Energy waste is a huge problem in the United States. In fact, only about 34 percent of all energy produced gets used by consumers and businesses.

Much of this is unavoidable and related to the ways energy gets used. For instance, most of the fuel burned while driving a car or operating an oven is lost as heat energy. However, a lot of energy waste results from poor infrastructure or planning.

If your business is interested in doing its part to have a greener HVAC system design, keep reading. Besides environmental benefits, there is another big reason to consider upgrades: it will save you money.

This article includes some basic advice on creating a more sustainable HVAC system design. It will help you reduce energy consumption and your monthly utility bills.

Air Balance

Balancing the air in your commercial HVAC system is one of the easiest ways to increase energy efficiency. This involves conducting leakage tests and adjusting the pressure levels accordingly.

This not only helps your system run more smoothly, but it increases indoor air quality as well. A qualified HVAC technician can conduct these tests and recommend improvements.

Change Commercial Air Filters

Dirty air filters become clogged, which makes your HVAC system have to work harder than it needs to circulate air throughout the building. Cleaning them is an easy way to increase efficiency.

Clean filters also help protect various components that interact with air in your system. These include evaporator and condenser coils, as well as vents.
Changing filters on a regular basis is an easy way to increase efficiency and help your system last longer. It also will produce cleaner air throughout your office.

Regular Maintenance

Commercial HVAC systems are complex, with many components doing a variety of jobs. When one fails to perform as it should, the functionality of the entire system diminishes. This means it has to work harder and use more energy than it needs to.

Energy efficiency is a very good reason to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Also, it helps avoid abrupt breakdowns by catching minor problems before they become major ones.

Install Upgraded Components

There have been many major innovations in HVAC system design during the last few decades to increase energy efficiency. Zoning systems and programmable thermostats are two good examples.

Economizers are another illustration. These are a type of external damper with sensors to compare indoor humidity and temperature to that outside. If ambient air is the temperature needed to adjust indoor air, then the economizer uses it.

This keeps the system from having to manufacture the heater or cooled air itself. Such upgrades can significantly improve the efficiency of your system.

Learn More About HVAC System Design

Now that you understand the role HVAC system design plays in creating more energy-efficient buildings, you can implement these strategies in your business. A licensed commercial technician can further advise you on how to create more sustainable HVAC systems.
Sun Mechanical Systems has over 60 years of combined experience in commercial HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We work with clients to put in place green energy policies while optimizing workplace comfort and air quality. Reach out to us today to learn more.

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When was the last time you had your commercial HVAC system checked? If you're like many business owners, you may put off this task until something goes wrong.

As a business owner, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment is a top priority. A good place to start is with your HVAC system.

Although the quality of the system is important, regular maintenance is essential to keep it at peak performance.
Routine maintenance can cut your energy costs, provide cleaner air, and extend the life of your HVAC system. If you're wondering how commercial HVAC preventative maintenance can help your business, we have the answers.

Here are the benefits of regular commercial HVAC maintenance.

Lower Energy Usage

Your HVAC system consumes energy. The more you run it, the higher the energy costs.

This is especially true during the hottest and coldest parts of the year. If your energy bills are exceptionally high, your HVAC unit could be the problem.

The efficiency of your system makes a huge impact on your energy costs. A clogged or dirty HVAC unit is a health hazard and can be a huge drain on your business financially.
A dirty system runs harder and longer and costs more to run. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can raise the energy efficiency of your system and lower your monthly energy bills.

Cleaning the system and changing the air filters help it run smoother and require less energy. This lowers your energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint.

If you're looking for ways to save money on your energy bills, schedule a routine HVAC maintenance check. An HVAC pro can evaluate your system to determine its energy efficiency.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

Catching HVAC problems early before they become major issues will save you money in the long run. Running an HVAC system nonstop without preventative maintenance is never a good idea.

If you run your system until it fails, it may need to be replaced. This will cost you a lot more than regular routine maintenance.

You want your HVAC system to operate efficiently, produce clean air, and keep your employees and customers comfortable year-round. The best way to accomplish this is with preventative maintenance.

Although a maintenance plan cannot eliminate the possibility of all breakdowns, it will reduce the chances of unplanned emergency repairs.

Contact a reputable commercial HVAC service provider to schedule a routine maintenance check.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is essential to good health. When people enter your commercial building, they expect to breathe clean indoor air.

Dirty indoor air can lead to respiratory problems, throat irritation, and allergies. An energy-efficient HVAC system helps filter out allergens and pollutants.

Dirty blowers and equipment can spread bacteria, fungi, pollen, and other pathogens. A dirty HVAC system can't function properly.

Regular HVAC maintenance will keep your system clean and operating to its optimal level. Cut down on airborne contaminants and improve the indoor air quality of your commercial building.

Provide your guests and employees with a healthier environment with ongoing HVAC maintenance.

Improve Safety

A malfunctioning HVAC system can be dangerous. An electrical failure can cause a fire hazard. Faulty ventilation can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

Fires due to faulty HVAC equipment are common. Prevent this possibility and dangerous equipment failures with regular HVAC maintenance.

As a business owner or manager, safety must be a top priority. Contact a Chicagoland HVAC maintenance company to discuss a maintenance plan for your commercial HVAC system.

Fulfill Warranty Requirements

If your HVAC system is under warranty, the manufacturer may require regular maintenance in order to pay for repairs. Without evidence of ongoing maintenance, they can refuse to pay a claim.

Maintaining your HVAC unit will keep it running efficiently. If you're unsure about your warranty requirements, check the fine print.

Scheduling regular maintenance can keep your commercial HVAC system in top shape while meeting your warranty requirements.

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Most people get regular maintenance for their cars but often fail to do so for their HVAC systems. Your HVAC unit is a major part of your business. It's a big investment, and you want it to last.

It keeps your employees and customers cool in the summer and warm in the winter. People expect to be safe and comfortable as they enter your building.

The out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality won't work when it comes to your HVAC system. If you ignore it, it runs non-stop.

This causes the unit to work too hard and leads to excessive wear and tear on your system. When your system has to work harder, it's more likely to malfunction and break down.

As a business owner, you can extend the life of your commercial system with regular preventative maintenance.

Get the Best Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Your HVAC system is a major investment and an important part of your business operations. It keeps your customers and employees comfortable throughout the day.

An HVAC service pro can help identify issues before they become costly repairs. Taking the time to schedule routine maintenance now can save you time and money in the future.

At Sun Mechanical Systems, we have over 60 years of experience in the Chicagoland Commercial HVAC industry.

Our goal is to offer the highest quality products and services to our valued customers. We'd love to help you with your HVAC needs.

Contact Sun Mechanical Systems today to schedule a system evaluation.

American commercial buildings spend 159 billion kilowatt-hours (1,000 watts an hour) on cooling. It has to be expensive for commercial buildings to pay for that energy. These companies should want to reduce this expense.
Luckily, there is a way for commercial building owners to reduce their cooling expenses. They can get an energy-efficient HVAC system.

And a lower energy bill isn't the only benefit of these systems. Read on to learn about some of the benefits of energy-efficient HVAC systems for commercial buildings.

Quieter

Older systems tend to be noisier than newer ones. This sound can disturb workers and customers. This can break down your profit and productivity levels.

Keep everyone focused and comfortable! Hire an HVAC company to install a new energy-efficient system in your commercial building today.

Less Eco-Guilt

Are you an eco-conscious business owner? If so, you should want to make your business as eco-friendly as possible. This way you can reduce any feelings of eco-guilt you may have.
An energy-efficient commercial HVAC system makes your commercial building more eco-friendly than before. It reduces how much your company needs to rely on fossil fuels.

Better Environment

Installing an energy-efficient system helps everyone by bettering the environment. By using up less energy, you're lessening the effects of climate change.

Most energy creation systems burn fossil fuels to create energy. This process releases greenhouse gasses into the air. These gasses worsen climate change.

Bragging Rights

You may want to have a business with an eco-friendly image. The energy efficiency of your HVAC system can be a part of that image.

Why should you want to have an eco-friendly business? To start with, it can attract certain workers. These are individuals who are proud to work at a company that respects the environment.

You can also attract and/or keep certain customers. A lot of people these days want to patronize businesses that have the same morals as them.

Property Value Raise

Customers and workers aren't the only people who like energy-efficient appliances. Business owners like them too. They often want this because of the reasons above.

Commercial building owners who rent their buildings need energy-efficient HVAC systems. After they do, they can charge higher rent prices. Eco-friendly business owners should be happy to pay this price.

Commercial building owners who want to sell their buildings have a similar opportunity. Making eco-friendly improvements to their buildings can net them a decent ROI.

Get Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildings

Now you know the benefits of energy-efficient HVAC systems for commercial buildings. So now it's time to get one. Your building will be more comfortable, valuable, and eco-friendly as a result.

We can install an energy-efficient HVAC system for you. Our family-owned business has over 60 years of experience in the Chicagoland commercial HVAC industry. We're sure you'll get a high-quality installation from us.

Contact us for a free consultation on this page.

An equipment breakdown at your commercial business can cost you upwards of $1 million each year, according to a recent study. When the HVAC system goes, it can leave your customers, clients and employees hanging. Recognizing common heating and cooling problems before they happen is critical to running your business.

Common commercial HVAC issues include lack of maintenance, dirty air filters, and a bad thermostat.
Here's more on mechanical issues meaning before they start!

Lack of Maintenance

Many HVAC units fail, thanks to a lack of HVAC maintenance. Hiring a professional to review your system throughout the year will prevent significant problems.
An expert technician will spot and fix early problems to keep your system running.

One of the biggest reasons HVAC maintenance is so important is that it saves you money! The Indoor Air Quality Association says it will cut energy costs and extend the life of your commercial HVAC system.

Dirty Air Filters

Bad air filters freeze your HVAC system and force dirty air to circulate through your commercial system. Polluted air causes issues for people with asthma and allergies. They also force your HVAC unit to work harder.

It could also create more dust throughout your commercial business, which means more cleaning! Spending more money on constant cleaning will cost you more money over the long term.

Changing air filters isn't expensive. Many experts recommend changing your air filters every 90 days.

Bad Thermostat

A faulty thermostat will give you an incorrect reading of your home's temperature. The wrong temperature will force your system to work harder.

Consider a 'smart thermostat' for your commercial business. You can control your HVAC unit remotely - right from your smartphone! Many energy companies will give you a rebate for upgrading this technology because it's more energy efficient.

Broken Fans

A bad fan in your heating and cooling system will cause your system to blow warm air throughout your business. Dirt and debris can also get caught in the fan's motor, creating more significant problems.

Check if the fan's blades are dirty - sometimes, you can wipe them clean.

Broken fans also make noise, triggering you to call a maintenance expert.

Wear and Tear

Over time, your system will break down. The coils might need replacing. Belts, motors, and even nuts, screws, and bolts can rust or break.

Simple problems create significant issues. You might not need to replace your entire system. Fixing wear and tear over time makes your system run smoothly.

Mechanical Issues Meaning You Should Know

Mechanical issues meaning you should know, include a lack of maintenance, dirty air filters, and a bad thermostat. Others include broken fans and general wear and tear on your commercial system.
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Calling an expert HVAC technician will help keep your system in tip-top shape. We can help you solve any problem - big and small. Don't take the risk of someone who doesn't know your plan!

According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, 30% of the energy used in commercial properties is wasted.
That is why, although designing a commercial HVAC system can be an overwhelming task, it is a critical process for reducing energy wastage.

You want to make sure you get the design right, but it's hard to know where to start and what details are important.

Don't worry - we've got you covered! Keep reading because we'll walk you through all of the key elements that should be taken into account when designing a commercial HVAC system design so that your building is comfortable and energy efficient for years to come.

Building Size and Layout

It’s important to accurately measure the size of each room and recognize any irregular shapes or areas that require special attention in your design. This will help ensure you have enough capacity to cool or heat the space adequately, while also allowing for proper air circulation.

Air Quality

Poor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, so you must select an HVAC system capable of properly filtering and purifying the air within your building ventilation. Additionally, you'll want to consider adding dehumidifying and humidifying equipment, as well as sensors and monitors, to maintain optimal levels at all times.

Efficiency

Getting an energy-efficient HVAC system installed in your home is a great way to reduce your overall energy costs. Variable-speed systems tend to be the best investment for their higher efficiency ratings and are worth looking into.

Not only will it cost less to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but you have peace of mind knowing that you are doing your part to help preserve the environment. It's not just about saving money; being more efficient can have positive impacts on us all.

Maintenance

Good maintenance practices can do wonders for your HVAC system - not only in terms of its lifespan but also for energy savings and comfort. Scheduling yearly maintenance appointments not only can help catch small issues that could lead to larger, more expensive ones down the road, but it allows for the system to run as efficiently as possible.

When deciding on a new HVAC system, take into account the cost and time associated with regular maintenance to keep it working optimally and effectively. A little preventative care now will go a long way in ensuring your system is running efficiently for years to come.

Budget

Budgeting for a quality HVAC system can seem daunting at first, but it is important to be smart when making your investment. Look into quality units with the best features and energy-efficiency ratings that are within your budget range.

It might be attractive to go for cheap options, but these often come with repair costs down the line that aren't factored into the original cost. By doing your research and deciding on a quality unit upfront, you can save yourself money in the long run!

Are You Looking for a Commercial HVAC System Design?

When choosing a commercial HVAC system, it is essential to weigh all the options and take into consideration HVAC sizing, and the different types of commercial HVAC systems. By understanding these key elements, you can ensure that your new system is reliable and efficient for years to come.

We're an established commercial HVAC system design specialist with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Our team of licensed professionals can help you design the most efficient heating and cooling system for your commercial space.

Contact us today for an appointment.

You must adequately maintain a clean HVAC system if you want your equipment to operate at an optimal peak. Besides increased unit performance, you will prevent upper respiratory conditions and allergies in your commercial property environment.

Research shows that indoor air could contain up to five times more contaminants than outdoor air. This may occur due to bacteria, cleaning products and dust. Read this quick guide for tips and tricks on how to keep your commercial HVAC unit clean.

Consider Regular Filter Replacement or Cleaning

Dirty and clogged filters cause your system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs and potential damage to the system. A dirty filter can also cause your air conditioner to freeze, incurring costly repairs.

To clean your filter, remove it from the unit, vacuum or wipe it appropriately and put it back into the HVAC unit. If the filter is visibly dirty or damaged, purchase a new one. Experts say replacing a clogged or dirty air conditioner filter can minimize energy consumption by up to 15%.

Clean or Replace Your Unit’s Ductwork

Ductwork distributes heated or cooled air throughout your commercial property. Over time, dust, debris, and other contaminants can build up inside the ducts. This reduces airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Let an expert inspect and clean your ductwork for an optimally functioning unit. HVAC professionals use specialized equipment to remove dirt and debris build-up and check for leaks or duct damage. They seal gaps in the ductwork to enhance your HVAC system’s efficiency and prevent future build-up.

Maintain a Clean HVAC Unit with Humidity Control

Excess humidity leads to mold and mildew growth, causing health issues to your tenants. It can damage your property’s walls, ceilings, and furniture. High humidity levels make your premise feel warmer than it is, meaning your HVAC system will work harder than expected.

You can use a dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your commercial property. These devices remove excess moisture from the air. This reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, improves indoor air quality and enhances comfort.

Clean Your Unit’s Exterior

Remove debris, such as grass clippings, twigs, and leaves, from your system’s exterior for free air circulation and improved efficiency.  Check the fins, the thin metal blades that dissipate heat, and ensure they are clean. Bent fins can cause the unit to work harder and decrease its efficiency.
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To clean the exterior, use a soft-bristled brush or a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to remove dirt or debris on the unit. Inspect the hoses and connections to confirm they are secure and leak-free.

Clean the HVAC Coils Regularly

The evaporator coils inside the air handler absorb heat from your property’s indoor air while those outside release the absorbed heat outside. Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on these coils, reducing their ability to absorb and release heat. Clean them regularly to maximize your unit’s performance.

Maintain a Clean HVAC System with Sun Mechanical Systems

A clean HVAC system is vital for your tenant’s comfort and it should be a priority. For excellent results, it is best to work with a reputable HVAC maintenance crew. At Sun Mechanical Systems, we help you achieve your property’s heating and cooling goals. Contact us today for an inspection and customized recommendations.