When Facility Executives Need HVAC Upgrades

You want to include a major HVAC renovation in the plan for this year. How do you convince an owner to complete a retrofit that the building needs? You need to demonstrate, first, how the upgrade will improve the building and, second, how this increases the value of the building for the owner.

Some managers may think it is simple to convince an owner to spend thousands of dollars on an upgrade. They assume that an owner will want to complete a project so the building remains state-of-the-art. However, most owners — institutions, for example — view the building as an asset similar to stocks or bonds. They need to see the value of the property increase as a result of their cash outlay.

A second reason commonly given by managers to owners is that the office building will operate more efficiently after the retrofit, thus reducing utility costs. However, tenants usually pay their share of the building’s operating costs based on the amount of space they occupy.

Therefore, the tenants, not the owner, will benefit from the reduced utility costs. The owner pays for the renovation at the time the work is done. The cost of the work is then amortized and passed through to the tenants over the lifetime or payback of the project. The owner will spend the money today and only recoup it over time while the tenants will experience the immediate benefit.

This is the challenge faced by a fictional facility manager we’ll call John Philips, who is responsible for the hypothetical Spencer Building. Built 10 years ago, The Spencer Building is a class A office building in a downtown market. Like many buildings in the marketplace, the 240,000 rentable square foot building is 100 percent occupied with no major leases rolling over for seven to 10 years. Philips is aware that the owner’s objective is to hold this building for at least two to five more years. Although only 10 years old, the building’s HVAC system has two problems. First, the energy management system is not state-of-the-art and does not provide the building with efficient operation and sufficient control. Second, the parts of the mechanical equipment are expensive to maintain.

Philips has recommended upgrading the EMS system and installing variable frequency drives (VFV) on major equipment motors. The upgrade of the EMS system will include new power supplies, bases, transducers, wiring and associated relays. The existing temperature sensors will be replaced and new direct digital controllers will be installed for the interior and exterior air handling units, 24 in all. Static pressure controllers, solar load sensors and control relays will also be added to the EMS, giving the operating engineers more control points to ensure tenant comfort levels and increased monitoring capability. All of the new sensors and relays will be linked by a networking cable in a user-friendly package to a desktop computer with a Pentium microprocessor, graphics card, high-speed modem, color monitor and color printer.

VFDs will be installed on all motors and pumps. VFDs provide a staged start-up of equipment, preventing “spikes,” or sharp increases in electric demand. Motor speed can also be controlled by a VFD to operate more efficiently when equipment is at part load. Other advantages to VFDs are increased equipment life, decreased maintenance costs and automatic restart of equipment after power failures.

The system upgrade was bid to five companies with the recommended vendor bidding on this work for $326,978. The vendor has also given the option of a lease of this system at $422,100 at 11 percent for 60 months. This cost includes energy accounting, bill auditing and benchmarking reports for the first year.

The economic analysis that follows is based on the upgrade package just described; however, a similar approach can be taken with any HVAC system upgrade.

Owner’s Plans

Because the building may be for sale in the next two to five years, Philips knows the owners will want an increase in value at time of sale and a quick return on investment. To prove the increase in value, Philips will rely on the income-capitalization method of appraisal. The income-capitalization method is based on the net operating income (NOI) — the result of subtracting the operating expenses from rents received. If rents go up or expenses go down, NOI increases; higher NOI means higher value.

What’s more, an HVAC retrofit may make a building more appealing to tenants than other buildings in the area, thus increasing rents. Further, a retrofit project usually decreases utility costs.

The income-capitalization method divides the income by a cap rate, defined by market conditions, to find value. Based on the NOI for the building and a cap rate of 9 percent, the current value of The Spencer Building is $50,666,666.

At the Spencer Building, occupancy is already 100 percent with no major leases expiring until the year 2015. Therefore, the upgrade will not attract new tenants so no increases in rent as a result of the project are expected.

However, if the building had vacant space and was located in a competitive market, it might have an edge in leasing over buildings with higher utility costs. A tenant pays operating expenses over a base year. A base year may be set at $10 per square foot. The tenant pays all operating expenses in excess of $10 per square foot; the owner bears the cost up to that amount. If the operating costs are $14 per square foot, the tenant is paying $4 per square foot. If the retrofit reduces costs by $0.50 per square foot, the tenants’ costs fall to $3.50 per square foot. The owner’s costs are not reduced. The benefit to the owner is that the tenant may be happy with the reduced costs and be more inclined to renew the lease.

Cutting Costs

The retrofit at the Spencer Building will reduce costs in several ways. The EMS will improve staging of equipment during start-up and shutdown schedules and increase detail of temperature sensing and automatic adjustment. The VFDs will reduce utility costs by operating at only the speed required to satisfy the comfort load; the current system provides constant volume and constant speed flow. Based on a review of the equipment and historical electrical data, energy savings are estimated at:

• EMS base system utility savings: $96,154


• VFD installation utility savings: $40,872


• Total estimated annual utility savings: $137,026


• Savings per square foot: $2.570

The system costs $326,978. As outlined above, the annual utility savings are $137,026, creating a payback period of 2.39 years. Annual utility savings will increase NOI by $137,026. This, in turn, produces an increase in value based on the income-cap method of $1,522,511. The new value of the building is $52,189,177.

Range of Benefits

Philips can present this project to the owner by citing the benefits of the upgrade. The physical improvements include:

• Improved system control through installation of state-of-the-art equipment


• Cost savings due to VFDs and improved response to temperature


• Ease of operation by use of “point and click” methods


• Reduction of engineering staff time required to program the system and to check concerns through the system rather than a physical site inspection


• Reduced maintenance cost

More important are these financial benefits:

• A payback period of less than 2.5 years


• An increase in value in excess of $1.5 million dollars


• Lower operating expenses for tenants

To win approval for capital projects, a facility manager must have two things: knowledge of the owner’s objectives and the ability to prove the improvements meet those goals. After this upgrade, the Spencer Building will have a state-of-the-art HVAC system and be worth more than before the renovation. This combination will make the building more attractive to potential purchasers. Based on the numerous benefits, the owner would probably approve this upgrade at the Spencer Building.

Geothermal Systems Heating, From the Ground Up

The demand on maintenance and engineering managers to provide comfortable temperatures and good indoor air quality while keeping a tight grip on the budget is among their greatest challenges. On top of the energy costs, there is a maintenance cost for HVAC, boilers, chillers and cooling towers, which can stretch staff skills and time in many directions.

Yet there is a way to provide a high level of comfort without taxing the budget or the staff. The geothermal heat pump systems can cut maintenance and energy costs in half.

How Geothermal Heat Pump Works

Geothermal heat pump systems rely on the temperature of the earth to heat and cool buildings. While there is a variety of designs, the most popular design relies on heat pumps and a closed-loop system of pipes laid under the ground or a body of water.

The efficiency and simplicity of the system is due to the closed-loop system that acts as a large heat exchanger. The loop is filled with a heat-transfer fluid, typically water or a water-antifreeze mix. When a facility requires cooling, heat is transferred from a building to the earth. When heating a facility, heat is absorbed from the earth and transferred to the building.

The system utilizes a heat pump that uses a refrigerant cycle to take low quality heat and concentrate it to high quality heat. Pumps and fans then move the heat.

The system is efficient and simple because it moves heat and does not create heat. In addition, while most mechanical cooling systems work under the same principles, geothermal systems gain efficiency because of the size of their primary heat exchanger — the loop.

At the heart of the process are two thermodynamic principles: Heat always flows from hot to cold, and the greater the difference in temperatures, the higher the rate of heat transfer.

Six to eight feet beneath the surface of the earth, the ground maintains a constant annual temperature from 45 in the north latitudes to 70 degrees in the south. Because the earth’s temperature is stable and the ambient air temperature is not, there is a seasonal differential in most climates that makes the geo-thermal process efficient.

Cost Savings

The relative simplicity of the systems is in part what makes them cost effective. Geothermal heat pump systems do not rely on boilers and cooling towers. Since reversing-cycle technology is deployed at the point of use, there are only two pipes to provide heating and cooling, not four like most conventional systems. And there are no large chillers in the mechanical room or an array of packaged units on the roof exposed to the elements and creating potential problems for the roofing system. All the critical equipment, except the ground loop — pumps, scroll compressors and fans — are inside the building, protected from the elements.

The heat pumps are generally small, which makes them more flexible in terms of design. While some manufacturers will produce 50-ton capacity pumps, most run from 2-10 tons for commercial and institutional markets. To achieve a higher tonnage capacity, multiple heat pumps are linked together. The heat pumps can be fixed in a zone distribution network that allows for point-of-use heating or cooling.

Cost Matters

There are other savings, too. Most of the piping in these systems is polyethylene plastic piping, like gas-line pipe, rather than copper or ferrous-based piping. Ductwork generally is not a part of the installation except for point of use distribution and fresh-air delivery.

There are also maintenance and operational savings. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the annual maintenance cost for a conventional boiler, chiller, cooling tower system is 65 cents per square foot. For a geothermal system that cost is 22-25 cents per square foot. The cost is lower because there is less equipment that needs attention.

Of the maintenance tasks necessary, changing filters was the highest. Less than half as many tasks involved lubrication and checking fan belts, the study notes. There are no water quality problems to worry about. You don’t have to clean or treat a cooling tower. There’s virtually no maintenance to the heat pump. About the only cost is to change filters and maybe check on the circulation pumps’ packings and on the fan belts.

The heat pumps themselves come as self-contained units that are tested at the factory. Even the refrigerant is in a sealed system that requires no checking.

Technology Evolves

Geothermal heat pump technology is energy efficient, offering energy costs about 25-50 percent less than those for a conventional system. Recent changes in the technology have made a significant difference.

The biggest change came when the industry switched from reciprocating compressors to scroll compressors. There was a sizable increase in efficiency there. Manufacturers also started using variable speed fans and compressors. There also have been improvements in reversing and expansion valves in pumps and evaporative coils.

Geothermal heat pump systems have lifespans of 22 years or more and in-ground piping can last 50 years or more. As a result of these and other changes, efficiency has improved. The coefficient of performance for these systems went from 3 to 4.5, and SEER ratings from 13-14 to 17-18. Additional changes in the technology and installation has made these systems better life-cycle investments. For instance, much of the joining of the ground pipe is done in the factory under controlled conditions, rather than in the field. When joints must be made in the field, the tools to do that have been improved. Leaks in the loop are practically unheard of.

Life-Cycle-Cost Advantage

Because a significant portion of the cost of these systems is in the installation of the buried loop, the costs for the whole system begin to decrease as the system gets bigger. Fifty tons is about the breaking point. At that point, the cost of digging more trenches or drilling more wells doesn’t continue to increase at the same rate because the contractor has already brought in his equipment and the work crews are at the site.

The first cost of the system depends on many local variables. Is there competition in the area for geothermal systems? Are well drillers readily available? What is the soil and geology of the area? These systems can more than pay for themselves over the years, avoiding costs on maintenance and roof repairs, and because equipment, principally the loop system, lasts so long, the energy efficiency is really the icing on the cake.

Basic Information About Portable Air Conditioners

HVAC technology developments today are giving facility executives options and solutions to their HVAC system requirements that were not available in the past. Equally important, they do not have to sacrifice performance or operating costs to implement these solutions.

The growing dependency on air conditioning for building occupants and equipment cooling has given rise to an entire new generation of cooling equipment that is portable. While building air conditioning systems are very dependable, there are times when they simply aren’t available. Failure of central air conditioning or distribution equipment can shut down systems for extended periods of time. Failures in the building electrical distribution system or the utility company’s system can also shut down large building central air conditioning systems for long periods of time. High levels of electrical demand can force shutdowns of air conditioning systems for several hours.

The problem that many facility executives face is that many of their building occupants cannot afford to be without air conditioning. Computer systems rapidly overheat without air conditioning, forcing system shutdowns that may cost tens of thousands of dollars per minute. Telecommunications equipment is equally sensitive to heat; operations throughout the facility can be disrupted if sufficient air conditioning is not available.

To help protect their operations from disruptions caused by air conditioning outages, many facilities have invested in portable air conditioning units that can be rapidly moved to the required area and installed easily. Units are available in a wide range of capacities and several different configurations, allowing them to be used in practically any application. Many simply plug into standard electrical outlets. Others with larger capacities may require special or dedicated electrical connections.

Applications for portable cooling systems go well beyond those caused by equipment failures. Maintenance operations use the systems to provide cool air to personnel working in confined spaces, such as boiler interiors during shutdowns for inspection or repair. Building occupants use portable units to provide after-hours air conditioning to personnel working in spaces where the central air conditioning system has been shut down to conserve energy. The units can be used to provide supplemental air conditioning to areas where the cooling loads may temporarily exceed the capacity of the central system. Portable air conditioning units are frequently used to provide conditioned air for special events, such as those held outdoors in tents during summer months.

There are two major categories of portable cooling systems: air-to-air systems and water- or refrigerant-based systems. Most portable air-to-air systems have a capacity of one ton or less. They are rolled to the required location and plugged into a standard electrical outlet; the conditioned air is directed where it is needed. Heat from the unit’s condenser is discharged through a window to outside the facility by means of a section of flexible duct. In cases where the unit cannot be located close to a window and the portable unit is to be used for only a short period of time, the heat from the unit’s condenser can be vented above the drop ceiling through ducts. Larger air-to-air systems, typically in the range of one to five tons, can be located outside the facility with the cool air ducted through a window or other building opening.

In cases where it is not easy to duct the portable unit’s condenser heat away from the conditioned space, or where larger capacity units are required, portable cooling systems using once-through water cooling can be used. Available in capacities of up to five tons, the units are fully mobile, requiring only electrical, water supply and drain connections.

The most appropriate applications for portable cooling systems are those that are temporary, either emergency or planned. But portable cooling systems should not be used as permanent fixes for building HVAC problems. While the systems are efficient and dependable, they cannot match the performance of a properly designed and installed building system. Permanent problems are better addressed through modifications of or additions to the existing building system.

Boilers and HVAC Building Automation Systems

With the newest state-of-the-art sensors, direct digital controls and computer driven expert systems, buildings now can be completely automated and remotely controlled. This article will review what such systems and their operators can and cannot do, what new risks can be created for the boilers in such buildings, and how to reduce and control those risks.

Benefits of automation

Intelligent buildings today use a building automation system (BAS) and other systems to operate HVAC, boilers, chillers, lights, elevators, building access fire protection and other systems to achieve the twin goals of efficiency and comfort.

A BAS is defined here as a system of sensors, pilot devices, logic elements, controllers, peripheral computers, and monitoring equipment providing data to a central computer for energy-efficient control of a building’s internal environment while also providing maximum tenant comfort and equipment reliability.

BAS can deliver energy savings, comfort and maintenance/reliability benefits. These benefits cannot be achieved, however, unless the systems are properly integrated. The system designer must anticipate and overcome the risks outlined below.

Thermal shock

When boiler controls are improperly integrated with the BAS, thermal shock can occur in several ways.

The most common is low return water temperature. In a recent claim, a cast iron hot water boiler suffered a cracked section because of cold water returning from the system. The building was a single-story school, with portions of the building distant from the boiler room.

During the fall, the BAS was programmed to reduce the temperature setpoint on weekends. Water in the zones serving remote areas cooled, and when the BAS attempted to bring the building back to normal occupancy temperatures, a slug of cold water cracked the hot boiler sections.

The problem was solved by putting timers on the zone valves to prevent the simultaneous opening. Controls also were added to maintain a minimum floor through the longest loops during reduced temperature operations to maintain a minimum temperature.

In another case, a store chain reported damage to boilers and air conditioning equipment due to thermal shock when the BAS alternated between heating and cooling. This situation was made worse because all the store locations around the country were connected to a central BAS.

The central BAS computer did not adequately allow for transition from heating to cooling operation and vice versa, resulting in boiler damage and business interruption.

Another form of thermal shock can occur in systems that use a three-way bypass valve. When controlled by outdoor air temperature, these valves allow a high bypass, with reduced flow through the boiler. This reduces the temperature delivered to the loop, thereby saving energy.

The problem occurs when the control is so aggressive that the boiler water stratifies the same way water stratifies in a water heater. In situations where the boiler is called on to deliver only minimum input, the burner will cycle frequently. Since the overall temperature is low, the metal is subjected to much higher stresses than intended or designed for by the supplier.

Thermal shock also has occurred in boiler rooms having outside air inlet louvers controlled by the BAS. Cold outside air entering the boiler or equipment room will chill the boiler. If inadequate precautions are provided, thermal shock, freezing or condensation will occur.

Single-pipe heating and cooling systems area also subject to thermal shock. Single-pipe systems — one piping system for heating and cooling — sometimes are selected for low initial cost. Should both heating and cooling be called for within a short period of time, there is a good chance that chilled water will be admitted into the boiler. Serious thermal shock will result.

Two-pipe systems — using separate piping circuits for heating and cooling — do not completely eliminate this risk. If the BAS incorrectly sequences air handling units and if both heating and cooling coils are in the same unit, air cooled by the refrigeration coils will cool the heating coils. This also will cause cold water to return to the boiler.

Another more common event occurs when the BAS calls for 100 percent outside air to save cooling or heating energy. This usually occurs in shared spaces of buildings that do not require heating or cooling for comfort. Spaces such as foyers, lobbies, hallways or large conference rooms frequently receive 100 percent outside air to address indoor air quality concerns.

The heating coils in the air handling units can be subjected to low temperature. When the boiler starts or the local zone calls for heat, the cold water will shock the boiler.

In spaces requiring very strict temperature and humidity controls, simultaneous operation of the heating — temperature control — and cooling systems — to reduce humidity — is needed. Careful attention to the programming of such heat/cool operation is necessary to avoid the potential for cold water return to a hot boiler.

Condensation

When boilers cool below the dew point temperature of the combustion products, flue gas condensation will occur during the boiler warm-up, causing corrosion on fireside surfaces, breeching and stacks.

Corrosion is another leading cause of boiler accidents. Much of the corrosion can be avoided if the BAS is programmed to maintain boiler temperature at or slightly above the flue gas dew point.

Boiler start-up

When a boiler is first started from a cold condition, both the metal and water are cold. If the boiler is designed to adjust firing rates in response to load changes, it is very important to heat the boiler slowly.

The metal structure must be allowed to gradually absorb the stresses that develop as the metal expands with temperature. Most boiler manufacturers include low fire hold into their boiler controls to provide boiler warm-up. BAS programming must not compromise this protection by premature transfer to high firing.

Multiple boilers (Modular)

For buildings with multiple or modular boilers, the hazards discussed above are more difficult to handle. In such cases, BAS programming must recognize the practical limits of boiler operation for all units.

Other concerns

In addition to the mechanical aspects already discussed, there can be other concerns with control system integrity. A BAS is comprised of sensors, pilot devices, logic elements, controllers, peripheral computers and monitoring equipment. All of these devices are sensitive to some of the following conditions.

Electrical transients

A number of claims have recently been reported involving failure of electrical and electronic devices caused by electrical transients. Common disruptions stem from lighting, internal power fluctuations, harmonics and electric utility problems. Without proper protection, an otherwise harmless power fluctuation can result in damage to the boilers if the BAS fails.

Major utility power problems are infrequent. Lighting arresters, surge protection and current controls have made power in the United States very reliable. One source of localized disturbances is not uncommon, however.

Short duration voltage collapse — a few cycles — can occur when utilities attempt to regulate power factors by compensating for inductive loads with large capacitor banks. When the capacitor bank is engaged, the current inrush causes the voltage to sag, which can cause localized disturbances in the power system.

Boiler/BAS Solutions

CONSIDER THESE RECOMMENDATIONS to address common boiler problems related to BAS:

Thermal shock

• Prevent cold water return by installing three-way mixing valves as a way of limiting the boiler inlet water temperature.


• Consider a small blending pump to prevent temperature stratification in the boiler.


• Control the low fire hold to warm the boiler according to boiler manufacturer guidelines.


• Avoid high fire cut-off when zones are satisfied to avoid rapid temperature change.


• Don’t overlook the air side as a potential source of thermal shock.

Condensation

• Avoid control logic that will increase the frequency of boiler cycling.


• Avoid contact of humid outside air on cool boiler surfaces, or keep the boiler warm.


• Maintain minimum boiler temperature at or above flue gas dew point.

Electrical transients

• Properly ground not only the BAS but also all other equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.


• Isolate AC power connection to electronics using isolation transformers or equivalent devices.



• Maintain minimum boiler temperature at or above flue gas dew point.

Recommendations

This article has covered areas of concern when integrating heating and cooling equipment with automatic building controls. BAS control programs must recognize the operating limitations of all controlled equipment, as well as the customary energy optimization, HVAC comfort, and building security objectives.

Building designers and owners and maintenance and engineering managers should always follow the recommended practice of the equipment manufacturers. BAS have the ability to control and monitor equipment and alarms from remote locations. Many states have laws requiring boiler operators to be on site in certain situations.

The ability of the BAS to sound alarms based on preset conditions with actions implemented from a remote location should not replace the actions taken by qualified operators on the scene.

What Are The Rooftop HVAC Units?

When rooftop units were first introduced some 40 years ago, they were considered by system designers and building owners to be a bare bones, low cost, simple solution to low-rise building HVAC needs. Low cost was the primary driving force for both manufacturers and users. But while they were popular with designers and owners, many maintenance managers considered them nightmares: difficult to service, prone to breakdowns, inadequately protected from the elements.

Today, everything has changed. Gone is the concept of one size fits all. Buyers have more options, including practically all of the same features found in other types of building HVAC systems, from economizers for energy conservation and prewired interfaces for building automation systems to heat wheels and other heat recovery devices. No longer can the systems be labeled as bare bones.

What has contributed to this change has been a shift in focus from first costs to life-cycle costs by both manufacturers and users. The result has been the development of new rooftop systems that include features to make them more efficient and easier to maintain.

The typical rooftop unit today comes in one of two configurations: single-zone or VAV. Single-zone systems remain the more widely used. They are low-pressure systems that provide a constant volume of airflow to a single zone controlled by a single thermostat. Since they do not include controls for multiple zones, this type of rooftop unit is best suited for use in the areas with fairly uniform heating and cooling loads.

The VAV configuration is gaining popularity, primarily as a result of its ability to serve multiple areas, each with different heating and cooling loads. The typical VAV rooftop unit supplies air at a constant temperature to a distribution system that includes VAV boxes to regulate airflow into each different area. The VAV configuration makes the units more flexible while improving their operating efficiency.

Rooftop units are available today in a wide range of capacities and configurations. The most common cooling configuration uses a DX system, with air or water cooling. Operating efficiencies for air-cooled units range between 1.0 and 1.5 kW per ton, and between 0.80 and 1.0 kW per ton for water-cooled units, including all fan and pump energy use. Units can also be configured to use externally generated chilled water. Today’s typical rooftop unit is 30 percent more efficient than those of earlier generations.

Rooftop units can use hot water, steam, natural gas or propane for heating, with capacities ranging from 40,000 to more than 2 million Btu for natural gas and propane units, and up to 4 million Btu for steam units.

Some of the most common complaints about rooftop units have come from maintenance personnel. Early generation systems simply were not easy to maintain. Access panels were held in place with sheet metal screws. Panels often were not replaced properly and screws were lost, exposing the interior of the unit to the elements. With time, the protective finishes on the exposed panels broke down, resulting in rusting and further exposure of unit components to the elements. Removable panels were often dropped during removal or reinstallation, resulting in damage to the building’s roof. But perhaps the most serious drawback was that the units were not designed to make maintenance easy. As a result, proper maintenance was rarely performed.

New rooftop unit designs facilitate maintenance. Exterior panels are protected by an epoxy finish that resists the elements, practically eliminating rusting problems. Machine screws have been replaced with hinged panels and latches, allowing easier access and more secure fastening of panels. Electronic diagnostic panels have been included in some system designs to ease system setup and troubleshooting. The net result is that rooftop systems offer the same advantages as earlier generation systems — including low first costs, factory assembly and ease of installation — without sacrificing performance or efficiency.

Rooftop units are suited for use in practically any low-rise application, such as in retail and institutional facilities. They are particularly well suited for applications where flexibility is required, such as frequent reconfiguration of interior spaces and functions.

Fresh Look At Ductless HVAC Systems

While many types of HVAC systems are advancing, some advances are overlooked because they have occurred in some of the less glamorous types of HVAC systems: rooftop units, split ductless systems and portable AC units. The result of these gains is that facility executives have more options today when it comes to selecting systems and components to meet building needs. But having more options is good only if the most appropriate option is selected for a particular application. Simply rushing into using new HVAC technology without first understanding the appropriateness of that technology for a given application is a recipe for disaster. Inappropriate system selection can result in poor IAQ, poor system performance, high energy use, increased user complaints and maintenance headaches.

Ductless HVAC Systems

Ductless HVAC systems, like rooftop systems, have been widely promoted by some for their low first costs and their ability to provide a quick and easy solution to building HVAC problems. And like rooftop units, they have been widely criticized by maintenance personnel as being difficult to maintain. Ductless HVAC systems, like all other HVAC systems, have their applications and their limitations. Properly applied, they can provide flexibility and improve comfort in a cost-effective way. Improperly applied, they can cause maintenance headaches, contribute to IAQ problems and cause comfort problems for building occupants.

Ductless HVAC systems come in a number of different configurations. Most are two- or four-pipe fan coil units that can provide both heating and cooling. More recently, units have been introduced that are essentially ductless heat pumps, with one portion of the unit mounted in the conditioned space, and the other mounted outside the facility.

The systems offer several advantages that go beyond low first costs. With no central air handler, less mechanical equipment space is required. Lower ceilings can be used since the units require no ductwork. With individual thermostats controlling each unit, spaces can be easily zoned. With all operating components, such as the fan, the thermostat, and the heating and cooling coils located in a single unit, modifications can be readily made to the HVAC system to match changes made in space configuration or use. For these reasons, split ductless systems are frequently found in educational and healthcare facilities, computer rooms, lobbies and building entryways.

The biggest drawback of ductless systems is their inability to supply the occupied space with fresh air. Some fan coil system designs did include a small outdoor air intake, but ongoing problems with the freezing of coils led many maintenance departments to block off these intakes. Split ductless systems do not supply the conditioned space with fresh air. Fresh air to these areas must be provided by a separate system.

Maintenance requirements are an important issue with ductless systems. Because the systems are so simple in their design, and the components so relatively small, maintenance requirements can easily be overlooked. But in spite of their simple design, ductless systems require regular maintenance. Filters must be changed. Condensate pans must be checked and cleaned. Fans and belts must be inspected. Controls must be tested. The problem for many maintenance managers is that the cost of performing the required maintenance may offset any cost advantage offered by the system. But overlooking the maintenance requirements will decrease system performance, shorten equipment life and adversely impact indoor air quality.

Nevertheless, there are good applications for ductless HVAC systems. Because each ductless unit is controlled by its own thermostat, conventional fan-coil-based ductless systems provide an unlimited level of zone control, ideal for applications where individual room control is required. Split ductless systems are also suitable for meeting the HVAC needs of spaces having unusually high cooling loads, such as rooms housing telecommunications or computer equipment.

Introducing BigHVAC.com – The HVAC Directory

Miami, FL – BigHVAC.com (http://www.bighvac.com) is the leading HVAC business search engine and directory network serving all local HVAC business users and advertisers. BigHVAC.com helps business decision makers quickly find what they need to manage and grow their businesses, and enables advertisers to reach these users wherever they are across the country.

BigHVAC.com is a place for consumers, contractors and manufactures to locate HVAC services and products. A place for consumers to make an informed purchasing decision. A place for everyone to better understand their HVAC system and what they can do to improve system efficiency.

The HVAC Directory offers both free and paid listings under a number of categories. BigHVAC.com will simplify the way the HVAC industry is searched for relevant results.

Why register your business on BigHVAC.com?

1. Because you can build your HVAC listing the way you want it and edit your listing as you need to.

2. Because it’s free.

3. It’s a great way to help build or promote your HVAC company & brand.

4. Because it’s a way to generate HVAC leads and referrals and you owe nothing for these.

5. Because more and more people are going to the Internet for resources and referrals.

6. Because more links pointing to your website are good for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

7. Because BigHVAC.com is a dedicated and focused Directory for HVAC contractors.


8. Because promotes Local HVAC contractors and services.

You can check the Directory (using the Zip code search) to verify that your business is not already listed in BigHVAC.com. If you have a business listed on the directory and want to manage it, click on the link at the bottom of your listing, then click on the link to upgrade your account. This will save time in getting your account created. You may then decide when you login to keep the free account and add your content, or upgrade to the enhanced listing service.  You will receive an email verification to the email address you registered; you must click on it and then you’ll be able to add content to your listing. If you do not get the email verification you need to check your spam folder.

This form must be filled out for all free and paid listings in which after the account is created you can then choose which type of listing you’ll be interested in. The mandatory fields are marked with the asterisk.

Who should be listed on HeatingGuide.com?

-   HVAC Contractors

-   Air Conditioning Contractors

-   Geothermal Heating and Cooling Contractors

-   Heating and Cooling Contractors

-   HVAC Equipment and Supplies Contractors

-   HVAC Suppliers

-   Solar Heating and Cooling Contractors

-   Plumbing Contractors

-   Heating Companies

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Planning And Coordination For HVAC Upgrades

Building owners don’t upgrade HVAC systems simply because they want the latest HVAC technologies; rather, they are looking to correct perceived shortcomings with existing systems. That means the jumping off point should be a comprehensive assessment of the existing system. A detailed survey and inspection of all major system components should assess age, condition, efficiency and expected remaining useful life. This should include a review of original construction drawings and maintenance and repair records. Performance testing or non-destructive testing may be warranted for major equipment components or systems, including piping and ductwork.

It is important to analyze the existing system to determine whether the system is causing comfort problems. Many HVAC systems installed in the 1950s and 1960s were only intended to provide a moderate degree of cooling. No one expected a system to provide a constant temperature year-round irrespective of outside conditions.

Since high energy costs often justify HVAC upgrades, historical energy consumption should be compared against industry benchmarks of dollars or BTUs per square foot for similar types of facilities. This comparison will show how efficient a building is and will identify possible target values for improvement. It may also indicate that, although an HVAC system is 25 or more years old, overall operating costs may be comparable to newer buildings, so that a complete system replacement may not be warranted based on energy savings. In this case, replacement of selected components might be the best approach.

For some equipment, such as centrifugal chillers, current equipment is significantly more efficient than units installed 20 or more years ago, using 30 to 40 percent less energy than older models. However, depending upon the hours of operation of the equipment, these savings alone may not justify replacement because of the high capital costs of new equipment.

Another consideration in evaluating an existing system is whether it uses an obsolete technology. Building automation systems have evolved considerably over the last 10 to 15 years. Even with systems that are functioning reasonably well, it may be difficult to get parts or to find service personnel familiar with older technologies. In addition, new systems may have capabilities that the older systems lack but that would enhance mechanical system operation and improve occupant comfort.

Compliance with codes and regulations is another key issue. Buildings built from the late ’70s to the mid ’80s were often designed to provide lower outside air quantities than required by current codes. Replacement of an individual HVAC system component may not necessitate compliance with the new codes; however, this may be desirable to alleviate concerns that lower outside air quantities may lead to indoor air quality problems.

A comprehensive HVAC system analysis is necessary to evaluate the impact of increasing the outside air rate. It is usually not as simple as rebalancing the air handling systems to provide additional outside air. Increasing the outside air will increase heating and cooling loads, which the existing heating and cooling plant and related distribution systems may not have adequate capacity to serve.

In the event a comprehensive system replacement is to be undertaken, compliance with the current codes will likely be required. HVAC upgrades must be carefully evaluated to determine the full extent of code-required upgrades; this work could make the project significantly more expensive than originally expected.

Consider one owner who was contemplating a major building renovation, including mechanical system upgrades. The existing water-cooled air-conditioning units on each floor were not sized to handle the quantities of outside air currently required. Although the equipment was in fair condition and could likely have continued to operate for several years, the owner elected to replace the units so the building would meet the new ventilation standard, as well as to avoid future disruption if replacement was required after the building was fully occupied. As a result, other system components, such as cooling towers and pumps, also had to be replaced.

Environmental regulations may influence HVAC upgrades. In 1996, the Clean Air Act mandated a ban on the manufacture of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants, which were used in virtually all large chillers produced up until the early ’90s. Some CFC refrigerants are still relatively widely available on a recycled basis; others are scarce or are very expensive. An owner with a CFC chiller should consider refrigerant issues in deciding whether to replace the equipment.

The Right Approach

After the system assessment is completed, a key question is whether the major problems can be addressed by replacing components or if there are inherent limitations in the system that cannot be rectified without a major system renovation or replacement.

A major advantage to a systems approach is that it makes it possible to redesign and optimize the HVAC system. For example, a new HVAC system may be able to utilize smaller ductwork than that which presently exists. In an office building with a congested ceiling plenum – where additional space is needed for distribution of data cabling or new fire sprinkler systems – this may be a significant benefit. It may also be possible to design a new system to correct inherent comfort problems with an existing system, such as limited ability to control temperatures on a localized basis.

A variation of the systems approach is to combine HVAC system upgrades with other building upgrades, such as lighting retrofits. Upgrading existing lighting systems to more energy efficient lamps and ballasts will reduce the cooling load for many facilities. This may enable new HVAC systems to be downsized, with a corresponding reduction in installation costs as well as operating costs.

Future building uses must be considered as part of every HVAC upgrade project. For example, if a single-tenant building with one operating schedule is to be converted to a multi-tenant building with a wide variety of schedules and cooling requirements, the new use may require multiple smaller systems. Changing to a different use type, such as from retail to office, will also have major implications for equipment size and configuration because of different ventilation, load and control requirements.

Even with replacement of individual system components, future uses must be considered. For example, with replacement of a cooling tower dedicated to a central chilled water plant, it may be desirable to install additional capacity that can be utilized to serve individual tenant supplemental cooling equipment.

Potential Pitfalls

HVAC upgrades often have significant implications for other building systems. Changing the HVAC system will often require major electrical distribution modifications. If the electrical distribution system consists of obsolete equipment that can not be expanded or if it does not meet current codes, significant additional upgrades to the electrical system may be required, at substantial cost.

Operations and maintenance requirements will often be affected by HVAC upgrades. Usually, maintenance requirements will initially decrease when new systems are installed. However, sometimes operations and maintenance requirements of a new system may require major changes in practices or personnel. Existing operating personnel may not have the skills to operate and maintain the new systems, or may not have the required licenses from the local jurisdiction. This may necessitate some combination of training, hiring or outsourcing. Similar issues may arise for service contractors. Even if the firm that worked on the original systems did a good job, it is important to verify that they have the skills and experience to maintain the new system.

Physical building constraints will almost always have a major influence on HVAC upgrades. A new HVAC system may require more equipment room space or vertical shaft space for ductwork or piping, or may require additional space in other locations that must be taken away from occupied areas. This may have a significant impact on the functionality of the space or may reduce rental income.

A primary consideration prior to undertaking any building upgrades is the potential disruption to occupancy. For HVAC systems, major upgrades may take some or all of the system out of service for an extended period. Unless the building is unoccupied, this may not be a realistic course of action. Often, partial system replacements can be engineered and phased so that work is limited to unoccupied portions of a facility or only occurs during nights and weekends when the facility is not occupied. However, to accomplish this, the existing system must be carefully evaluated to reuse as much of it as possible, particularly within occupied spaces.

Project planning should also consider seasonal heating and cooling requirements. Ideally, replacement of heating equipment should occur during the cooling season and vice versa. If this is not possible, large central systems with multiple units serving a common load may be able to run most of the time with a portion of the units operational so that equipment can be replaced one unit at a time. Project schedules must also consider manufacturer lead times, which can be four months or longer for major equipment such as large chillers or boilers.

An HVAC upgrade project is a significant business decision requiring a major capital investment. The results of an engineering assessment may suggest that a complete system replacement or major upgrade is the best course of action but if an acceptable return on investment cannot be demonstrated to the owner, this approach will frequently not be approved. The rationale for an upgrade may not always be direct savings in energy or operating costs, but may also include improved marketability or higher lease rates for rental property if the upgrade helps to reposition the property along with other functional and aesthetic renovations. Intangible considerations such as improved occupant comfort or higher occupant productivity should also be taken into account. Given the magnitude of the financial impact and the long life of the equipment involved, it is advisable to seek the services of a qualified engineering professional to help guide the evaluation and planning process.

Home Automation: It Is Worth The Investment

In a recent survey, more than two-thirds of the 400 U.S. builders queried offer computer networking, structured wiring and central vacuum systems with their homes. Programmable thermostats, security systems and zoned HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems top the list of most frequently offered products.

The signs about home automation are seemingly everywhere. Today’s home builders seek to include at least some advanced technology in their homes. As a result, programmable thermostats, security systems and zoned HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems top the list of most frequently offered products. When considering which amenities are most important in selling a home, builders rate a large kitchen, spacious master bath and architectural elements the highest – with security systems and computer networking not far behind.

Technological capacity built into the developments even before actual home construction begins, so a digital lifestyle is assured for the eventual homeowner. Home automation has become all the rage. Initially, years ago, a smattering of builders began to focus on the digital infrastructure in homes by adding basic structured wiring and entertainment systems. Today, multi-room sound systems, computer networking and home automation have become must-have appliances, just like washers and dryers were decades ago. Increasingly, homeowners now want to be able to do more – program lights, control shades, monitor the front door, activate the sprinkler system, turn on the central vacuum and chlorinate the swimming pool – from anywhere in the house.

The trend toward increased home automation is spreading rapidly across the country, as homeowners become more aware of its benefits. Homeowner education has risen, and there’s greater awareness to consumer electronics. There is definitely a convergence happening among the different residential disciplines – meaning security, phone, cable TV, satellite, audio, home theater, home automation, personal computer networking. The origins of this technological trend can be traced to the existence of multiple PCs in the home. Essentially, this created the need for computer networking, with structured cabling as the foundation, which started the techno revolution in the home. The revolution is in full effect.

With structured cabling in place, a home entertainment server can direct many of the functions in a house, such as opening and closing draperies or shutters, and operating air conditioning/heating controls and smart appliances. Consumers are going to be demanding – just as you have plumbing and heating in your house, a structured cabling system is going to be a standard subsystem of the house.

In response to consumer demands, contractors are becoming savvier about the new installation and configuration sides of their business. The groundwork has to be laid in the home for all of the various bells and whistles. Once you start making consumers aware of some of the products and the things hey can do in their home, and once they realize the cost isn’t significant to at least pre-wire, they usually go for it.

Honeywell Thermostats for Home Automation

Honeywell International Inc.’s VisionPRO 8000 programmable thermostat has been lauded for its ease of operation and innovation. VisionPRO is the winner of the 2005 Building Technologies Product of the Year award, presented by global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Its design guides homeowners through the programming process with a user-friendly, on-screen menu and flashing touch screen, reducing the need for an owner’s manual. The product also features a 10-square-inch, clear touch screen display with easy-to-read current temperature, set temperature and current time programming. Back lighting makes the display even more readable in any lighting condition. In addition, a real-time clock maintains time during power failures and automatically updates for daylight savings, and universal compatibility enables configuration for use on virtually any application.

9 Ways To Beat High Heating Costs This Winter

The increase in heating costs will have a huge impact on facilities’ operations, and there’s no immediate end in sight. High prices may wane later in the winter if it’s severe. If there’s a high demand, prices may lower but not until after January 1, and more likely after the first quarter.

Any FM (facility manager) who locked in a gas price at least a year ago is a hero, but heroes are rare. Most companies are on six-month to one-year purchase contracts and wait until the beginning of the heating contract, or mid summer, to buy. Unfortunately, prices started going up around the beginning of the second quarter this year. If they’ve made commitments to purchase a minimum amount of gas, they’re stuck and must take that load.

Stuck, however, does not necessarily mean helpless. There are still measures facility managers can take to stay within their heating budget this year, and other actions to take that may lower their costs in the future.

1) Know what the facility uses

The first step to lower utility bills is becoming an informed consumer. Once FMs have the tools in place to monitor and benchmark their facilities’ utility usage, they’ll be in a better position to negotiate rates, adjust business operations, or fix faulty equipment. Putting such tools in place can instantly save a company five percent or more on its utility bills.

Energy management software can detect facilities operations that trigger unnecessary over-peak demands, such as all of the elevators going on at once. In addition to monitoring energy use, however, it can forecast loads so operations can be changed before energy peaks occur. The software can be used to adjust equipment scheduling, adjust set points at peak demands, and in extreme times reschedule business tasks.

The software is particularly useful to companies with multiple sites, helping FMs focus on the equipment or operations that most need maintenance to increase efficiency, reduce maintenance and downtime, and maximize staff and budget resources. Even if you’re paying more for energy, it’s still important to get the most you can out of it and keep the company performing smoothly.

2) Have an expert look at the bill

Companies are saying, ‘We need this or that gadget to control how much energy we use.’ Not saying the hardware isn’t necessary, but unless you strategically examine your whole energy expenditure, one-year business needs, and your objectives for how to spend energy dollars, you won’t have an overall solution. Ask the customer to step back and look at their energy use from a higher level to come up with a strategic energy plan that fits in with their business.

The place to start is simply by gathering monthly utility data and information about the site or sites. Then an energy plan skeleton can be created and fleshed out with issues like the company’s rate class. Often companies are in a contract rate or paying for a base demand they don’t know they’re paying for. Their contract may require a minimum monthly purchase of 200 kilowatts, and we find they haven’t used 200 kilowatts in months. Or they have a contract based on a load factor they simply don’t have. So we find a rate that might save them 10 to 20 percent. These are solutions that can be found quickly and deliver savings for years.

The next step is to look through the historical billing data for mistakes made by the utilities to get clients’ refunds. Because of number of customers utility companies have, they make tons of mistakes. Once the facility has an advantageous rate tariff and billing errors have been caught it’s essential to have a monitoring program in place. Tariff structures and rates can change. The facility also may make an advantageous change to its load shape. These potential changes make the energy plan a living document.

Having energy use, rate, and historical billing information puts the energy customers in an incredible negotiating position, especially in a deregulated market where they can get a much better price. They can also get an agreement that includes risk and operational requirements that fit their facilities much better.

3) Take advantage of deregulation

Bundling electricity with natural gas purchases is another way for FMs to lower their utility costs. It can help to lock down a lower, more flatlined price because the customer is committing a bigger piece of their utilities purchase to single provider. In return, the utility company can provide protection from price fluctuations over a specified cap set in the contract.

You’ll see more energy bundling in the long-term. It will be a few years, however, before there are more choices from energy companies who supply both. Natural gas is nationally deregulated and a known commodity play, whereas electricity choices are dependent on state-by-state regulations and facility managers can make better decisions on buying both commodities to provide a hedge on fluctuations.

4) Buy gas at a fixed rate

If the price of oil is significantly higher, people will see higher prices no matter what. The biggest thing energy users can do to avoid price fluctuations, with natural gas prices higher than ever, is lock in a fixed rate for 6 or 12 months.

With a little pre-planning, FMs can lock in costs so they won’t be exposed to unexpected surges. It’s locking in certainty. You won’t get a rock bottom price, but you can protect your business from unexplained rises.

An energy service company (ESCO) should be able to provide a competitive analysis with recommendations, showing the effects on the energy budget of riding the market versus locking in a price. Just before the heating season starts is not a good time to lock in because prices are highest then. After the winter surge is better.

5) Get help

Whether FMs buy fuel at a fixed price or ride the market, few understand and follow the energy industry well enough to get the best energy deals without some expert help. Such varied events as warm weather, a Mideast peace conference, or a promise to dip into the strategic oil reserve can have an impact on far-reaching contract decisions.

There are too many variables and no one solution. Energy consultants can find a best solution for each individual customer, in terms of the marketplace, month, week, type of client, and their load characteristic.

FMs may not be sophisticated enough to play the markets 18 months out. It will take times like this to prepare them for the future. We don’t deny there are a few who can lock in a low rate far in advance, but less than 10 percent watch the market closely and understand the futures game well enough to make purchase decisions 18 months in advance.

6) Consider alternative options

Under deregulation FMs may want to generate their own electricity when prices are soaring, the utility pays companies to shed load, or the utility offers an interruptible load rate. FMs can partner with an electric company that not only can generate electricity on-site but sell the thermal load of that generation at a reduced rate. Inventories of heating oil remain more than 15 percent below 2009, but oil isn’t the only game in town. Facilities can improve their load characteristics by using a combination of fuels. A facility currently dependent on electric heating, for instance, could consider installing natural gas-fired compressors. Using more gas could improve their gas load profile, lower gas costs, and lower the electricity bill.

7) Be aware of the facility’s entire energy picture

We suggest looking beyond the heating bill to find savings. You have energy expenses including oil, gas, electricity, service, and upcoming capital maintenance that could include energy-efficient equipment. If those remain individual pieces, the facilities manager doesn’t grasp the true opportunities. Look at all the pieces and combine them.

For instance, ESCOs can offer a percent off the facility’s heating and electricity bill if the FM will offer a contract to make the facility more energy-efficient. Energy also can be delivered at a greatly discounted rate under a shared savings contract, financing package or BTU contract.

8) Give facility systems a tune-up

While negotiating, FMs can discuss operations and infrastructure with their ESCOs. From a year-out perspective, they should consider the demand-side measures that can be put in place. Many ESCOs and architects have internal and outsourced partners ready to provide retrofits and HVAC service as needed.

Mechanical service can include cleaning ducts and filters, installing high-efficiency motors, and checking the settings on air handlers and boilers. Computers and other equipment in offices generate heat, which may lower the heating needs for those areas. Other options are installing heat recovery systems or preheating incoming cold air. Brown recommends finding an ESCO that offers turnkey services ranging from facility improvements to financial solutions that lower overall costs. You want an energy company that can do more than just offer energy. If you get the lowest price at the gas station, great, but if your car is tuned so it’s using less gas, you’re even better off.

9) Consume efficiently

We see facility executives paying more attention to individual lighting controls, zoned air conditioning, and employee awareness. These days managers are asking employees to take their work and laptops home so the building can be idle after regular business hours. HVAC is either turned down at six o’clock or charged to a cost center. Individual meters are making departments more accountable. And lighting retrofits can include individual automated controls to turn down the lights when employees leave their cubicles, or slide switches that control the lights over each computer.

While some controls can be turned down or operation schedules changed, most corporate facilities are unwilling to lower their temperature set points. You have to keep heating costs in perspective: we don’t recommend energy savings that reduce comfort.

Julian Arhire is a Manager with DtiCorp.com - DtiCorp.com carries more than 35,000 HVAC products, including industrial, commercial and residential parts and equipment from Honeywell, Johnson Contols, Robertshaw, Jandy, Grundfos, Armstrong and more.

Contaminated HVAC Ducts: Fungal Growth And Its Role In Indoor Air Problems

As Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) professionals focus increasing attention on fungal growth and its role in indoor air problems, some people are looking at how fungi contaminate duct and duct liner. While most professionals advocate removing contaminated duct liner, recent studies indicate that this isn’t always done — and that contamination is more variable and harder to predict than previously thought.

 

One recent study, which looked at hundreds of duct liner samples taken from “problem buildings,” found that nearly half of the samples were contaminated. This presumably means that contaminated duct liner material was left in place until it either caused or contributed to ongoing IEQ problems — problems severe enough to trigger an investigation. The conventional wisdom is that dirt + moisture = fungal growth. However, another study by a major US environmental laboratory showed that some duct liner supported growth with just moisture. The same study also indicated wide variations in growth among different brands of similar insulation, as well as between many liners of the same brand, making it difficult to tell under what conditions building managers should consider removing the liner.

 

Bare Metal

 

In all fairness, even unlined ducts will support microbial growth if water and nutrients are present, leading some advocates of duct liner — most notably the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) — to claim that the task is to focus on keeping ducts dry and clean, rather than pointing fingers at the lining material.

 

NAIMA, and others, point out that the insulation provides sufficient benefits to outweigh the dangers. However, this doesn’t mollify others in the indoor air community.

 

 

Growth on Various Liners

 

Another recent study examined the potential for fungal growth on various types of duct liner under different humidity conditions. The researchers looked at how the duct liners performed at what would normally be considered high humidity situations — between 85% and 97% relative humidity (RH). They studied the materials in high humidity, when wetted, soiled, and clean.

 

The materials they studied included:

 

• Fiberglass duct liner- (FDL) A and FDL-C: >44%-98% fibrous glass, 1%-18% urea polymer of phenol and formaldehyde or urea-extended phenol-melamine-formaldehyde resin, <0.1% formaldehyde;


• FDL-B: 82%-98% fibrous glass, 2%-18% ureaextended phenol-formaldehyde resin (cured) or urea-extended phenol-melamine-formaldehyde resin (cured), <1% nonwoven, Foil-Skrim-Kraft or vinyl facings or vinyl or latex coatings;


• Fiberglass duct board: 85%-96% fibrous glass wool, 4%-15% cured binder, <1% formaldehyde; and


• Fiberglass insulation: 90%-95% refractory ceramic fiber, 0%-10% phenol formaldehyde.

 

New materials were purchased from commercial vendors. The researchers also studied used materials taken from noncomplaint buildings. The used materials were similar in appearance to the new materials, but researchers couldn’t determine their origin. First, the researchers looked at all five samples after placing them in an environmental chamber at 97% humidity and measuring microbial growth. Then, they wetted the samples to see what effect that had on contamination. Finally, they soiled the samples to see how that affected the growth. During the time the new material samples were at 97% RH alone, only FDL-A supported the growth of the test fungus — Penicillium — that had been placed on the samples. FDL-B, which had been manufactured with a “permanent biocide,” actually showed a 1-log decrease. The testing period lasted for six weeks. When the materials were wetted with sterile water, FDL-A exhibited fungal growth similar to what was found during the high RH period alone.

FDL-B showed an even greater decrease in growth. FDL-C, however, underwent a 2-log change over the test period, while the other materials again exhibited no growth. When the materials were moderately soiled, all samples showed significant increases in fungal growth.

 

Effects of RH Alone

 

When the FDL-A was kept in a chamber at various RH levels — 85%, 90%, 94%, and 97% — the samples exhibited a slight drop in fungal growth during the first week. From the second week on, the samples kept at 97% increased steadily throughout the period. However, the sample kept at 94%, while it initially followed the same pattern, began exhibiting growth during the sixth week. When the researchers repeated the experiment on FDL-A samples that had been heavily soiled, using RH levels of 85%, 90%, and 94%, those at the two higher levels began showing growth after the first week. The sample held at 85% initially showed decreased growth, but began showing growth by the fifth week. Used duct materials, from noncomplaint, nonproblem buildings, were all able to support growth immediately when kept at 97% RH.

 

What This Means

 

The research was not intended to cast insulation in a bad light, but rather to provide a screening tool to allow specifiers to select materials with the lowest susceptibility to fungal growth. The research brought up several important points. The first is the tremendous variability among duct liners in their ability to sustain microbial growth. Another finding runs counter to the common wisdom that both dirt and moisture are necessary but some of the duct liner showed growth with just the addition of sterile water. The issue is not so much high humidity as it is areas of the HVAC system where water accumulates, either through water accumulation or because the air stream encounters surfaces that are below the dew point, causing condensation.

 

Recommendations For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

 

• Insulation not be used in areas where moisture can be expected;


• Cold surfaces be insulated to prevent condensation; and


• Advising against materials that can biodeteriorate or trap dirt and moisture.

 

The standard calls for designers to avoid placing insulation within one and a half feet of the outdoor air intake, as well as the duct area from the coil to the downstream end of the drain pan. The standard also restricts insulation use to within one-half inch of surfaces that may become wet. As to the type of insulation that’s acceptable in areas with cold surfaces, the standard reads: The thickness of insulation shall be as required to prevent condensation on cold surfaces. Insulation that is subject to damage or reduction in thermal resistivity if wetted shall be enclosed with a vapor retarder sealed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain the continuity of the barrier. Special coating that can be shown to inhibit condensation may be used in lieu of insulation if approved by the authority having jurisdiction. In an appendix dealing with microbial growth, the standard further discusses the insulation issue: Microbial growth on HVAC systems’ internal surfaces in or near moisture-producing equipment (e.g., dehumidifying cooling coils, humidifiers,etc.) is an important problem for occupant health and comfort as well as system maintenance. Microbial growth causes damage to biodegradable materials and metal corrosion. Microbial growth is dependent on the presence of both moisture and a nutrient source. Consequently, materials that are used to line the airstream surface near moisture-producing equipment (e.g., dehumidifying coils, humidifiers, etc.) should not contribute to biodeterioration, should minimize the accumulation of dirt, and should not absorb and retain moisture.

What is HVAC? HVAC Information For Home Owners

HVAC, or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, is a term that deals with the climate control of a structure. In some regions of the world, HVAC will also be used to refer to electrical issues and plumbing. The heat, ventilation, and air conditioning of a structure are all interconnected. The goal of HVAC is to provide an architectural structure with a high quality of indoor air, as well as excellent thermal properties and competitive installation costs. A system that is built with HVAC properties can also reduce the amount of infiltration that is present in a structure. In most modern buildings, either one or multiple HVAC systems will be used. If the building is fairly small, the construction company will generally select specific HVAC systems that can be efficiently used with it.

For a building that is large, the construction company may need to use engineers who work in the building services field. Engineers who specialize in a number of fields may be used for these tasks, and they may be responsible for dealing with mechanical or structural issues. The engineers will play an important role in the design of the HVAC system. When an HVAC system is installed, it is mandatory for construction companies and engineers to make sure they are following the building codes, and they must also have the proper permits. There are a number of units that are comprised within HVAC. Some of them are fan coil units, air handling units, and makeup air units. The fan coil unit is a small structure that acts as a blower, and it will commonly be used in hotels.

Our Top ten list of HVAC products:

o HONEYWELL T7350H1017 Programmable Commercial Thermostat

o HONEYWELL T6574B1004 Digital Fan Coil Thermostat

o HONEYWELL M9164A1005 120V Non-SpringReturn Foot Mounted Actuator

o HONEYWELL V8944N1061 Diaphragm Gas Valve

o HONEYWELL DM7600B1103 14 inch Single Blade Round Damper

o HONEYWELL ML4115B1008 Fast-Acting,Two-Position Actuator

o HONEYWELL EMM-3U Universal Electronic Mini-Zone 3-Zone Panel

o HONEYWELL SV9502H2522 SmartValve System Control

o HONEYWELL W7751H2025 SMART VAV ACTUATOR

o HONEYWELL MS8120A1007 Two-position, SPST Actuator

Julian Arhire is a Manager with DtiCorp.com - DtiCorp.com carries more than 35,000 HVAC products, including industrial, commercial and residential parts and equipment from Honeywell, Johnson Contols, Robertshaw, Jandy, Grundfos, Armstrong and more.

How To Be Lucky In The New Business Environment

A commonly held view is that luck is something we cannot control. Either you have it or you don't. However there are some people who appear to always get lucky in life and in business. They seem to just fall into opportunity after opportunity. They make everything look easy.

Upon closer inspection of these extraordinarily lucky people we find that they really are no different from the rest of us. So what is it that time and time again tips fate in their direction? In reality, these people are not just waiting for good fortune to fall upon them. They are constantly taking steps to improve their odds. By improving their odds and limiting their bad luck, these people are making their own good fortune. You can too.

"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
Francis Bacon

Ways to tip the luck scale in your favor:

- Adopt a winning attitude -- In today's business world we often hear about the win/win relationship. By constantly striving to have a winning attitude yourself, you will find that your relationship with your customers, your suppliers and even your employees will be favorable. Favorable relationships create an atmosphere ripe for good luck. As the owner of a contracting business, you set the standard. Usually your employees will follow suit. It also helps to surround yourself with positive thinking people. Often your employees will have a close connection with your customers, so it is important that they too are tipping the scale in your favor. This positive attitude brings many business opportunities that would otherwise be missed.

- View daily chance encounters as opportunities -- Daily chance encounters are here and gone before we know it. View each one as an opportunity for enhancing your good luck quotient. Whether you are talking with a supplier about a recall on a product or discussing options on a maintenance agreement with a customer, each contact you make is a chance for you to get lucky and may provide your company with future business. The network that you create is like a spider's web attracting luck and tipping the scale in your favor.

- Go the extra mile -- In making your own luck, you still need to persevere and strive for excellence in your position, by working hard, getting organized and going the extra mile. While we all have strengths and weaknesses, the people who find ways to work around their weaknesses and provide outstanding customer service, will have greater control over their luck. (For example: if being organized is simply not one of your strengths, find someone or something to help you in this arena.) It may be that the software you are using for your business is not adequate for the job. Consider making a change to a software vendor that provides a product specifically designed for your industry. With the right software product you can greatly control the accuracy and ease with which you can retrieve customers' data. The accuracy of the data at your fingertips can tip the "lucky scale" in either direction.

- Be enthusiastic and passionate about what you do -- If you like what you are doing, it shows. Your passion for the HVAC/R industry may not be shared by all, but that passion can be contagious to everyone you encounter. When an individual is truly excited about the industry they work in and the job they do, others often have a desire to be supportive. If you are not happy in what you are doing, consider why you started in the business in the first place. Your unhappiness will have an effect on the luck that you make for your business and it will show in your company's bottom line. Find a way to regain your enthusiasm and boost sales.

Ways to minimize your bad luck:

- Accept human error -- In the hectic, deceptive world that we live in, it is easy to forget that sometimes honesty is still the best policy. When you make an error, own up to it and find a way to remedy the situation. Your customer will value your integrity and remember you for it. Accept that your employees will make errors as well. By accepting and acknowledging the error, you can better help them find a solution. Although human errors will occur, how you react to them makes a difference in whether your luck turns bad or becomes a positive influence for you.

- View the glass as "half full" -- This can be a mental exercise or game that you continually play with yourself. As problems arise, take an introspective look and consider how it may have been worse. By considering how it could have been worse you automatically shift your current thinking into a more positive light. If you allow yourself to slip into "the glass is half empty" thinking it can become a dangerous slide toward creating bad luck. Consistently challenge yourself to find a way to view daily situations with a positive perspective. Remind yourself that "the glass is always half full" and it will be. In fact you may find that with this frame of mind - your cup runneth over.

- Know when to stay away from a bad deal -- There are some situations that you will run across that simply will lead you toward future bad luck. Knowing when to stay away from a deal is as important as knowing when to stand up and grab it. By staying away from people or business situations that have the potential to lead into negative consequences, you minimize the odds of bad luck following you.

By finding ways to continually tip the luck scale in your direction you will make your own good fortune. The right software could be the biggest factor in tipping the scale in your favor. If you are looking to get ahead in the contracting business, consider how you are balancing the scale on a daily basis. A wealth of opportunities are out there waiting for those who know how to take advantage of them. The good fortune that follows you will impact your company's growth. Soon others will be wondering why everything you touch turns to gold. Let 'em keep guessing!

Julian Arhire is a Manager with DtiCorp.com - DtiCorp.com carries more than 35,000 HVAC products, including industrial, commercial and residential parts and equipment from Honeywell, Johnson Contols, Robertshaw, Jandy, Grundfos, Armstrong and more.

HVAC Natural Gas Chillers Can Help Manage Peak-Demand Electrical Loads

Choosing a chiller system

Hybrid systems are popular because they offer choices such as gas chiller operation during peak electrical periods and standard electrical chiller usage during off-peak hours. In some instances, standard electrical chillers have not been used because of the efficient operation of the main gas-chiller system.

The process of gas absorption uses an evaporator and condenser much like conventional vapor compression units. However, instead of using a standard electrical compressor and motor, a thermal compression system is used.

Within a simplified thermal compression system, an absorber and generator are integrated along with a pumping system. An evaporator removes heat from the circulating water system to produce cool water. From the evaporator, refrigerant vapor moves to an absorber where it is compressed and absorbed into a solution, usually lithium bromide. This solution then moves to the generator where heat - either direct-fired gas or steam - is added to remove the refrigerant from the solution.

The solution then goes through heat exchangers and is returned to the absorber. The refrigerant returns to the condenser where it is liquefied and sent back to the evaporator. The entire cycle then starts over again.

Gas-fired steam absorption chillers work in much the same manner as direct-fired gas chillers. The main difference is that the heat source for the generator is usually an external gas-fired boiler system. These systems are favorable for facilities that have a boiler system already installed on site.

In addition to being either gas-fired steam absorption or direct-fired gas, chillers are categorized into two different types: Single-effect and double-effect. There is a triple-effect being developed. Single-effect, or single-stage, absorption chillers usually require low internal pressures around 20 psig to produce chilled water. Double-effect, or two-stage, absorption chillers work at a much higher pressure, around 40 to 140 psig. These chillers also have an extra generator integrated into the absorption system that increases the efficiency by about 30 percent. Double-effect chillers are currently more popular than the single-effect types.

Many direct-fired absorption chillers are dual-fuel rated. Natural gas is commonly the primary fuel, however No. 2 fuel oil can be used as an alternate. If for any reason the natural gas supply is interrupted, having the capability to use an emergency fuel may be invaluable. This fuel redundancy may be an important purchasing factor for many facility professionals.

Maintenance requirements for gas-absorption chillers are minimal. Pump seals need inspecting periodically if the pumps are not hermetically rated. In addition, scaling and sludge build-up are areas of concern with this equipment. However, automatic chiller and purge controls, along with periodic general maintenance checks, will alleviate most of these potential problems.

Equipment size can be a concern for some facilities. Typically, gas absorption chillers are larger than standard electrical chillers of the same Btu rating. Adequate space needs to be allowed for any gas chiller retrofit or new installation.

Gas-absorption chillers

One of the benefits of using gas-absorption chillers is that it produces enough heat to also activate certain dehumidification systems, which are becoming important components of HVAC systems. Molds, mildews and bacteria flourish in high-humidity conditions. Controlling humidity reduces risks to human health and ensures that sensitive manufacturing processes can be conducted. Dehumidification also increases cooling efficiency. In some instances, installing a dehumidification system can reduce a building's cooling load by as much as 50 percent.

Solid desiccant dehumidification systems remove moisture from the air by implementing a heat-activated material. Although a complete system contains many components, the main internal component is the desiccant wheel. Usually the desiccant wheel is divided into two halves. One half allows unconditioned air to enter where the air is then dried. When this half becomes saturated with moisture, it is rotated into a heated area that subsequently regenerates the desiccant in that half of the wheel. Within this rotating cycle, one half of the wheel regenerates while the other half absorbs moisture.

Absorption chillers are not the only means in which gas can be adapted to conserve electrical consumption. Gas-driven chillers are another viable means to reduce peak electrical costs. The chiller portion of this unit is really just a standard vapor compression system driven by an externally powered internal combustion engine. Typically, with this type of unit, the engine couples directly to the input shaft of a rotary-type chiller. The engine can be operated with many fuels, including natural gas, LP or diesel. Cogeneration systems are a possible addition when an external engine is used in this way. Hot water, steam, dehumidification, cooling and electricity production all use an internal combustion engine as a power source.

Although most gas chiller systems are not as well-known as the conventional electrically driven chiller systems, they are becoming more popular because of rising electrical costs. Many facility executives are experiencing lower electrical consumption since they have made the transition to gas cooling. When making gas chiller decisions, it may be a good idea to get advice from facility executives that have already made the transition. Their input and the help of qualified energy management engineers will help in making a wise energy choice.

Julian Arhire is a Manager with DtiCorp.com - DtiCorp.com carries more than 35,000 HVAC products, including industrial, commercial and residential parts and equipment from Honeywell, Johnson Contols, Robertshaw, Jandy, Grundfos, Armstrong and more.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Problems And Opportunities

In reality, the perfect office doesn't exist today. Evidence that it doesn't, if any is needed, comes from a survey of members of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). IFMA asked more than 7,000 facility managers at U.S. corporations to rank the complaints they received most often. At the top of the list, according to the 2,400 respondents, were indoor environmental quality concerns. The biggest complaint was being too hot; number two was being too cold.

Employees responding to another survey reported difficulty doing their work because of poor indoor environmental quality. Those employees specified a number of factors as "stressors." Again, being too hot or too cold were among the top complaints. In fact, all of the top five stressors related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ):

1. Lack of air movement

2. Being too hot in summer

3. Stagnant air

4. Cigarette smoke

5. Being too cold in winter

IEQ is a broader term than IAQ - indoor air quality. IAQ deals specifically with the condition of the air within the building's occupied spaces. IEQ addresses the overall condition of the indoor space. Elements of IEQ include indoor temperature, ergonomics, noise and lighting, as well as the quality of the indoor air.

While there's no distinct line between IAQ and IEQ, what is clear is that the HVAC system has a substantial impact on both areas. What's also clear is that evaluating the HVAC system in light of the broader IEQ concerns can bring important benefits, including improved occupant comfort, reduced complaints and enhanced employee performance.

HVAC and IAQ

IAQ, of course, is a familiar topic for facility executives. It's also an area that's easy to overlook until a problem arises. Often, it is an accumulation of factors that cause the problem. Smoke, odors, dust and high occupancy in an area with too little ventilation all can decrease comfort and affect employee productivity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air as one of the top five environmental threats to human health. According to the World Health Organization, 30 percent of commercial buildings show signs of Sick Building Syndrome, including headaches, nausea, irritated nasal passages, itchy eyes and skin irritations.

Most code authorities recognize standards for ventilation air qualities established under ASHRAE Standard, which is based on the maximum possible number of occupants in the building. What complicates the matter is that, in the case of outside air, more is not necessarily better. The problem is how to avoid wasting energy by unnecessarily overventilating a building. Among the solutions are the methods used to control the ventilation, such as time-based ventilation, demand-based ventilation, carbon dioxide sensors and mixed gas sensors.

Controlling humidity

Humidity plays an important role in indoor environmental quality. If it gets too low, it causes respiratory problems, particularly for people with allergies, sinus problems or asthma. If it gets too high, more places become breeding grounds for microbial growth.

ASHRAE standards suggest relative humidity levels should be maintained between 30 percent and 60 percent. That means at times humidity needs to be added to the air and at other times it must be removed.

High relative humidity can have an impact on absenteeism and increases the potential for respiratory illnesses among workers. When relative humidity exceeds recommended levels, humans are adversely affected. Our sinuses are affected when humidity is too low and our skin dries out. Too high humidity causes different bacteria to propagate in mechanical systems.

There's another advantage to controlling humidity directly. The building owner can reduce energy bills in the heating season by reducing the temperature that would otherwise have been maintained and increasing the relative humidity within healthy ranges. The opposite can be done in the summer. Raising the temperature above what would otherwise have been maintained and lowering the humidity allows the body to evaporate moisture off the skin to stay cool.

While humidity and airborne contaminants are traditionally considered in IAQ analyses, other important IEQ factors may not be. Consider air movement. So many people look at IAQ from a system level and they tend to overlook what's happening in the occupied space. ASHRAE spells out rules for selecting a diffuser based on an air diffusion performance index (ADPI). An ADPI of 80 or higher assures adequate air movement.

Temperature is another issue that isn't always included in discussions of IAQ. One rationale for excluding temperature is that IAQ should be limited to health and safety issues.

Unfortunately, that distinction doesn't matter to building occupants who are complaining about their space. Rightly or wrongly, complaints about temperature are often attributed to poor indoor air quality. What's more, it can be difficult to separate health issues from ones tied to comfort.

Equally important is that employees who are uncomfortably hot or cold are likely to be less productive than they would otherwise be. That's one more reason facility executives are better off taking the IEQ approach to analyzing interior space.

Gains from good IEQ

A report for the National Energy Management Institute states that even in healthy buildings, a 1.5 percent productivity gain is possible when IEQ measures are instituted. In fact, the 1.5 percent gain is the conservative estimate; the report says that gains may be as high as 10 percent.

Productivity gains are not the only benefits from improving indoor environmental quality. Good IEQ also is good business.

To the building owner, good IEQ is a very clear plus. When you have good thermal comfort and good acoustic comfort, it differentiates your building from your competition. You can market your building as a clean and comfortable environment in which to work.

Analyzing IEQ

There are four basic steps to take. First, listen to your occupants and understand what they are saying about the building's indoor environmental quality. The second is walk through the building checking for those things and take specific measurements for those problems. The third step is to go back to the source - the HVAC system, for example - and take measurements there, making sure the equipment is doing what it is designed to do. The fourth step is to document any revised design or maintenance procedures that are taken to correct the problem. You also want to incorporate an occupant response mechanism for feedback to make sure you have corrected the problem.

Before making HVAC improvements, facilities executives need to conduct an economic analysis. Often, this analysis is based on utilities costs and savings. But, payback periods for HVAC improvements are much shorter when all major cost elements are added to the analysis. Such factors as building operating costs, salary costs and current productivity losses that could be regained shorten the payback period for proposed improvements.

Indoor environmental quality can be improved in nearly every building. And a number of steps can improve quality without costing much. In fact, many steps are just good facilities management.

You need to do proper maintenance of the building. Set up a checklist on a periodic basis and keep a log of all maintenance of your HVAC system. Do carbon monoxide monitoring for ventilation and make sure all controls are operating properly.

Facility managers and their staff need to fully understand how the HVAC and other systems in their buildings were intended to work and keep them operating in that manner. When major remodeling occurs or changes in space occupancy or usage, the ventilation and thermal requirements of the space need to be reviewed. When replacing equipment, the facility's staff needs to be involved in the selection, location and installation of the new equipment. This can help assure that the equipment will meet their needs and that they understand how it is to be operated and maintained. Building managers should also demand that the systems and equipment selected meet the currently established standards-of-care in that industry.

There are many solutions to indoor environmental quality problems, but it's not wise to wait for the crisis. Facility executives are better off looking now, before they have a problem. Chances are they'll find a number of IEQ issues that need to be addressed that can be handled at next to no cost. Half the issues that arise involve simple things your inhouse staff can do, like changing filters, cleaning drain pans, using high efficiency vacuums in housekeeping and so on. When you wait for the complaints, you are in a reactive mode trying to find a Band-Aid when you could have a more serious situation. If you consider IEQ now, you can take a more holistic approach and prevent your building from experiencing many IEQ problems.

Given all things on the facility agenda, it can be tough to find time to tackle a problem that no one is complaining about. But being proactive can pay off. One direct benefit is that, over the long term, a preventive approach will save time, perhaps a significant amount of time. There's another plus: Facility executives who can show senior managers that their actions have increased employee satisfaction or productivity are positioning themselves as problem-solvers and are demonstrating that the buildings they manage are assets, not costs.