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.

The HVAC Systems - Overlooked Opportunities To Improve IAQ

The new HVAC technologies and approaches promise reductions both in first costs and long-term operating expenses, and herald improvements in indoor air quality.

Low Temperature Air Distribution

A relatively new approach to HVAC system design - one that's being employed increasingly often in new buildings and major renovations - lowers the temperature of the chilled air distributed through the facility. The chief advantages of this approach lie in reduced first costs and in longer-term savings realized through reduced "churn" costs.

When chilled air is distributed in the range of 46-48 F (as opposed to 55 F, the benchmark in conventional systems), less air is needed to cool interior spaces, so ductwork and piping can be significantly smaller than in conventional systems. That downsizing of air and water flow, in turn, means fans and pumps can be smaller. Fans operate continuously when spaces are occupied, but because less air is required to do the same job, energy costs also drop.

Air that arrives at an interior space at such a low temperature, however, cannot be released directly into the room. Dumping 46-48 F air into a room through a ceiling diffuser would likely cause some very real discomfort. But if the cold air is combined with room air before it enters the space, it can be brought to an acceptable temperature - warm enough that the occupants below won't feel cold downdrafts.

This blending of chilled and room air can be accomplished by a fan-powered mixing box, set in the ceiling, that will produce a constant flow rate while varying the proportions of chilled and room air.

Experience shows that if the blended supply air is within the 50-52 F range, it will mix well enough with room air near the ceiling (typically about 75 F) that no discomfort will result.

Demand-controlled Ventilation

Making sure that the air-change rates in interior spaces and the volume of fresh air being brought into a space conform with standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) can be an expensive proposition - especially in the summer, when warm, moist outside air must be cooled and dehumidified before being used for ventilation. One way to cut down on those refrigeration/dehumidification costs is through a demand-controlled ventilation system that modulates the quantity of outside air being brought into the building as occupancy and pollutant levels change.

The ability to know how much outside air should be brought into a space at any given time has been greatly enhanced by the refinement of low-cost electronic monitoring devices that accurately measure carbon dioxide levels. (Sensors that monitor other contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds, are also available, though their relatively high cost has so far limited their use.)

Demand-controlled ventilation can be incorporated into systems that mix fresh air with room air as well as into systems that have separate ducting for fresh air supply. Because installing an independent fresh air delivery system is fairly costly, however, the potential benefits of such a system must be carefully weighed against its substantial first costs.

Filtration Choices

As useful as they are - and as crucial as they've proved to be in improving indoor air quality in facilities - the fresh air standards set by ASHRAE are bedeviled by one basic problem. The standards necessarily assume that the air being brought into a building is clean. In reality, there can be an enormous variation in the quality of outdoor air, depending on factors such as time of day and a facility's location. And it is difficult to predict how the general air quality at a location might change, for better or worse, over time.

Given this unpredictability, owners and developers of new facilities or those undergoing extensive renovations may wish to ask their consulting engineers to specify very high efficiency filters - as high as 85 percent efficiency - especially in some densely populated urban areas.

Owners may also be wise to instruct consultants to build extra space into designs for air-handling units so that additional filters - or higher-efficiency filters - can easily be added later if the quality of outdoor air declines or if, for example, the owner wants to attract tenants with very strict air quality requirements. If that space is not built in, the cost of installing additional filters later may be prohibitive.

The small additional cost of building-in that space at the start may be very easy to justify if the business environment changes in the future. For instance, if a commercial rental market should turn sharply competitive, the ability to ensure high indoor air quality might give an owner a much-needed edge in attracting prospective tenants.

Sizing Systems for Real-World Demand

For generations, good HVAC engineering practice has demanded that systems and components be sized large enough to accommodate peak use. For the most part, however, engineers have sized systems by textbook standards instead of real-world conditions. Because they have had little actual performance data from which to make their calculations, engineers have also tended to increase sizing even beyond what's necessary to accommodate a theoretical peak load in order to to protect against under-capacity.

Sizing in this way creates systems that are far bigger than they need to be. Sizing systems to accommodate conditions that never occur is unnecessarily expensive for two reasons: First, there's the added cost of buying equipment that's bigger than a building is ever going to need; second, the part-load performance of most equipment (e.g., fans and pumps) is generally much less efficient than that equipment's full-load performance.

When energy is cheap, those part-load inefficiencies may not seem to matter so much. But when energy prices go up, such inefficiencies could boost operating costs enormously.

It may be difficult to see the mistake that's being made when an air conditioning system is unnecessarily oversized. If a facility contains a certain amount of heat-generating equipment, shouldn't the cooling system be built big enough to handle the load that would occur if all that equipment were running at once?

The answer is no, for the simple reason that it's extremely improbable that that would ever happen. For example, sizing chillers for a hotel should not be based on the sum of the peaks of all rooms, public spaces, and back-of-the-house areas. Calculations of cooling needs using such a sum might easily exceed 2.0 to 2.5 tons per room, including public areas. But the actual operating experience of hotels shows that total chiller sizing should be based on use in the range of 1.5 tons per room including public and back-of-house areas.

Obviously, each project must be reviewed individually. However, monitoring actual building use provides a sound basis for establishing diversity in lieu of design-day calculations and guesswork on diversity values. Building owners can be of great help to engineers if they keep actual records of equipment use, calculate performance data and make this information available to the design community. In some cases, leaving enough space to accommodate future additions of equipment is a good approach for avoiding initial oversizing.

For typical office buildings, lighting and equipment are the largest components of cooling loads. With advances in lighting design, typical open workspace can be easily reduced to 0.8 to 1.0 watts per square foot. Equipment loads, on the other hand, tend to be more difficult to estimate because of "diversity" - that is, the fact that patterns of actual use are constantly changing and that peak loads do not occur simultaneously throughout a facility.

Despite increases in office equipment use, however, office power on a gross-area basis does not usually exceed 2.0 watts per square foot. Nevertheless, hot and poorly ventilated spaces are common in many older buildings where new "high-tech" tenants are occupants.

Given this experience, convincing design engineers and owners not to oversize air-conditioning systems when designing for new construction is difficult. But systems that take advantage of diversity from space-to-space and floor-to-floor are usually effective at matching active loads without oversizing. Air-based systems that can vary temperature in sequence provide the most flexibility. Fan-powered mixing boxes that vary primary air while keeping ventilation of the space high for good air quality are efficient devices.

Moreover, this kind of system can be combined with low-temperature air to provide additional cooling capacity without a high-premium first cost. Variable air volume systems, which can deliver colder air if required but can be reset at a higher level when average conditions exist, are very efficient and allow for "built-in" capacity without much penalty on first cost.

Chillers that have from 10 to 20 percent additional capacity allow chiller temperatures to be reduced by 1 to 2 F. This is more cost effective for meeting high-load periods than adding a chiller to serve infrequent peaks.

Underfloor Air Distribution

One approach to HVAC system design that emphasizes the "air side" has been receiving a great deal of attention lately: low-pressure underfloor air distribution. In this approach, cool air, which is kept at a slight positive pressure, is distributed through access-floor plenums and delivered to occupied spaces through diffusers set directly in floor tiles, from which it rises toward ceiling return vents through a natural convective process, removing heat and contaminants from the space as it travels upward.

Underfloor air distribution offers multiple advantages over conventional supply-air delivery methods, including greatly enhanced individual control of comfort conditions, long-term reductions in energy consumption and improvements in IAQ. Still, the first costs associated with underfloor air, though falling, remain relatively high as compared with those of conventional systems, and an access floor system probably cannot be financially justified on the basis of air distribution alone. When underfloor air is coupled with access-floor power and voice/ data grids, however, the numbers become a lot easier to live with - especially in offices with high churn rates where the ease of reconfiguration that's possible with plug-and-play systems can lead to mind-boggling reductions in the use of outside contractors.

There's one trend that's sure to make underfloor air distribution a viable alternative for a wider range of buildings in the near future: the progress being made in developing window glass that can regulate solar transmittance and heat rejection.

Today, the implementation of underfloor air systems is mostly limited to building interiors. In heavily glazed buildings, it has been necessary to supplement or replace underfloor air delivery at the perimeter with more conventional systems that are better able to handle the huge swings in temperature that can occur even over the course of a single day.

New glass technologies that immensely improve the efficiency of the building envelope will likely be on the market within the next decade. When that happens - perhaps as soon as five years - it will no longer be necessary to install a separate system to handle the heating/cooling needs of the perimeter, and the overall short- and long-term costs of underfloor air systems will drop precipitously.

Given all the new alternatives, facility executives can't make decisions based on what's been done in the past. Instead, the focus must be placed on applying those technologies that make the most sense in a given situation - and on simplifying and integrating systems. "Rules of thumb" provided a better road map when HVAC system goals and technology options were fewer and less complex than today.

Having a master plan, defining clear long-range goals, and making sure that systems are as simple and integrated as possible is the most sound advice that can be offered as HVAC technologies and approaches to system design continue to change.

The Elements Of An Efficient HVAC System

Today's systems are designed to meet stricter environmental, indoor air quality and user requirements. Many of the gains in HVAC system efficiency have come as the result of improvements in the operating efficiency of key system components. Other gains are the result of the use of technologies that are either new, or new to the HVAC field. Even the use of computer-aided design tools have helped system engineers design HVAC systems that perform more efficiently.

Although there are many individual advances that have helped to improve HVAC system operating efficiency, much of the overall improvement can be attributed to five key factors:

- The development of low kW/ton chillers;

- The use of high-efficiency boiler control systems;

- The application of direct digital control (DDC) systems;

- The use of energy-efficient motors; and,

- The matching of variable frequency drives to pump, fan and chiller motors.

For years, building owners were satisfied with the performance and efficiencies of chillers that operated in the range of 0.8 to 0.9 kW/ton when new. As they age, actual operating efficiencies fall to more than 1.0 kW/ton at full load.

Today, new chillers are being installed with full load-rated efficiencies of 0.50 kW/ton, a near 50 percent increase. Equally impressive are the part-load efficiencies of the new generation of chillers. Although the operating efficiency of nearly all older chillers rapidly falls off with decreased load, the operating efficiency of new chillers does not drop off nearly as quickly.

Chiller design changes

Several design and operation changes have helped improve chiller performance. To improve the heat transfer characteristics of the chillers, manufacturers have increased the size of the units' heat exchangers. Electromechanical control systems have been replaced by microprocessor-based electronic controls that provide greater precision, reliability and flexibility. Variable frequency drives control the speed of the compressor, resulting in an increase in part-load performance.

Increased energy efficiency is not the only benefit of the new generation of building chillers; these chillers offer better refrigerant containment. Although older chillers routinely may have lost 10 percent to 15 percent of the refrigerant charge per year, new chillers can limit losses to less than 0.5 percent. Lower leak rates and better purge systems reduce the quantity of non-condensable gasses found in the refrigerant system -- a key factor in maintaining chiller performance over time.

Another significant development is in boiler operation: the replacement of pneumatic and manual controls with microprocessor-based systems. As a rule of thumb, the systems can be expected to achieve energy savings of 5 percent to 7 percent over conventional pneumatic-based systems.

Microprocessor-based control systems achieve their savings primarily as the result of their ability to modulate the boiler's operation more accurately than pneumatic-based systems. By modulating the boiler's operation accurately, the systems help to maintain the proper fuel-to-air ratio and track the load placed on the boiler by the HVAC system.

Microprocessor-based systems offer several additional advantages, including remote monitoring and operating capabilities, automated control sequences, monitoring of steam flow, and reduced maintenance costs. One way the systems can help reduce maintenance costs is through their ability to maintain proper fuel-to-air ratio. By maintaining the proper ratio, the systems reduce the rate at which soot collects on boiler tubes, thus decreasing the frequency of required tear down and cleaning. Keeping the boiler tubes clean of soot also helps to improve the thermal efficiency of the boiler.

Direct digital controls

A major change in the HVAC field is the widespread implementation of direct digital controls (DDC). Introduced more than 15 years ago, DDC systems have become the industry standard for control systems design today. With the ability to provide accurate and precise control of temperature and air and water flows, the systems have widely replaced pneumatic and electric control systems.

DDC systems help building owners save energy in several ways. Their accuracy and precision nearly eliminate the control problems of offset, overshoot, and hunting commonly found in pneumatic systems, resulting in better regulation of the system. Their ability to respond to a nearly unlimited range of sensors results in better coordinated control activities. This also allows the systems to perform more complex control strategies than could be performed with pneumatic controls. Finally, their simple or automatic calibration ensures that the control systems will perform as designed over time, with little or no loss of accuracy.

DDC systems also offer several other advantages. Because the control strategies are software-based, the systems can be easily modified to match changes in occupant requirements without costly hardware changes. DDC systems also are ideal for applications that benefit from remote monitoring and operation.

Energy-efficient motors

Today's HVAC systems are making use of energy-efficient motors. Energy-efficient motors offer a moderate but significant increase in full-load operating efficiency over standard motor designs. For example, an energy-efficient 10 hp motor operates at about 93 percent efficiency; a standard motor of the same size is typically rated at 88 percent. Similarly, a 50 hp energy-efficient motor is rated at approximately 94 percent efficiency in contrast to the 90 percent efficiency rating of a 50 hp standard motor.

This increase in operating efficiency accompanies a first-cost increase for the motors. How rapidly this additional first cost is recovered depends on two factors: the loading of the motor, and the number of hours the motor is operated per year.

The closer the motor is operated to its full-load rating and the greater the number of hours per year the motor is operated, the quicker the first-cost differential is recovered. For most applications where the motor is run continuously at or near full load, the payback period for the additional first cost is typically between three and six months.

The combination of constant loading and long hours of operation have made HVAC applications well-suited for the use of energy-efficient motors. Energy-efficient motors commonly are found driving centrifugal circulation pumps and system fans. With these loads, the 4 percent or 5 percent increase in the electrical efficiency of the drive motor translates to a significant energy savings, particularly when the systems operate 24 hours per day, year round.

A side benefit of energy-efficient motor design is its higher power factor. Increasing the power factor of a drive motor reduces the current draw on the electrical system, frees additional distribution capacity and reduces distribution losses in the system. Although increasing the power factor isn't enough of a benefit to justify the cost differential of the higher efficiency motor, it's an important consideration, particularly for large users of electricity where system capacity is limited.

Although the motors have demonstrated themselves to be very cost-effective in new applications, their use in existing applications is a little more difficult to justify. In most instances, the cost to replace an existing, operating motor with one of higher efficiency will not be recovered for five to 10 years or longer.

Of the improvements in HVAC systems that have helped to increase operating efficiency, variable frequency drives have had the most dramatic results. Applied to system components ranging from fans to chillers, the drives have demonstrated themselves to be very successful in reducing system energy requirements during part-load operation. And with most systems operating at part-load capacities 90 percent or more of the time, the energy savings produced by variable frequency drives rapidly recover their investment, typically within one to two years.

In general, the larger the motor, the greater the savings. As a rule of thumb, nearly any HVAC system motor 20 hp and larger can benefit from the installation of a variable frequency drive.

Variable frequency drive applications

Variable frequency drives produce their savings by varying the frequency and voltage of the motor's electrical supply. This variation is used to reduce the operating speed of the equipment it controls to match the load requirements. At reduced operating speed, the power draw of the drive motor drops off rapidly.


For example, a centrifugal fan, when operated at 75 percent flow, draws only about 40 percent of full-load power. At 50 percent flow, the power requirement for the fan decreases to less than 15 percent of full-load power. While conventional control systems, such as damper or vane control, also reduce the energy requirements at partial flow, the savings are significantly less.

Another area where variable frequency drives have improved the operating efficiency of an HVAC system is with centrifugal pumps found in hot and chilled water circulation systems. Typically, these pumps supply a constant flow of water to terminal units. As the demand for heating or cooling water decreases, the control valves at the terminal units throttle back. To keep the pressure in the system constant, a bypass valve between the supply and return systems opens. With the flow rate remaining nearly constant, the load on the pump's electric drive also remains nearly constant.

Variable frequency drives regulate the pressure in the system in response to varying demands by slowing the pump. As with centrifugal fans, the power required by the pumps falls off as the load and speed are decreased. Again, because most systems operate well below design capacity 90 percent of the time, the savings produced by reduced speed operation are significant, typically recovering the cost of the unit in one to two years.

Chiller loads

A third application for variable frequency drives is centrifugal chillers. Chillers are sized for peak cooling loads, although these loads occur only a few hours per year.

With conventional control systems that close vanes on the chiller inlet, chiller efficiency falls off significantly during part-load operation. When variable frequency drives are applied to these chillers, they regulate the operation of the chiller by reducing the speed of the compressor. The result is near full-load operating efficiency over a very wide range of cooling loads. This increase in part-load efficiency translates into a 15 percent to 20 percent increase in the chiller's seasonal efficiency.

Energy conservation isn't the only benefit of variable frequency drives. A strain is placed on an electric motor and the mechanical system it drives every time a pump, fan or chiller is started at full-line voltage: Motor winding becomes heated, belts slip, drive chains stretch and high-pressure is developed in circulation systems. Variable frequency drives reduce these stresses by starting systems at reduced voltages and frequencies in a soft start, resulting in increased motor and equipment life.

Finally, the most important element in an energy-efficient HVAC system is how the system is operated. No matter how sophisticated the system, or how extensive its energy-conserving features, the system's performance depends upon the way in which it's operated and maintained. Operating personnel must be properly trained in how best to use the system and its features. Maintenance personnel must be trained and equipped with the proper tools to keep the system operating in the way it was designed. Maintenance cannot be deferred.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems offer the facility manager the ability to improve system performance while reducing energy requirements. But they benefit building owners only as long as they are taken care of. If facility managers choose to ignore maintenance requirements, they may soon find systems malfunctioning to the point where they have actually increased the requirement for energy.

Energy Efficiency And HVAC Technology

The following overview offers a quick reference to key considerations with some of the most effective technologies. As with lighting, trial installations are a good idea; so is working with manufacturers and distributors.

Getting the most from HVAC controls

Because a building's performance can be dramatically improved by installing and fully using HVAC controls, it is essential to understand and correctly use those controls. The place to start is with a close look at what is really transpiring in your building, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is happening with each piece of equipment? On holidays? Weekends? As the seasons change, do your operations change? It is important to understand where and how energy is being consumed in order to identify where waste is occurring and where improvements can be implemented. Then it is imperative to ask, "What exactly do I want these controls to do?"

Energy management systems (EMS) are designed to run individual pieces of equipment more efficiently and to permit integration of equipment, enhancing performance of the system. In a typical EMS, sensors monitor parameters such as air and water temperatures, pressures, humidity levels, flow rates, and power consumption. From those performance points, electrical and mechanical equipment run times and setpoints are controlled.

Seven-day scheduling provides hour-to-hour and day-to-day control of HVAC and lighting systems and can account for holidays and seasonal changes. As the name implies, night temperature setback allows for less cooling in summer and less heating in winter during unoccupied hours.

Optimal start/stop enables the entire system to look ahead several hours and, relative to current conditions, make decisions about how to proceed; this allows the system to ramp up slowly, avoiding morning demand spikes or unnecessary run times.

Peak electrical demand can be controlled by sequencing fans and pumps to start up one by one rather than all at once and by shutting off pieces of HVAC equipment for short periods (up to 30 minutes), which should only minimally affect space temperature. Economizers reduce cooling costs by taking advantage of cool outdoor air. Supply-air temperature-reset can prevent excessive reheat and help reduce chiller load.

An EMS can provide an abundance of information about building performance, but someone has to figure out what they want the EMS to do and then give it directions. Calibrating controls, testing and balancing are key to any well-maintained HVAC system, but are especially critical to optimize control efforts.

Variable speed drives and energy-efficient motors

Variable speed drives (VSDs) are nearly always recommended as a reliable and cost-effective upgrade.

VSDs are profitable where equipment is oversized or frequently operates at part-load conditions. Savings of up to 70 percent can be achieved by installing VSDs on fan motors operating at part-load conditions. They may be applied to compressor or pump motors and are generally used in variable air volume (VAV) systems. They are also cost effective in water-side applications. Backward-inclined and airfoiled fans are the best VSD candidates.

Air-handler configurations controlled by variable inlet vanes or outlet dampers squander energy at part-load conditions. Using throttle valves to reduce flow for smaller pumping loads is also inefficient. The efficiency of motors begins to drop off steeply when they run at less than 75 percent of full load; they can consume over twice as much power as the load requires. VSDs operate electronically and continually adjust motor speed to match load.

The power to run the VSD is proportional to the cube of the speed (or flow), which is why this technology is so efficient. If the speed is reduced by just 10 percent, a 27 percent drop in power consumption should result. A VSD pilot study performed by EPA found that VSD retrofits realized an annual average energy savings of 52 percent, an average demand savings of 27 percent and a 2.5-year simple payback.

Perform harmonic, power factor, electric load, and torsional analyses before selecting a VSD. Though harmonic and power factor problems are not common in VSD applications, VSDs should generally be equipped with integral harmonic filters (or a three-phase AC line reactor) and internal power factor correction capacitors (or a single capacitor on the VSDs' main power line). In general, this equipment is not standard and must be specified.

Improved design and better materials enhance the performance of energy-efficient motors, which use 3 to 8 percent less energy than standard motors; units with efficiencies of 95 percent are available.

To achieve maximum savings, the motor must also be properly matched with its load, increasing run time at peak efficiency. Motors operate best when running at 75 to 100 percent of their fully rated load; motors routinely operating below 60 percent of rated capacity are prime candidates for retrofit. For motors whose loads fluctuate, VSDs should also be considered.

Smaller, more efficient motors are integral to a system downsizing stratagem; downsizing a 75 horsepower standard motor to a 40 horsepower energy-efficient model will result in energy savings of 15 percent.

Some energy-efficient motors have less "slip" than standard-efficiency motors, causing energy-efficient motors to run at slightly higher speeds; consider a larger pulley to compensate for the higher speed and to maximize energy savings. Installing a new pulley or adjusting the existing one can also be an alternative to a VSD when the cost for the VSD is prohibitive or the load has been reduced.

Improving fan system performance

A common way to improve the efficiency of the air distribution system is to convert constant air volume (CAV) systems to VAV. One authority on energy issues, E-Source, reports that "typical (VAV) air flow requirements are only about 60 percent of full CAV flow."

VAVs respond to load requirements by varying the volume of the air through a combination of pressure controls and dampers rather than by varying the air's temperature. According to the air pressure, fan power and volume of conditioned air are reduced, thus increasing energy efficiency. Of course, it is crucial to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ) when altering air handling systems.

To maximize savings, VAV components such as VSDs, variable-pitch fan blades, diffusers, mixers, and VAV boxes must be operating properly; careful zoning is also required to achieve VAV optimization.

E-Source recommends considering the following VAV retrofit procedures:

• complete load reduction measures and calculate the maximum and minimum air flow requirements,


• measure existing fan performance; examine duct system for possible improvements,

• stage fans that are in parallel configurations,

• commission the system thoroughly,

• optimize static pressure setpoint and implement reset control, and

• possibly remove return air fans.

Energy-efficient and properly sized motors are also recommended along with careful control strategies. Installing a self-contained, thermally powered device to each diffuser can add greater control to VAV systems by controlling individual spaces, rather than entire zones, and eliminate the need for VAV boxes. Such a device also offers VAV-style capabilities to CAV systems.

VAV retrofit costs and paybacks can vary widely. Installation problems related to fan control, reduced supply air distribution, location of pressure sensors and their reliability, in addition to deficient design, can diminish a VAV retrofit's performance. Because VAV boxes are relatively expensive and one is required for each zone, it is generally not cost effective to partition the space into many zones. Careful zone designation -- according to occupancy, internal loads and solar gain -- will maximize efficiency, increase comfort and reduce reheat.

When reheat cannot be eliminated, consider these steps to minimize it: ensuring thermostat calibration; increasing supply air temperatures during the cooling season; and monitoring reheat year round and possibly employing reheat only during winter months. Where reheat is used primarily to control humidity, a desiccant wheel or a heat pipe might be considered.

Downsizing existing VAV fan systems is a relatively low-cost way to save energy when loads have been reduced or when the air distribution system was oversized to begin with. The following are means to downsize fans or airflow requirements:

• Reduce static pressure setpoint to meet actual temperature and airflow requirements.

• Rightsize motors and upgrade to energy-efficient models; install larger pulleys.


• Replace the existing fan pulley with a larger one; that will reduce the fan's power requirements by reducing its speed.

• Make sure the fan's speed corresponds to the load. Reducing a fan's speed by 20 percent reduces its energy consumption by approximately 50 percent.

There are several ways to determine if VAV fan systems are oversized. If a motor's measured amperage is 25 percent less than its nameplate rating, it is oversized. If a fan's inlet vanes or outlet dampers are closed more than 20 percent, it is oversized. If the static pressure reading is less than the static pressure setpoint when inlets or dampers are open and VAV boxes open 100 percent, as on a hot summer day, the system is oversized. Again, be sure to consider IAQ requirements when downsizing air handling systems.

Chillers and thermal storage

No one wants to replace a perfectly good chiller just because of the CFC phaseout. But once load-reducing efficiency upgrades have been completed, it may actually be profitable to replace an oversized chiller. That's especially true given rising prices and tightening supplies of CFC refrigerants.

Oversized units 10 years or older are good candidates for replacement. A high-efficiency chiller reduces energy costs throughout its lifetime; initial costs are reduced because the replacement chiller is smaller than the old one. Depending on the old unit's efficiency and load, a high-efficiency chiller's energy consumption can be.15 to.30 kW/ton less, decreasing energy consumption by as much as 85 percent if combined with downsizing.

An alternative to replacement is to retrofit chillers to accommodate a new refrigerant and to match reduced loads. That may involve orifice plate replacement, impeller replacement and possibly compressor replacement, depending on the chiller's specifics.

Retrofitting may entail gasket and seal replacement and motor rewinding. Depending on the refrigerant and the way the retrofit is performed, the chiller may lose either efficiency or capacity. To determine whether replacement or retrofit is a better option, consider both initial and life-cycle costs.

Retubing the condenser and evaporator yields sizable energy savings but whether it makes sense, given its high cost, depends on the condition of the chiller. Water-cooled condensers are generally more efficient than air-cooled units. Because condenser water flows through an open loop, it is susceptible to fouling. Scale build-up will inhibit heat transfer efficiency; maintenance is therefore required to keep the surfaces clean.

Absorption chillers are an alternative to centrifugal models. Absorption chillers cost up to $150 per ton more than vapor compression chillers like centrifugal units, but can be profitable in areas of high electrical demand charges or where steam or gas is available, depending on the local utility rate structures. Using a combination of the two chiller types can reduce electrical demand charges.

Thermal energy storage (TES) uses conventional chiller equipment to produce conditioned water or ice (or occasionally another phase-change material) in off-peak periods. Water is withdrawn from storage during the day or at peak hours and circulated through the cooling system.

TES systems can be incorporated into new and existing systems and can provide partial load leveling or full load shifting. TES helps decrease operating and maintenance costs; in some cases, a smaller chiller can be specified. Some systems provide lower supply air and water temperatures, so air and water flow requirements can be cut.

Water-side improvements

Fill material, size and fan configurations affect cooling tower efficiency. Cellular fill (aka film packing) increases efficiency over other fill types. Oversizing the tower to allow for closer approach to ambient wetbulb temperature can improve its efficiency. Generously sizing the tower and increasing its share of the chiller load can make economic sense because a cooling tower's initial cost and energy use per ton are less than a chiller's.

At part-load conditions, applying a VSD to the fan (or pump) will improve the tower's efficiency. Systems with VSDs and several fans are more efficient when all tower cells are operating at reduced speed as opposed to one or two cells at full speed.

Because cooling towers contain large heat exchange surfaces, fouling -- scale or slime build-up -- can be a problem. The efficiency of improperly treated systems can be improved with effective water treatment. High-efficiency towers are available; induced-draft types are more popular and efficient than forced-draft towers. Performance can also be improved by increasing cooling surface area.

In traditional pumping systems, flow is generally constant volume; a throttle valve reduces flow at part-load conditions, inhibiting efficiency.

Installing VSDs on secondary pumps in variable flow systems, rightsizing pumps and motors to meet load requirements, and upgrading single loop systems to primary/secondary loop configurations can increase the performance and reliability of pumping systems. In upgrading chilled water pumps, it is important to meet maximum and minimum flow rates through the chiller.

Other cooling options

Desiccants are dehumidification materials which can be integrated into HVAC systems to reduce cooling loads and increase chiller efficiency while improving indoor air quality and comfort. Formerly found only in niche and industrial applications, desiccant cooling is extending throughout commercial markets.

Desiccants make sense when the cost to regenerate them is low compared to the cost to dehumidify below dewpoint and can reduce HVAC energy and peak demand by more than 50 percent in some cases.

Evaporative coolers provide one of the most economical and efficient means of cooling, using up to 75 percent less energy than vapor-compression systems. Though initial cost is typically higher, paybacks for evaporative coolers range between six months and five years. Though evaporative coolers are particularly prevalent in the arid West and Southwest, they can service most U.S. climates. E-Source states that, in combination with evaporative cooling, desiccant cooling can eliminate refrigerative air conditioning in many climates.

Hybrid systems that integrate evaporative cooling with conventional HVAC technologies offer additional opportunities. To improve performance consider lower air velocity; better fill materials; higher fan, pump and motor efficiencies, including VSDs; better belts or direct drive; improved housing; improved controls; and duct sealing. Proper maintenance is key to energy-efficiency.

Packaged air-conditioning units are typically found in buildings or building zones where the cooling load is less than 75 tons. Running these units at part load can severely reduce efficiency. They are generally not as efficient as chiller systems but can be upgraded and rightsized when replaced. Existing systems can be improved by using higher efficiency compressors, larger condensers and evaporators, and VSDs, though life expectancies of 10 to 12 years for these technologies may mean that retrofits are not cost-effective.

Heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies available today. Low operating costs, increased reliability and long life expectancies improve their viability. They function best in moderate climates and proper sizing is critical.

Multi-unit configurations can service larger loads and provide zoning; large, modernized central units offering capacities of up to 1000 horsepower or 750 kilowatts are gaining popularity. Air-to-air type heat pumps are the most common because of low up-front costs; ground supply heat pumps are the most efficient but tend to have higher initial costs.

Boiler upgrades

Especially in colder climates, improved boiler performance -- with improved fuel and airflow controls over a range of load conditions and increased heat transfer surface areas -- can contribute substantially to energy savings. Smaller units arranged in modular systems increase efficiency up to 85 percent while small units replacing those with open-loop condensing systems shoot combustion efficiency up to 95 percent.

Boiler retrofits, combined with improved maintenance measures, can also increase efficiency -- up to 90 percent. New burners, baffle inserts, combustion controls, warm-weather controls, economizers, blowdown heat recovery and condensate return conversions provide increased efficiency opportunities. A smaller "summer" boiler might be a good option when a boiler is required year round though at reduced capacities in warmer conditions. The much smaller summer boiler is sized for reduced loads; the main boiler is shut down.

HVAC upgrades can provide tremendous economic benefits, improve occupant comfort and system reliability, and reduce operating costs. But to maximize benefits and minimize capital investment, load-reducing measures, such as lighting upgrades, should precede HVAC system upgrades.

Travaux de Construction de plancher comment Accueil

Parfois, un recouvrement de béton est installé sur le sous-plancher, afin de permettre l'installation de carreaux ou de tuyaux de chauffage par rayonnement du plancher. C'est grâce à cette Assemblée que les conduits de système à air pulsé seront installés, ainsi que divers plomberie et des lignes électriques.

Structure de plancher

Il y a trois principaux types de structures de plancher, généralement utilisés dans les constructions modernes. Citons encadrée, planchers de treillis et fabriqué des systèmes solive.

De tous, le plus souvent installé flooring system sont encadrées de planchers. Elles se composent de bois accèdes, portant sur la charge intérieure et extérieure portant les murs ou les poutres appelés « solives de plancher ». Généralement, les solives de plancher sont installés, espacées de 16 “apart. Installation de rim et régleur solives, dont les solives de plancher sont clouées, termine le périmètre. Calage, habituellement sous la forme de transition, mais souvent installé comme feuillard, empêche les solives de tourner en place. Une autre méthode utilisée pour prévenir ce type de tournage est pour coller le sub-flooring aux solives, comme le sous-plancher est placé. Tous les solives doivent s’étendre au moins 1-1/2 “à un ensemble de palier, d’un faisceau ou mur pleine hauteur, à moins que des cintres métalliques sont installés de fournir un soutien de roulement appropriée contre les autres composants structuraux. Poutres, qui prend en charge les solives de plancher pendant plus longues, sont construites dans la forme des solives feuilletés souvent appelés bâtie de poutres ou un morceau de charge solide portant des poutres, coupé de billes ou fabriqué. Électriciens et plombier peuvent souvent coupés ou percer le travail de solives pour installer les utilitaires, et cela est accepté, pour autant qu’ils ne retirez pas le matériau plus que ce qui est requis par les codes. Ce type de système de plancher est habituellement le moins cher à installer.

Poutrelle planchers sont simplement que. Ils sont construits à partir de petit bois accèdes, reliés entre eux selon un schéma webwork par l’utilisation de plaques de métalliques ou de bois. Parfois, les fermes seront construits sur le site, utilisant des plaques de contreplaqué à connecter le webwork ensemble. Généralement ils sont installés à part, de 24 “soit suspendue sur portant les murs ou les poutres, soit installé avec garniture de contreplaqué ou solives de rim autour du périmètre. Feuillard est installé sur le côté de fond, pour éviter de tourner en place, qui est une maladie courante pour les composants de la poutrelle profonde. Dans le cas des travaux de poutrelle longtemps span, roulement longueurs d’au moins 3 “sont monnaie courantes. Fermes s’étendent sur plus grandes distances que les assemblys étage encadrée et peuvent être conçus pour couvrir tout le bâtiment, éliminant les supports de charge center. Sont modérément plus chers que les assemblys étage encadrée, ils fournissent un plancher remarquablement solide avec peu de déviation ou « bounce » à elle. Un autre avantage de ce type de système structurel, est que les installations de l’utilitaire peuvent être exécutées entre les composantes webwork. Ne laissez jamais les métiers de couper ou de percer les membres d’une poutrelle, car ils sont fabriqués avec précision pour les conditions de chargement ils subiront durant la vie du bâtiment.

La solive manufacturée, qui est un produit relativement nouveau, est souvent fabriquée à partir de matériaux faible coût sous la forme d’un I faisceau, semblable à poutres d’acier en grands bâtiments. Ce que cela signifie, c’est que la solive est construite avec un haut plus épais et le bord inférieur et l’aspenite généralement entrelacé verticalement couvrant entre les deux. Ces systèmes sont très forts, souvent capables de s’étendant sur toute la largeur du bâtiment. Un inconvénient est que ce type de sol nécessite des systèmes hanger spécial conçus pour les solives, pour leur permettre d’être accrochés les uns des autres ou à l’encontre des poutres/roulement murs. Solives manufacturés deviennent un système de planchers populaire, car ils sont relativement bon marchés, de réduire le temps de travail et fournir un soutien adéquat. Cependant, constructeurs ont besoin de se familiariser avec ses installations, pour mauvaise installation peut causer de graves dommages structurels aux solives. Un bon exemple est un point, le centre portant solives, à gauche avec la membrure supérieure non coupée, qui peuvent potentiellement échouer ou déchirer, au-dessus du Centre portant le point trois.

Sub-Floors

Il existe trois types principaux de sub-flooring installé à couvrir et s’étendent sur la structure de la parole. C’est sur ce que la parole finie sera placée. Les types de sub-flooring comprennent revêtement raw, complémentaires et bande. Il est utilisé non seulement de fournir qu’une surface pour l’intérieur se termine à figurer sur, mais aussi pour empêcher la torsion ou couple forces placé sur le bâtiment. Le sous-plancher autorise également la charge partage au sein du système de cadrage solive. Souvent le sub-flooring est collé à le œuvre de solives pour éliminer les planchers vieillotte et d’empêcher les solives de plancher de tournage.

Revêtement RAW vient en 4 « x 8 » feuilles, plus souvent installés comme 3/4 “panneaux de contreplaqué épais. Ce type de revêtement est suffisant pour s’étendant sur solives travail espacées jusqu’à 24 “d’apart. Le revêtement est lain avec les articulations décalées dans une telle affaire, qu’aucun joints deux edge n’aligner avec des feuilles adjacentes. Il est très facile à installer, nécessitant le moins de travail. Les feuilles sont attachées avec soit 1-1/2 “vis de revêtements de sol, ou 2-1/2″ clous, espacés environ 8 “d’apart. Bien que non requis, c’est une bonne idée de fournir des bailleurs de fonds ou prend en charge sous les articulations, entre les feuilles qui vont perpendiculaires à l’Assemblée de l’étage encadrée.

Plus couramment installé sont emboîtement des panneaux de revêtement. Ce type de revêtement est généralement 5/8 “épais et fabriqué en contreplaqué ou aspenite (communément appelé « agglomérés ») en 4 « x 8 » feuilles. Les feuilles sont livrés avec les arêtes longues conçus pour de verrouillage avec une langue sur un côté et un bosquet sur le bord opposé. Ils sont installés par simplement poussant ou bat la chamade ensemble, les feuilles et clouer ou leur vissage des travaux des solives, de la même manière comme revêtement raw. C’est souvent le moins cher à installer.
Dépouiller les planchers, étaient autrefois le type le plus populaire de sous-plancher installé. Mais avec l’introduction de produits manufacturés de revêtement, elle a devenir moins utilisé. Planchers de bande se composent de 1 “par les conseils” de 6 ou 8 “, placés en diagonale sur le système de cadrage solive étage. Il est légèrement plus cher à installer et nécessite des artisans chevronnés. Pour installer correctement ces étages, le bois doit être non-four séché, avec une teneur en humidité relativement élevé. Cela peut sembler étrange, mais en réalité, comme le bois s’assèche, qu’elle va se réduire. Cette action qui rétrécit rassemble la parole, ajout de résistance à l’ensemble du système. Les avantages de ce type de sous-plancher sont sa force et la durabilité. Un important à noter, les propriétaires sont souvent perturbés par les petits 1/4 “lacunes large, généralement laissé entre les planches individuelles après que le bois s’assèche. Bien que troublant de voir pendant la construction, à la fin, les espaces ne sont pas perceptibles et vraiment n’ont aucun impact sur les composants de sous-plancher du tout. Les planchers de bande sont conçus pour être interverrouillage, par le biais de tours de piste ou de l’espacement des articulations.

Fini les planchers

Ah la parole finie, ce que nous voyons et marcher sur tous les jours. Pour les propriétaires, cela tend à être l’un des aspects plus importants du système étage. Oui, la structure est un examen, mais l’apparence et la texture de la parole est ce que tout cela sera visible après l’achevée de la construction. Le plus souvent installé étage comprennent des finitions : feuille de vinyle, carreaux de vinyle, carreaux de céramique, bande de bois, parquet bois et tapis.

Plus communément utilisé dans les salles de bains, cuisines, les buanderies et les entrées sont feuille de vinyle ou de revêtements de sol de linoléum.Ce type de revêtement de sol cônes dans une vaste gamme de couleurs, de textures et de patrons, en tailles de feuille de 12 pieds de largeur avec diverses longueurs et fabriqué à partir d’un composite de vinyle, recouvert d’un revêtement de surface. Il est installé en appliquant plus de sous-plancher, habituellement acajou ou particule core feuilles 4 « x 4 » en taille, à laquelle le vinyle est collé à le. Il peut également être installé directement sur les planchers en béton, dans des domaines tels que les sous-sols. Se réunissant les deux feuilles est une pratique standard lorsque la largeur de la pièce dépasse 12′, ou sous les portes. Vinyle feuille est un revêtement de sol bon dans les régions où l’eau a tendance à s’accumuler, comme autour de luminaires de salle de bain ou moyens d’entrée. Il est assez durable et souvent entretien gratuit. Linoléum est un des types de revêtement de sol pour installer moins chers.

Une autre bonne planchers pour les zones humides est le carreaux de vinyle. Généralement il est fabriqué de la même manière comme vinyle de la feuille, mais est beaucoup plus rigide et vient comme 12 « x 12 » carré unités. Ils sont installés dans beaucoup de la même façon, mais exigent des hommes de métier qualifiés, familiers avec installation appropriée. Un bon programme d’installation commencera à partir du milieu de la salle pour s’assurer que tous les carreaux coupés est égaux en largeur à s’opposer les murs. Un des avantages de ce type de revêtement de sol, sur vinyle de feuille, sont qu’il est peut être installé sans danger de séparation conjointe, sur de grandes surfaces. Pour cette raison, il est souvent utilisé dans les bâtiments commerciaux où les grandes chambres sont la norme. Carreaux de vinyle peut être facilement installé directement sur les planchers en béton. Comme les feuilles de vinyle, il trop est résistant à l’eau et tend à être installés dans les zones d’un bâtiment, sujets à l’accumulation de l’eau. Tuile, peuvent être facilement nettoyées, est relativement libre de maintenance, et un de la moins chère fini planchers pour installer.

Carreaux de céramique est probablement les plus durables types de revêtement de sol et est généralement installé dans les zones d’entrée, où le sables accumulations effleurage et l’eau sont la norme. Salles de bains et cuisines souvent obtenir ce type de traitement de plancher ainsi, mais en raison de la cherté de l’installation, les propriétaires ont tendance à ne pas de ces domaines. Carreaux de céramique sont généralement une tuile carrée, bien que les unités imbriquées sont sur le marché, dans les mesures standards de carrés de 4 “, 6″, “de 8 ou 12″. Ils sont installés par l’une des deux méthodes principales, soit définie dans un mortier mince lit (appelé « thinset adhésif »), qui agit également comme colle ou un lit corpulence de mortier normal de 1-1/2 “base. Pour tous les carreaux de céramique, la parole doit être construite à afin d’assurer la solidité nécessaire pour empêcher les tuiles ou craquage conjointe. Souvent, les installateurs mater un matériau appelé « ciment Conseil », qui s’apparente de cloisons sèches, mais est faite de ciment et de fibres de verre. En tout cas, s’assurer que votre installateur vous offrira une garantie contre la fissuration future ou de soulèvement de tuiles. Carreaux de céramique exigent peu d’entretien, mais attention, de l’eau sur plancher sur papier glacé tuiles peuvent être très glissantes, et nombreux un temps, un propriétaire a ressentiment l’installation d’un carreau de haute brillance, sur une superficie de plancher de salle de bain.

Plancher de bois nu est un des plus anciens types de planchers toujours populaire dans l’ère moderne. Il se compose de bandes de bois, habituellement interverrouillage, qui sont clouées ou collés sur le sous-plancher. Souvent, les bandes seront préfinis, n’exigeant aucune demande de poste de chasseurs de phoques ou de vernis. Ce type de revêtement de sol est très main-d’œuvre pour l’installation, ainsi qu’étant assez cher à l’achat. Cependant, les résultats sont une surface de plancher chaud, durable, nécessitant peu de maintenance ou d’entretien. Plancher de bois nu significativement ajoute à la résistance du système de soutien, réduisant la déflexion (”bounce”) et donne la parole une sensation très solide pour elle.
De tous les planchers de bois, le plus souvent installé est la tuile de parquet. Elles se composent de carrés imbriqués bandes bois, maintenues ensemble avec les colles ou de fils métalliques. Ils viennent souvent comme unique 6 « x 6 », ou multiples 12 « x 12 » carreaux carrés, environ 1/4 po d’épaisseur. Ils sont collés directement à la sub-flooring et sont assez forts pour s’étendent sur petites déviations dedans. Le bois est souvent préfini et nécessite peu d’entretien. Parquets sont une alternative moins chère à dépouiller les planchers, offrant la même surface chaude et durable.

Tapis est probablement la parole plus commune couvrant qui est utilisée dans les habitations résidentielles. Il s’agit dans une grande variété de couleurs et de textures. Tapis se compose de fibres tissées, qui font saillie vers le haut, collés ou tissé une mousse ou le support en jute. Souvent une thibaude de mousse pressé est installé en dessous ou le soutien peut être intégral avec le tapis, ajoutant à la douceur et prévoyant la marche sur une surface beaucoup plus confortable. Tapis est installé en soit collant le tapis pour le sous-plancher, ou l’utilisation de tapis tack autour du périmètre. Un bon tapis sera a une armure étroite, qui ne montrera pas le matériel de soutien lorsque séparées. Pour réduire les coûts de projet, certains entrepreneurs optera pour installer une sous-couche de haute qualité, avec un tapis de qualité faible ou moyen. Ceci fournit la surface molle, durabilité égale, donnant au propriétaire les avantages d’un tapis de haute qualité, à un prix réduit.

Julian Arhire est un gestionnaire de DtiCorp.com – http://www.DtiCorp.com transporte plus de 35,000 produits de CVC, y compris les pièces industrielles, commerciales et résidentielles et du matériel de Honeywell, Johnson Controls, multidisciplinaire, Luijben, Grundfos, Armstrong et plus encore.

Sanitär-Installationen vereinfacht

Utility services

Es gibt zwei Unterteilungen in moderne Sanitärtechnik erforderlichen Dienstprogramm Dienstleistungen. Sie umfassen die Lieferung von Süßwasser (genannt “Trinkwasser”), und die Beseitigung von Abwasser.

Die Lieferung von frischem Wasser kommt aus zwei primären Diensttypen. Wenn Sie in einem lokalen befinden, Wasserleitungen installiert sind, würden Sie eine direkte Verbindung zu den Townships Wasser Linien installieren. In ländlichen Orten jedoch müssen Sie ein gut Typsystem verwenden. In beiden Fällen ist es wichtig, Sie exterior Versorgungsleitungen mindestens 4′ unterhalb der Grundlinie auszuführen. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass das Wasser in den Rohren bei kalten Wetter nicht einfrieren wird. Die meisten Installationen mit kupferner Röhre abgeschlossen sind, aber mehr und mehr Häuser entscheiden sich für die Installation von CPVC Rohrleitungen, da die Kosten für die Installation ist stetig nach unten.

Um eine direkte Verbindung herstellen, der Wasser-Linie unter der Stiftung Wand herausgebracht, und mit verbunden ist eine Abschaltung, durch die lokale Bereitstellung Gemeinde installiert. Einige Townships erfordert die Installation von einem Meter Wasser zur präzisen Bestimmung die Menge des Wassers, die Sie, für die Abrechnung nutzen.

Nun gibt Typsysteme einfach ein Loch, gegraben oder gebohrt in die Erde, in denen Wasser sammelt. Dieser Systeme erfordert der Verwendung einer Wasser-Pumpe Wasser vom unteren Rand der gut, in das Haus zu verschieben. Im Inneren des Hauses ist eine automatisierte Steuerelement, das den Druck des bereitgestellten Wassers regelt. Mit diesem System verbunden ist auch ein Drucktank, das Wasser unter Druck, für sofortig Gebrauch zu halten soll. Es ist wichtig, beachten, dass je größer der Drucktank, die weniger Datenmenge Druck Differential oder “wogende”, die Versorgung haben werden.

Zitze-Brunnen sind nicht eine der beliebtesten Arten von Systemen. Zwar billiger zu installieren und zu betreiben, sie tendenziell anfällig für austrocknen, und haben oft höhere bakterielle. Sie sind einfach ein Loch, gegraben unten unter dem Wasser-Tisch, mit der Unterseite mit etwa 12 “von Schotter und Wänden Fertigbeton, konkrete gut Rohrleitungen gefüllt.

Gebohrte Brunnen sind ziemlich viel teurer und erfordern besondere Ausrüstung zu installieren. Sie sind eine mehr konstante Versorgung mit gratis Wasser frisch Bakterien. Sie sind mit großen Bohren Ausrüstung, installiert, die in den Boden unter dem Wasser-Tisch von etwa zwanzig Meter bohrt. Das Loch, das was übrig bleibt hat dann eine lange Stahl-Leitung eingefügt, die Oberfläche Run off und Höhlenforschung in der obersten Böden zu verhindern.

Wasser Abfall ist das Abwasser, das von der senken, Toiletten, Badewannen, Wäscherei-Möglichkeiten und andere Abflüsse befindet sich in ein Heim ins Meer gelangt ist. Diese Arten von Rohrleitungen Installationen werden die Linien “Sanitär Abfälle” genannt. Wenn Sie in eine Gemeinde sind die Kanalisation Dienstleistungen anbietet, werden Sie wahrscheinlich eine direkte Verbindung installieren. In ländlichen Gebieten, wo die Kanal-Linien nicht verfügbar sind, ist eine septische oder halten die einzige Option. In beiden Fällen wird eine große Durchmesser-Leitung, in der Regel 4 “bis 6″ Durchmesser, zwei bis vier Meter unter Grade, es verhindern, Einfrieren installiert. Diese Pfeife verläuft von der Stiftung nach der septischen System oder Kanalisation Linie. In den meisten Fällen das Abwasser fließt die Abfälle handling-Systeme durch die Schwerkraft, aber manchmal eine Pumpe möglicherweise erforderlich, es wird erwartet, dass die Abfälle bergauf ausführen.

Direkte Verbindungen zu kommunalem bereitgestellten Kanal-Linien sind relativ einfach. Das Abflußrohr installiert ist die Menge an, die die Gemeinde den bereitgestellten Dienst in der Regel bis zu holen. Diese Verbindung ist Meerenge nach vorn, als es installiert ist, indem unterhalb der Frostgrenze Graben, und neigen die Pipe auf die Verbindung.

Im ländlichen Raum ist die häufigste Installation der septischen System. Es besteht aus ist ein wichtigsten septischen Tank, an den die sanitäre Gebäude-Drain angeschlossen ist. Von diesem verteilt ein Netz von Rohrleitungen flüssige Abfälle, die über ein großes Gebiet in den Boden verstreut ist. Den Haupttank fungiert als biologisch Aufschlüsselung der feste durch die Verwendung von Hitze und Bakterien Abfälle. Die Rohrleitungen ist in zwei Arten von Systemen, einem weinenden Bett und einem geraden Bett installiert. Der weinende Bead basiert von speziellen Sands, deren Handeln zu verteilen und zu halten, dass Bakterien und Abwasser, weiter den Aufschlüsselung Prozess erhöhen. Gerade Betten sind einfach Gräben gegraben, in denen die weinende Kachel ist über eine Kies-Basis gelegt. Auf jeden Fall erklären das Umweltministerium welche Art von septischen System zu installieren, und wo es installiert Ihnen. Denken Sie daran, suchen Sie Ihre septische System einer fairen Entfernung von Wells oder Wasser-Vorräte, die Sie installiert haben, können.

Eine andere Art des Systems, in ländlichen Gebieten, eingesetzt ist die Fäkalientank. Dies ist die einfachste der Systeme, dass es nur ein großer Tank, an den die sanitäre Drain, mit keinen Abfluss angeschlossen ist. Der größte Nachteil, diese Art der Installation ist, dass der Tank in regelmäßigen Abständen (ca. einmal pro Monat), gepumpt werden für die Entfernung zu einer zertifizierten Entsorgung-Website muss. Der einzige Vorteil für diese Art des Systems ist seine niedrige Kosten der Erstinstallation. Wartungsgebühren für das Pumpen kann so hoch wie $800,00 pro Jahr.

Interior Sondieren von Dienstleistungen

Die interior Klempnerarbeiten verteilen trinkbares Wasser und Abwasser durch ein Netz von Rohrleitungen befindet sich innerhalb des Gebäudes zu sammeln. Auch werden in diesem Dienst die von sanitärtechnischen Armaturen, wie Toiletten, Wannen und Waschbecken.

Die Rohrleitungen im Gebäude ist in zwei Unterteilungen, die Versorgungsleitungen und die Drain-Linien.

Die Versorgungsleitungen tragen Süßwasser zu den alle Lampen im Haus genutzt. Die Rohrleitungen wird in der Regel mit kupferner Röhre installiert, aber oft CPVC genutzt wird. Dieser Teil des Systems ist unter Druck das Wasser durch das System in der Regel bei ungefähr fünfzig zu neunzig Psi schieben. Das System wird in der Regel ein wichtigsten Abschaltung die kann deaktivieren das Wasser im gesamten Haus, und befindet sich enthalten waren die Zeile Dienstprogramm betritt das Gebäude. Es ist auch eine gute Idee, den Klempner Shut-Offs bei jeder Leuchte, damit für schnelle und einfache Reparatur, ohne zu deaktivieren die gesamte Versorgung des Gebäudes installiert haben.

Die Drain-Linien tragen die Abwässer vom interior Vorrichtungen und Kanalisation durch größere Durchmesser-Rohrleitungen. Diese Rohrverlegung ist in der Regel installiert ABS oder schwarz Kunststoff Linien, die zusammen geklebt werden. Abfall Wasser Linien sind rein Schwerkraft gefüttert, also es wichtig für Installateure ist weiterhin bestimmte Hang zu allen Sanitär Zeilen, um Abfall wird vom die Rohrleitungen zu gewährleisten. Jede Leuchte und Drain, eine Art von Wassersicherheitsverschluß installiert ist (eine “P” Trap genannt), die ist einfach ein Ort in der Wasser sitzen wird, um im Laufe der Kanalisation Gase in das Haus zu verhindern,. Auch, erfordert jede Leuchte ein Lueftung befindet sich auf der Kanal die Wasser fallen, um zu verhindern, dass die Linien Entwässerung vollständig aufgrund von Abzweigung Aktion. Dieses Belüftungssystem Subsystem zeichnet Luft aus einem Rohr, das durch das Dach des Gebäudes aufgewachsen ist. Durch die Grundlagencode beschloss, wird P-Traps und richtigen Entlüftung in allen Installationen benötigt.

Die interior Befestigungen sind die Elemente, die für ihren Betrieb Wasser verwenden. Dazu gehören Toiletten, Spülbecken, Wannen, Wäscherei-Möglichkeiten, Geschirrspüler, Warmwasserspeicher und manchmal Kühlschränke oder Öfen. Die meisten Spiele kommen in einer Vielzahl von Farben und Texturen, obwohl standard im Design. Ein gutes Beispiel dafür ist die Badewanne, die in drei wichtigsten Größen, fünf, fünfeinhalb und sechs Füße lang, mit einem standard Tiefe und Breite gekauft werden kann. Haus-und Wohnungseigentümer sind wegen dieser Art der Standardisierung und Voraussetzung für rechtliche Genehmigungen vor dem Verkauf aus armen Designs oder unbrauchbar Produkte geschützt. Alle Spiele mit Kanalisation verbunden sind, und die meisten heiße und kalte Verbindungen erfordern.

Heißes Wasser wird von einer großen Tank, geliefert, die erwärmt und speichert genügend Wasser für den Einsatz im Gebäude. Dieser Tank wird von einer Vielzahl von Energiequellen, einschließlich Strom, Öl, Propan oder Erdgas, betrieben und befindet sich nahe dem Eingang Service. Ein allgemeines Problem mit Vorrichtungen ist die Temperaturschwankung verursacht durch Verwendung der mehr als eine solche Vorrichtung auf einmal. Am deutlichsten ist ein Duschen Temperaturanstieg um, wenn eine Toilette geleert wird. Es gibt zwei Mittel zur Lösung dieses Problems. Die erste nutzt eine Druckregulierung Wasserhahn, die automatisch den Druck von beiden Versorgungsleitungen gleicht. Die zweite ist eine einfachere Lösung, in der die Toiletten mit Service Eingang, vor dem Anschluss an andere Vorrichtungen, einschließlich der Warmwasserbereiter verbunden sind.

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.

Revenue productivity is lost daily due to several factors such as poor scheduling, excessive drive-time, techs waiting around for calls, disorganization, wasted time with parts pick-up, techs not billing correctly and a host of other issues. Knowing and charging the correct rates will impact your revenue and increase your bottom-line.

Many HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) companies put in place systematic approaches to overcome the loss of billing time, and in the end most find it hard to keep a full-court press on due to a lack in manpower or just plain lack of focus. But in all the systems that are implemented and tested one huge approach is almost always overlooked - pricing.

It is clear that poor revenue for your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) business contributes to poor profit performance, but it is the linkage of poor revenue and improper pricing that makes it disastrous for your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) business. Poor revenue coupled with improper pricing leads to cash flow problems which creates a waterfall of other problems that can lead to business shut-down.

As stated in the opening, addressing revenue productivity is a critical factor for your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) business.

Simply defined, revenue is calculated by dividing the number of hours billed by the number of hours paid and showing the result as a percentage. Look at the below examples:

4 Hours Billed ÷ 8 Hours Paid =.5 or 50%

25 Hours Billed ÷ 40 Hours Paid =.625 or 62.5%

92 Hours Billed ÷ 160 Hours Paid =.575 or 57.5%

Industry data shows that the average HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) company's revenue productivity is below 50%.

Think about this: your billable hourly rate is $70, your technicians productivity is 50%, you pay him 8 hours for the day. This effectively drops down your hourly rate to $35 against the 8 hours paid.

$70 Hourly Rate x.5 or 50% Productivity = $35 Hourly Rate

Once you know what your revenue for HVAC business is you need to revisit your pricing to determine if your rates are right for your business. Choosing the correct hourly rate will overcome poor revenue performance for HVAC business, help produce positive cash flow and increase your profits from the opportunities you have and the work you do.

$140 Hourly Rate x.5 or 50% Productivity = $70 Hourly Rate

Life is Too Short Not to be Profitable!

New HVAC Information For Homeowners

Consistent temperature: Since new homes have a consistent thermal mass and insulation level, measurements have proven that the temperature difference from floor to ceiling in a new home is only about two degrees. Wood framed houses can show a temperature difference of up to eight degrees.

Even temperature: Because of the high thermal mass of concrete (about 5 times that of a conventional wood framed wall), the temperature of a new home is very stable. This means the temperature of the building remains even, instead of overheating when the furnace turns on or getting cold when the air conditioner kicks in.

No cold or hot spots: The uninsulated portion of wood frame walls adds up to about 25% of the total exposed area. The new homes incorporate insulation that is almost completely uninterrupted. This translates to no cool or warm areas you may feel when walking along framed walls in winter or summer.

Fewer drafts: New homes are unlike a wood frame home which is built with rigid pieces that leave thousands of tiny air gaps. Recent studies comparing old constructed wood framed homes with new homes prove that wood frame homes have air losses of close to five times that of homes built with new style walls. Preliminary reports suggest an air loss difference of over twelve times that of new technology.

Indoor Air Quality: Issues associated with declining general health such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, are significantly reduced or even eliminated in the indoor living environment. Utilizing new air cleaning technology, the indoor air contaminants may be reduced by up to 99%, providing a much more comfortable living environment to the occupants. Considering that much of the population is aging into retirement, so do health concerns, indoor air quality has become a significant factor in modern building construction.

There are four main considerations to indoor air quality that are addressed by the new homes: (1) filtration of contaminants, (2) humidity control, (3) supply of fresh air, and (4) removal of used or stale air. These aspects of air quality need special consideration in modern methods of construction, as the building envelope is almost a perfect seal, effectively performing as a building wrapped in a plastic bag.

Filtration of Contaminants: Utilizing a new air cleaner, new technologies allow the supplied air to be cleaned so effectively, as to remove up to 99% of all the potential contaminants. This includes pollen spores affecting allergies, smoke and chemicals that produce cancers and diseases over long term exposure, as well as larger particles such as dust, which aggravate bronchial passages.

Humidity Control: Key in preventing and providing a more comfortable living environment, it is already known how high humidity environments promote healthy lungs and airways. Typical treatment for respiratory ailments include the use of steam or highly humidified air to aid in the healing and health of an individual. Current methods of home construction do not allow for high levels of humidity, without the associated issues of mold and mildew growth. By utilizing building components which do not support the growth of mold and mildew, and through the use of non-biodegradable components, we can now effectively build a structure which is not only structurally unaffected by high humidity levels, but this type of construction also limits the growth of mold and mildew. In essence, we provide a much more comfortable living environment, without adding undue stress on the structure, which would normally result in major repair considerations after only a few years.

Fresh air supply/Stale air exhaust: Heat recovery technology is simplistic in design, yet highly effective in reducing air change losses while providing proper, not just adequate, air changes. Again the key issue on this is to allow for a much higher indoor air quality and comfort level. Stale air is drawn from the key contaminant areas such as basements, kitchens, laundry rooms and baths. These areas tend to allow contaminants such as smog, smoke, paints, cleaners and other chemicals, combustion gases from appliances and even the offgassing of the components associated with the building process such as carpets or new furniture, which would normally stockpile in these locations.

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. Thursday, May 12, 2011 Tips For Building in Remote Locations - Part 2 All of the considerations for transportation, material, access, utilities and good design should be considered. Often future home owners buy a lot, and discover that for any of the above items, or other legal restrictions imposed by ministry or townships, are unable to build what they have planned, or even build at all. A good site has ease of access, good topography, water availability and potential for utilities. The lay of the land, or topography, often has a major impact on building design. Basically, try not to obtain lots of in low lying areas, the soil tends to be unstable, and future flooding could destroy your home. Consider the access, if water access is available, is it publicly or privately owned. Are there any fees for its use, and is it large enough to meet the needs of a barge, which you may or may not use to transport material. Is the access navigable. For instance, a lake with a multitude of floating logs, cannot be accessed by float plane. Utility considerations for weeping systems, water supply and electric generation units need to be considered. Fresh water supply First and most important is a ready supply of fresh drinking water, or what builders call, "potable water". 1. Unless heavy trucks and equipment can make it into your site, the possibilities of a drilled well are very limited. There is, however, a small core drill machine available, which is portable, and capable of drilling a 2" diameter well. One drawback to this type of well is the limited ability of pumps to bring the water to the surface. Such pumps are generally limited to a water table depth of about fifty feet. Once you include a storage "head" of 20 feet, then the well must have reached the water table at least thirty feet or less below the surface. 2. Another alternative is the dug well. This type of well usually has a lower water quality, but is much easier to install in difficult locations. They are simply a hole dug to four feet below the water table to allow storage of sufficient water. 3. Thirdly, if you are near a lake or stream, you could pump water directly from the source. Again, there is a question of water quality, and you could require the installation of filtration equipment or water treatment systems. An advantage of a stream is that you can install a water powered ram pump, which is capable of pumping water up to higher elevations. This type of pump requires a fair amount of maintenance, and a good steady flow of water to work effectively. 4. Finally, if you are fortunate, you may have a spring or artesian water well. Such sources tend to be a good, dependable source of fresh drinking water. In any case, you must consider weather or not you will be utilizing a pumped pressure system, or gravity fed system. If a spring, artisan well or other water source is available on terrain above your building, a gravity system could possibly eliminate the need for any mechanical pumps requiring an outside energy source, at all. Most often, builders opt for a gravity system, which utilizes a large storage tank located approximately 15' above the highest plumbing outlet. Often they set up an installation so that the system is either self-filling from gravity water sources, or pumped only occasionally to refill the storage tank. This is the cheapest alternative, which provides very satisfactory results. Sewer and waste systems Disposing of waste products such as dishwater, showers or toilets must be done in accordance with the codes and laws. This may require the installation of a septic system, or certified waste handling equipment. Or you could simply build an outhouse. But the choice is yours. In the construction industry there are two types of wastewater. Grey water, which comes from dishwater, bath or shower water, and sump pumps and sanitary waste, which comes primarily from toilets. 1. If you like all the conveniences of home, then you should consider installing a septic system. This type of system is by far the most expensive. The weeping bed must be installed in conformance with environmental laws, which means importing special gravel and/or filter sand. There are plastic tanks available on the market, which can be transported, even to remote sites, or you could opt to build a tank, but it would require professional design. The advantage is an independent, reliable system, requiring little maintenance, which should operate for the life of the building and handle both grey water and sanitary waste. Secondary systems include the use of outhouses and biological or chemical toilets, combined with a grey water filtration or septic system. Grey water systems can be filtered either mechanically, or through a set of weeping pipes laid below ground (consult your local Ministry of Environment concerning the exact regulations to follow). 2. If you feel comfortable using an outhouse, and consider a separate grey water system, then this is the cheapest route to follow. Outhouses can be constructed to be both aesthetic and relatively odor free, but without secondary heat, can be rather cold in the mornings, especially during the winter months. 3. Chemical or biological toilets are waste handling equipment and must meet certain safety or environmental restrictions before being put on the market. They are a relatively cheap means of having an indoor toilet, and many guarantee to be odorless (which actually has proven itself to me). Some require the use of electric motor and fans, and some are a fully energy free mechanical. They are easy to install, and relatively maintenance free, requiring only seasonal cleaning. 4. Grey water systems, when combined with the use of biological toilets or outhouses tend to be the systems of choice. Grey water systems are generally a series of weeping pipes, lain amidst a gravel bed, which connect to the building through a distribution box. Do not, under any circumstances try to connect a toilet to such systems as they are only designed for free water, and solids will stop up the pipes. Grey water weeping systems are maintenance free, and require little cost and effort to install. Of the three, I would suggest the use of a biological toilet and grey water system. This combines indoor service convenience, with lower costs, and performs well in future years. Electricity Of all the creature comforts we enjoy, most require the use of electricity. Electricity plays a very important role in our modern lifestyle, so important, that we feel obligated to include it in almost all of our building ventures. We tend to forget that it powers our pumps, fans, lights, entertainment devices and other mechanicals, which run silently unobserved in our homes. In Isolated buildings, it is used primarily to power lights, pumps and fans, necessary for the operation of the building mechanicals, as well as providing adequate power to operate televisions, radios, computers, heating pads, kitchen appliances and other comforts, not necessarily considered as part of the buildings resource needs. There are several means of obtaining power, which include fuel fired generators for active power, and solar, wind or water powered generators for passive power. Active power is exactly that, power which is available to you, at your convenience, so long as you provide the fuel source. Passive power is available only when certain conditions, pertaining to the type of generation utilized, are met (i.e. solar collectors only work on sunny days). Passive power is primarily supplied as 12-volts, and although expensive, there are many products, appliances and mechanical equipment available for this type of power supply. As well, converters are available which can convert the 12-volt into 120 volt, thereby allowing use of normal household items and mechanicals. Finally, passive systems do not currently provide, on a continual basis, the large quantity of electricity produced from fuel fired generators. With passive supply, owners must be careful and monitor their power consumption, to ensure sufficient electricity to run any necessary mechanicals, such as furnace fans or water pumps. 1. Fuel fired generators provide a constant, stable and ample supply of electricity. They are often portable, easy to install, and most produce a standard 120/240 volt current used by almost all equipment and appliances available today. They are a dependable source of constant energy, so long as you provide fuel and maintain the generation equipment. They are generally gasoline or diesel powered. Although relatively cheap to install, the one drawback to this type of generation is the high cost of its operation. Even when this cost is considered, most isolated building owners opt to install a fuel-fired generator, mostly out of convenience in building operations and their own desire for a modern lifestyle. 2. Solar power has a rather limited number of advantages, as compared to other types of electrical generation plants. First, solar collectors only work on sunny days, which are shortened considerably during the winter months. They also require the use of deep cycle batteries, which are expensive to install, and the use of a power converting unit, if you wish to change current from the 12 volts it generates, into 120 volts which is used by easily obtainable mechanicals, equipment and appliances. Furthermore, if weather is at its worst and you do not have a sun for a few days, your batteries supply of power may run out, leaving you without electricity to run even the bare necessities associated with your building. This type of system is generally utilized in combination with other generation plants, in which the alternative system could go online on an as needed basis when battery power is low. Finally, remember that this type of system is very expensive to install, although it is almost maintenance free. 3. Wind generation units are a rather temperamental unit to install, as they work well in moderate conditions, but high winds or calm days, are a bit of a drawback. Obviously, on still days with no air movement, no power is generated. But in high wind conditions, the generator is incapable of performing properly and can suffer damage. Therefor, as with solar energy, you wont be able to obtain electricity all the time, only a portion. This type of system (which is quite expensive to install) also requires that no tall trees or hills be obstructing wind flow to it. Most are installed on elevated towers or on barren hilltops. As with solar energy, they require the use of batteries for storage, and power converters for 120-volt operation. Wind generators are relatively expensive to maintain, and are generally used in conjunction with secondary or back up power systems. 4. Water powered systems encompass a rather large scope of application possibilities. Basically they provide water by turning a water wheel or turbine, which is fed with a constant supply of gravity fed water, such as a stream, spring or artesian well. With this type of system, you would have a constant supply of electricity, but one must realize the limitations. It requires a fair amount of water to power a turbine of sufficient size to operate a residential dwelling of even the smallest size. As well, there are restrictions on how such systems are installed, many of which require prior approval of ministry's and governing electric supply companies. Permits are difficult and expensive obtain. One application uses existing streams or rivers for a direct connection, often installing dams or sap lines to draw water directly into the turbine. Another alternative is to utilize a productive spring or artesian well to draw water from. And as a final alternative, the use of wind driven or ram pumps to pump water into a reservoir which in turn feeds the system. Ideally tapping into a spring or artesian well of considerable size would be the most economical, with ram pumps or wind pumps being the next cost effective, and the intimidating direct dam or sapping off a local stream, being the most expensive. Design Effective design for isolated building includes many aspects and considerations. These considerations have a large impact on the amount of material, labour and equipment required to finish the project. There seems to always be sacrifices, whether they by the overall cost of the project, room layout or finish's. The durability of the structure, especially if it is a summer cottage, left unattended during winter needs to be considered. And an accurate estimate of materials, combined with good planning is also essential to the completion of the project. 1. A good design reduces the amount of material required in two primary ways. First, it reduces the overall amount of material through effective designs which lessens waste. Second, the designer selects materials, which are small enough in size or weight, so that shipping is not a problem. 2. To reduce the amount of material, both in the building and waste product designers consider the standard manufactured sizes of materials. They dimension the building and rooms so that stock dimensions of materials are incorporated. A good example would be to construct a building in length and width dimensions, divisible by four, so that floor sheathing, floor joists and ceiling joists can be installed in uncut lengths. They plan for scrap off cuts to be used elsewhere in the building. Such as a 5' wide bathroom wall panel, which comes in 4'x8' sheets, utilizes the 3' cut off for a closet or 11' long wall. A good designer will also attempt to utilize material taken from the site itself to reduce the amount of imported material. Good examples would be stone, cast into foundations or logs being cut for use as posts and beams. 3. Shipping sizes and weight are always a problem, especially with fly-in building. Plane interiors are not designed for 4'x8' sheets or 12' long material, and weight is crucial as compared to cost. For barging, skidding or road built access, this tends not to be much of a concern, for heavy weights or large sized materials, can still be transported easily and cheaply. But it still costs. You should consider the use of small dimensioned lumber, 1x6 flooring, wall and roof sheathing instead of panels, or 6" pine interior facings instead of gypsum board (often referred to as drywall). Aspenite sheathing is not only bulky, but also heavier in weight than pine boards. Or the use of wood posts or block pillars instead of full height wall foundations. Another consideration is the ability of the material to survive shipping and storage on site. A good example would be Drywall which damages easily from mishandling, or deteriorates when exposed to wet conditions. 4. Most of the cost of putting up a building is labour. Remote location builders tend to charge about 40% more, per hour, to construct such structures. The target in this case is to reduce labour time, on site, by incorporating the use of methods such as pre-manufacturing, pre-cutting or even fully assembled units. The point I am trying to get across is that the building should be premanufactured as much as possible. Reality plays a part in just dropping a fully assembled unit on a site, but the general idea is that the building components be cut and assembled, at a manufacturing facility, or shop, in units of a size which can easily be shipped and erected on site. Heavy equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers or cranes, unless you are building road access, is more than likely out of the question. What this means is that the foundation and possible septic system, are going to have to be dug by hand. The material you choose will also have an impact on Labour time, and again I must use drywall as an example. Drywall requires a lot of time to install, tape, fill and paint, typically two weeks to complete, as opposed to paneling which can be completed in as little as two days. Massive concrete pours are obviously not an option. 5. The equipment needed to complete the building, not only has to be brought in, but will also have to be removed after the job is completed. Larger pieces of equipment, like cement mixers, mini-excavators or portable mills could be considered, if you have any type of access other than sledding (unless you are willing to leave equipment at site for one year), or fly-in. This obviously limits the owner to portable equipment, which only handles smaller amounts of material, with increased labour times. 6.The structures durability, or ability to last long periods of time, especially if left unattended, plays a part, not in the initial construction costs, but in the maintenance and repairs to the building over the years. Because most owners will be only spending a small part of their time at the building, continued maintenance on low durability buildings could easily take up most or all of your vacation time in repair and maintenance work. Materials such as vinyl siding, prefinished paneling and melamine cupboards require little maintenance with a long material life span. 7. Because transportation costs are so extensive, having extra material, or returning for forgotten or under estimated materials will raise you buildings cost. Taking the time to do an accurate estimate of materials and equipment (called a quantity survey), required to complete the building is important. The estimate should include a description of the item, number required, and location of the item in the building. Accuracy counts, and it is a good idea to have a professional, who will guarantee the quantity survey, do the estimate for you. It is very easy to forget items like, glues, screws, spare blades for saws or even gas for generators. 8. And finally, the planning of the entire project. I cannot stress the importance of a good building plan and timeline. Accurate analysis is not something an amateur should try to accomplish. Leave it to the professionals. It is very difficult to try to time deliveries with completion steps, so if your drywall arrives before the roof is on, you could end up with damaged, unusable drywall, which not only needs to be replaced, but removed as well. A good timeline should include days and dates, of what is to be completed and by when, as well as shipping, ordering and supply dates of materials or supplies. If you will be fly-in building, this task is even more daunting, for one small item missing from a shipment, could mean extra trips to the site, or reducing other supplies. 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. 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That is why we have a huge inventory of HVAC parts in stock. In fact, every part shown on this site is normally in stock and ships the same day an order is placed! If you can't find what you need on our site please contact us and we will find it for you! Prices shown are list price. We offer substantial discounts for qualified HVAC Professionals. If you are a professional, please contact our sales department to get your discount multiplier. View my complete profile