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Henick-Lane

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Modern temperature control strategy is a complex and evolving subject. The technology of today’s commercial HVAC systems has grown more intricate, as have the rules and legalities surrounding them. At every level, from local to global, a bewildering array of regulations, sometimes contradicting each other, can make it challenging to keep your hardware compliant.

What Is HVAC Commissioning?

Commercial HVAC commissioning is a verification process during which all subject systems are examined, and the performance is compared to their official specs to ensure optimum efficiency. HVAC testing and commissioning are valuable not only as a tool for addressing performance shortfalls but also as an excellent way of ensuring that complete documentation of your systems is created and maintained. (ASHRAE offers a variety of resources with greater detail on the subject.)

A typical HVAC commissioning checklist usually includes tests such as verifying air flow, chillers, pumps, air handling units, air balancing of supply registers, and the various other discrete components of your system all the way down the thermostats. A commissioning contractor with proper credentials must handle the process. EnergyStar offers a national HVAC commissioning checklist to show how extensive the process is.

Is Commissioning Required by Code?

Commissioning as a requirement began with the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). If cooling loads exceed 480,000 Btu/h (40 tons) and heating/service water heating loads exceed 600,000 Btu/h, an HVAC commissioning procedure is required. There are a few exceptions to the code, usually equipment that serves multi-unit residences, hotels, and similar situations.

In New York City, Local Law 97 lays forth requirements that building owners must regulate and maintain the carbon emissions levels laid out by the new legislation, along with annual reporting requirements. New York State updated its statewide commissioning guidelines in the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 ECCCNYS).

As time marches on, commissioning seems to be making the transition from recommended to required. Even now, the lack of proof that HVAC commissioning was performed can sometimes block the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Henick-Lane – Your Commercial HVAC Commissioning Experts

Whether you’re installing a new HVAC in a data center, assessing an older unit to see if it needs replacing, or simply making sure that you meet regulatory requirements, our LEED-accredited experts are standing by to help. For over five decades, Henick-Lane has built up the commercial HVAC experience needed to develop the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Give us a call at (718) 768-7277, or contact us online today!

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Indoor air quality for commercial HVAC is an issue of growing importance in these COVID-conscious times. This means, among other things, air filtration to remove particulates and organics such as mold and pollen. Good air filtration can also help mitigate the spread of germs, with efficacy being dependent on the filter being used. You must first understand how the filters are rated to make the best decisions.

What Is a MERV Rating?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, rate a filter according to the size of particles it removes from the air. The higher the rating, the more efficient the filtration. MERVs measure for particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in diameter. For example, HEPA and ULPA filters fall under MERV ratings of 17-20 (on a scale of 1-20), while many commercial-grade filters are in the 8-13 range.

It is important to note that even though a higher MERV rating means a more efficient filter, it does not necessarily mean that it is the right filter for the job. Filters with a MERV rating too high for the HVAC system could cause it to work too hard. For maximum effect, without putting undue strain on your system, it is most important that you use the filter rated for your existing HVAC system.

What Is a Good MERV Rating?

The current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends MERV-13 air filtration as the minimum desirable for commercial buildings, and MERV 14 or better is preferred wherever possible. Generally, for best results, you should always use the highest MERV rating your HVAC system is rated for.

But is MERV 13 good enough to filter out the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Filters with an 11 MERV rating can filter some coronavirus particles, roughly 65%, but a greater MERV rating is recommended. The COVID virus is roughly 0.1 micrometer, but it’s typically embedded in respiratory droplets that are generally 1 micrometer and larger. So, looking at it by MERV ratings, you get the following results:

  • MERV 13 – captures 85% of particles between 1 and 3 micrometers
  • MERV 14 – captures 90% of particles between 1 and 3 micrometers
  • MERV 16 – captures 95% of particles between 1 and 3 micrometers
  • HEPA (MERV 17+) – captures 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 micrometers

Henick-Lane’s extensive experience with medical and laboratory facilities makes us the premier choice when assessing and improving your building’s air quality.

Henick-Lane, Your Leader for Indoor Air Quality

At Henick-Lane, we have more than fifty years of experience serving the commercial HVAC needs of New York City’s commercial buildings and facilities. Contact us online or call (718) 768-7277 to schedule an indoor air quality assessment.

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Technology always moves forward, and every year brings new developments and equipment. As we approach the end of 2022, let’s take a look at some of the new directions and developments in the industry.

Current HVAC Trends Going Into 2023

First let’s take a look at some of the ongoing trends in the industry and what they may hold for the coming year.

Industry Growth – According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, there will be a roughly 8% increase in available industry jobs over the next seven years, which translates into approximately 38,500 new positions each year for techs and installation staff.

Data Centers – In the information age, data drives everything, and that means servers to store it on. Data centers, with their stringent temperature and humidity requirements continue to be one of the strongest growth areas for commercial HVAC services as we move into 2023.

Holistic Building Management – As energy efficiency becomes increasingly more important and required by regulations, another trend has become evident: finding ways to create synergy between the entire building’s systems to maximize efficient HVAC operation. For example, adding insulation where needed to reduce strain on the system.

Is There an HVAC Equipment Shortage?

Supply chain issues have hit every business during Covid, and the HVAC industry is not immune. Shortages in materials like copper and steel have had a direct impact on availability, as has the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips. On top of that – like all industries – labor shortages have slowed production as workers get sick or leave to take care of sick loved ones.

HVAC standards and practices are going to undergo an extreme revision in January of 2023, when the Dept of Energy’s new minimum efficiency standards for the industry go into effect. Combined with the supply chain, materials, and labor issues noted above is why substantial cost increases are projected for our industry in the coming year.

In addition, manufacturers across the commercial HVAC sector have been announcing 5-30% increases on their prices. On the good side, any price increases won’t affect prices on equipment shipped out before New Year’s Day 2023. If you are considering upgrades or new systems contact us right away, especially if your current system uses ozone depleting refrigerants like R-22.

What Is Tesla HVAC?

Does Tesla make AC units? Tesla currently only makes HVAC for their cars, but there is some buzz about expanding into residential / commercial HVAC in the near future. With Elon Musk all over the news with his recent acquisition of Twitter, there has not been much news about the residential Tesla HVAC for the past few months.

In late July, Musk stated that it was on their “product list”, but not much has been heard since. According to reporting, it is an evolution of the HVAC systems used in his Tesla automobiles and includes Covid era developments such as HEPA filtration. Is there a Tesla HVAC system release date? At this point none has been announced.

Henick-Lane Can Handle Your Commercial HVAC Needs

Henick-Lane has been providing premiere commercial HVAC services in and around New York City for more than 50 years. From custom design and installation to maintenance and ongoing service contracts we can develop the HVAC solution that best suits your building and your needs. Contact us today.

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“HVAC” is a simple acronym for a complex system that regulates heating, cooling, and ventilation in your building. Let’s talk about one of the crucial components of your HVAC system, the heat exchanger.

What is a Heat Exchanger?

In the most basic terms, a heat exchanger moves heat from one medium to another without blending them. This temperature exchange usually occurs between two gases, two liquids, or a gas and a fluid. While you could argue that your entire HVAC system is a heat exchanger, the phrase commonly refers to a discrete component of the overall HVAC system.

What Is a Heat Exchanger Used For?

In commercial buildings and other larger structures such as high rises and data centers, a “heat exchanger” works to regulate and moderate the internal temperature. Thus, it takes part in the heating and cooling processes of HVAC. A heat exchanger works on the air conditioning processes in the summer heat by removing the hot air. Then, in the winter, the exchanger works with a furnace to warm cold air.

More importantly, a heat exchanger helps to improve ventilation while helping to maintain energy efficiency. This way, fresh air can be brought in without losing warmth in the winter or having hot outside air cause discomfort in the summer.

What Are the Types of Heat Exchangers?

There are a few basic categories that most heat exchangers fall into.

1.    Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers are referred to as the “tube within a tube” style. A tube or tubes of liquid or gas runs through another tube with a different liquid or gas, allowing temperature exchange across their surfaces.

2.    Double Pipe Heat Exchangers

Double pipe heat exchangers are similar to the shell and tube style, but the pipes are wrapped around each other rather than one running through the center of the other one.

3.    Heating Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)

Heating recovery ventilators (HRVs), or mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems, are the cutting edge of current HVAC technology. These are heat exchangers that transfer temperature (hot or cold) between the HVAC system’s exhaust air and intake air.

4.    Plate Heat Exchangers

Plate heat exchangers use metal plates to exchange heat between two fluids. Additionally, condensers, evaporators, and boilers are also classified as heat exchangers.

Where Are Heat Exchangers Used?

Heat exchangers of various scales are used all around you. While our focus is their use in commercial HVAC systems, they are also common components of refrigeration systems. Most equipment that involves regulating temperature has a heat exchanger of some kind in it. As a matter of fact, you’re around one every time you drive, the radiator in your car.

Henick-Lane, Your Commercial HVAC Experts for More Than 50 Years

For more than five decades, Henick-Lane has developed a wide array of HVAC solutions for commercial buildings like data centers and high-rises in the New York City area. Whether it’s your heat exchanger, commissioning your HVAC system, or a completely customized solution, our experts are ready to help. Contact us by calling today – (718) 768-7277 – or by email at info@henick-lane.com.

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Your heating and air conditioning system pulls in air over coils to change the temperature and then blows them through ducts to other rooms. Your air filter is typically placed where the air is brought into the system. It is used to trap particles that get sucked in to keep them from clogging coils or blocking the blower. These particles are typically things like dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and spores.

What Type of HVAC Filters Should I Use?

There are many different types of air filters, and various ratings are used to rate them. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a scale from 1 (weaker filters) to 16 (stronger filters). MERV was established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

The Federal Trade Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency recognize the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) method used to measure air purifier efficiency. While some high-end filters can be up to 1200 CADR, most are between 12 CADR and 240 CADR. Some brands also have their own rating systems.

  • Flat-panel filters are the most traditional and affordable, and they have fibers (generally fiberglass) stretched over a framework. They’re disposable and easily replaced.
  • Pleated filters are a disposable type of filter that use screens of dense cotton or plastic fibers, and as the name suggests, they have pleats. The pleats cover more surface area, allowing the filter to catch more debris.
  • Electrostatic filters carry a charge to help capture even smaller particles like pollen, smoke, or bacteria in their screens. They can be either flat or pleated and disposable or washable.
  • Washable or reusable filters come in both pleated and flat-paneled options. This type of filter can be hosed down with water or vacuumed to remove the buildup of particles.
  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are commonly used in hospitals, labs, or homes of people with allergies or compromised immune systems. HEPA filters consistently remove 99.97% of particles from the air. Consult with your HVAC professional before switching to HEPA filters. Not all commercial HVAC systems are designed to use these extra-strong filters.

How Often Should HVAC Filters Be Changed?

A general rule of thumb is about every one to three months after you installed it. A key sign you should change your filter is a buildup of ashy-looking gray dust on the duct side of the filter. Some experts argue that more dust on the filter technically makes it “better” at filtering other particles, but this is at the expense of your unit’s efficiency.

Do HVAC Filters Help with Covid?

In a building or small space, HVAC filters can reduce contaminants in the air, including viruses. However, the EPA notes that “By itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.” Good air ventilation and filtration can be a part of reducing the threat of airborne transmissions indoors when used along with other best practices like mask wearing and social distancing.

Do HVAC Filters Make a Difference?

In addition to improving air quality by removing dust and bacteria, keeping up with cleaning or replacing your air filter can help maintain and extend the life of your AC unit. Better air filtration can also decrease the frequency of cleaning air ducts.

Can You Put an HVAC Filter in Backwards?

Yes, you can install an HVAC filter backward. Though your filter may look similar on either side, the truth is that one side is more porous than the other to allow particles into them. If you do put your AC filter in backward, air will have a more difficult time flowing through it, and your unit will have to work harder to circulate air.

Call Henick-Lane for All of Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Henick-Lane, we are experts in all aspects of commercial HVAC, including indoor air quality. We have more than half a century of experience serving the New York City area’s high-rises, commercial buildings, and facilities. Contact us online to request a consultation or call (718) 768-7277 to arrange an indoor air quality assessment. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Living in the city, you encounter a wide variety of pollutants, smells, and vapors outside. When you enter your school, indoor air pollution is the last thing you want. Examining the state of your indoor air quality is essential for the health and safety of your students and staff. Let’s take a look at the standards in place (ASHRAE standards) defining what constitutes safe air and some of the factors that impact it.

What Are ASHRAE Guidelines?

ASHRAE stands for American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. This professional organization focuses on healthy and sustainable practices within the HVAC industry. An ASHRAE certification denotes a high level of specialized knowledge, ability, and competency with these methods.

As defined on their website, “ASHRAE standards and guidelines include uniform methods of testing for rating purposes, describe recommended practices in designing and installing equipment and provide other information to guide the industry.”

What Is IAQ in HVAC?

IAQ means Indoor Air Quality. Used this way, it denotes the quality of the breathable air in and around a building, focusing on both comfort and any possible health impacts that IAQ may cause. Bringing in an air quality tester for an indoor air quality assessment is your quickest route to determining the IAQ of your building.

The EPA notes a variety of short-term and long-term effects that poor quality air can have, as well as the most commonly encountered issues and pollutants. A few examples of indoor air pollutants include:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Fumes from combustion fuel-burning appliances
  • Excessive moisture
  • Asbestos
  • Radon
  • Pesticides
  • Fumes and residue from building materials, cleaning products, etc.

What Is the ASHRAE Standard for Indoor Air Quality?

Determining quality in any field requires measurements and standards that can serve as a benchmark for comparison. In terms of indoor air quality (IAQ), ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 provide those benchmarks for the design and maintenance of HVAC design and in determining indoor air quality levels. If you wish to dig into deeper detail on the subject, ASHRAE’s Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is available as a free download.

What Is IAQ Ventilation?

Ventilation plays a major part in IAQ it directly impacts two important factors: airborne contaminants and humidity. The National Center for Healthy Housing looks at both of those factors in detail. With the proper ventilation solution, many IAQ issues can be fixed or reduced in severity.

Henick-Lane Provides Commercial HVAC IAQ Testing and Solutions

The experienced team at Henick-Lane are authorities on IAQ and ASHRAE standards, bringing to the table more than 55 years of experience with all facets of commercial HVAC systems. Contact us now for an indoor air quality assessment. Our team will collaborate with you to develop the perfect air quality solution for your educational facility.

Reach out to us online to request a consultation, call 718-768-7277, or contact us via email, at info@henick-lane.com. We look forward to hearing from you!