Category: HVAC

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!

Your HVAC system is more complicated than you might think. There are many components, all of which come together to regulate the temperature in your commercial structure. If you have a problem and need to call a professional, it helps to understand what they are talking about. If you do not know some of the more common terms, then it might be difficult. Here are some things you might hear if you are talking to a commercial HVAC professional.

• Air Handling Unit – This unit pushes the air through the system and mixes it with the hot or cold air. The unit is comprised of the fan, the coils, air filter, and drain pans.
• Compressor – A compressor is the pump that transfers the refrigerant into the condenser and back again. The refrigerant starts off in the evaporator coils before making its journey.
• Condenser – The condenser is located outside, and comes as either a scroll, rotary screw, reciprocating, or centrifugal compressor. It removes the hot or cold air from the air inside by turning the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid.
• EER – The EER stands for the Energy Efficient Ratio. This is the ratio of the electric output compared to the cooling. The higher the ratio, the more efficient your system is.
• Split System – This is what an HVAC system is called when it has components outside the building. The outside portion is connected to the inside through lines.
• Duct – The air ducts are the conduits built into the frame of your structure to move the temperature controlled air through the building.
• The ACCA – ACCA stands for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. When you are looking for someone to service your system, make sure you choose a contractor certified through this organization so you know you will be getting qualified service.
• Air Balancing – This is the process of making sure that each room in a building is getting an appropriate amount of air.
• Evaporator Coils – Whereas the ducts circulate the conditioned air, the evaporator coils absorb the heat from the air in the building. They are attached to the furnace.
• Variable Speed Motor – Using variable speeds can improve the air circulation in the building. These types of motors use less energy and are not as noisy.

Hopefully with the help of this guide, talking to your HVAC professional about your system will not be quite so intimidating.

Businesses can lose customers any number of ways, and an uncomfortable climate inside the store is just one of them. Discomfort that bothers staff can also affect productivity, and therefore the bottom line. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, there are going to be times when the HVAC system needs to be repaired or serviced. Here are some tips for how you can keep your business open when that happens.

Hire Trusted Professionals

This is probably the biggest one right here. Always use trusted professionals for this type of job. Getting your cousin’s friend to do it because he fixed his furnace at home just isn’t acceptable. Professionals will get the job done right the first time. You don’t want to affect your business for this, only to have to do it again shortly thereafter because something in the system has failed again. If you don’t know which professional you trust, then ask around for recommendations and get the job done correctly and quickly.

Try Creative Scheduling

Sometimes it is hard to schedule repairs, since if it is an emergency you need to get things fixed as quickly as possible. A lot of HVAC professionals can offer after hours work, so you’ll need to find one who does. Even if the work is not able to be done after hours, you can perhaps schedule it so that it is near the end of the work day, or at a time when few of your staff or clients will be in the building. Also, HVAC technicians are generally very experienced at staying out of people’s hair, so that will make it even easier to lessen the disruption.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

You can always avoid many inside repairs by having a rooftop unit installed outside. This way, most repairs will be done on the roof and won’t bother your staff or clients at all. The building may still be uncomfortable because of the heat or cooling loss, but no one will be bothered, and the repair will be quicker since the unit is so compact.

You can get through HVAC repairs with as little disruption as possible. Just use these tips, or install a rooftop package to keep your staff and clients as comfortable as possible.

“Out of sight and out of mind” is what they say, but with your commercial HVAC system in the spring, it is out of use and out of mind. The best HVAC system is one that you forget you have, because it does not cause any problems. Springtime is generally the quietest time of year for HVAC use, so people can be forgiven for forgetting about their system. Unfortunately, when the summer comes, that forgotten necessity becomes more needed, and you do not want to be caught without it. Here’s why you should get your commercial HVAC system serviced every spring.

The Condenser

During the colder months, the condenser coils are at risk of getting clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris. This pressure, or the pressure from ice and snow, can put pressure on the coils and damage them. In the spring you can remove that debris to give your system a fresh start and reduce the pressure.

It is during the winter time when pesky critters like mice are more likely to hide in your A/C unit and get into the wiring. Once the freeze is over, check for signs of a nesting rodent, since they can chew through wires and cause loose connections.

Refrigerant Levels

If the levels of your refrigerant are low, then you might have a leak. Any leaks have to be fixed before you can add more refrigerant. Make sure to inspect for any leaks.

Lines, Fan, and Coils

You’d be amazed at what can block up your lines. Mold, dust, and dirt are all blocking hazards. Clean out all of these components so the air can flow freely and keep your system running efficiently. Along these lines, always make sure to have a clean filter. You can do it every 3 months if you have pleated filters, so every season is a good schedule for the change.

If your HVAC system is not running at it is peak efficiency, it can cost you not only performance, but also money. Keep the air flowing and do not get stuck in a heat wave with these spring maintenance tips.

Heating problems during Minnesota’s harsh winter season can make your office or commercial structure inhospitable. Below you can learn about the most common HVAC issues that we see during winter.

Rooms that are “too cold”

If some of the rooms in your commercial structure cannot retain heat (even when the heating system appears to be running properly), the issue could be two-fold. The first issue could be a draft problem brought on by poor insulation from improperly sealed windows and inadequately fitted doors. The second issue could be an airflow problem. A simple adjustment of the vents can resolve this. If the air filter is dirty, it should be cleaned.

Carbon monoxide (CO) issues

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to the fact that is very hard to detect. The emission of CO usually occurs via cracks in a rusted heat exchanger. In the case your heating system or furnace is more than 10 years old, it is probably time to permit a professional to inspect it and determine whether it is a threat. We recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your commercial structure regardless of how old your heating system is.

Having a properly-maintained HVAC system in your building is critical for cost reduction, energy efficiency, and for the safety of your staff. If you suspect issues with your system, call a professional immediately.

Rapid and sudden heat loss

If your furnace suddenly stops working despite the presence of power, the problem could lie with the circuit breaker. It could have tripped, leading to the malfunction. If you find that this is not the case, the issue could be with your electrical system, a damaged thermostat, or the pilot light.

On-and-off cycles of heat

A furnace that cycles on-and-off could be major safety issue. Such a situation is usually caused by a faulty thermostat. To resolve this, you may have to replace the thermostat.

Another cause of on-and-off cycling could be a damaged furnace. Whenever the components heat up too quickly due to lack of proper airflow, the furnace’s emergency stop system will activate itself. You could try to resolve the problem by changing its air filters. If it persists, you should call on an HVAC repair professional to help ascertain the cause of the problem.

If you are experiencing heating problems in your commercial structure this winter, get them resolved by contacting Altemp Mechanical’s team of experienced HVAC repair technicians. You can reach us online or by phone at 651-275-9111.

The inaugural Service World Expo convention was just held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas from October 26-28th. The event is an all-purpose seminar that provides innovative and superior business services to residential HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors. More than 700 industry professionals attended the event, which included face-to-face networking, interactive trade shows, personalized training sessions, and evening receptions. As a result of the event’s success, organizers are already anticipating an even better show for 2017. To make that happen, however, they are reviewing what exactly made the Service World Expo 2016 such a huge success. Continue reading “Inaugural Service World Expo 2016 Exceeds Expectations”

Did you know that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems pose a fire hazard to your building? It is possible for your air conditioning system catch on fire. Therefore to prevent damage and injury, it is important to be aware of HVAC fire hazards. Though the chances of a fire are low, the following factors have been known to pose a fire hazard and should be monitored to ensure safety.

HVAC Fire Hazards

Electrical connections

Bad electrical connections are one of the main causes of HVAC failure and fires. Old connections tend to become loose and with the constant high demand for power, burnt and exposed wires can trigger a fire. The smell of smoke or burning plastic is a giveaway.

Leaking fuel line

Without performing regular maintenance, it is difficult to spot leaking fuel lines. What makes this especially hazardous is the fact that a highly flammable substance – such as oil, gas, and petroleum – is coming into contact with hot elements inside the A/C unit. The combination of heat and flammable material increases the chance of a dangerous fire.

Faulty gas connections

High gas pressure causes the heat exchanger to heat up. Low gas pressure can cause condensation. Both increase of risk of damage and fires. Poor workmanship or years of neglect can lead to gas leaks and bad air quality, not to mention the potential for an out of control gas furnace.

Crowded furnace

This is a relatively easy problem to prevent. Stuffing creates, boxes, cleaning equipment, and a host of other materials on or near your HVAC system increases the danger of damaging the unit and causing a fire. All that junk around the unit could catch fire, damaging not just the A/C system, but a large portion of the building. To prevent this, ensure that all nonessential equipment is kept away from the unit. Clean chemicals that may react to heat or catch fire as well.

What to do in case of a fire

The first thing to do in case of a fire is to exit the building and call for help. If possible, turn off the main power switch to the unit and the building. Alert everyone in or around the area and ensure that unsuspecting visitors do not enter the building.

How to avoid HVAC fire hazards

While it is possible for HVAC systems to catch fire randomly, HVAC experts insist on regular maintenance as the best way to prevent instances of damage, leakage, or circuitry problems. Fire prevention does not begin and end with authorized inspections. If you are going to ensure the safety of everybody using the system, it is recommended that you play an active role in promoting safety. If you suspect there might be an issue with your HVAC system, or you smell burning wires, oil, gas, or any other suspicious material, contact a Altemp Mechanical immediately for an inspection.