Commercial HVAC systems have to be sized appropriately to ensure a comfortable environment. An HVAC unit that is too small can make it difficult to achieve optimal comfort levels within the building, and this also causes your HVAC unit to work harder than it should. Whereas a unit that is too large can cause your system to turn on and off many times throughout the course of the day as it achieves optimal temperature rather quickly. In both of these situations, you can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your HVAC system’s parts and waste energy, which impacts your electricity bills.

Installing an appropriately sized HVAC unit is the key to achieving comfortable temperatures in the building while keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and working efficiently. Our simple guide to sizing your commercial HVAC system will give you a little more information on the factors you should consider when choosing a new HVAC System.

Guide to Sizing Your Commercial HVAC System

If the size of a single unit is above 5 tons, then it can be classified under commercial HVAC unit. Commercial HVAC units are bigger in size and can have higher efficiency. There are different types of commercial units available such as variable refrigerant flow systems, packaged rooftop systems, central systems with air handlers etc. Proper zoning and zoning controls are required which would help in the correct sizing of the system.

How to Size Commercial HVAC System

Commercial HVAC system sizing depends basically on the loads generated in the building. The loads can be broadly divided into external loads and internal loads. External loads are from the weather conditions. The building is exposed to outside conditions which bring heat directly into the interiors. Internal loads are made up of heat from lighting, people, equipment, fresh air and infiltration loads. Both the internal and external loads should be accounted for while sizing the HVAC system.

There are many calculators and types of software available in the market to size air conditioners. These will incorporate all the heat loads and can give precise values. There are many basic rules and generic calculations also available. These calculations can very well estimate the heat loads and help you arrive at an accurate number.

Calculating Heat Loads

While doing the heat load calculations, you might want to keep the following references handy:
1) Manual J/ Manual N
2) Psychometric chart
3) Duct sizing chart
4) Comfort chart from ASHRAE

Here is the procedure for calculating heat loads:

1) Use the psychometric chart to check the comfort conditions
2) Use Manual J/Manual N to calculate the heat gains in all zones
3) Calculate the amount of supply air into the room which includes fresh air and recirculated air which will give you the cooling load value. The data required to arrive is air flow of 5 liters/person, indoor and outdoor design air conditions and room slope values.
4) Finally calculate the duct sizing using duct charts, resistance values and maximum air draft at the design conditions.

These are the most comprehensive steps to get accurate system sizing for your commercial building. However, it may be easier to work with an experienced HVAC technician to determine the adequate size for your commercial HVAC system. Not only does this save you time, but it can also help you reduce any errors in calculation.

Accurate sizing can help in selecting the right systems, provide comfort conditions and bring down the utility bills. Looking at the benefits of system sizing, it is always good to put in extra effort than being sorry later. If you need help finding the right size commercial HVAC system for you, give us a call today.

Sizing Your Commercial HVAC Unit: A Simple Guide
jbenbrook

If you are considering becoming a technician in the HVAC industry, you are no doubt concerned with whether or not it is an occupation worth seeking. As with many other occupations you might pursue, this position may have you wondering: Will I find work? Will I make good money? Will my opportunity for career advancement be limited? Will I enjoy doing this? These are important questions. In an effort to dispel any worries you might have about pursuing a rewarding career in HVAC service, we would like to tackle five myths about being an HVAC tech.

5 HVAC Tech Myths Busted

Here are 5 common myths about being an HVAC technician that we’d like to bust for those who are interested in pursuing the profession:

1) HVAC techs don’t make much money.

There is potential to make very good money in the HVAC industy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians bring home a median income of $46,640. As you become more experienced and proficient in your trade, you can expect a salary approaching $70,000.

2) You’ll have a hard time finding employment.

Heating and cooling needs are not going away. In fact, there will only be more need in the future. In 2012, there were more than a quarter million HVAC technicians addressing our heating and cooling needs. That number needs to grow. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2022, the need for quality HVAC techs will grow 21 percent.

3) Becoming an HVAC tech will limit your career advancement.

About 16% of technicians go on to own their own service business, and there is room for that to grow. The highly specialized knowledge you acquire as an HVAC tech can serve as a solid foundation for running your own business. There is also the possibility of exposure to many other interesting career paths, including working with educational facilities, hospitals, even the aerospace sector.

4) Only men are HVAC technicians.

Not true. Many hardworking women actively pursue careers in HVAC service. It is just as rewarding for them as for men. In fact, maybe more so! Not only are more women working in the industry, but they’ve experienced a slightly higher pay increase than their counterparts from 2003-2007.

5) HVAC techs are not skilled workers.

Though you will grow to have greater proficiency throughout the lifetime of this rewarding career, it all starts with acquiring the basic fundamental skills. In addition to being mechanically competent, you will need specialized, accredited training, with programs taking less than two years. HVAC techs must go through a certification process. Some states require that you also pass a state level exam, so it is a good idea to investigate your state’s requirements ahead of time.

These represent a few of the major myths that people encounter as they begin to consider a career in the HVAC industry. Many HVAC companies are currently seeking qualified technicians to further teach the trade and keep up with demand. Your job will never be outsourced to a foreign land. New technology along with increasing environmental considerations are increasing the demand for knowledgeable technicians. There are numerous opportunities for advancement. There is a wide variety of work and areas of specialty. And there is the satisfaction of helping people, providing them a cool, comfortable environment in which to work and live!

We might be biased, but we think that the HVAC industry is the best to work in. If you have any other questions about the field, feel free to contact us. We’d love to share our positive experience with you.

Five Myths About Being an HVAC Tech: Revealing the Truth
jbenbrook

Let’s face it, it can be costly to run your home HVAC system. A typical home will have 40% or more of it’s energy consumption directly attributable to heating and cooling costs. But you shouldn’t have to choose between saving money or being comfortable. And now you don’t have to!

Multizone HVAC Systems

The trouble with a central air system is that in many ways it’s like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. It is a huge piece of machinery that sucks up a lot of power. It’s certainly more than capable of cooling or heating an entire house quickly, and relatively efficiently, but it leaves a lot to be desired in several areas.

The air in your home won’t all cool or warm at the same rate. Areas of the home that get more direct sunlight will heat faster than those which receive more shade. Traditionally however, if you wanted to cool those rooms which heated in the sun, you would have to run the system and cool the entire house. A centrally-located thermostat doesn’t help the efficiency any, either. And to top it off there are temperature losses incurred within the ductwork itself.

The HVAC system that can alleviate these issues isn’t a new one. Everyone has seen the ac unit hanging out of an apartment window downtown. That ac unit is properly known as a ductless heat pump. By using multiple ductless heat pumps and thermostats within a home, you can more effectively, and cheaply, manage the air within the home.

After all, why heat or cool the entire house when you just need one room cooled?

A ductless, multizone, HVAC system properly setup and used can reap huge energy savings. It will also allow for higher individual control of the temperatures within a home, which is great because not everyone likes the same temperature. Gone are the days of yelling at the kids for messing with the thermostat.

If a ductless system has you intrigued and you would like to discuss your options, give us a call at Woodacre Fuel & HVAC to discuss your multizone options, today!

Multizone HVAC Systems and Saving Money
HVAC Specialist

Mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria can and will grow inside your ductwork, around your insulation, on your air conditioner’s coils and in its drain pan. Where moisture collects spores and micro-organisms will often take root, and if you aren’t careful your HVAC system can become overrun by a melting pot of tiny life forms that have been implicated in prodigious outbreaks of allergy and disease.

Unfortunately, when your HVAC system’s blowers kick on this contamination will spread far and wide, turning the air you breathe into a murky soup of invisible icky-ness.

But if this is happening in your home take heart, because there is a remedy to the problem—ultraviolet lights, or UV lights for short. Ultraviolet lights emit rays that have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, and these rays can be harmful to biological entities if exposure is direct and continuous.

How Do UV Lights Work?

UV lamps will shine a spotlight on the mold and bacteria that have infected your heating and cooling system.

But these unwelcome microscopic guests don’t crave the spotlight. Instead they fear it, because ultraviolet light will kill them dead and waste very little time doing it.

The pulverizing rays of UV lights are usually sufficient to eliminate the micro-organisms that colonize evaporator coils, drain pans or duct systems. However, when infestations are significant it may be necessary to spread a catalyzing substance that combines with UV light to convert large populations of bacteria, mold and fungus into toothless lumps of undifferentiated mush.

UV Lamps for Healthy Air and Healthy Bodies

It may not have occurred to you that your family’s allergies or frequent bouts with mysterious flu-like symptoms were being caused by contaminated indoor air. But mold, mildew, bacteria and fungus are all potential allergens, and they are often the culprits when homes are besieged by unexplained illness.

If you install UV lamps to help you address this problem you’ll undoubtedly notice a huge difference within days. In fact UV lights will restore your health and happiness so rapidly and so efficiently we’re willing to bet you’ll never again consider living without them.

Clearing the Air with Woodacre Fuel & HVAC

The only way you can know for sure if your HVAC equipment—and your indoor air space—have been infected with mold, bacteria, mildew or fungus is to have your heating and cooling system inspected from top to bottom by a trained professional.

If you live in the Wellesley Hills area and have not had your HVAC system cleaned and inspected recently, we encourage you to contact Woodacre Fuel & HVAC right away to schedule a maintenance visit. Our trained technicians will evaluate your HVAC system for bio-contamination, and if a problem is found we will offer you the option of purchasing Performance™ Series Germicidal UV Lamps manufactured by Carrier, the leading name in the heating, cooling and air quality-maintenance industry. Carrier’s UV lamps are potent, affordable and highly energy-efficient, and if you choose to add them to your HVAC system we’re certain you won’t regret it.

Please browse our products page on this website and then call us as soon as you can to learn more about the superb UV products we sell, about the UV installation process (rest easy, we will handle that completely) and about everything else Woodacre Fuel & HVAC can do to help you solve your indoor air quality issues. Remember, the health of your family may depend on it!

What Can UV Lights Do for Your Indoor Air Quality?
HVAC Specialist

Making sure your commercial HVAC system is running smooth, is one of the most important things you can do for an office. Saving money, keeping the staff happy, productivity high and overall health. Call us today and we will be sure to make sure your system is running 100%

HVAC System Might be Robbing you Blind
HVAC Specialist

Duct cleaning services have become increasingly popular, but just how needed are these services? While routine duct cleaning isn’t proven to improve your home’s air quality or reduce dust in the home, there is evidence that heating and cooling coils, air handling units and motors can make an HVAC unit less efficient when these parts are dirty. Duct cleaning by itself may not be necessary, but in some cases, cleaning both the HVAC unit and the ductwork can be helpful.

What Is Duct Cleaning?

Those who perform professional duct cleaning use specialized vacuums, blowers and brushes in order to clean the intake, return and supply ducts in the home. Professional duct cleaning should also include a thorough cleaning of the HVAC system’s registers, grilles, motors, fans, housings, coils, and air handler.

When Is Duct Cleaning Helpful?

According to the EPA, duct cleaning can be helpful if the HVAC unit and the ducts are contaminated. While it doesn’t hurt to get routine duct cleaning, this service isn’t necessary unless you’ve experienced the following:

• Renovations—Renovating or remodeling your home can result in dirty ductwork, especially if the ducts weren’t sealed off. If there was asbestos abatement, significant dust, or lead paint removal, you may need to have your ductwork cleaned.
• Animals—If you notice animal infestation or nesting inside your ducts or HVAC system, clean both the ductwork and the HVAC unit after the animals have been removed.
• Mold—Mold growth can be a problem inside ductwork, so get your ducts and HVAC system cleaned if you notice visible mold growth.
• Contaminants—Clean your ducts if you notice pet hair, debris, odors or other contaminants, as the ducts can release them into the room after the registers have been vacuumed and cleaned.
• Illness—If anyone in your home is suffering from an allergy-related illness that can’t be explained, you might want to consider having your ducts and HVAC unit cleaned if no other step has helped alleviate the problem.

How Can I Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams?

If you do decide to get your ducts cleaned, you’ll want to steer clear of scams. Fortunately, professional, reputable HVAC cleaning services do exist. Avoid any company that claims your home is “unhealthy,” and follow these tips:

• Get a full service cleaning.
• Check references.
• Avoid any gimmicks.
• Get free estimates.
• Check certifications and standards.
• Verify results of the cleaning.
• Avoid sprays and sealants.
• Avoid steam cleaning.

Duct cleaning can be helpful when done professionally. If your home is in need of duct cleaning services, trust a quality company that cleans not just your ducts, but your entire HVAC system as well.

Follow us for additional tips and information on heating, cooling and more.

What Are the True Benefits of Duct Cleaning?
HVAC Specialist

Choosing the correct heat pump for your HVAC system is all about size. We can help you choose the perfect size to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

Are you ready to replace the heat pump in your home’s HVAC system? If so, there are a few important things you need to consider before running out to the store. One of the most important considerations is the size of your heat pump. When selecting your heat pump, you need to consider your entire HVAC system, including its performance and efficiency, and how your heat pump will function and fit within that system.

It’s All About Size

Why is size so important? Ultimately, the size of your heat pump can significantly affect the efficiency and long-term performance of your entire HVAC system. If you don’t choose the correct size for your heat pump, you can end up with a variety of system malfunctions and increased energy costs. Choosing a pump that is either too small or too large can lead to the following:

• Inflated energy costs
• Drastic temperature fluctuations
• Imbalance of indoor humidity
• Short cycling in your HVAC system

For all of these reasons, it is vital that you choose a heat pump that is perfectly sized for your HVAC unit. This seems like a huge responsibility—how can you possibly determine the perfect size? Don’t worry, there is a method to the madness.

How to Size a Heat Pump

There is a standard method for sizing a heat pump, called the Manual J method, which is used across the HVAC industry and across the country. This method, established by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, is a proven method for determining just the right heat pump for your HVAC system.

The Manual J Method

The Manual J method is effective because it takes into account a comprehensive list of the energy-related elements in your home:

• Your home’s specific design and footprint
• Your local climate, including heating and cooling degree days
• Location and number of windows in your home
• Amount of air infiltration that occurs in your home
• Number of residents in your home
• Residents’ preferences for indoor air temperature and quality
• Existing lighting and heat-generating appliances
• Amount and efficiency rating of your home’s existing insulation

All of these considerations are vital to determining which size of heat pump is the right choice for your home. Fortunately, you do not have to make this determination yourself. This is where an HVAC contractor can help you. You want to make sure that the contractor you choose to work with will utilize the Manual J Method when determining the appropriate size for your heat pump.

Choosing the right heat pump for your home can be a huge responsibility. That is why the experienced team at Woodacre Fuel & HVAC is here to help you. Call us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you increase the energy efficiency of your home!

What Size Heat Pump Do I Need?
HVAC Specialist

Heat pumps are usually covered with ice or frost due to their nature of operation. However, it is not normal for these equipment to be covered with ice on top or inside the coils for longer periods. When there is extreme icing, it may indicate a serious underlying problem which may need urgent attention. Heat pump freeze up may arise if the unit is entirely covered with ice meaning that vital operational controls have failed to eliminated the ice build up. This may trigger operational problems in heating or cooling.

Defrost Cycle

Frost forms around the fins and coils because the unit is cooling already cool air containing some moisture. Basically when the system detects any frost, the process switches to cooling mode. Hot refrigerant is reversed to move through the coils to the outside. This melts any ice and therefore defrosting the system in the process. When defrost cycle is over, the system switches back to heating mode.

Causes of Heat Pump Freeze Up

Because defrost cycle is meant to remove any ice or frost build up, heat pump freezing up may be caused by a fault in the equipment components. If your heat pump freezes up, there might be a problem which may include: low levels of refrigerant, faulty defrost controls, thermostat, and sensors as well as bad defrost relay. Freeze up might also be triggered by sticking up reverse valves, malfunctioning of outdoor motor including improper leveling of the equipment and poor drainage.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting Steps

If you suspect heat pump freeze up, it is prudent to contact a reputable HVAC contractor for professional assistance. Before the contractor comes to your rescue, the following may help you prevent any further damage to the unit. To check for any problem, shut down the unit for your safety. Clean up filters or replace them, unblock indoor air vents and registers, remove obstacles which stand in front of the heat pump coils and most importantly, seal up gutters leaking water directly to the unit.

Following the above troubleshooting tips may help you prevent heat pump freeze up which may lead to permanent damage of your equipment. For this reason, follow us for more articles that will keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently.

Heat Pump Freezing Up? What Do You Do?
HVAC Specialist

A Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer is an esteemed award that’s given to recognized contractors and dealers who’ve met some demanding national standard. Only a handful of air conditioning contractors across the country have earned this award. As such, a client who opts for such companies can be assured that they’ll receive top-notch expertise, professional customer service and the best installation to take care of warranty obligations and liability coverage. The firms who’ve met the Carrier Corporation standards also adhere to sound business practices in the installation of heat pumps and repairing HVAC units.

Features of Carrier Authorized Dealers

There are many good reasons why one should hire a Carrier authorized contractor or dealer. In doing so, one can be assured of dependable and superior service. Some of the features that distinctive of Carrier authorized dealers include:

Efficiency

For a firm to qualify as a Carrier authorized dealer, they need to show that they can match their client’s needs for the best heating and cooling solutions. The firms thus undertake rigorous professional training to acquaint themselves with the key characteristics of Carrier equipment. They also need to demonstrate that they can put these practices to effective use in order to match their client’s comfort needs and ensure quick yet reliable solutions.

Expertise

The technicians who work for Carrier authorized contractors and dealers also undergo scheduled training at the facilities. They need to adhere to various stringent national standards. Whether one is looking for air conditioning repair or is looking for new equipment, these experienced technicians will surely get the job done in time.

Professionalism

Carrier emphasizes that all authorized dealers possess the required licenses and that they have proper insurance coverage. They also need to prove that they can honor their warranties and assist clients in taking advantage of them. To say the least, one can rest assured when it comes to upfront treatment, integrity and honesty with the dealers.

HVAC Installation, Repair and More

Carrier factory authorized dealers offer extensive HVAC services. They’re well equipped to help clients with matters pertaining installing, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Most also offer service agreements and maintenance contracts to make life easier. The dealers also possess EPA certification for proper handling of refrigerants. When one opts for a Carrie factory authorized dealer, they can expect excellent service and superior quality. Follow us for more articles to make sure your HVAC systems are running comfortably and efficiently.

What It Means To Be A Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer
HVAC Specialist

Ductless Split HVAC systems are now a preferred option in many parts of Europe. They have proven to be more efficient compared to conventional duct HVAC systems. Here are some valid reasons why a ductless split system will help your HVAC work more efficiently reducing cost.

Why are Ducted HVAC Systems no Longer Popular?

Before we get to the advantages of ductless HVAC units, let’s see why ducted units are getting phased out. To begin with, a lot of effort is required to install duct HVAC units because they are inflexible and complicated in their setups. Additionally, buildings have to be modified in a way that will accommodate the HVAC units and the duct systems. When it comes to performance, ducts lead to poor performance of HVAC unit since they are prone to leakages; debris collect in them and the duct size don’t always match the HVAC units fixed to them.

Advantages of Ductless HVAC Systems

They don’t require any ducts and are easier and faster to install. The units come self-contained with the fan coil tucked inside to give the unit a more appealing look. You also have the freedom to install the unit wherever you want; you can mount them on walls or hung them on ceilings to cool a room. The condenser is set outside, away from the house, getting rid of leakage problems. Interior designers are more motivated to expand their design ideas placing the ductless units in specific spaces where they will work more efficiently.

Additionally, ductless split HVAC systems are reasonably energy efficient. The HVAC compressor is regulated through advanced inverter technology ensuring that the units provide the exact energy required to heat or cool a room. They also come with a SEER rating of 13 to 36 which can save up to 60% of monthly utility bills. Given their flexibility, the ductless HVAC systems can fit in both modern houses and old structures where conventional HVAC systems cannot fit.

The ductless split HVAC systems are flexible and easier to install compared to conventional units. You will realize that you save more energy and utility bills per month than before. Follow our blog today to learn more tips on how you can benefit from ductless HVAC systems.

Is A Ductless Split System Right For Me?
HVAC Specialist