Jessica Freeman – WernerCo

HVAC systems keep homes and businesses comfortable in the warmer months by circulating air through ventilation, cooling and filtering. They also heat spaces, control humidity levels and eliminate harmful gases.

The V in HVAC stands for ventilation, which involves an HVAC system’s air handler, ductwork and return vents providing mechanical ventilation that reduces humidity, normalizes temperatures and exhausts carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for professional help.

When you think of heating and cooling systems, you probably envision ductwork delivering conditioned air throughout the home. However, there are other options for delivering heated and cooled air, including vents that can be used individually or in groups, as well as whole-home ventilation systems.

HVAC systems can be powered by gas, electricity or other energy sources. In general, the higher the efficiency rating of an HVAC system, the lower its operating costs will be. This is especially true for systems that are ENERGY STAR® certified, which have been independently verified to meet stringent energy efficiency standards.

Furnaces and boilers generate heat, which is distributed via ductwork in homes during colder weather. They are often rated by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). A furnace that is rated 80% AFUE or higher will use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat.

Other components of a HVAC system include ductwork, vents, registers and thermostats. Ductwork is typically divided into supply and return ducts to control the flow of conditioned air. In addition, the supply ducts can be connected to individual rooms through vents or registers, which can be controlled by dampers. Vents can also be equipped with filters to remove dust, pollen, odors and other allergens from the air.

Air cleaners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be added to HVAC systems for improved indoor air quality. They can reduce odors, mold and mildew growth, as well as improve asthma and other respiratory conditions by removing harmful substances from the air. These can be circulated by the system’s air handling unit or by a separate vent.

Cooling

The cooling systems in hvac use the same principles as heating systems to cool indoor air. They pull in air from the outside, heat it with electricity or a fuel (gasoline or natural gas), and distribute it throughout the property through ductwork. The ductwork includes vents and registers that allow conditioned air to enter rooms and return the cooled air to the system.

The evaporator coil in the air handling unit absorbs heat from the incoming air, and the blower fan pushes the air through the ductwork to the rooms. The air filters remove dust, pollen, and other contaminants from the conditioned air. The refrigerant gas then travels to the compressor, where it’s pressurized and turns into a liquid. The liquid then travels to the condenser, where it releases the heat into the outdoor air.

Some systems include an economizer mode that uses fresh outside air to cool the building. When this feature is active, the control system will open the outdoor air damper and close the return air damper. It will then compare the temperature of the outdoor air to the demand for cooling. If the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than the demand, it will shut off the air conditioner and use the outdoor air to cool the building.

All HVAC equipment must be properly sized and matched to its intended application in order to achieve optimal efficiency and comfort. The equipment must also be maintained by qualified professionals to ensure the highest levels of performance. Newer HVAC equipment is generally more energy efficient than older models. However, even the most advanced equipment won’t perform as expected if your home or commercial facility isn’t well insulated and tightly sealed.

Ventilation

In the past, most homes had plenty of natural ventilation through gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings as well as opening and closing doors. But modern construction creates tightly sealed buildings that require a mechanical system for ventilation. The ventilation part of HVAC (the V in HVAC) takes many forms, but most systems consist of an air handling unit, ductwork, and air vents or registers.

The air handler contains the evaporator coil and blower fan that circulates conditioned air to rooms through a network of ducts. It may also contain filters that remove dust and pollutants from the air before it’s blown into living spaces. Some systems, such as heat-recovery ventilators or energy recovery ventilators, recycle sensible and latent heat from stale air by using thermal exchangers or enthalpy wheels.

Ventilation systems can also include gaseous filters that remove odors and volatile organic compounds from the air. They typically use permanganate oxidizers or activated charcoal and must be regularly maintained or replaced.

The ductwork is the main conduit for conditioned air in most ducted HVAC systems. It consists of supply ducts that distribute heated or cooled air and return ducts that bring the conditioned air back to the HVAC system. The air vents or registers are the openings in walls and ceilings where the conditioned air enters and exits the room. They may be equipped with dampers that regulate the flow of conditioned air into the room and can be adjusted to control temperatures.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the brain of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. It senses the temperature in a room and controls when your HVAC system turns on and off. It can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Keeping your thermostat in good working condition is crucial to your HVAC system’s health. A broken thermostat can lead to inaccurate readings, which means your system may run more than it needs to or won’t turn off when the house reaches the desired temperature. Thermostat problems can also cause your utility bills to go up and lead to premature wear and tear on your equipment.

Thermostats come in a variety of styles, from simple mechanical models to programmable digital thermostats that can be controlled from a smartphone. Newer, smart thermostats can even learn your preferred temperatures and habits. However, you’ll need to make sure the model you choose is compatible with your HVAC system.

A thermostat’s sensor relies on thermal expansion to measure the air temperature. It consists of two metal strips bolted together, each made of different materials that expand or contract depending on how hot or cold they get. As the bimetallic strips bend, they create an electrical circuit that tells the furnace to produce heat or the AC to cool your space.

A thermostat needs a constant source of power to read the temperature accurately. Some use a wired connection that draws 24 volts from your home’s electrical system while others rely on backup batteries in case of an outage.

Filters

Keeping your HVAC system’s air filter clean can significantly reduce energy bills and extend the life of your equipment. Filters are essential for removing contaminants like dust, mold spores, pet dander, and mildew before they circulate in your home or business. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to work harder than necessary and increase your utility costs. Choosing the right type of filter for your needs is important, as well. Some filters are better for allergy sufferers, while others have higher MERV ratings that block smaller particles.

Fiberglass filters are the most common and cost-effective filters on the market. They are typically disposable and should be changed every 30 days. They are designed to trap larger contaminants, including lint, household dust, mold spores, pet hair, and bacteria.

MERV ratings range from 13 to 16. Filters with a higher MERV rating are available, but they can restrict airflow and can damage your HVAC equipment.

Electrostatic filters use electrostatically charged fibers to trap microscopic airborne particles, such as lint, dust, household allergens, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. They are more expensive than fiberglass filters but may be an option for homeowners with respiratory problems.

Rent Storage Unit

Choosing Between Home and Commercial Boat Storage

September 17, 2024 Jessica Freeman

If you don’t have room for your boat at home or are concerned about securing it from vandalism and theft, there are several commercial options available. These include dry storage, which protects boats from the sun and foul weather.

Uncovered outdoor storage is the cheapest, but it exposes boats to harsh conditions. Warehouse storage and dry stacked storage are popular choices near bodies of water and offer structural protection. Learn more about Boat Storage as you continue reading.

Boat ownership is at an all-time high and many homeowners don’t have the space to store their boats in their driveways or yards. This is why outdoor storage is a popular choice. The benefits of at-home storage include avoiding the costly fees associated with a boat storage facility, and keeping the vessel protected from weather elements and pests.

At-home storage also allows boat owners to easily access their boats for weekend excursions or holidays. Using a boat trailer or docking system, they can drive their vehicle to their home, and then hitch their boat on the back for easy transportation to the water.

Another benefit of at-home storage is that it helps protect the boat from salt and other contaminants that can damage the hull, engine, and other components of the vessel. It is important to regularly clean the boat before storing it, and make sure that all food, beverages, and perishables are removed to prevent the attraction of pests. Lastly, a tarp should be used to provide protection from rain and snow.

Indoor storage is a more expensive option, but it offers optimal protection/coverage from the weather elements and is more secure than outdoor storage. It’s important for a facility to offer flexible contracts, as seasonal usage means varying demand throughout the year. In addition, providing value-added services, like on-site maintenance and cleaning, can help justify premium pricing and set the facility apart from competitors.

Aside from offering the right type of boat storage, it’s also critical to locate the facility in a convenient and visible location. Consider looking for properties that are ideally situated near popular bodies of water and marinas, as well as major roadways that allow for easy transportation to and from the facility. Additionally, it’s important to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that the property is in compliance with legal regulations and environmental considerations.

While a complete guide to building your own boat storage business is ideal, some investors and entrepreneurs may opt to buy an existing boat/RV storage facility instead of starting from scratch. In this case, an in-depth evaluation of the facility, including its financial performance and reputation, can provide valuable insights into its potential for growth and profitability. In addition, implementing a reliable self storage management software can streamline operational efficiency and automate processes, helping to increase profits.

Marina Storage

Choosing home or marina storage for your vessel comes down to the amount of space you have available, your budget, and the level of safety and security you’re looking for. Keeping your boat on your property gives you the most access to it, but also leaves it vulnerable to the elements, vandalism, HOA hassles, and a loss of curb appeal. Conversely, a strategically-located marina offers a happy medium that provides formidable weather and theft protection along with a short drive to your favorite waterway, all for an affordable monthly fee.

At a marina, you’ll have your choice of wet slip, dry dock, or high-and-dry boat storage. Wet slips keep your boat in the water at the marina, making it easy to take her out on a moment’s notice. However, bobbing in the water leaves your boat prone to damage from salt, wind, and sun, which can wear away the gel coat and corrode metallic components.

Dry docking, on the other hand, lifts your boat out of the water after each use and stores it on a specialized docking system, keeping it above the waterline. This method minimizes the amount of sand and salt in your boat’s bottom, dramatically mitigating maintenance costs. At the same time, your boat will require more frequent hull cleanings.

Many marinas offer high-and-dry boat storage, which involves storing your vessel in a warehouse facility. Boats are stacked vertically on racks in long rows, either outdoors or indoors depending on the location. This storage option is popular for older vessels, but it can also accommodate newer boats that are too large for wet slips. The only drawback is that it can take awhile for your boat to be retrieved from the warehouse, which may require advanced notice and a crane or forklift.

The good news is that boat storage facilities generally employ a combination of amenities to provide the best possible boating experience, including showers, dining, exercise facilities, marine supplies and other services that will make your life on board much more enjoyable. In addition, most marinas also have on-trailer or dry stack boat storage options, which are ideal for part-time liveaboard boaters or those that don’t have the space to store a yacht at their own homes.

High-and-Dry Storage

If you’re a high-performance boat owner, dry storage is an important choice to keep your investment safe. High-performance boats are built for speed and agility, and regular water exposure can damage the engine, hull, and other components. Choosing dry storage protects your investment and ensures that your boat performs its best, so you can enjoy an exhilarating and safe experience every time you hit the water.

Dry storage is typically more expensive than wet storage, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Over the long term, it reduces wear and tear, lowers maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of your boat. Additionally, many insurance premiums are lower for boats stored in dry facilities.

With the right planning and site design, it’s possible to offer both wet and dry storage. By offering both options, your facility can cater to both occasional and frequent boaters. This helps you increase revenue and grow your customer base over time.

When choosing a marina or boat storage facility, be sure to inspect the area and speak with staff members about their experience and expertise. You’ll also want to ask about any special amenities and additional charges that may apply. For example, some facilities charge for every time a staff member docks or undocks your boat, which can add up quickly if you’re a frequent boater.

Another factor to consider is whether or not the facility offers a boat lift. A boat lift is a great way to protect your boat from weather-related damages and make it easier for you to access your boat. Additionally, a boat lift can help prevent theft and vandalism by keeping your boat off of the ground.

Finally, ask about the availability of fully-enclosed storage. While fully-enclosed storage provides a higher level of protection and security, it can also lead to increased humidity levels. If humidity is an issue, ask the facility if they provide climate control or ventilation to address the problem.

Open-Air Storage

There are several types of open-air boat storage. Some facilities feature a large field with a chain-link fence or partially paved or concrete stalls, while others offer roof-only structures that cover the vessels. This type of storage is typically cheaper than indoor options, but it leaves boats exposed to weather elements and pests that can shorten their lifespan. If you opt for this option, make sure your boat has a canopy, is shrink-wrapped or otherwise protected when it’s in storage.

Some homeowners’ associations forbid boat storage on driveways or in the street, driving owners to look for alternative options. Many of these owners turn to a nearby boatyard for storage. While these options aren’t as clean or convenient as a storage facility, they offer more flexibility to those who frequently use their boat and need a place to park it after returning from the water. Boatyards are often less expensive than a marina or high-and-dry storage, but you’ll need to prepare your boat for winter and make arrangements with a repair service before storing it.

Another alternative to open-air storage is covered parking, which strikes a balance between cost and protection. These spaces feature a roof that covers the boats but leave them exposed on all other sides, much like a carport. Unlike indoor storage, however, covered parking spaces aren’t equipped with climate-control options, making them less appealing for those looking for an enclosed space.

Depending on the size and value of your boat, your location, and what types of recreational activities you enjoy, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each boat storage option before selecting the one that’s right for you. Once you’ve settled on a storage location, it’s time to consider how you’ll maintain your vessel between uses. In order to protect your investment, you’ll want to keep up with routine maintenance and make sure all of the parts are in good condition. In addition to regular tune-ups, you’ll also need to keep up with the cleaning and waxing of your vessel. This process isn’t as simple as sweeping up and mopping, so you’ll need to invest in the best equipment and chemicals to maintain your boat’s beauty and extend its life.

Construction

Commercial Building Construction – The Three Phases

October 11, 2023 Jessica Freeman

Commercial building construction can be broken down into three major phases. Each phase requires its own set of skills and expertise to succeed.

The design phase entails detailed drawings and schematics along with the expertise of several engineers to verify structural integrity and code compliance. The procurement phase also takes place in this phase, ensuring that the cost of materials and services is within projected budgets. Click https://jrcsi.com/ to learn more.

Site preparation in commercial building construction is a crucial process that involves several different fields and areas of expertise. This includes things like land surveying, demolition, earthwork, and more. Each of these is important for preparing the building site and ensuring everything is ready to go when construction starts.

The first step in site preparation is evaluating the site. This is a lot more involved than simply walking around and looking at the land. A number of things need to be taken into account, including the strength of the soil, potential problems with underground utilities, and more. The results of this evaluation will be used to create a site plan, which is a map that shows where everything will go on the property.

This map will include the location of all structures, utility placements, parking spaces, and more. It will also indicate any natural obstructions that need to be removed or otherwise dealt with. In addition, the site plan will help identify any zoning or building code hurdles that may need to be cleared before construction can start.

Once the site plan is complete, it will need to be approved by the zoning and building departments. Depending on the area, this could mean additional permits or inspections. Once it is approved, work can begin on the actual site.

During this phase, the land will be cleared of all existing buildings, trees, and other obstructions. It will also be graded and compacted to prepare it for construction. This will ensure that the soil is strong enough to support the structure going up and can withstand any rainstorms during construction. Installing drainage systems to prevent flooding and other problems is also a good idea. This is typically done by a professional landscaping company, but some building companies also do it themselves. In addition, it is a good idea to test the soil for permeability, allowing water to flow through the ground without collecting. This will reduce the time and money needed to spend on retaining walls and other waterproofing measures.

During this phase, the architect begins developing the building design. They work with the client to establish a vision and determine how the spaces will be used. They also started to create a budget and timeline for the project.

In some cases, the architect will be a part of a team that also includes engineers and contractors. This will help ensure that the building is built to last and complies with all applicable regulations and standards.

Site planning is an important step in commercial building construction that helps ensure the space is well-suited for its intended purposes. This involves determining how much parking and traffic are expected to be on the site and any other infrastructure needs like access roads and utilities. It is also important to consider what the impact of the proposed building will be on the surrounding environment.

Once the site has been planned, it is time to begin laying out the foundation of the building. This is typically done by creating a poured-out concrete slab and erecting the structural frame. The framing will house the interior walls and electrical and plumbing systems. It is crucial that the team stays within the approved budget during this phase.

The schematic design stage is when the concepts laid out in the pre-design phase are translated into detailed drawings. This is an important step because it gives the architect a clear idea of the final result. It is also a good opportunity to get feedback from the client and address any concerns that may have come up during the pre-design stage.

During the design development stage, the architect will start working on detailed technical drawings and engineering, including details for heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems, electrical, plumbing, gas calculations, and energy calculations. They will also create multiple drawing sets, including a filing set to submit to the building department and a Construction Documents set for the contractor.

This is one of the largest phases of work for the architect and usually represents around 40% of their total fee. They will also perform a cost estimate to submit to the client for approval.

The construction phase is where the actual building of a commercial structure takes place. Depending on whether this is new construction or a remodel, this stage can take anywhere from a few months to several years. During this time, the poured foundation for the building will be laid, then the framing will be built up. Roofing and siding will then be put on, along with the internal walls for plumbing and HVAC. Interior and exterior finishes will then be installed, and landscaping may also be included.

Several important decisions will be made during this phase, such as which materials and equipment to use. Engineers will also be involved in this phase, as they will help to determine what is required for the project and give cost estimates. The final working drawings for the commercial building will be created during this time as well.

Once the construction phase has begun, it is vital that everyone works together. This will ensure that the building is constructed in a timely manner and that all the steps of the process are followed. The project manager and architect will oversee the construction process to ensure everything is done correctly. They will also work to establish a schedule and budget that fits the construction site’s needs.

One of the most common issues that occur during this phase is poor scheduling. This is because different teams of contractors need to finish their work before other people can start working. This can cause delays and result in budget overruns.

Other common problems that arise during this phase include a need for more communication between the contractors and the architects, and poor project management. These issues can cause a great deal of stress and tension. However, these problems can be avoided if you choose to partner with a reputable contractor that specializes in commercial construction. They can offer innovative solutions that will speed up the entire process and help you to avoid costly mistakes. They will also have experience in working with various construction projects and can provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is being handled properly.

After construction begins on a new commercial building, it’s important that the site and all of its components are inspected. This ensures that the work performed matches the plans submitted with the building permit application. Depending on the scope of the project, this may involve checking the foundation, plumbing, electrical and more. It’s important that these systems are up to code to avoid any future issues that could compromise the safety of occupants or the property’s value.

A certified building inspector typically conducts inspections regarding new commercial buildings. These individuals are trained to assess various factors to assure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Inspectors often have specialized training in areas like fire safety and structural integrity. They also receive regular continuing education to stay updated on local code changes and regulatory requirements.

Inspecting existing buildings to keep up with changing standards and codes is just as crucial. In fact, many cities require that inspections be conducted periodically on all existing buildings in their jurisdiction to ensure that they are up to code. In addition to looking at a variety of factors, including fire safety risks, walls, kitchen facilities and more, these inspections usually include a review of maintenance logs and any other documentation that might be relevant to the structure.

One of the most important inspections for commercial buildings is those conducted under the auspices of Local Law 11. This mandate requires inspecting any exterior walls on buildings taller than six stories every five years to guarantee their safety and integrity. If the inspection results in any problems, these must be corrected within a specified timeframe and detailed in a Critical Examination Report filed with DOB.

The benefits of regular commercial building inspections are clear. Not only do they help ensure that the construction work being done matches the original plans that were submitted with the building permit application, but they also provide valuable information that can be used to address any potential issues early on. This helps to prevent costly mistakes down the road and ultimately improves the overall efficiency of a construction project.

Author: Jessica Freeman

How HVAC Systems Keep Your Home Or Business Comfortable in the Warmer Months