer can be challenging with the high temperatures of the outdoors. It is a constant battle to stay comfortable in the summer when your natural surroundings just keep getting warmer and warmer. Taking advantage of some of the cooling tips for hot homes below will help minimize the heat flow in your home so that you can retain as much cool air as you can.

Cooling Tips for Hot Homes

Keep the air flowing.

Utilizing the fans that you already have in your home can also help you stay cool. Using your ceiling fan – and making sure that it is rotating counter-clockwise – will allow for a cool breeze throughout the room. Another fan that is often forgotten on hot days is the bathroom fan. By turning on the bathroom fan, you are allowing the hot air that rises to the ceiling to escape through the vents. By drawing the warmest air out of the house, only the coolest air will remain. This will help keep the house at the most comfortable temperature.

Cook outdoors.

It only makes sense to keep the oven off during the summer months. You can move the kitchen outdoors to the grill to keep the heat out of the house. When you’re struggling to stay cool, don’t allow yourself to turn the oven on, only to trap more heat inside your space. It’s a fact that the 400° temperature in the oven is bound to make a difference in the room as you open the oven door to take your food out. Just keep the oven off for the summer, and work on becoming a grill master.

Scrap the hot lights.

The use of incandescent lights is going to increase the temperature of your home. This is exactly the opposite of what you want during the hot summer months. Not only are these incandescent lights a source of heat, but also a waste of energy. By using a different type of bulb, you can lower the electric bill and keep your home cooler.

Keep the doors closed.

When it is particularly hot, be aware of how often and for how long your doors to the outside are open. The cool air from inside your home will escape rapidly if there is any opening to the outside. To prevent your air conditioning unit from having to work harder, keep the doors closed as much as possible to help the cool air from escaping the house.

The extreme heat of the summer can really take a toll on the internal temperature of your home. In order to keep it as cool as possible, it is wise to take some practical steps to help maximize the retention of the cool air. These cooling tips for hot homes provided will work alongside one another to assist your working air conditioning unit, or to prevent extra heat from getting into the house if you don’t have a cooling system in place already. These are just a handful of tips that you can use to help keep your home comfortable in the warm season.