Keeping your commercial building cool is even more important during the hottest days of summer. Here is what you should know about HVAC design to keep your employees cool and comfortable.
Keeping your commercial building cool is even more important during the hottest days of summer. Here is what you should know about HVAC design to keep your employees cool and comfortable.
Heat Sources
In Maryland, high temperatures feel even higher. Humidity causes the heat index to rise, which reflects how hot it feels, but not how hot it actually is.. That said, energy-efficient HVAC systems are especially important because of the heat sources inside your building, such as:
The Sun: Sunlight will enter your building through the windows and any open doors. Once inside, the heat will begin to move. Heat conduction occurs when the warmth from the sun reaches the walls and roofs of your building. Convection refers to how the heat moves and encounters cold air, which should be circulating throughout your building as the day progresses. HVAC design is critical for ensuring enough cool air reaches everyone in the building.
Body Heat: When you have many people in one comparatively small space, that gathering will generate high levels of body heat. Poor HVAC design will contribute to the building feeling hotter, which in turn will make your building’s occupants start to sweat. Sweating increases the amount of body heat that is released into the room. This in turn begins a cycle where everyone feels hotter and more uncomfortable.
Hot Air: Hot air from outside can enter your building through doors and windows just like sunlight can. Leaks in doors and windows can also allow hot air to come in. Nearby vehicle emissions can make the heat even worse.
Appliances: The appliances and electronics in your building, such as lights, computers, and coffee makers will all generate heat as well.
Designing the HVAC
Collecting Survey Data: Improving your building’s HVAC design starts by assessing how efficient it is. Surveys conducted during regular inspections and maintenance can yield data that you can analyze. Have your trusted HVAC service partner carry out what is known as a heat load calculation. The data is based on the building’s shape and layout, what is it built out of, and the types of systems found in the building. That way, your HVAC partner can determine which type of HVAC system is the best for your building.
Using Software: Fortunately, specialized software has made these calculations a snap to complete. Thus, analyzing the cooling needs of the building and addressing them becomes easier and less time-consuming.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.