Air Conditioning Systems For New Construction

For companies planning new construction projects to house their businesses, the necessity of planning everything down to the exact detail will determine how well or how poorly productivity progresses. Whether you are building offices for clerical or storage use, or are building a place for a restaurant or other food service work, the contractor you hire should take into consideration the proper ventilation of the workspace.

You may be advised, too, to bring on a contractor that deals exclusively with commercial HVAC services, if your builders do not have such a person on hand, or else do not sub-contract that work. Commercial HVAC – or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is important if you wish to maintain a clean, healthy environment for your employees. As you plan your new construction project, here are a few things you will want to consider:

1) Size.  The heat load of the work space needs to be calculated by the loss or gain in the general area being heated and/or cooled.  How large is your building? One floor, or several? Will your work area be spread out or situated on so many square feet? The size of your work space will determine the size and power of the HVAC units that will heat and cool the buildings.

2) Usable Work Space. Depending on the scope of your business, not every square inch will be occupied by manpower. Offices where your employees will work, of course, should be temperature controlled, as should areas that will house sensitive equipment (food, computers, etc.). Therefore, your HVAC system will be installed based on the proper temperature and humidity needed to be maintained in the area being served.

3) Location. Where is your office located? Businesses in Hampton Roads will have different construction concerns than those in New England or the Pacific Northwest. Where your office is located will determine whether or not your HVAC system should be geared to heat or cool more.

4) Budget. How much money do you have to use toward constructing your office or warehouse? Though it’s important to have a good HVAC system that will work for a long time, you want to operate within your budget and choose units that won’t require too much maintenance. Consult with your contractor for the best solution.

Air quality is one of the most essential components in a healthy office and commercial environment. Keep your offices and work spaces at comfortable temperatures with clean air, and you will find your business functions at optimal levels. For a new construction, this is especially crucial as you plan to start work as soon as possible. Research the best commercial HVAC company to do the job.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk HVAC services and Norfolk air condition repair.

Is Your Air Conditioning System Meeting Your Needs?

Where you live, what you do for a living, and what you do at home are but a few factors that determine the usefulness of your current heating and air conditioning system. If you’re at home trying to unwind after a long day of work, you want to feel content and comfortable in your surroundings. If you suspect the heat or air isn’t working to your satisfaction, you will know immediately just from the temperature in the room. However, the occasional mishap doesn’t necessarily mean a replacement is in order. It’s important to know which kind of HVAC equipment works best for you.

To better determine whether or not your current setup is working right for you, take into consideration your lifestyle:

Where You Live:

If you live in a relatively warm climate, you naturally depend more on your air conditioning through longer stretches in the year. By comparison, homeowners in northern areas may use heating and air for equal amounts of time, or cut back on A/C if the weather is temperate enough not to require it. Your home’s location plays a major role in determining the type of HVAC system you’ll require. Consider the year-round temperature and buy accordingly.

Where You Work:

How does where you work affect your home HVAC system? For one, your work determines how long you are away from home on a daily basis. You may work anywhere from eight to ten hours a day, leaving your home unattended.  Your personal needs will help determine the type of system that will work best. A programmable thermostat and/or variable speed air handler can be good options to consider.

What You Do at Home:

When you are at home, are you active? Do you tend to relax on your deck as opposed to your living room, or spend time in the garden more than in front of the TV? If your home is basically the place where you come to sleep until it’s time to tackle the next day, you probably don’t require a heavy-duty system – rather one that keeps you cool or warm when you most need it. You’ll need to decide if an energy-efficient HVAC is right for you. Price accordingly what is available for your budget and be comfortable when you need it.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk HVAC services and Norfolk air conditioning repair.

Do You Need a New Heating and Air Conditioning System?

When at home, your personal comfort is important. No matter the conditions outside or the season, you should be able to adjust your HVAC system where necessary so you can relax at the ideal temperature. However, not all situations are ideal – occasionally you’ll hear knocks and pings from your heating and cooling units, and maybe nothing happens when you try to adjust the dials. Your first thought may be to replace your HVAC system altogether, but consider for a moment that repairs are all you need in order to feel cool or warm in your home again.

Do you need to replace your air conditioning or heating system? Here are some things to consider before you make a final decision.

1) How old is your unit? Whether you have had a home built or bought an existing one without making any major renovations, you should have a good idea of the age of your HVAC system. If you are experiencing problems after only five or seven years, you can estimate that problems are related to faults during manufacture or with the initial installation. A full replacement may not be required in this situation, but you may want to have an HVAC expert take a look to determine it.

2) Have you recently weathered any bad storms? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, or high winds, the damage eventually shows up in your equipment. Leave your outside unit unprotected, and you risk problems in the future. If you find your heating or cooling isn’t as quick to start after a bad storm, you will want to assess the damage before budgeting a new system.

3) Does it cut off abruptly, or not start up at all? The more frequently you encounter serious problems is perhaps your best indicator that you need a new unit. First, check to see if any warranties are attached to your current system and find out what you need to do to get a replacement. If you have considered a more energy efficient model for replacement, you may be eligible for tax credits. Talk to your HVAC serviceman for options.

When the air suddenly shuts off, it may not necessarily be a sign that you need a new system. Know your unit and listen carefully for problems, and you can determine for yourself the next steps to take. In some cases, only minor, inexpensive repairs may be needed to keep you comfortable.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk air conditioning installation services and Norfolk HVAC services.

 

Norfolk Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is your local independent American Standard heating and air conditioning dealer.