HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In a school, it provides comfortable temperature control and also filters out pollutants to ensure healthy indoor air quality (IAQ).
A HVAC system must be easy to access for inspection and maintenance. This includes the AHUs, controls and exhaust fans. Access should not require climbing ladders or removing ceiling tiles. Duct systems should be dirt and moisture free to prevent mold growth.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is key to reducing your environmental impact, as well as saving money in the long run. An inefficient HVAC system uses more energy to cool your home, which causes higher electricity or gas bills throughout the year. This is why it is important to stay on top of the equipment’s maintenance schedule and keep an eye out for any signs that it may be time to replace it with a newer model with higher efficiency ratings.
Energy Star ratings are a great way to make an educated comparison between different cooling units. The SEER rating indicates how efficient the unit is over a season, and the EER rating indicates how much it reduces energy consumption in a home. Both are measured using BTU and wattage values to determine the energy efficiency of a particular unit, and both are listed on the unit’s packaging.
Keeping your home properly insulated is also essential to improving the overall energy efficiency of your HVAC. This prevents cold air from escaping and warm air entering, which allows your HVAC to work less hard in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Additionally, utilizing fans during cooler evenings and days can help circulate fresh air to areas of your home that may not be receiving adequate cooling.
Finally, keeping your furniture and curtains away from your vents can allow your cooling unit to work more efficiently in circulating the air. Additionally, sealing duct leaks with Aeroseal can improve your HVAC’s ability to evenly distribute air throughout your home and save energy in the process.
Durability
The HVAC system is one of the most significant investments a homeowner will make during their time in a home, so it makes sense to get the most life out of it. The average lifespan of HVAC systems varies depending on the manufacturer, the unit itself, and the maintenance work it receives over its lifetime. Some manufacturers offer warranties that can last five, 10 or even 20 years. These may include parts and labor coverage, which can help extend how long an HVAC system will last.
The world of HVAC can seem overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the various acronyms and terms used in the industry. But learning more about how a system works can help homeowners decide whether or not it is time to upgrade to a new HVAC system, rather than continuing to pay for an old one that isn’t keeping up with their energy needs.
There are many different types of HVAC systems, but they all share some common components like air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, ductwork and thermostats. These systems keep the indoor air of a home clean, fresh and comfortable. Some of these systems have other functions, such as the ability to add climate zones and smart home features. The term “HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Noise Levels
If your HVAC system is loud, it can be disruptive to the peace and quiet of your home. Excessive noise isn’t just annoying; it can also interfere with sleep and decrease concentration, so it’s important to keep decibel levels low.
A common source of HVAC noise is a grinding or buzzing sound associated with the blower motor or compressor fan. This can be caused by worn-out components, loose belts or bearings, dirty filters, or ductwork leaks. It can be especially troubling if the noise comes from rooms and bedrooms that are used for sleeping or studying.
Some HVAC systems are designed to minimize operational noise with features such as acoustic insulation materials, vibration-absorbing components, and sound-dampening designs. It’s also helpful to consult an expert when choosing equipment to ensure it’s properly sized and installed for optimal performance and efficiency with minimal noise.
In addition, it’s critical to have ductwork well-insulated and sealed to help reduce air turbulence and the associated noise. Also, paying attention to the face velocity of supply and return grilles and registers can help prevent noise resulting from excessive airflow causing turbulence. In fact, a poorly selected supply register can produce as much as 12 dB more noise than a properly designed one. To avoid this issue, be sure to consult an HVAC professional to select the right grilles and registers for your project.
Health & Safety
The HVAC industry presents many health and safety hazards. This is why it’s important to follow the proper procedures, standards and PPE. Various bodies set these guidelines and regulations, and adhering to them mitigates risks.
For example, when installing or repairing HVAC equipment, technicians can be exposed to dangerous chemicals and high-level voltage electricity. Inhaling these toxins can have long-term health implications, so wearing an industrial-grade face mask is crucial. HVAC technicians also often have to work at heights, which can pose a significant safety risk. Falls are one of the leading causes of on-job fatalities, so it’s vital to use proper ladder techniques and take regular inventory of equipment to prevent these accidents.
HVAC work requires a lot of physical effort, so technicians should practice good lifting technique to prevent back injuries. Likewise, when working in tight spaces or awkward positions, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and protective eyewear. Finally, it’s important for HVAC techs to schedule plenty of time between jobs to avoid fatigue. Exhausted technicians can easily make costly mistakes, from falling asleep behind the wheel to mishandling delicate equipment. Fortunately, technology helps to reduce the risks of HVAC work by ensuring technicians can work efficiently and effectively. For instance, using a system like ServiceTitan that stores all documents and forms in the cloud can help ensure that technicians don’t lose track of paperwork or miss deadlines.