Category: Heating

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If your commercial HVAC system is outdated or inefficient, it could be costing you a lot of money in energy bills.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.

What Causes Frozen Heat Pump Coils?

Many people may have a hard time believing that their heater can in fact freeze. Heaters produce heat, so shouldn’t that prevent freezing? Unfortunately, despite its nature, a heater can freeze and it can lead to a disastrous problem.

Heaters typically freeze due to poor airflow over the heat pump coils. When the temperature plummets, the pump coils will end up freezing. Functioning heat pump coils can withstand even the most drastic temperature drops, but some things can lead to freezing coils. Here are the most common causes.

Air Filter Needs To Be Cleaned or Replaced

Changing your air filter regularly is crucial for the performance of your heater and air conditioner. Over time, air filters will clog up with dust and dirt. This will block air from going through and passing on to the coils. When this airflow is interrupted, condensation will build up around the coils, which will eventually cause the system to freeze.

Outdoor Unit May Need Some Maintenance

Your outdoor HVAC needs to be regularly maintained and free of debris, such as plants, dirt, dust, and so much more. If the unit has settled in, it could lead to its foundation sinking. This will also reduce your airflow. Make sure to sweep through the area, and in the winter, try to scrape off excess snow as well. This way you can ensure it is operating to its fullest capacity.

The Coils Are Dirty

While there could be many factors that cause a system-wide freeze, the coils themselves may be the culprits behind the problem. Dirty coils transfer heat poorly, and even the thinnest layer of dust can prevent the heat from transferring properly. That’s because dust can act as an insulator. This results in a lack of heat transfer, and the coils’ temperatures will be behind to drop.

Many factors can cause an HVAC system to fail. Make sure to have yours regularly inspected by a trusted HVAC professional such as Altemp Mechanical. To learn more or to schedule a service call, feel free to contact our company online or by phone!

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.

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.

Common Reasons For a Furnace Breakdown

Many of us have been there. It is the middle of winter in Minnesota, the snow is coming down, the icy winds are rattling the window panes, and suddenly, the furnace breaks down. If this occurs, there are many steps that you can take to not only get your furnace working, but to ensure your furnace runs properly in the future. The first step to fixing your furnace is identifying the problem. Learn about some common reasons for a furnace breakdown and follow steps to remedy that furnace breakdown quickly and easily. Continue reading “Common Reasons For a Furnace Breakdown”

The Benefits of Professional Water Heater Maintenance

Water Heater Maintenance Services – 651-275-9111

Water Heater Maintenance

Altemp Mechanical offers premium water heater maintenance services for Minnesota clients in Minneapolis, St. Paul and throughout the Twin Cities region.

Without it, we have all kinds of problems and are unable to do our everyday tasks. By keeping your water heater properly maintained by a professional, you will be able to worry about more important parts of running your business and life. Here are three benefits of hiring a professional water heater specialist to maintain your system in your commercial property.

Opt in for Efficiency.

To make sure that your water heater is working efficiently, you will want a professional on the job. If there are any kinks in the system, your water heater will have to work harder to pump out the hot water that you need. This will cause in increase in energy bills or potentially cause damage to your facility. A lack of efficiency could cause you to not get the amount of hot water you need at a given time. Having a water heater expert on the job to make routine check-ups and repairs will help make sure things stay running smoothly.

Avoid Potential Danger.

One of the reasons there are professional water heater maintenance specialists is because a person who is working on a water heater should know what they are doing. There are many potential dangers to working with this type of equipment. Having the know-how to install, maintain and repair hot water heaters is crucial to keeping everyone safe. Leave it to an expert to handle the water heater to make sure that things are done correctly and nobody gets hurt.

Save Your Time and Energy.

Because most people don’t know how to do everything, it is best to leave some things up to the pros. Most commercial business owners don’t have time to study how to maintain this kind of equipment, anyways. Plus, in commercial buildings, it can be far more complicated than it is on a residential level since the buildings are often much larger. Save your precious time and energy by employing a water heater maintenance professional. They will get the job done right the first time.

Keeping up with your system to make sure it is running the most efficiently is going to help save you money and prevent potentially harmful situations. Having a water heater maintenance professional from Altemp Mechanical on call to maintain your equipment will allow you to know that your business is going to have hot water when you need it. Plus, with all of the complications that can go into hot water systems, having a professional around will minimize dangers, keeping everyone safe and your system in good shape. Lastly, as a business owner, saving your time and energy adds even more value to hiring out this aspect of your overall business maintenance.

Common Problems Associated with Modern Furnaces

Modern furnaces are a good way to reduce the amount of fuel consumed and reduce your heating bills. Many of the newer furnaces are also a better way to heat the building more thoroughly and can provide a quieter way to heat with new silent furnaces. This said there are some common problems associated with modern furnaces.

Common Problems Associated with Modern Furnaces

Some of the more modern furnaces have issues relating to the electronic ignition systems. These can fail to work consistently making it difficult for the furnace to function properly. Sometimes this can be in relation to the electrical system in an older home not working well with the newer furnace. The pilot light might go out and the ignition system might fail to light it again. This can cause a problem long term with the unit and with the overall electrical system in the building.

In some cases the furnace will not work well with the thermostat making the furnace come on more than it needs to. This can be bad for fuel consumption and cause the room or building to be uncomfortable with a heat that goes up and down frequently. New thermostats should be installed in many cases when a furnace is replaced.

In some cases the duct work of a home is not set up to work with a newer furnace. This might make it tough for the furnace to get the hot air throughout the home and heat it properly. This in turn will require the furnace to come on more often and can be bad for your bottom line. This can also be a problem when it comes to making sure the furnace has a good air return. The airflow needs to be clear both ways and if the duct work is not properly set up it may not bring enough air to the furnace to work properly. To find out more about your furnace and whether it is doing the best job it can, contact the furnace repair professionals at Altemp Mechanical, Inc.

The Dangers of Poor Furnace Maintenance

While Minnesota is renowned for its many perks – such as Garrison Keillor sightings, lutefisk, and the Vikings – it is equally known for its brutally cold winters. As a result, furnace maintenance in Minnesota is a matter of crucial significance. Other parts of the country may allow you to skip regular furnace maintenance. Not so in Minnesota! The fact that you’ll be using your furnace for at least 60% of the year means that regular furnace maintenance is one of the best long-term strategies to save money and keep your furnace from cutting out in the middle of winter! Read on to learn about the dangers of poor furnace maintenance. Continue reading “The Dangers of Poor Furnace Maintenance”

Why Is Professional Boiler Repair So Important?

Spending money on costly repairs in your home is something nobody likes to do. That said, there comes a time when you need to decide if your boiler needs a repair professional or not. There are several reasons to have your boiler repaired. A boiler that is not functioning properly can be costing you more money. Every time the boiler doesn’t work correctly it needs to warm again and this is expensive with regard to fuel or electric costs as well as the water being used. But why is professional boiler repair so important?

Why Is Professional Boiler Repair So Important?

Your boiler may be dangerous if is left alone for too long. You might be faced with a boiler that could catch on fire, start an electrical issue throughout the home or even explode in severe cases. If the boiler is in poor condition it could also start to leak and cause a major flood in your home. This could happen at any time whether you are home asleep or out at work. Calling in a professional to repair it will ensure that it is safe and that you don’t have to worry about it.

There are signs of a need for boiler repair including the boiler coming on more frequently to reach temperature. If the boiler seems to kick on very often it may be in need of repair. If the water from the boiler seems too hot or not hot enough it could also need repair. Additionally, if the boiler seems to be louder than usual or making unusual sounds, it is likely that it needs repair.

Meeting with an expert in boiler repair can help you to learn more about the problems that you are facing as well as to discuss your options. It may be that you need to completely replace your boiler with a more efficient unit, or the boiler could just need some minor repairs to have a longer lifespan.