Author: Andy

Commercial HVAC systems are designed to provide years of reliable service when properly maintained. However, system components do get old or worn out, causing your system to become less energy efficient and requiring more maintenance calls. In the long run, your HVAC system will no longer be cost-efficient.

The situation leaves property owners and facilities managers one of two options to improve airflow quality and return to a state of energy efficiency: parts retrofit or total system replacement. Let’s look at the benefits of retrofitting over replacement to help you make an informed choice.

 

The Benefits Of Retrofitting Your Commercial HVAC System

Generally, property managers prefer to retrofit the controls, coils, valves, insulation, electrical parts, and motors in their older built-up HVAC system for the below reasons:

 

Retrofit Costs Less Than Full System Replacements

Naturally, retrofitting your system components rather than replacing your entire HVAC system is more affordable as it involves fewer parts, less labor, and minimal impact on your daily operations.

 

It Extends The Life Of Your Current System

Most HVAC systems last an average of 15 years. If your system is relatively young, it’s more prudent to replace and upgrade only the parts that are worn out instead of the entire system. You will also extend the life of your current system instead of disposing of it before its time.

 

It Pays For Itself In Energy Savings

Retrofitting isn’t so much of a cost as it is an investment. When you retrofit inefficient or broken parts, the energy demands of your system decrease, helping you recoup your investment through lower energy bills. A total system replacement would take much longer to pay for itself in energy savings.

 

You Can Take Advantage Of New Technology

The technology used in older components might be outdated, reducing their potential to maximize energy savings. Retrofitting allows you to install new parts with the latest integrated technology to improve your system’s energy efficiency and reliability.

 

They Can Potentially Qualify For Government Rebates

By retrofitting, you might qualify for government rebate programs intended to help companies upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC systems. These programs will also help you yield a more significant return on investment on your retrofit project.

 

When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?

Of course, you can only retrofit your equipment for so many years until your system needs to be entirely replaced. For example, if your system is close to or more than 15 years old and continually needs repair, has more frequent and longer-lasting downtimes, or consumes significantly more energy than before, replacing your system might be unavoidable.

Most property managers with building rooftop HVAC units will replace their HVAC because the entire system is packaged together in one unit.

There are also some cases where an HVAC system isn’t a good candidate for retrofitting. For example, older commercial cooling systems that use freon as the refrigerant chemical will need to be replaced for environmental reasons. Also, older heritage buildings registered as National Historic Sites in Canada often need to preserve as much of the existing HVAC and building structure as possible, creating a challenge for property managers considering a retrofit.

 

How Do I Know If My HVAC Equipment Needs To Be Retrofitted?

Busy commercial property managers shouldn’t have to worry about monitoring their HVAC equipment for potential retrofits. They should rely on the guidance and recommendations of a qualified HVAC technician who is regularly engaged with their system through a regular maintenance program.

HVAC maintenance programs cover every detail of your system, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons, to ensure that everything is operating reliably and with maximum energy efficiency. The program also includes detailed reports of the status of your HVAC components with recommendations on which parts are good candidates for retrofitting.

 

Call Springbank Mechanical Systems Today For An HVAC Inspection

Springbank’s fully qualified technicians specialize in maintaining, servicing, and replacing all brands, types, sizes, and configurations of commercial HVAC equipment, including economizers, rooftop units, water-cooled heat pumps, cooling towers, hot water boilers, circulating pumps, steam humidifiers, makeup air units, and much more.

We also ensure prompt, friendly service and courteous technicians, adding up to an exceptional customer experience unparalleled in our industry.

Our team is always happy to discuss how Springbank makes commercial HVAC maintenance easier with cost-efficient strategies that will reduce your energy bills and extend the life of your equipment.

Contact us anytime – we’d love to hear from you!

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

With the warmer weather ahead of us, it’s time for commercial property managers to start planning their cooling system start-ups. This plan should establish objectives such as cutting down on energy costs, extending the life of your HVAC components, and ensuring that tenants get the best indoor air quality possible. 

To help achieve these goals, many companies are enhancing their high-cost cooling systems, such as refrigeration compressors, with an HVAC economizer for their commercial and industrial properties.

 

What Is An HVAC Economizer?

HVAC economizers are units that are generally installed on the rooftop mechanical equipment of a commercial building. The economizer’s logic controllers and sensors are designed to measure outdoor temperature and humidity levels, also known as enthalpy. When the proper enthalpy level is detected, usually at night or on cool days, the unit’s internal dampers will pull in air from outside to cool the building.

Using an economizer will require less demand on mechanical equipment like chillers and compressors, resulting in significant energy savings. Once the hot season passes, it may be possible for the mechanical refrigeration to be shut down entirely until the following spring, allowing you to run your entire system using only the economizer.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Commercial HVAC Economizer? 

Commercial property managers who install or recommission existing economizers can benefit in the following ways:

Lower Energy Bills

Economizers use significantly less energy than mechanical cooling means, such as chillers and compressors, to provide cooling. Integrating them into your HVAC system will substantially lower your energy bills and increase fresh air in your building.

Extends The Life Of Your Equipment 

Cutting down on the use of your HVAC system will help decrease the wear and tear on its mechanical cooling components, giving you fewer breakdowns, reducing maintenance calls, and giving your system a longer life span.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

HVAC technology is constantly evolving, and many older buildings weren’t designed with forward-thinking ventilation systems in mind. Installing an economizer or HRV/ ERV can help improve the indoor air quality of older buildings by bringing in fresh air and exhausting stale air to the outside. The results are happier, more comfortable tenants and fewer sick days from air pollutants that can linger indoors.

 

Which Types Of HVAC Economizer Is Best For My Building?

Since Southern Ontario experiences summers with high humidity, we recommend our customers use single enthalpy (wet) bulb economizers that measure outdoor air temperature and humidity levels to ensure indoor air is as comfortable as possible.

Differential enthalpy units are more advanced than single enthalpy in that they measure both the outdoor air and the return air. These systems are ideal for more complex HVAC systems where, for example, a single HVAC system sends air from five to 20 zones in the building through secondary air handling units.

When you’re ready to reap the cost-effective benefits of economizers, HRVs, and ERVs, contact our qualified HVAC team at Springbank Mechanical Systems to evaluate your system and recommend which type of unit would be the best fit.

Read More: The Importance of Humidity Control in Commercial Buildings

 

Spring Inspections To Help Your HVAC System Be Ready For The Summer

Installing an HVAC economizer is a great way to prepare your system for summer start-up, but it’s only part of the equation. A comprehensive system inspection is required to ensure optimal performance during peak cooling demand with as little system downtime and energy consumption as possible.

Spring inspections look at your entire system for potential problems, wear on components, and opportunities for upgrades while focusing on several key areas, including the airside and refrigeration equipment of your rooftop unit, water chillers, and cooling towers. Your HVAC inspection team should also ensure that all your HVAC system components are clean, operational, and ready to handle the load of the upcoming cooling season.

The spring inspection is also the perfect time to optimize your system for energy efficiency, identify the parts of your system that could be upgraded, or consider new technology, such as economizers, that could be installed to help you save on energy bills.

Remember, it’s essential to only have licensed HVAC technicians perform work on your system. When you need professional HVAC service and advice, Springbank is only a phone call away.

Read More: Maintaining AC Efficiency During The Peak Cooling Season

 

Call Springbank Mechanical Systems For Qualified Commercial HVAC Service

Springbank’s fully qualified technicians specialize in maintaining, servicing, and replacing all brands, types, sizes, and configurations of commercial HVAC equipment, including economizers, rooftop units, water-cooled heat pumps, cooling towers, hot water boilers, circulating pumps, steam humidifiers, make up air units, and much more.

We also ensure prompt, friendly service and courteous technicians, adding up to an exceptional customer experience unparalleled in our industry.

Our team is always happy to discuss how Springbank makes commercial HVAC maintenance easier and more cost-efficient for your commercial properties. Contact us anytime – we’d love to hear from you!

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

As Canada moves toward decarbonization to reach its net zero goal by 2050, we’re seeing 2023 as a year in which more commercial property owners in Ontario are made aware of carbon-neutral options to replace traditional gas-fired HVAC systems.

The government’s ambitious goal will undoubtedly cause a certain amount of doubt among large building owners. Potentially expensive transitions and adopting new ways of thinking tend to turn people away. Whether we like it or not, gas-fired equipment’s days seem to be numbered. The most prudent approach to decarbonization would be to focus on how our industry can collectively work together to help reduce carbon emissions and protect our environment.

 

Reducing The Use Of Gas-Fired Equipment

There are millions of fossil fuel-heated units in use across Canada right now. For us, as a country, to reach the government’s 2050 goals, these units need to be phased out and replaced with technology that lowers carbon emissions.

Most of these units are used for indoor space heating, which has prompted the government to set two ambitious targets to cut their carbon emissions:

• By 2025, all fuel-burning technologies for space heating sold in Canada must meet an energy performance of at least 90%
• By 2035, all space heating technologies for sale in Canada must meet an energy performance of more than 100%

These targets will transform how residential and commercial property owners heat and cool their homes. However, traditional fossil fuel boilers, water heaters, and furnaces might still stay on the market in the short term. There are still availability and accessibility barriers to overcome as the replacement technology is not heavily commercialized or widely known in Canada.

With 2025 quickly approaching, HVAC professionals and commercial property owners will need to start investing in education about the benefits of new carbon-free systems. We’re expecting this to begin in 2023.

 

Reduce Carbon Emissions By Powering Systems With Electricity

Natural gas is still abundantly available and affordable in Canada. However, the government’s mandate to cut carbon emissions means that new technology, such as ground source heating pumps, is designed to run on electricity.

Electricity is currently more expensive than natural gas. It also serves only 20 percent of Canada’s energy needs, which means a significant expansion of our electrical infrastructure will be necessary to meet the government’s carbon-neutral goals. This costly proposition will likely require a marketing campaign to bring the public on board.

Expect messaging about the benefits of electricity over gas to start over the next 12 months.

 

Adopting More Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps have been gaining popularity with commercial property owners due to their high-efficiency rates and low running costs. They’re also low-carbon systems perfectly aligned with Canada’s net zero ambitions.

Also known as geothermal heat pumps, ground source heat pumps work in a straightforward way: they transfer heat from the ground to your building. The underground pipes capture this heat, adjust it to your desired temperature, and transport it to your building’s interior spaces.

Ground source heating and cooling systems offer several clear advantages to commercial property managers, including:

• Lower operating costs: In many cases, you save on energy bills because the compressor is the only basic element of the system that requires electricity to operate
• Low carbon heating and cooling: Carbon emissions are minimized as ground source heating systems don’t involve fuels
• Reliable year-round service: Ground heat is usually constant and inexhaustible, delivering even heating and cooling throughout the year with almost no fluctuation
• No external parts: The heat transfer component is kept underground, meaning that it is not subject to wear due to external elements
• Quieter operation: These systems are among the quietest ever designed, paralleling the noise volume of a refrigerator
• Enhanced safety: Ground source systems have no flame, flue, odours, or danger of fire or toxic fumes
• Flexible operation: The systems allow you to heat one zone or room and cool another at the same time
• More storage space: Less space required for HVAC equipment translates into more office, storage, or production space, optimizing your working capital

 

Naturally, any system upgrade or replacement needs the guidance and expertise of qualified HVAC specialists. These trained professionals will ensure proper equipment installation and distribution of the pipe network that will deliver heat from and back to the ground. Springbank Mechanical Systems can help with that.

Read More: Why Choose Springbank

We’re always on board with new technology to help preserve the environment for future generations. We stay updated with the latest commercial HVAC innovations so property managers like you can prepare for a new carbon-free future with all the benefits and cost savings that come as a result.

Contact us anytime to discuss how Springbank makes commercial HVAC maintenance easier and cost-efficient for your commercial properties.

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

The cold weather might not be here yet – but commercial property managers in Southern Ontario know it’s coming. Once the temperatures drop, their HVAC system will be working hard to keep interior spaces warm and comfortable.

Optimizing your HVAC system now is a good idea to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months. The best way to accomplish this is with the help of a qualified commercial HVAC contractor who has the equipment and know-how to maintain these systems properly.

Here are some of the steps your HVAC technician will take to prepare your HVAC system for winter and reduce emergency service calls.

 

Change The Air Filters In Your HVAC System

Over the course of several months, your air filters will become clogged with dust and dirt from the airflow. If left unchanged, a clogged filter will affect the efficiency of your system to heat the indoor space properly due to reduced airflow. Also, if you’re still using MERV-8 filters, consider upgrading to MERV-13. MERV-13 filters can trap 85 percent of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size, ensuring your building occupants get the cleanest, freshest air possible.

 

Inspect The Air Ducts

Dust that has built up in your ducts can also decrease proper airflow, affecting the comfort of the interior workspace. Having your ducts professionally cleaned will keep the warm air flowing through the air vents and into the workspace. It’s also essential to check for leaks in the ductwork to ensure all areas of the business that need heat receive it.

 

Set The Relative Humidity Of Your HVAC Systme

Hot air continually blowing indoors will cause dryness in the workspace, potentially leading to dry eyes and skin, sore throats, and illness. Your HVAC contractor will inspect your humidifiers and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to help you maintain a healthy humidity level between 40 and 60 percent. This strategy will keep the office comfortable and minimize the transmission of airborne pathogens that can spread disease.

 

Program Automated Heating Schedules 

Your HVAC service provider can program your system to run at a lower temperature when building occupancy is low, usually overnight or on the weekends. It can also be programmed to raise the temperature an hour or so before people are expected to enter the building so it’s nice and warm when they arrive.

 

Recalibrate Thermostats

Thermostat readings can drift after not being used for a whole season. Your HVAC maintenance team will ensure all systems are in sync and calibrated to the appropriate temperature settings.

 

Clean Debris From Outdoor Units And Vents

Outdoor and rooftop units and air vents will also be inspected and cleared of any dust, dirt, debris, branches, or other objects that can damage system components or affect airflow efficiency.

 

Inspect The Cooling System

It might seem counterintuitive to check your cooling system as winter approaches, but it’s better to do it now than scramble when the heat and humidity return. While your HVAC team is on-site, you can ask them to inspect and prepare it for a season on standby.

 

Inspect The Boiler In Your HVAC System

The boiler is the heart of your HVAC system. That’s why your HVAC technician will inspect and test its control system for different loads, shutoff valves for leaks, and interlocks for proper operation. They’ll also check the boiler’s interior to investigate for localized overheating, erosion, and corrosion

 

Heating Equipment Inspections And Calibration

Your technician will look closely at your HVAC equipment, such as the compressor, condenser, coils, and blowers, for wear and tear and make recommendations if repair or replacement is needed for optimum performance over the winter. The parts are also recalibrated for maximum energy efficiency.

 

Discuss Possible System Upgrades

Commercial HVAC systems have an average lifespan of about 15 years, depending on how well they’ve been maintained over their lifetime. If your system is approaching that age, your HVAC technician may recommend upgrading or replacing the entire system.

Replacing your HVAC system might seem like a daunting proposition, but the investment will pay off over the short term with savings in system servicing, parts replacement, and higher-than-normal energy bills.

 

Book Your HVAC Maintenance Visit Today

The key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, extending the life of your equipment, and reducing your energy bills is to have it maintained by qualified HVAC professionals on a regular basis, not just when the seasons change.

Springbank Mechanical Systems makes HVAC efficiency easy with cost-effective maintenance programs designed for your specific needs. Our programs cover everything you need to ensure reliable system performance and the best air quality possible for your building occupants, including:

• A full annual inspection of hot water or steam boilers, including all relief and make-up water valves
• Regular cleaning of cooling towers or closed-circuit coolers to prevent mineral buildup and increase system efficiency
• Regular cleaning of steam humidifiers to remove mineral deposits
• Replacement of the steam-generating cylinders
• Complete scheduled inspection of water-cooled heat pumps, with replacement, if necessary

Our fully qualified technicians specialize in maintaining, servicing, or replacing all brands, types, sizes, and configurations of commercial HVAC equipment, with an exceptional customer service experience every time.

As always, contact us anytime to discuss how Springbank makes commercial HVAC maintenance easier and more cost-efficient for your commercial properties.

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

The responsibility of cutting costs has always been first and foremost in the minds of commercial property owners. However, as companies and the public at large have become more “climate-conscious”, using refrigerants that offer a lower global warming potential (GWP) has become more of a priority.

Low-GWP A2L refrigerants are gaining traction in commercial refrigeration applications as a preferred alternative to high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R-410a. For most HVACR systems, A2L refrigerants provide the optimal balance of properties that add up to increased reliability, safety, sustainability, performance, efficiency, and cost savings.

 

What Are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L is considered non-toxic and mildly flammable compared to most other refrigerants, including the commonly used R-410A. A2L refrigerants are safe and easy to use, and their physical properties are similar to HFC refrigerants, making the transition to A2L from HFC relatively simple. Its low flammability makes them a safe option for most commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump applications, as its compounds are difficult to ignite.

When used with the correct components and pipe sizes, A2L offers improved efficiency and performance over many A1 and neutral refrigerants, making them a versatile option for most commercial applications. The same codes and standards that apply to all refrigerants also apply to A2L.

However, one of the biggest draws toward A2L refrigerants is their lower impact on the environment.

Read More: 2022 Trends In Commercial HVAC

 

Why Are A2L Refrigerants A Better Option To Fight Global Warming?

Regulating bodies across the world continue to impose strict standards on the application of HFC refrigerants with a high GWP value. As a result, commercial buildings are increasingly replacing their legacy refrigerants with solutions that offer a lower GWP.

GWP refers to the amount of heat absorbed by any greenhouse gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. Generally speaking, all refrigeration systems can potentially impact the environment due to carbon emissions from generating the energy they need to operate.

The climate impact from your system’s energy use over its lifetime can often be more extensive than leaking refrigerant. A2L’s energy-efficient properties mean your system will need less power to operate, bringing you energy savings while decreasing your HVACR’s impact on the environment.

The only way refrigerants can directly impact the environment is if they leak into the atmosphere. It’s important to note that A2L refrigerants do not contain chlorine, so in the event of leakage, the product doesn’t pose a threat to the ozone layer.

A2L refrigerants allow commercial property managers to optimize their refrigeration and cooling systems with very low GWP solutions, combining improved performance, smoother operation, and minimal environmental impact compared to the refrigerants traditionally used in system components.

 

Is Refrigerant R-410a Being Phased Out?

Refrigerant R-410a will begin to be phased down starting in 2023. The phasedown by the individual provinces may occur at different times across the country, meaning that current requirements might not be consistent depending on where your contractor is located.

Many HVACR manufacturers are working diligently to ensure that contractors are educated about A2Ls and trained on their safe handling. They’re also developing educational materials about the safe transition to the new refrigerants. This may also necessitate updating certification standards for HVACR technicians.

 

Hiring Service Providers Qualified To Handle A2L Refrigerants

A vital issue for commercial property managers is to ensure their HVACR service providers are fully equipped to manage equipment designed for A2L refrigerants, including the safe transportation, installation, servicing, and maintenance of these components.

At Springbank Mechanical Systems, you can always trust that our technicians will be properly trained, qualified, and licensed to work with A2L or other refrigerants. We continually invest in our employees’ education while engaging with manufacturers and their representatives to ensure we’re continually up to date with changes to their products, including new systems that utilize A2L.

Our skilled technicians will ensure a smooth, safe transition to A2L HVACR equipment with minimal interruption to the comfort of your staff and tenants.

Read More: Our Services

 

Where Can I Learn More?

There is currently a lot of information online about A2L refrigerants, as their widespread adoption is expected to significantly transform HVACR systems over the coming years. It will also necessitate new methods of installing, maintaining, and repairing components that use A2L.

If you have any questions about how the R-410A phasedown and A2L adoption will affect your commercial buildings, please reach out to us anytime. We’re always happy to answer your questions about this new phase in HVACR standards. Our goal is to keep our customers informed and confident about the future of the heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

Read More: Contact Us

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

Forward-thinking business owners understand that retaining their best talent is an ongoing effort that helps ensure a low turnover rate, creates their company’s future leaders, and makes their companies more sustainable over the long term.

Employee retention efforts often begin with businesses recognizing that the traditional methods of people management are quickly becoming outdated in the modern workplace, especially as more people are retiring than ever before. As new young professionals join the workforce, they expect a more practical, progressive style of leadership that focuses more on their experience as employees and how they can be active contributors to the company’s success instead of acting as a “cog in a wheel”.

The challenge for many leaders is transitioning their management style to accommodate the needs of the new crop of workers, so they become happy, loyal, long-term employees.

Here are eight strategies that will help you accomplish this:

 

1. Foster Open Dialogue To Increase Employee Retention

Building an inclusive culture where every opinion is welcome is crucial to creating employee loyalty. Giving everyone a voice will keep everyone engaged and help them feel like stakeholders in the company’s success. Encourage all workers to be part of the discussion and start feeling comfortable helping shape decisions.

 

2. Empower Your Employees To Succeed

Everyone has an innate talent or skill. Great leaders empower employees to use their best abilities to thrive in their respective roles and ply their skills toward the company’s mission. This will build trust with your team and, over time, help them reach their career objectives, making your business more sustainable and creating your company’s future leaders.

 

3. Be Flexible

Over the last two years, many workers have gotten used to more flexibility in when and where they work. With technology widely available to support the hybrid office, many companies are now adopting that model to help increase employee retention. This flexibility isn’t suitable for all roles, such as skilled trades. However, allowing as many office staff as possible to work remotely at least a few days per week will go a long way to maintaining high employee retention.

 

4. Offer Career Development Opportunities

Job shadowing, skills upgrading, and professional development training are excellent ways to help your employees reach their career objectives. It will also help them envision their position in your company years down the road, building loyalty and giving you well-rounded employees capable of confidently carrying out diverse tasks.

Read More: How Technology Attracts New Talent Into The HVAC Space

 

5. Show Genuine Appreciation And Respect

An effective way to demonstrate how much you value your team is by publicly recognizing their achievements and milestones. You can do many small things to show appreciation, such as announcing their work anniversaries, sending them personalized birthday cards, celebrating weddings and births, and offering support in times of sorrow. Also, be sure to recognize any big wins they help land for the company, which may incentivize others to strive for the same recognition.

 

6. Resist The Urge To Micromanage 

High-performing employees don’t want to be micromanaged and will start looking for a job elsewhere if it begins to hamper their productivity. It’s better to focus on results instead of “checking in” on progress and asking how you can support them in hitting their objectives.

 

7. Use Emotional Intelligence To Improve Employee Retention

Your team should know they can come to you if they have a question or need help solving a problem. Using emotional intelligence, which prioritizes an empathetic approach when speaking with employees, will foster trust and openness with your employees. Emotional intelligence requires a good deal of self-awareness, self-management, and relationship management in order to apply it successfully, but the investment in developing those skills is more than worth it.

Read More: Solving The Labour Shortage In The Skilled Trades

 

8. Nurture Their Career Path

If someone excels at what they do, you might be tempted to keep them in the same position doing the same tasks indefinitely. Even if they enjoy their work, your employees can become bored, complacent, and disengaged from their duties over time. Offer the opportunity to try other roles within the company to demonstrate an interest in their career path, which will foster additional loyalty and dedication to your company.

 

Offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and performance incentives is always the optimal way to attract employees, but it’s no longer enough to keep them there. Springbank Mechanical Systems is proud to be a progressive, inclusive employer that recognizes hard work and celebrates our employees. If you’re looking for an exciting career in the growing HVAC industry, reach out to us anytime to discuss our current job openings.

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

With the air conditioning season upon us, commercial property managers of office buildings, retail shopping centres, senior living communities, and long-term care centres continue to look for strategies that will optimize energy use, reduce costs, and maximize AC efficiency over the long term. Proactively maintaining your system will also keep your building occupants comfortable throughout the summer months, reduce or eliminate downtime for repair, and extend the life of your equipment.

Here are seven quick tips that can help you achieve your energy use objectives.

 

Inspect And Replace Air Filters

Commercial air filters that bring in outside air to be cooled can become clogged with debris, restricting the airflow into your indoor space, overworking your motors, and hampering energy efficiency. Be sure to inspect your filters every three to four weeks, and if they’re caked with debris, replace them as soon as possible, and at least every three to six months.

 

Maintain Zone Controls For Better Air Conditioning Levels

Over the warmer months, you can improve energy efficiency by setting different temperatures to suit the needs of individual zones. For example, cooling a garage or loading area where external doors are usually open can waste a significant amount of energy. Internal spaces such as filling rooms or unoccupied offices don’t need to be kept as cool as areas that contain more people. An HVAC professional can help with an HVAC audit and recommend how you can create zones for maximum energy efficiency.

 

Determine Pre-Set Thermostat Settings For Air Conditioning Needs

Program your thermostat to regulate airflow, temperature, and humidity levels to provide a comfortable environment during specific time blocks during the day. A simple adjustment like setting the lunchroom temperature to be cooler at peak use times and at a more moderate climate during non-peak hours can go a long way to saving energy.

 

Consider Installing Building Automation Systems

A building automation system (BAS) makes HVAC system management easier by allowing your system to automatically control the speed, output, and runtime of HVAC components such as fans, chillers, and dampers. BAS technology can be monitored and controlled remotely for quick and easy adjustments through a computer or mobile device. They can also give you an early warning of potential issues in the system, giving you plenty of time to arrange for service before it turns into a significant problem that could trigger a system shutdown.

Read More: How Technology Is Transforming Commercial HVAC Systems

 

Install Variable Speed Equipment

Consider switching to variable speed equipment if you’re currently using single-speed fans, blowers, and motors. Variable speed equipment can be set to run at speeds that deliver the air required by the space they serve. For example, you can program your components to run at a lower setting during non-peak periods instead of at the same speed around the clock. This will allow you to keep the indoor environment at an optimum temperature during high-occupancy hours while keeping your energy bills low.

 

Right-Size Your System For Your Air Conditioning Needs

If your HVAC compressors and chillers are too small for your building’s needs, they’ll be under stress to perform, decreasing system efficiency and creating uncomfortable conditions for your tenants. Ask your HVAC technicians to audit the tonnage and capacity of your equipment based on your building’s requirements and upgrade if necessary.

 

Book An HVAC Maintenance Visit

One of the most impactful strategies to keep your commercial HVAC system running efficiently all year round is arranging regular inspections by licensed service professionals.

Springbank Mechanical Systems offers cost-effective maintenance programs designed for your building’s specific needs, delivered by qualified HVAC technicians committed to providing quality work, expert advice, and courteous service. We specialize in maintaining, repairing, and replacing all brands and types of HVAC equipment.

Our commercial HVAC maintenance services include:

• A full annual inspection of hot water or steam boilers, including all relief and make-up water valves
• Deep cleaning of cooling towers or closed-circuit coolers to prevent mineral build-up and increase system efficiency
• Complete cleaning of steam humidifiers to remove mineral deposits, and replacement of the steam-generating cylinders
• Comprehensive scheduled inspection of water-cooled heat pumps, with replacement if necessary

Remember, HVAC maintenance programs are an investment in your system, helping you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your equipment. The energy savings alone help you recoup your maintenance spend quickly, improving your bottom line.

For more information on our reliable commercial HVAC services, call us anytime. We’d be happy to answer your questions about how Springbank makes commercial HVAC maintenance easier and more energy-efficient.

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

Professionals in the trades have been talking about the looming labour shortage for years, with dire predictions about too few people working in the field to fulfill the need.

Well, it seems as if that time has come. According to a recent report issued by the Royal Bank of Canada, Canada’s nationally-recognized Red Seal trades will face a shortage of at least 10,000 workers through 2026. When the 144 provincially regulated trades are included, that number grows to at least 100,000. Continue reading “Solving The Labour Shortage In Skilled Trades” →

With the cold weather arriving in Southern Ontario, it’s essential for commercial property owners to keep their building’s heat flowing as energy-efficiently as possible.

The heart of your building’s heating system is your boiler. Its prime purpose is to convert gas or electrical energy to heat energy and transfer that heat energy to the heating fluid used in your building. Although some boilers are very large, they do come in all sorts of heating outputs designed specifically for your buildings need. Either steam or hot water will be produced and circulated in your building’s pipe systems until arriving at the radiators, which will, in turn, heat the building.

An efficient boiler keeps your tenants comfortable and safe without wasting energy. However, there are a few warning signs to be aware of that could indicate a problem with your boiler that needs to be addressed:

• Water Leaks: Leaking water is one of the more common signs of a problem with your boiler. Water leaks cause the boiler to consume more energy to maintain temperature settings and is unsafe to operate. If unchecked, your boiler may rupture, so be sure to contact your HVAC service provider at the first sign of water leakage.

• Strong, Unexpected Smells: If you go near the HVAC’s boiler system and smell anything like a strong chemical or metallic smell, this could signal a severe and potentially dangerous problem – especially if the system runs on gas. There is also a potential issue of carbon monoxide being generated because of the poor operating efficiency, which could present a danger to the health and safety of everyone in the building. Using CO detectors in the boiler room can help you identify any immediate risks, but in any case, unusual smells should be reported to your HVAC service provider immediately.

• Unusual Noises: Boilers are whisper-quiet when they’re operating normally. Certain noises accompany such functions as the burners firing up. However, if you hear rattling, grinding, whistling, or other sounds that seem unusual, it should be investigated immediately by your HVAC service provider.

Problem noises could signal issues such as:

• Internal damage to the heat exchanger’s structure
• Sediment that has blocked the pipework
• A broken or inefficient draft fan
• A circulating pump that has broken or been damaged

In many cases, these problems present themselves through the simple aging out of parts or poor boiler maintenance on newer systems. You can mitigate the risk of boiler issues in three ways:

1. • Improve Your Water Quality: Poor water quality can cause imbalance in PH, organic material, magnesium, bicarbonates, and chlorides to build up inside boilers and pipes. This buildup often causes blockages, leading to other system issues, such as reduced heat exchange efficiency, which increases your operating costs. The best way to prevent these issues would be to have the water quality tested by a professional who could recommend the appropriate solution, such as a water filtration system or chemical treatment.
2. • Upgrade Your Boiler: Some buildings may have a boiler that’s too small or to big for the building’s requirements. When this happens, the boiler is not running at its peek efficiency or could be working overtime, leading to premature failure. Talk to a qualified HVAC technician who can tell you if your boiler needs an upgrade. Investing in a new hi-eff boiler will pay off in energy savings over a short period. There are also incentives from your natural gas utility provider to upgrade to a more efficient product.
3. • Professional And Regular Cleaning: The debris that will inevitably be found inside the boiler will need to be regularly cleaned before they have a chance to clog up the heating tubes and flue passageways. By having a professional regular maintain your boiler, as well as the rest of your HVAC system, you stand the best chance of staying on top of any serious issues.

The boilers in a commercial HVAC system will be the largest energy consumers by far. A comprehensive maintenance program will help ensure your entire HVAC system runs as smoothly as possible, keeping your tenants comfortable and minimizing your energy bills.

Read More : 5 Important HVAC Checks For Your Maintenance Team

When you need professional, reliable HVAC maintenance, service, or replacement, talk to the professionals at Springbank Mechanical Systems. Our trained, licensed HVAC technicians specialize in all brands and types of HVAC equipment, including hot water boilers, rooftop units, water-cooled heat pumps, cooling towers, circulating pumps, steam humidifiers, make-up air units, and much more.

Our goal is to take the work and worry about HVAC maintenance away from you so you can focus on other aspects of your business. We’re always happy to discuss how Springbank makes HVAC maintenance easier, safer, and more cost-effective for our customers. Feel free to contact us anytime with your questions.

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.

The commercial HVAC market is set to continue changing in 2022 as a result of new technological innovations and growing market demand for more sustainable and efficient systems. Here, we delve into some of the most exciting HVAC trends for 2022 and discuss how they promote positive transformation in our industry.

 

Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Technology And Equipment Efficiency

Sustainability is one of the factors currently driving positive world change. With more companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint, commercial HVAC systems will grow increasingly more efficient. This will be achieved through new technological advancements that reduce energy consumption and increase the use of materials in HVAC systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

In addition, going green is becoming more cost-effective, with commercial clients willing to pay more for eco-friendly solutions. This, coupled with HVAC companies also looking to take on more social responsibility, will result in more sustainable HVAC systems available for commercial use.

So, as Canada aims to reduce carbon emissions by up to 45% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the commercial HVAC market is expected to continue offering solutions to improve its ecological footprint.

 

Recommissioning Of Existing Equipment To Recapture Original Efficiency

The circular economy will continue playing a significant role in the commercial HVAC industry in 2022 by utilizing existing systems after refurbishment returns them to optimal efficiency. This trend lends itself well to the previous point, as more sustainable materials will further reduce the carbon footprint when recommissioning older units.

HVAC systems represent a large portion of energy consumption in commercial buildings. Therefore, increasing the popularity of recommissioned HVAC systems provides a win-win solution that reduces costs for clients and allows HVAC companies to play a more significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of Canada’s HVAC industry as a whole.

 

Connectivity And Data To Improve HVAC Control

The global smart building market value is projected to reach a staggering CAD 336bn (USD 265bn) by 2028, up from CAD 85.50bn in 2021. This figure highlights the growing demand for connectivity and data in all smart building infrastructure, including HVAC units.

The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connectivity will enable HVAC software to better relay data on improving cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational efficiency. These solutions will allow commercial building managers to control and monitor various aspects of HVAC systems from a portable mobile device, including temperature, humidity levels, and airflow.

For example, IoT can identify areas where heating needs to be maximized and reduced, creating a more efficient way of controlling commercial building environments. The main benefit of connectivity is to increase remote maintenance and improve repair times.

 

Use Of “Smart” Technology For Automation

The growing popularity of IoT and smart buildings will increase the possibilities for automation in HVAC systems. These solutions will enable HVAC software to utilize data and information to self-manage systems. As a result, buildings will experience cost reductions in commercial HVAC maintenance. Issues will also be identified at a quicker rate and dealt with before they grow into significant problems.

Smart automation also means that systems can utilize data to analyze usage trends and performance statistics, and identify errors before they happen. In addition, smart automation ensures that HVAC systems operate more efficiently, such as maintaining rooms at an optimal temperature.

Ultimately, smart automation reduces costs for commercial buildings by implementing energy-efficient consumption, reducing errors, and improving convenience and environment quality. Large establishments that experience significant activity, such as hotels and office buildings, will benefit from automated solutions that can work in unison with other technology to reduce costs.

Read More: How IoT Is Revolutionizing Commercial HVAC

 

Final Thoughts On Commercial HVAC Trends For 2022

Customers are now looking for commercial HVAC systems to provide more than an optimal building environment. Sustainability measures and global efforts to go green mean that HVAC systems are expected to reduce costs and promote efficiency through minimizing energy consumption.

As a whole, HVAC trends for 2022 are mostly centered around improving cost and operational efficiency while maintaining sustainability. These are positive trends for the industry and are in line with global sustainability efforts. The introduction of IoT and more smart automation technology will also help reduce maintenance costs and improve recovery speed and customer satisfaction.

As always, we’re happy to discuss what we’re seeing in the future of commercial HVAC systems, and how Springbank Mechanical Systems makes system maintenance easier, safer, and more cost-effective. Feel free to contact us anytime.

 

Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.