A business manager charged with the task of improving an office heating and cooling system may be familiar with the acronym LEED. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design was developed over a decade ago by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as a way to improve residential and commercial environments to make them more energy efficient and work smarter instead of harder. As you prepare to renovated your office’s HVAC system (or have one built from scratch), you will want to pay attention to LEED certification and how it will benefit your company.

LEED Measurements

As you work with your commercial HVAC provider to ensure your work environment is up to LEED standards, there are a few things engineers will look for, including:

• Sustainability – Does your present building or complex minimize pollution and negative effect on the surrounding environment? If you plan to build, LEED encourages seeking out developed property rather than construction in green space.
• Efficiency – Your workplace should properly manage usage of water and other resources. Landscapes and greenery may be cared for using green solutions, while low-flow and efficient fixtures help conserve in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Materials – The actual construction of your office will use environmentally friendly material that meet green standards.
• Indoor Quality – Because the majority of your work will likely happen inside, efficient air quality is an important factor in meeting LEED certification.
• Design – Innovative designs that allow your building to make the most of natural light and other eco-friendly features, for example, is another quality considered for certification.

All factors are weighed by committee to determine if a building or home passes muster. A rating system is set up to which contractors and companies must adhere in order to receive certification. The criteria will differ depending on the type of building – medical, school, commercial retail, or office.

Benefits of LEED Certification

To manage a company that meets or exceeds these standards gives your business the advantage of innovation in your community. When it is known that you are committed not only to quality service but efficient productivity that helps environmentally, you stand to gain respect among peers and customers and clients. Setting the example of reducing a carbon footprint may also inspire others to follow your lead.

This doesn’t happen, of course, unless you bring on a commercial HVAC provider who knows what LEED looks for when rating buildings. As you explore your options, find out what each potential provider offers that can help you achieve certification. Research existing buildings in the area that have passed certification and learn how each maintains good sustainability and conservation of resources.

LEED certification is a great way to not only give back to your community through eco-friendly efforts, but to improve up on the image of your business. Find the right HVAC provider to get you started.

With summertime on the way, the last thing you want to think about is your plumbing. This is especially true if you plan to spend more than a few nights a week lounging in the Jacuzzi tub, or swimming in your pool. Summer typically means the showers run more than a few times a day, especially as you come in hot and sweaty from exercise or outdoor play. Good plumbing means a happy home, and in order to keep it that way you will want to head off plumbing problems before they require some expensive work.

You don’t need to get a certificate in plumbing mechanics to know how to keep good pipes and fixtures. Just take care not do overdo a few things and not to abuse your plumbing during crucial months. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) Watch how you use the garbage disposal. Summer may mean you’ll cook at home more, and make use of your sinks and disposal. Take care, though, not to get carried away by chucking vegetable peels and other compost down the drain. It’s a disposal, not a garbage can. Limit the waste to small shards and liquids when possible.

2) Keep an eye on the common bathrooms. Do you have kids? If so, chances are you’ll have frequent visitors this summer. You’ll want to make sure the toilets flush properly and little ones are not running off while leaving the faucets running.

3) Keep home plumbing tools handy. In case of accidents, have a good plunger and brand of plumbing liquid around to solve minor clogging issues. Some emergencies are not as harrowing as you may first think; your best defense is a clear head, calm hands, and a bit of research to get your plumbing operational again.

4) Watch usage of water for outdoor purposes. You might spend more time watering the lawn, or your kids may wish to fill up a pool. If you have not used outdoor spigots in several months, start gently with the water flow and make sure your hoses and sprinklers are working correctly. If you had a previous cold snap and did nothing for your outdoor plumbing, you may encounter problems. Always err on the side of caution.

With summertime comes more time to play, relax, and garden. As you are more likely to use your fixtures and water at home, you’ll want to head off plumbing issues before they get out of hand. Be vigilant and you should be fine.

Whether your business has a maintenance staff in place or outsources a company to handle your building’s HVAC, it is important to schedule regular inspections that guarantee the health and safety of your employees and clientele. Keeping on schedule ensures preventative maintenance helps keep your air systems and ventilation operating at optimal levels throughout the year. Should you find the responsibility for your commercial HVAC systems are changing hands, however, here’s a checklist of some things to look for so you know everything is inspected.

1) Filters and Belts – Your employees and customers need to function in a clean, clear environment, and when the air filters and belts start to wear out, the atmosphere in your office or store can become compromised. Regular inspection of these components lets you know if anything requires replacement before they become too damaged to function.

2) Coils – It’s important to make sure all coils are free of debris so they function properly. Buildup of dust and particles over time could impair your equipment and cause problems down the road that require you to replace units before their time.

3) Calibration – When you set temperature controls to a certain level, you want the coolness or warmth in the air to reflect the settings. Calibration ensures that what you set is, literally what you get.

4) Inspection of Wiring – If something appears not to work with your heating and air, a check of the wiring could yield a solution. Have your HVAC team checking the wiring during regular maintenance to make sure everything is properly connected.

5) Duct work – Dust and particles found in air ducts tend to stay to the surface, though there is the risk of mold forming within. It’s always a good idea to clean your duct work regularly and check for infestation and clogs.

6) Thermostats – Depending on the size of your workspace, you could have one or several thermostats situated throughout the building. As they are likely used often, you will be informed when something seems off. All the same, keep an eye on your thermostats and look for anomalies.

When you keep tabs on your commercial HVAC systems, you help maintain the cleanliness of your work space and the productivity of your employees. This is turn reflects on the quality of your business, as your clientele comes to appreciate the comfortable environment you provide.

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.