Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Can you believe Christmas is almost here? Boise is a great place to visit during the holidays. Some of the activities include:

• The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Ballet Idaho is on December 18th.
• The 32nd annual Christmas Run for the Boise YMCA is on Dec the 19th
• Free Parking day in downtown Boise is this Saturday..get your last minute shopping done!
• Dec 22nd is the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 
• A must see is the Boise Christmas Parade on Dec 21st.

Check out a bigger Christmas 2015 list of activities on Downtownboise.org

or the Boise Christmas Shopping and Idaho Holiday Events 2015.

Christmas Tree Safety

Like our families,  you probably have a Christmas tree in your home which acts as a center of the activities on Christmas eve or Christmas morning.  Be sure to do a few things to be safe.

Check the electric socket that your tree lights are plugged into, to make sure it is working in good condition and dust free. Be sure to use a timer on your lights so that they don't stay on for 24hrs. 

Additionally, its a good idea to keep your tree away from heating elements. First your tree will last longer and drop fewer needles, and secondly, needles falling onto heating elements could reduce their efficiency.

Add water to the base of your tree to keep it from drying out, this will help to reduce the needle loss again. 

Anyway everyone at Total Systems Services Inc, wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

How Mold Impacts Your HVAC System

Indoor molds become a problem when they are visible, or when they vary compared to outside air. Molds need water, a food source, and the right temperature and environmental conditions to grow.

HVAC systems are one of the most common contributors for water supply. HVAC systems have piping, drain pans, all of which can be sources for mold growth and a transportation device for dispersing mold spores all over the building.

As mold spores move, they look for food sources, which are many within a building: drywall, carpeting, cardboard, paper, fabric, wood, furnishings.

And because indoor environments are designed to maintain relative temperatures night and day, they are conducive to allowing mold to grow. Especially in those dark storage areas that are left unchecked for long periods of time.

A building manager’s best course of action is to control and eliminate indoor moisture. While many attempt to introduce fungicides, biocides and cleaners once mold appears, these chemicals can be damaging to the equipment, the environment, and to personnel within the building throughout the day. If you eliminate the potential for mold forming, you can eliminate all problematic conditions that may arise because of it.

The best place to start is to design and install a HVAC system with essential components designed for high efficiency. From there, a proper maintenance plan will keep your HVAC in good running condition, and help you stay abreast of any problems developing over time.

Key components that should be regularly maintained include:

Coils and drain pans – cooling coils dehumidify air and cause condensation to drip into a drain pan and exit the system via a seal trap. Drain pans must have the proper slope and be cleaned frequently to avoid problems.

Humidification and dehumidification equipment – these surfaces must be periodically drained and treated to prevent wet surfaces from developing microbial growth.

Air filters – air filters should always be clean and well maintained, fitting snugly into their filter housing. Clean and replace on a regularly scheduled basis.

Ducts – ducts are constantly in use. A small amount of dust is normal, but if it builds up it can begin restricting airflow. Watch for areas subjected to moisture or condensation, cleaning these on a more frequent basis.

Cooling towers – monitor water quality and chemical treatment to prevent microbial growth.

Air intakes – pay close attention to areas where outdoor air enters the HVAC system. Areas near garbage dumpsters, boxes, paper, standing water, or fresh vegetation and landscaping can contribute to increased likelihood of airborne spores.

A properly designed and maintained HVAC system will go a long way in reducing or preventing mold issues. As a manager, it’s important to have a system in place that will allow you to prevent and remediate mold problems as quick as they occur. 

Is Coil Corrosion Impacting Your HVAC System?

Coil corrosion is responsible for around 40 percent of all equipment failures in commercial facilities, making it one of the most expensive problems associated with your HVAC equipment. Coil corrosion starts small, but if left unchecked can quickly escalate, leading to coil replacement, or even requiring the entire system to be replaced.

Coil corrosion isn’t something that only happens with old equipment. In certain situations, you can find corrosion occurring as early as a few weeks after installation. It comes in two forms: pitting or formicary.

Pitting corrosion is caused by exposure to fluoride within the water supply, or through chloride found in a variety of products such as detergents and cleaners.  As ions from fluoride or chloride are transported into the system and make their way across the coils and condensate, the ions attack and begin pitting the metal. Over time pinholes are created, allowing refrigerant to leak.

Formicary corrosion is caused through access to acids present in a wide variety of products including cleaning solvents, adhesives, paints, plywood, and so on. Formicary corrosion is often referred to as ants nest corrosion because it tunnels within the tubing in a similar fashion to the way ants create their nests. Over time, the pinholes form in the coils, which lead to refrigerant leaks.  

While coil manufacturing companies are aware of the problem and are applying coatings prior to sale, there are a variety of companies that make aftermarket coatings that you can use to reduce corrosion on older systems already in place.

When coils are damaged, it has a variety of consequences on your overall HVAC system.

It starts with requiring your system to run harder to produce the same results. If the coils aren’t producing the required heat source, the compressor will work harder to create the desired results. This increases power usage, lowers the cooling capacity, and causes more stress on all parts of the system. More stress brings on more maintenance. And if the system isn’t producing the right air temperatures, it’s also creating a less than comfortable environment throughout your facility.

Whether coils are coated or not, the best way to combat corrosion and stop it before it occurs is through continuous maintenance. Cleaning coils at least twice per year will clear away any mineral deposits and keep them safe from accumulating corrosive materials. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to stop it before it impacts your efficiency, and begins degrading your system.

How are you combating coil corrosion?

Troubleshooting The Constantly Running AC Unit

When the temperatures climb well into the 90s and beyond here in the Pacific Northwest, we know we’re in for a long, hot summer. When they dip back down into the 80s and 70s, even for a short while, it can be a welcome relief. That is until you walk into your office and find the AC system running full blast day and night.

When your air conditioner runs without shutting off, or it cycles on and off continuously, there are several areas of concern. If the AC unit is running 24/7, it’s using way too much electricity and elevating your electric bill. It’s also causing undo stress on the unit itself, which will shorten its life overall.

But above all that, it’s cold. And it can be very difficult working eight hours a day in an environment that leaves you needing gloves to survive.

While there are many things that can be wrong with your AC unit, these are the most likely problems.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

When was the last time the evaporator coil was cleaned and conditioned? Dirt and debris can easily get into the AC unit and cover the coil, impeding the cooling process and making it more difficult to maintain the correct temperature. This can happen even if it was cleaned a few months ago, especially if it’s been working overtime during this recent heat wave. A regular maintenance check will allow a technician to clean and maintain an evaporator coil and keep it running efficiently no matter what the temperature is outside.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your unit is blowing warm air from the supply vents, it can be an indication that the evaporator coil has frozen. In order to avoid damage to your AC unit, turn off the system and call in a technician right away.

Clogged Air Filter

Air filters are designed to filter and allow a clean flow of air into the AC unit. Over time, this filter will collect dirt and debris, which restricts the amount of air allowed into the system. Without enough air flowing over the coils, the system can cool the air to the proper level, and keeps running all the time.

Low Refrigerant Charge

If the AC unit doesn’t have enough refrigerant in the system, it can’t cool the space. This often occurs when there is a leak in the system. When this happens, the unit will keep running trying to meet demand, causing the system to work harder than necessary. The first line of action is to find the leak and repair it before adding more refrigerant.

Faulty Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it won’t know when to turn off the unit as it reaches the proper temperature. Check to see if your thermostat matches the actual temperature in your room or building. If it’s below, there’s a good chance your thermostat needs replacing.

Blower And Fan Problems

If the blower motor isn’t producing enough air for your system, or the fan isn’t running at a proper speed to push the air into the system, it can cause the system to run too much. It may be something as simple as cleaning grimy fan blades, or adjusting the speed of the fan.

Improperly Sized Unit

Have you recently renovated your space? Have you changed wall locations and room sizes without upgrading your AC unit to fit the new space? A HVAC professional can analyze your current space to determine the proper load requirements, and make recommendations for how to improve the efficiency of your system.

Many of these issues can be prevented with regular maintenance of your HVAC system. When was the last time your equipment was serviced by a professional technician? 

Understanding Air Flow For A More Energy Efficient Building

Want to strike a balance between having your building reach its optimal energy efficiency and creating a climate that’s comfortable for every person in it? It all starts with understanding air flow.

As air moves and flows, it tries to create a balance between the high and low air pressure areas. If there is a gap and a pressure difference, it will move through that path whether we want it to or not.

To control the air flow, we put up barriers – materials – in order to control or block the air from moving through it. The more we choose to control the air flow, the tighter the blockage must be. Even the smallest of gaps can allow leakage, which will continue to build over time.

If the amount of air removed from an area does not equal the amount of air supplied to that space, then a pressure imbalance occurs.

In all climates, a balanced air pressure is ideal, yet is difficult to maintain. In warm climates, a slight positive pressure is preferred, while in cold climates, a slight negative pressure can help prevent hidden moisture problems building up in remote areas of the building.

A negative air pressure happens when more air is removed than is added. Leaky ducts can create negative pressure by allowing air to flow where its not intended, and allows it to accumulate behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces. In summer, the results show as hot, humid air infiltration. In winter, it means cold drafts. If the negative air pressure becomes large enough, it can lead to dangerous backdrafting around flues of combustion appliances.

A positive air pressure happens when more air is brought in than is removed from the space. It can be controlled with a fresh air intake.

While a building rarely achieves a balanced air pressure throughout the spaces, likewise it rarely is balanced in such a way that a negative or positive charge remains dominate from floor to floor, one side to the other. Instead, you’ll usually find pockets of air impacting the building in different ways.

An example would be closing off office space in which there is a register delivering air, but has no return flow in place. This would allow a positive air pressure to continue building in place.

This is also how indoor air quality is impacted. That same space that continually builds up a positive air flow can also allow higher levels of pollutants to accumulate as well. Intake flows can bring in outside pollutants – pesticides, gases, chemicals, carbon monoxide – especially in industrial locations. It can also allow other types of indoor air pollutants to form and grow – mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, viruses – and keep them in concentrated areas of the building. Over time, these substances can leak into other parts of the building, and begin circulating, reducing the air quality overall.

Not sure how the air flow in your building is impacting your energy efficiency? The best place to start is with an energy audit. One of our HVAC technicians can easily share with you where even the smallest of corrections can make the biggest impacts over time.

7 Causes Of Air Conditioner Compressor Failure

It’s 100 degrees out … and your air conditioner died.

When you manage an office building filled with tenants, that can be one of your worst nightmares. While we all love enjoying a warm, summer day, being stuck in an office with no way to cool down isn’t part of the list.

Your air conditioner’s compressor is often called the heart of the system for good reasons.

• The system can’t function without it

• Its job is to compress the refrigerant and pump it throughout the system to remove heat and humidity from the air

The compressor is a reliable part of the system, and with a little maintenance, it should keep working without a problem throughout its life expectancy. If it does fail, it’s usually a sign of a major problem, and is sometimes impossible to fix.

The common causes of air conditioner compressor problems are:

Dirty Coils

Dirt, grime, dust and mineral deposits all accumulate on the condenser coil over time. If it builds up enough, it can no longer expel heat from the system, and it begins running constantly trying to cool your space. The increased pressure causes the compressor to overheat and fail.

Low Refrigerant

When a refrigerant line has holes or cracks, the refrigerant begins to leak. If it isn’t fixed and filled, it becomes so low the compressor has to work harder to pump refrigerant into the system. The strain will eventually cause the compressor to break down.

Too Much Refrigerant

Too much refrigerant is equally as bad for a compressor. If too much refrigerant is put into the system, or if the wrong type of refrigerant is used, it can cause the compressor to stop working altogether.

Blocked Refrigerant Lines

The compressor pumps refrigerant through the lines of the system. If these lines become clogged or blocked, it can cause pressure to build, the temperature to rise and overheat, and eventually cause AC compressor failure.

Incorrect Refrigerant Lines

If you start to notice your air conditioner isn’t cooling as it once did, calling in a technician is the first step. However, if the HVAC technician is anything but reputable, you might not get the service you expect. Some HVAC technicians may replace a leaking or broken line with one that is too large or too small for your system. This process can cause the system to build pressure, overheat, and eventually stop the compressor altogether.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems start out small and build rapidly. Yet once damage is done, there is usually no repairing a compressor – replacement is your only option. A regular maintenance schedule can allow an experienced technician to find and repair damaged wiring, short fuses, and other potential hazards within the system before they happen.

Inadequate Lubricant

Think of a compressors oil lubricant in much the same way as blood in your body. It’s what keeps the system functional. When there isn’t enough, the system works overtime, and eventually fails altogether.

Take good care of your AC compressor as we head into the warmest months of the year. When you perform regular maintenance, you’ll not only ensure you have a cool atmosphere when you need it most, you’ll also extend the life of your compressor to the fullest, saving you money in the process. 

A Guide To Energy Recovery Ventilators

Looking for a way to reduce the load of your HVAC equipment? Looking for a way to make your heating and cooling process more energy efficient? Then it may be time to look at an energy recovery ventilator (ERV).

ERVs are designed to recycle energy from the building’s exhaust air, using it to pre-treat the outside air as it enters. A building’s exhaust is usually wasted as its sent back into the atmosphere. By using it to pre-condition fresh outdoor air for both temperature and humidity, it dramatically reduces a building’s energy costs, and it lowers the workload of the heating and cooling system. And because the workload on the HVAC equipment can be dramatically reduced, often times you can downsize new or retrofit equipment for an immediate return on investment.

There are different types of ERVs, depending on the application needed for your building. In general terms, there are tour types:

• Rotary heat exchanger (wheel)
• Plate heat exchanger (fixed core)
•  Heat pipe heat exchanger (refrigerant)
• Runaround coils (water)

A rotary heat exchanger (wheel) is a plastic or metal device that rotates between the exhaust and the outdoor air streams. It picks up heat from one air stream and transfers it to the other. While metal wheels can only transfer heat, plastic wheels can absorb and release moisture as well. Because of their relatively low initial cost, ease of maintenance, and smaller footprint, wheels are the most popular ERV.

A plate heat exchanger (fixed core) are generally larger and more expensive than wheels, but have no moving parts, which makes them safer applications for certain situations, such as hospitals. Instead of using a wheel, a fixed core allows air streams to pass through a series of channels, heating up or cooling down the material between the channels and allowing energy to transfer.

A heat pipe heat exchanger are more limited that the previous two. Heat pipes are copper tubes with refrigerant inside of them. The tubes run between the exhaust and the outside air stream; one heats the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate, the other cools the pipe, allowing the refrigerant to condense, warming the cooler air in the process. The newly cooled refrigerant than flows back, and the process begins again.

Runaround coils offer similarities to heat pipes, but are often preferred when exhaust and outdoor airflows are separated by great distances. A water coil is installed in the exhaust air stream, and a second in the incoming ventilation air stream. The two coils are piped together and filled with a water/glycol mix to keep it operational. As heat is picked up in one air stream, it is released in the other.

What makes them a growing choice in commercial applications today? Besides the energy savings, there is also a push the the US Green Building Council’s LEED system that dictates how much ventilation air must be brought into a building. As older buildings are being rehabbed and brought up to code, more outside air is needed. This is where ERVs come into play.

If you have further questions about improving the efficiency of your building’s HVAC system, or about installing an ERV to improve the air flow in your commercial location, we’re here to help.