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When it comes to commercial buildings and facilities, there are many concerns to juggle. Indoor Air Quality, also referred to as IAQ, is one that is vital to the health and comfort of those who live or work in those buildings. It’s important enough that OSHA has specific guidance on the subject. But what exactly is it, and how do we measure and improve it?

What Is IAQ?

Indoor Air Quality, as defined by the EPA, is “…the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. According to the EPA, inadequate ventilation is a common cause of bad IAQ, and poor indoor air quality can have both immediate and long-term effects, depending upon the circumstances.

What Does IAQ Mean for Industrial Hygiene?

Most people don’t notice when things go as expected, which is true for good air quality. But when the air is full of allergens, bad smells, or chemical fumes, IAQ becomes a problem. Unfortunately, allergens and some chemical fumes may not be noticeable, so the problem can accumulate.

What Are the Major Indoor Pollutants?

The EPA breaks down the three most common types of indoor pollutants into three basic categories:

  1. Biological pollutants – organic matter, living and dead (molds, dander, pollen, bacteria)
  2. Chemical pollutants – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, lead, and radon.
  3. Combustion pollutants – smoke and the fumes from burning things. Carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke top the list. Some forms of combustion, especially burning plastics, can also produce VOCs during combustion.

What Is an IAQ Test?

An IAQ test measures the levels of common pollutants, allergens, carbon monoxide, mold spores, and radon. It gives a rating on how safe the air is to breathe.

What Is Acceptable Indoor Air Quality?

The air quality index is the EPA’s official yardstick for measuring how bad the air is based on the levels of pollutants present. By their standard, anything that rates greater than 100 is unhealthy, and anything more than 50 is risky for those with sensitivities.

How Can I Improve IAQ?

There are several ways to improve IAQ in your building. Three important things you can start with include:

  1. Improving ventilation
  2. Adding air cleaning or better filtration to your HVAC system
  3. Eliminating or isolating sources of pollutants

Henick-Lane is the Right Contractor for HVAC Upgrades

At Henick-Lane, we are experts on indoor air quality, bringing to the table more than half a century of experience with all aspects of commercial HVAC systems. Contact us online to request a consultation or call 718-768-7277 or arrange an indoor air quality assessment. Our team will work with you to create the perfect air quality solution for your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you prefer to contact us via email, you can reach out to us at info@henick-lane.com.

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LEED certification is a phrase you see bandied about a good bit in the HVAC industry. What exactly does it mean, and why is it an important consideration? Well, for us it is a vital part of our green philosophy, so let’s look at what it means.

What Does LEED Mean in HVAC?

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a comprehensive set of standards for eco-friendly building design. With more interest in green buildings and energy efficiency, LEED standards are becoming more desirable. HVAC plays a major part in two of the seven areas LEED considers when certifying buildings due primarily to its relatively high level of power consumption.

Why Is HVAC So Important to LEED Certification?

It takes a lot of energy to maintain a building’s internal environment, especially in the face of blistering heat or extreme cold. Two categories of the LEED certification, making up 40% of the total points, are heavily HVAC based: Energy and Atmosphere (EA – 38 points) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ – 21 points). That is more than electricity and water combined.

The LEED requirements for HVAC center around approaches like optimizing equipment efficiency, setting up proper zoning and controls, and demonstrating that the equipment has significantly better performance than ASHRAE/IESNA standards.

What Does Being LEED Certified Mean?

LEED certification means that the building in question shows green leadership. That means that it maximizes its use of renewable resources and minimizes its impact on the environment. The higher the building’s score, the lower its environmental impact. This reduced energy usage also translates into lower power bills.

A good way to get an idea of what that means in practical terms is to take a look at the LEED certification checklist. The seven areas scored and their point values are:

  1. Sustainable Sites.
  2. Water Efficiency.
  3. Energy and Atmosphere (which is where HVAC comes in).
  4. Materials and Resources.
  5. Indoor Environmental Quality (which is where HVAC comes in again).
  6. Innovation in Design Process.
  7. Regional Priority.

Is It Worth It to Get LEED Certified?

As a common standard, and one now referenced in more contemporary building codes, having LEED certification is a valuable thing. It shows that you care enough about your facility to keep up with the most modern standards and techniques. As more and more laws go on the books enforcing tighter environmental / energy standards, staying ahead of the curve will become increasingly vital.

Henick-Lane, Your LEED Accredited HVAC Solution

Our LEED-accredited team is ready to work with you to find the best, greenest, most cost-effective solution for your building. For a consultation and quote, drop us a line. Contact us online, via email at info@henick-lane.com, or call (718) 768-7277 to get advice and a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Commercial HVAC systems have become increasingly complicated and difficult to implement. Verification has similarly become complex as a result. From LEED requirements to the various local, national, and international building construction codes, all of which can sometimes conflict, the level of complexity increases almost daily. One important aspect of a modern temperature control strategy is commercial HVAC commissioning.

What Is Commercial HVAC Commissioning?

Commissioning, in plain English, is the process of checking and verifying that all systems are properly installed and functioning according to their official specifications. This process should be performed when the equipment is installed. It may be performed again as needed should the system experience any performance issues. It also may be revisited over time if the building’s energy, air quality, or thermal comfort performance is not meeting expectations.

Why Is Commercial HVAC Commissioning Important?

There are several reasons commercial HVAC commissioning is essential. First of all, building owners, contractors, and engineers are legally required to maintain proper documentation on their HVAC systems and their performance.

HVAC commissioning also allows the early identification and resolution of issues, which can reduce callbacks and repairs over time. Periodic HVAC commissioning also leads to a general improvement in system performance and efficiency.

What Is Done When a Commercial HVAC System Is Commissioned?

Here is an example of items that usually appear on an HVAC commissioning checklist.

  1. Test for Air Leakage. As your grandmother might say, don’t air condition the outdoors.
  2. Test for Duct Leakage. This maintains energy efficiency.
  3. Pressure Mapping. Pressure imbalances can cause more air leakage.
  4. Total External Static Pressure. Poorly installed ducts can create high static pressure that resists the blower.
  5. Outside Air Flow Measurement. This involved making sure the amount of air the system brings in doesn’t overwhelm your heating and cooling system.
  6. Temperature Drop. A properly working air conditioner should have a temperature drop of 20° F. This is an easy way to find problems.
  7. Exhaust Fan Air Flow Measurement. Most restroom fans are poorly installed and only get about half their rated airflow.

Henick-Lane Is Here for Your Commercial HVAC Needs

No matter the size of your business, our dedicated staff at Henick-Lane is here for you. Our LEED-certified staff of experts is committed to working with you for all your commercial HVAC needs. Let us utilize our more than 50 years of experience to provide an affordable, practical solution for your facility. Contact us here or call (718) 768-7277 today!

You can also feel free to reach out to our HVAC team at info@henick-lane.com or service@henick-lane.com.

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New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (NY CLCPA) calls for measures to achieve reductions in energy use by:

  • Transitioning water and heating to electricity.
  • Establishing appliance efficiency standards.
  • Instituting stronger building energy codes.
  • Requiring annual building energy benchmarking.
  • Expanding the ability of state facilities to use performance contracting.
  • Requiring the disclosure of energy efficiency in home sales.

At this point, it is unclear whether the Department of Environmental Conservation or a different state agency will use the Act to impose more rigorous efficiency standards on existing buildings.

What Is New York State Doing About Climate Change?

New York State has several policies and programs in place that focus on renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas reduction, and statewide climate planning to promote low energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare against climate change. CLCPA is one of the plans.

What Is NY CLCPA?

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was passed in June 2019 to adopt measures to allow the state to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050. It is considered one of the most ambitious climate laws in the world. It establishes a Climate Action Council, which will be guided by the legal requirements contained in the Act.

What Does the CLCPA Do?

In addition to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the CLCPA intends to direct a large portion of the program’s benefits toward historically disadvantaged communities determined by a myriad of factors such as socioeconomic, environmental hazards, and public health. The Act also plans to create community air monitoring programs to work on the community level to monitor air quality standards and pollutant levels. This addresses issues of air quality in communities affected by local air pollution and ensures that pollutants are eliminated first in disadvantaged communities.

Why Was the CLCPA Enacted?

This bill was passed to set the state on a path to net zero emissions across all sectors of the economy. The CLCPA timeline hopes to have 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. New York wishes to lead the way in protecting our communities and economy from the dangerous realities of climate change.

What Is the Scoping Plan?

The Scoping Plan is a project created by the Climate Action Council that will set out recommendations for reducing emissions across all sectors of the economy, such as transportation, building, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors. The plan is revised and updated every five years to adapt to changing needs of the state.

The Scoping Plan will help inform regulatory agencies as a part of the state’s overall energy plan. According to CLCPA section 7(2), state agencies will need to confirm their actions are in accordance with the goals of reducing greenhouse gasses, or otherwise be able to explain and justify the need for those decisions and have alternate plans in place that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Henick-Lane Can Handle All of Your Commercial HVAC Needs

With more than five decades of providing superior commercial HVAC service, our team of experts specializes in providing affordable and practical solutions for all types of high-rise and commercial buildings. Contact us here or call (718) 768-7277 today; we can custom design an HVAC solution that will keep your tenants comfortable and satisfied. If your building requires service, maintenance, and/or repair, contact Henick-Lane Service Corp. today. You can also reach out to our professionals via email at info@henick-lane.com or service@henick-lane.com.

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Experience is always an asset in any endeavor, even more so if it involves technical tasks. HVAC work is certainly technical, so let’s take a look at some of what is involved in such work and why finding an experienced team is vital.

What Does HVAC Do?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It refers to the systems that regulate and move heated and cooled air throughout residential and commercial buildings, from homes to offices to indoor stadiums. It can also involve air purification, which is very important for hospitals, rehab centers, and assisted living facilities.

On the commercial level, HVAC systems include equipment such as fan coils, air handling units, cooling towers, and VRF systems. In simplest terms, it is what keeps you comfortable inside.

What Are 5 Skills an HVAC Technician Should Have?

Accredited HVAC technicians should have solid skills in the following areas:

  • Testing – to ensure that equipment is fit for installation and functions as it is supposed to.
  • Installation – installing various climate control systems on a variety of properties.
  • Maintenance and servicing – performing regular upkeep to ensure maximum function and lifespan of the equipment.
  • Troubleshooting and repair work – locating and fixing problems and issues.
  • Sales – assessing the need for replacement parts and assisting the customer in choosing the best fit for the job.

Is HVAC Hard on the Body?

That would be a definite yes. The HVAC trade is a surprisingly stressful profession. The work is not only demanding on the body but also usually involves its highest volume during heat waves or intense cold snaps. In addition, it also frequently involves working in cramped and unpleasant places. Dark and dirty spaces are part and parcel of the work. For most people, letting the professionals handle things is often preferable to dealing with such conditions.

How Much Math Is Involved in HVAC?

A wide variety of formulas and equations are involved in HVAC service. Math is used to calculate the correct load requirements, ensuring that the equipment properly heats or cools. Math is also used to configure energy savings as well as a variety of other issues, particularly electrical ones.

Henick-Lane is the Right Contractor for Your Next HVAC Upgrade

At Henick-Lane, we bring over 50 years of experience in designing and installing new, high-efficiency HVAC systems for commercial buildings and facilities. Looking to upgrade from an old heating or air conditioning system to a newer, more energy-efficient design? Our LEED-accredited team will work with you to create the solution that perfectly fits your needs. Contact us for a consultation or call (718) -768-7277 to get advice and a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

Feel free to reach out to our team via email as well at Info@henick-lane.com or Service@henick-lane.com.

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Data centers and all the electrical equipment involved generate a lot of heat. This is one of the reasons that quality HVAC in data centers is even more important. If temperatures rise too high, servers can shut down, suffer a decreased lifespan, or even suffer physical damage. Dust and humidity are also much larger concerns when computer equipment is involved. The correct data center HVAC design is essential to avoid these potential problems. Let’s take a deeper look into everything that goes into the HVAC design for server rooms.

How Do You Cool a Data Center?

The answer to this question is constantly evolving as more and more hyper-scale data centers are built. Computer room air conditioners (CRACs), evaporative cooling processes, and hot aisle/ cold aisle containment are only the beginning. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on data and its transfer, new technologies are moving from the realm of fiction to fact. Immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling are great examples.

How Much Cooling Is Needed for a Data Center?

The usual cooling capacity required for a data center is about 1.3 times the expected IT load plus any redundant capacity, especially for smaller server rooms. The cooling load you calculate may vary from this standard, especially in the case of larger data centers and hyper-scale facilities.

How Does a Data Center Chiller Work?

Data center air handling units operate in much the same fashion as their counterparts elsewhere. First, water is chilled and directed through a cooling coil inside the unit, which then uses modulating fans to pull in external air from outside the facility. Since their operation is based on chilling external air, computer room air handler (CRAH) units are a lot more efficient when used in colder climates.

What Should the Humidity Be in a Server Room?

Humidity around sensitive electronics is a crucial issue. Air that is too dry is prone to static electricity issues, which can damage delicate electronics. If the humidity is too high, the moisture in the air can also cause damage.

The most recent recommendations for the temperatures at which you can reliably operate a data center for most classes of information technology (IT) equipment are:

  • Dew point (DP) of -9˚C DP to 15˚C DP.
  • Relative humidity (RH) of 60 percent.
  • Temperature between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius (°C) or 64 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

How Do You Calculate BTU for a Data Center?

For best results, a professional should evaluate your space for any mitigating factors affecting the heat generated and any other factors involved in providing HVAC for a data center. That said, to get a rough estimate on your own, use the following formula.

  1. Get the wattage of your power supply.
  2. Divide the wattage by the efficiency found in the Technical Product Specification (TPS)
  3. Multiply the Watts consumed by 3.41214 to get BTU/h

Contact Henick-Lane for All Your Commercial HVAC Needs

Having served a wide range of commercial HVAC needs and requirements for more than five decades, our expert team at Henick-Lane can provide affordable, practical, and cutting-edge solutions for data centers, including hyper-scale data centers. If your building requires maintenance, service, or an upgrade, contact Henick-Lane. We can custom design an HVAC solution that will ensure comfort in your building and a safe climate for your data. Get started by calling (718) 768-7277 today or filling out our contact form.