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September 14, 2018 by Matt Hanson

Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS) part 3

DOAS and VRF

The choice of installing an Indoor DOAS unit, especially if the existing HVAC system already includes provisions for OA, is for operating efficiencies. Therefore they need to meet ventilation code requirements or occupant comfort. But we are now seeing new cooling technology being specified having no provisions for OA and requires a dedicated outside air system. One of these systems is the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system.

Japan was the first to introduce the variable refrigerant flow technology in the 1980s. This was for a flexible way to condition spaces without the complexity of large HVAC systems. Furthermore, they did not require bulky mechanical rooms and expensive ducting. As technology improved, the American market embraced VFR systems but to a lesser degree.

Today’s VRF units offer the building owner/manager many benefits including low first cost, simple installation. Other benefits are minimal maintenance, and the ability to run multiple evaporator units from a single condensing unit. With all its benefits, VRF systems have limited to no ability to satisfy ASHRAE ventilation requirements. Also, these systems cannot remove excess latent loads typical of certain geographical regions.

With rising energy costs and expanding energy consumption awareness, it’s no wonder VRF technology continues to popularize in the U.S. marketplace. VRF has the potential to achieve significant energy savings compared to older HVAC systems, according to a study by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Reports going as far back as 2012, estimates indicated the U.S. Market to be worth over $7 billion for VRF systems. More recent estimates of the U.S market indicate a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent expected through 2019. You can expect the sales of DOAS systems will grow as much if not better to match the upcoming surge in OA units.

DOAS Are Not all Built Alike

Dedicated Outside Air Systems is an ideal choice for new construction

Retrofit installations add to your existing HVAC system to improve performance. Traditional HVAC roof-top systems require adequate space for the air handler location and ducting large enough to handle both the ventilation/supply and return air. DOAS is ideal to handle the latent load requirements for OA requirements and dehumidification while the existing HVAC system manages the sensible load.

A DOAS system is ideally suited for retrofit applications where the new HVAC system (air handler and DOAS) must work within the confines of the existing space. The installation of original HVAC systems in one of many configurations, require the design engineer and contractor to manage challenges as needed. Some manufacturers of DOAS units like United CoolAir Corporation have taken this serious problem into account. Because they designed their units with special features to overcome even the most perplexing installation challenges.

United CoolAir’s DOAS design, like their entire line of air conditioning equipment, is specifically for indoor installation. This feature is extremely important for multi-story buildings that have limited or no access to the roof or ground pad. Unit sizing to accommodate floor-by-floor installations and multiple units are easily installed if more cooling capacity is needed. Easy mounting of air-cooled condensers indoors near an outside wall for waste heat removal. Additionally, a water-cooled condenser option is available if using a water tower.

One Size does not Fit All

Unlike the “one size fits all” approach by some manufacturers, the United CoolAir outside air system is made specifically for each project. Vertical configurations are ideal for small mechanical rooms, including closets while horizontal styles offer in-ceiling mounting, saving valuable floor space.

Having the ability to customize your DOAS unit to fit your installation requirements can save thousands of dollars in contractor charges and shorten installation time. United CoolAir’s OmegaAir II allows modification in air paths, component configuration, and utility placement before leaving the factory. They also offer a comprehensive list of factory-installed options to meet even the most complex cooling requirements.

Retrofit applications generally have limited access to the job site. United CoolAir’s indoor, customizable DOAS units can break down into sections that fit through standard doorways, halls, and elevators. Lifting units by crane and modifying the building structure to accommodate equipment becomes a thing of the past. Additionally, this saves time and thousands of dollars in building modifications. United CoolAir charges and tests each of their units before leaving the factory. DOAS units include resealable refrigerant couplings between separable sections to preserve the factory refrigerant charge. The refrigerant couplings reattach during job site assembly and are ready for immediate operation. The elimination of Brazing, recharging, and testing saves additional time and money.

Dedicated outside air systems are as necessary to the safe and efficient cooling and dehumidification operation in commercial buildings. It is important to investigate the many systems available to find a DOAS that best fits your unique installation requirements.

December 7, 2017 by Matt Hanson

Portable Temporary Mobile Cooling Units

Most of the time HVAC units installations occur in a particular location where they live out their usefulness. However, there are other times when commercial heating, cooling, and dehumidification can be the right solution. Situations sometimes arise where the requirement of HVAC units is short term. This is where a portable/temporary/mobile cooling or heating unit can be the perfect solution.

Sometimes mobile temporary HVAC units replace a permanent unit when shutting them down for a period of time. Other times it might be a special event such as a large tent gathering. This sometimes encompasses natural disasters or even healthcare facilities. The instances where portable commercial cooling can be used are infinite. Manufacturing spot cooling, plant shutdowns, emergencies, and telecommunication rooms to name a few.

United CoolAir Mobile Units

Portable units are usually, but not necessarily on wheels and placed in any commercial building or space and even outdoors and powered by a generator. United CoolAir produces units that range from 3–30 tons. Larger units are sometimes trailer mounted to provide quicker transportation to a particular job site. This makes them a valuable resource when there is a call for these types of situations.

While most portable HVAC units are air-cooled, water or chilled water are occasionally used. Although cooling and heating units involve a huge market share, they also use dehumidification. In this case, dedicated heating units look very similar to their counterparts. Rugged United CoolAir units are so due to their metal construction. Furthermore, rental companies stock up on these exceptional units as part of their fleet. However, if renting a unit for more than a few times, anybody can purchase these portable units factory direct. This can lead to enhanced cost savings.

Advancements are ongoing in the portable A/C industry such as United CoolAir’s mobile units that provide UV-C light to disinfect airborne pathogens. In order to meet today’s portable HVAC needs, new products will continually arise on the market.

October 5, 2017 by United CoolAir

Why Use a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner For Special Events

A commercial portable air conditioner is relatively compact. It’s also easy to transport and the installation takes only a few minutes, even if you’ve never done it before. This makes a commercial portable air conditioner the perfect solution to short term cooling needs. Also, it is an absolutely perfect solution for special events held in outdoor venues. In fact, this amazing technology can save the day in these cases!

How Is a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Used?

You will often see commercial portable air conditioners set up at outdoor events where air-conditioned tents are set up. These include special events like festivals; trade shows; traveling shows; large family reunions; outdoor weddings; wedding receptions; private parties; music concerts; religious events; corporate celebrations; and even conferences. A commercial portable air conditioner can also come in handy when cooling is absolutely essential for a special event. For example, they often use these for special events involving nursing home residents or other events. This is due to elderly people being more prone to heat-related illnesses. A tent cooled by a commercial portable air conditioner can also serve as a good space for a blood drive. It can serve as a temporary place at the fairgrounds to do routine medical checkups on seniors.

Everyone Will Be Happier If You Cool Down and Dehumidify Your Space

If you are an event planner or just putting together a one-time event, the environment guests are exposed to plays a huge role in event success. For example, you can have the most beautiful bride wearing the most beautiful gown; the best band; the most spectacular flowers; and a well-planned lovely ceremony; but it will be ruined if everyone is hot and or sticky from the humidity. This is why air conditioning is so crucial at any special event. Luckily, this is something you can control with a portable unit without breaking the bank. Even if your outdoor special event is going to take place in an area that only gets into the 70 to 80-degree range; you may be surprised at how miserable people can be if the humidity is also high.

Should You Rent or Buy a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner?

While a commercial portable air conditioner is rentable, if you plan to use a commercial portable air conditioner more than a couple of times a year, it will likely be more economical for you to actually buy one. Since they are relatively compact, they don’t take much space to store. A small storage room or even a closet will suffice. Furthermore, they are not that expensive compared to a traditional HVAC system where the ducting is very expensive to install. Buying your own unit also prevents you from having to track one down every time you need it for an event.

How Many BTUs Do You Need?

As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to use about 12,000 BTU per 250 square feet of space. However, this may vary depending on the height of the space you need to cool. The ambient temperature and humidity can also play a role in the power you need. It is always best to describe the area you plan to cool to the dealer you buy or rent from. Furthermore, ask for his or her advice on what size and power commercial portable air conditioner you need to get.

A Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Can Give a Much Needed “Cool Zone”

When it comes to outdoor special events, every year people die or suffer significant illness from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The United States Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 7,233 heat-related deaths occurred in America during a ten year period from 1999 – 2009. If you are planning an outdoor event in an area with high temperatures and humidity, it is imperative you provide “cool zones”. This is where people can cool off and get their core body temperature down to prevent heatstroke. The symptoms of heatstroke include nausea, mental confusion, fever, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It is best to include at least one portable “indoor space” that is air-conditioned. In this way, people can escape the heat if they begin to feel these telltale symptoms coming on.

June 19, 2017 by United CoolAir

Commercial Air Conditioning & Heating Can Increase Profits

While there are business costs associated with upgrading and maintaining a commercial air conditioning & heating system, doing so can increase your profits significantly. In fact, these increased profits can more than pay for any costs associated with an organization’s commercial AC & heating. These are factors that are often overlooked and we wanted to draw attention to them.

Keeping employees comfortable in environmentally controlled work environments with a highly efficient commercial AC & heating systems increase work productivity. Many research studies on this come to this conclusion, so the matter is not in dispute by efficiency experts. An employees’ mental focus is vastly improved if the commercial air conditioning & heating system is in good working order. If an employee is too cold or hot, this source of discomfort becomes a constant source of distraction for them.

Commercial Air Conditioning & Heating unit

Improve Workplace performance

Having employees out sick can also eat into your profits. Some tasks just won’t complete as fast as you would prefer. Even if you hire a temp, they won’t know the job as well as a permanent employee. Other permanent employees could try to pitch in and carry a heavier load to make up for the absent employee. However, they can become stressed, and therefore, less efficient.

Flu season eventually arrives, and if your commercial AC & heating system doesn’t warm your workspaces adequately trouble ensues. If dampness removal from the air, fails to happen, employees will be less resistant to illnesses going around that season. Also, if even one employee gets sick reports for work, he/she can quickly spread that virus to other employees. Keeping your workspaces environmentally comfortable not only keeps them happy and mentally sharp, but it also keeps them healthy. This too increases your work productivity and your profits.

If you run a business where customers or clients come onsite, a well-working commercial AC & heating system becomes a magnetic draw. Perhaps this is better than any signage you may have in front of your business. Specifically, if the business offers a respite from the hot temperatures of a summertime heatwave, foot traffic will probably increase. Likewise, if your commercial AC & heating unit provides a warm and cozy environment during a cold winter day, it will attract more customers. Furthermore, customers and clients will be more likely to remain longer if your inside environment feels better than the outdoors.

Beyond Temperature Control

Beyond temperature control, commercial AC & heating units also offer another huge advantage to people trying to escape the uncomfortable outdoor weather elements. These systems also regulate humidity. A warm day in late spring can quickly turn from a comfortable to uncomfortable environment if the humidity rises. Even temperatures in the 70s can have that “icky sticky” feel if the humidity is high. There is a similar effect in the winter. A mild winter day can be “bone-chillingly” cold if the air is wet with high humidity and it penetrates garments. If your commercial air conditioning & heating unit involves regular maintenance well and controls the humidity adequately; your business will become a place your customers and clients want to be, even if they don’t consciously know why.

When evaluating a commercial AC & heating company to potentially work with, be sure they provide technicians that will maintain your system at peak performance. Also, make sure they have a rapid response time to fix any problems that may arise. In this way, you can ensure that you maintain a comfortable work environment for your employees. It will also guarantee that customers and clients use your business and enjoy doing business with you. In this way, your AC system, and whatever associated costs with maintaining and repairing it, will easily pay for itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you hear people say things like, “Oh, I just love to shop there,” or “That’s one of my favorite places to go”; that business’ AC system is very likely a primary contributing factor. This is true even if the customer or client doesn’t realize that’s why they like the business so much. The same is true for happy employees who make comments like, “I’m lucky because my coworkers get along really well”; or “I like my office so well it hardly feels like work”. Never overlook the power of your commercial air conditioning & heating system to your bottom line.

May 15, 2017 by United CoolAir

Commercial HVAC Replacement: Important Retrofit Considerations

A whopping 70% of all commercial buildings built prior to 1980 have not had commercial HVAC replacements or upgrades! Because of this, there are an estimated five million buildings that are long overdue for a commercial HVAC replacement. If your building is one of these, here are a few important facts for you to consider before you tackle this important retrofit.

Commercial HVAC Replacement Saves Energy and Money

If you own or manage a building, there is one big advantage to commercial HVAC replacement. The fact is a new HVAC system will always run more efficiently and use less energy to operate. This will save you a very significant amount of money. Energy prices per kilowatt hours range from six to twelve cents or more, depending on where your building is located. Therefore, the cost savings will be greater in regions where the electricity rates are higher. However, energy costs are currently rising substantially almost everywhere so you are bound to save a ton of money with a commercial HVAC replacement. This is regardless of where your building is located. This is especially true if you add up your energy cost savings over the lifetime of your commercial HVAC system.

Commercial HVAC Replacement Is Trickier Than Installing a HVAC System During New Construction

When a new building is being constructed, it is much easier to install a commercial HVAC system. First, it can be installed when there is open access, i.e. before walls and roofs go up! Second, commercial equipment, like a commercial crane, is already onsite and ready to help install the building’s first HVAC system. The crane makes it relatively easy to lower a large chiller into a basement or install a rooftop HVAC unit.

However, twenty or thirty years later, after the building is complete and the construction equipment is gone, and the walls and roof are in place, it can be much trickier to install a new HVAC system. The building may have also gained closer neighbors, mature trees, and other potential obstacles that weren’t there when the building was first built. Due to all of these factors, if you’re not careful, and you don’t know the type of HVAC unit you need for your retrofit; your installation costs can be more than the actual unit!

There Are Easy To Install Options For Retrofitting HVAC Systems In Older Buildings

Commercial HVAC Replacement EZ-Fit Module

Having said the above, there are several solutions that can keep your installation costs down. Furthermore, it makes it much easier to retrofit a new HVAC system into an older building. For example, United CoolAir adapts HVAC units to make retrofit projects simple and easy to install. Choosing a splittable system can also be a great choice. This allows your installers to maneuver the HVAC system through a standard thirty-two-inch doorway and into a standard-sized elevator. These EZfit units can save you manpower and therefore lower your installation costs. They also fit more easily above a ceiling or in a crowded mechanical room.

There Are Several Benefits To Indoor HVAC Units

If you currently have an outdoor and or rooftop HVAC unit, replacing it with an inside HVAC unit will free up space. This could make room for other things such as solar panels or a rooftop garden. This will also remove the noise of your old HVAC unit from the rooftop or other outdoor areas. This makes it a much more enjoyable space for your tenants. Further, it is much easier to make repairs when the HVAC unit is indoors. You’ll also greatly reduce the chance of weather damage or vandalism. Unfortunately, there has been a rash of copper theft from outdoor HVAC units over the last decade.

There Are Likely Programs Available To Defray Your Cost

There are several government programs that can significantly lower the cost of your commercial HVAC replacement. These include PACE bonds, leasing programs, and energy programs like Potomac Edison. Potomac ED’s program provides up to a fifty percent rebate of the purchase price of your new HVAC. Of course, this excludes taxes, for each VFD installed (capped at a total of $250,000). These financial incentives make it a much easier decision to do a commercial HVAC replacement.

Conclusion

If you pick the right HVAC system, commercial HVAC replacement can be almost as simple as screwing in a lightbulb! It can also save you a lot of money and can provide many other advantages as well. Give us a call for additional information. We’ll be happy to go over your options and give you specific recommendations.