Reduce your tax bill when you replace your R22 air conditioner in 2018
The new tax law includes allows businesses to immediately expense heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. Under the new law, you can write off the entire expense of all components in the year you purchase them. That’s a big change from the old tax rules. That can amount to a tax break of $5000 or more for an average system! For a large commercial system with many components, the savings [...]
Benefits of Controls Integration
Controls integrated into one system, with customized programming specific to the unique needs of facility, can reap the following benefits: Single User Interface ¨ No more visiting multiple computer systems Energy Savings ¨ Controls programming that conditions air volume that meets the needs of the space ¨ Free cooling when outside temperature and humidity permits ¨ Quicker reaction to shifts in s [...]
R-22 Phaseout. What Are the Options?
If you have older HVAC equipment that uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), it is worth knowing that it is in the process of a worldwide phaseout. As of January 1, 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. After 2020, only recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22 will be available. Taking a proactive approach to the situation going forward, there are [...]
Controls Systems Using Java Formatting Need To Know This
IF YOUR CONTROLS SYSTEM IS BASED ON TRIDIUM’S NIAGARA FRAMEWORK® AND THE JACE IS NOT RUNNING THE MOST CURRENT NIAGARA VERSION-N4—THEN YOU NEED TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING: ISSUE: The most current version of all traditional web browsers is no longer supporting Java. If your building automation system uses Java for the user interface, this means that there will be a day in the near future when your contr [...]
Bringing Your Facility Up To Current Energy Code Standards
During our Lunch and Learn event, we discussed the following opportunities to realize energy savings and upgrade to meet the current energy code. The codes exist for a reason and for that same reason, all new construction adheres to them. You can create a building that is a “21st century state-of-the-art energy performer” without making prohibitive changes to the building envelope. DEMAND CONTROL [...]
Building Automation Energy Audit
Many times, the HVAC system is not given much thought. It might only become a focus when something goes wrong. However, an HVAC system that is not being properly controlled can account for 40 % of a facility’s energy costs, as opposed to the more typical 20% - 25% range. This is often due to improper set up and programming of the building automation system, or lack of one altogether. An estimated [...]
Certified Church Administrator Courses Offered
The Leader Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary has announced several opportunities for those engaged in Church Business Administration, as well as pastors who might share that responsibility. Certification seminars: If you are interested in becoming a Certified Church Administrator through The Church Network (thechurchnetwork.com), Union Presbyterian Seminary is one of only four sites to off [...]
Controls Integration- A Smart Trend for 2017
Increasing energy and operational efficiency will continue to be a focus in 2017. Consider some of the key benefits a fully integrated HVAC Controls integration can offer: The ability to manage multiple building locations and the entire HVAC system from one web-based graphic interface A system that can be customized to deliver conditioned air volume that matches occupancy needs Remote troubleshoot [...]
Develop an HVAC Tracking System
Develop and implement a system of tracking your HVAC equipment. When United Mechanical performs an equipment survey in preparation of offering a Preventive Maintenance quote, a map of the facility showing the location of all HVAC equipment and detailed equipment list is included. This is valuable information that can help start your tracking process and make capital budgeting easier. Chart the f [...]
Money Saving Controls Tip
Before you place a service call, you may want to check your thermostats and/or your building controls program to see they are set to the correct temperature. You would be surprised how often that happens and an unnecessary call charge is incurred. [...]
ASHRAE Provides Data on HVAC Service Life and Maintenance Costs
The purpose of the ASHRAE database is to provide current information on service life and maintenance costs of typical HVAC equipment. Engineers depend on accurate owning and operating data to make decisions involving the life cycle and functionality of buildings. But a lack of sufficient, up-to-date data makes it difficult to provide a solid basis for those decisions. Click here for the most curre [...]
What Preventive Maintenance Can and Can’t Do
It is not all that uncommon for us to be asked, “Why is it that I am spending money on a preventive maintenance program but am still faced with repair costs? Isn’t the purpose of preventive maintenance to keep things from breaking down?” The reality is, that while committing to a routine preventive maintenance program will decrease maintenance costs and emergency repairs, it will not eliminate th [...]