HVAC Supplies Blog

Monitoring air quality is essential, whether it be at home or in an industrial workspace. Pollution from cars, nearby big plants, and inside your facilities can severely decrease the air quality, both indoors and outdoors.

An air quality sensor is a centerpiece of a fully functional industrial ventilation control system of any scale. And in light of the recent shortage in air quality sensor supply, keeping the air clean and staff members safe has become a much harder task. However, Senva Inc. recently presented a new line of Senva Sensors - the TotalSense Series, designed and made in the USA. But what's so special about this series?

Benefits of the Senva TotalSense Air Quality Sensors for Building Automation

Even though different TotalSense products have different components and applications, it's safe to say that all of the Senva Sensors air quality sensors in this series have the following features in common:

• United and Complete Air Quality System. A combination of outdoor, duct, and indoor air quality sensors enables you to create a finished air quality monitoring system, no matter the size of your facility.
• Versatility. These sensors are fitted to monitor 6 different metrics: particulate matter, air temperature, barometric pressure, CO2, relative humidity, and VOC.
• Automation-Ready. These sensors can easily be connected to a system via Modbus, BACnet, or any other analog control system.
• Lower Installation Costs. All the air quality sensor models from the TotalSense line can be batch installed into one protected enclosure.
• Reduced Installation Costs. Multiple TotalSense series sensors can be installed together in a single enclosure, reducing the expenses of time and resources to mount them.
• PIR Motion Detection. With TotalSense motion detection technology, ventilation can be initiated the instant people walk into the room, keeping the CO2 levels at precisely controlled levels.
• Warranty and Quality. All made in the USA, the TotalSense line of products is made with incredible quality. This is why Senva offers a 7-year warranty on these models.

Products in Senva Sensors TotalSense Line

TotalSense sensors by Senva are incredibly customizable: depending on your needs and applications, you can choose what your final configuration for each sensor will be. Type of output, exact sensor configuration display, PIR: all these parameters can be customized to perfectly fit your facility. 

Using the TotalSense lince sensors, an experienced engineer can create a fully self-sustainable building automation system that can detect TVOC, harmful particles, and contamination before delivering the air indoors.

But there's also an important distinction between sensor types worth mentioning:

Indoor Air Quality Sensors

Indoor air quality sensors are one of the most important components in ensuring the safety of workers. And while most Senva CO2 sensors can do the trick in some applications, the complex analysis of multiple air quality metrics is where the TotalSense series truly shines.

Not only are TrueSense IAQ sensors easily installed and programmed, but with the addition of a revolutionary PIR motion detection technology, they enable you to create a truly smart control system.

Outdoor Air Quality Sensors

With TrueSense Outdoor air quality sensors, it’s incredibly easy to maintain the desired level of CO2, as well as temperature, on your worksite. The incredible precision of these sensors allows you to configure the parameters of your control systems and not worry about the air pollution level.

The dedicated enclosure protects the sensor from all kinds of harmful environmental factors, be that UV light or heavy rain. And with a range of configurations available, you can find a sensor that will perfectly fit any application, from ports to gardens.

Duct Air Quality Sensors

It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a duct air quality sensor in a ventilation control system. Monitoring the duct air metrics requires both precision and speed, and Senva TrueSense duct sensors do their job flawlessly.

Every sensor from this product line provides incredibly low response time and allows any engineer to create a reliable and easy-to-validate ventilation system. Being tamper-proof and replaceable on the field, TrueSense duct sensors make your ventilation control systems less complex and ease the maintenance process drastically.

Conclusion

Looking for Pressure Transducers, Energy Meters, or Relative Humidity Sensors? Having a difficult time finding them in stock? Try Senva Sensors. Senva delivers both innovation and supply since it designs and manufactures its products in the USA. And with an industry-best warranty of 7 years on their products, Senva Sensors are some of our customers’ most trusted products.

As a commercial HVAC distributor, Blackhawk Supply is happy to provide you with cutting-edge building automation solutions that will improve your workflow. We have access to hundreds of product lines. Search our HVAC sensors catalog for any SKU you need! If you haven’t found the part or brand you’ve been looking for, please provide us the details and we would be happy to offer you a quote.

Smoke detectors are a necessity for all homes because they can give you a fighting chance of survival in the event of a fire. Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, are just highly recommended but are needed in homes with fuel-burning appliances like furnaces and grills. 

Smoke and monoxide detectors are installed to prevent fatal fires and CO poisoning. And control sensors are key components of these detectors because they give you an early warning of danger. There are different types of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, so let’s take a look at their different features and capabilities. 

Types of Smoke Detectors and CO2 Sensors

There are many different smoke detectors and CO2 sensors to choose from, and finding the right fit for you can save lives. 

Smoke Detectors

There are three common types of smoke detectors: ionization, photoelectric, and combination ionization/photoelectric alarms. All smoke detectors come equipped with an alarm when they encounter smoke, to notify the tenants of the house. What separates these detectors from each other is the way that they detect the danger.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors use sensors to identify CO levels in your house. They should be installed near appliances that pose a risk, like furnaces. They work like smoke detectors; most will sound an alarm when there is too much CO2 in the air whilst some can be connected to your smartphone and send you alerts.

Combination Detectors

Combining ionization and photoelectric sensing technologies, the combination of smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors will warn you of any upcoming danger. Traditionally, these types of detectors were hardwired, but these days smart options have become more common. 

These smart detectors use the internet or smartphone applications to alert the owner of any smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide threats. “What kind of smoke detector do I need?” is a common question that will arise. Options abound, it is important to note that these smart detectors can be controlled remotely, they will let you know when your battery is low and alert you in case of an emergency even while you are away.

Where to Place Smoke Detectors in Your House

The placement of smoke detectors is crucial to saving lives in an emergency. It is recommended to have a smoke detector on the ceiling as central as possible in every bedroom or sleeping area, including lounges and other rooms such as home gyms or playrooms. 

It is important to install a smoke detector in the hallway on each floor of the house for multi-story homes, including the basements and attics. You should also install a smoke detector near the entrance to a garage but not inside the garage itself. The proper placement is crucial when it comes to smoke detectors.  

How to Choose the Right Smoke Detector

There are so many different types of smoke detectors on the market and finding the right one for you can be challenging. 

#1. Find Out What Local Regulations Are

It is essential to consider your town or city’s local regulations and requirements before investing in any type of smoke detector, as not doing so can cause problems down the road. It is also important to contact your home insurance company to ensure you are adhering to the company’s safety guidelines. 

#2. Choose a Power Source

Hardwired smoke detectors require professional installation because they are connected to your home’s wiring, but many types of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are battery-only and easy to install. These types of smoke detectors come equipped with backup batteries. There is also a plug-in option that uses electricity and requires detectors to be plugged in. 

#3. Consider Going Smart

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors use the Internet and Wi-Fi to send alerts to your smart device. These detectors will let you know if any of your smoke detecting devices are malfunctioning and if they are low on battery power, and they can be remotely controlled in the event of a false alarm. 

These types of smoke detectors are pricier, but they can be linked to other devices in your home and, if used in addition to multi-sensor detectors, can be a great option. There is also a smart listening device that can be left at home which will alert you on your smartphone if any of your alarms are activated. 

#4. Consider An Interconnected Smoke Detection System

An interconnected smoke system is when you connect smoke alarms to communicate with each other; if one alarm goes off, they all go off. This allows for the people inside the house to escape in the event of an emergency. 

Interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are interlinked systems. While these types of smoke detectors are a safer option, they do come with their own set of limitations. They can only be connected to other detectors of the same brand — model compatibility plays a key role in these types of detection systems. 

On the other hand, up to 16 alarms can be interconnected together within a home, which will allow you to create a comprehensive smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide defense system for your home. Nowadays, even hardwired smoke detectors can be interlinked, and it is recommended to have a variety of detectors in your home to best protect it. 

Conclusion

Properly installed and maintained smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the best and least expensive way of providing an early warning of danger and allowing you and your loved ones to escape a potentially life-threatening situation. 

Wondering “what kind of smoke detector do I need?” Please contact us and Blackhawk Supply will further guide you in your journey towards the safety and protection of your home. 

What is a PTAC? A packaged terminal air conditioner is a ductless and self-contained AC unit that is put in place to deliver warm air or cool air to small areas, such as rooms in apartment buildings.

PTACs are commonly used in apartments, senior residential facilities, hospitals, and hotels. These units will often be positioned under a window of each room that they service.

A terminal air conditioning system is efficient because it allows individuals to adjust the PTAC unit to their individual preferences and have full control of the unit while not affecting anyone else. Purchasing the right HVAC supplies and finding the right AC unit for you, whether it be a PTAC vs mini-splits unit, is key to your comfort.

Different Types of Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners

There are two different types of PTACs: heat pumps and electric heaters. Below, we'll look at the differences between the two:

Heat Pumps

What is a PTAC air conditioner that is powered by a heat pump? It is a piece of equipment containing a heat pump, evaporator coils, and air handler, all in one unit.

Pros:

• Versatility: This PTAC heat pump unit can be used for heating and cooling.

• Energy-efficient: It is an efficient air conditioner when in cooling mode.

Сons:

• Less powerful: When used in the heating mode, it is not as powerful as a traditional HVAC unit.

• Price: This type of PTAC unit can be expensive at the initial purchase.

Electric Heaters

Electric heater-powered PTAC units are equally efficient for heating in the winter and cooling properly in the summer months. They can be great additions to sunrooms and other indoor uses.

Pros:

• Highly efficient: This type of PTAC unit has impressive heating capabilities when used as a heater.

• Less expensive: Unlike the heat pump PTAC, their initial price is less than an electric heater.

• Not as noisy: They emit very low sounds and are not as disruptive as the other types of AC units.

Cons:

• Pricier over time: Their initial cost is minimal, but the monthly costs are more expensive.

• Not as energy-efficient: Are PTAC units energy-efficient? Not always, as they require more energy on a day-to-day basis than other AC units. 

Mini Splits AC Units: Pros and Cons

Ductless mini-split AC is becoming more commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities because of its efficiency and the scalable advantage that it offers. These types of units are comfortable to use because they are installed out of people's way: the indoor units are installed up high on the wall.

Pros:

• Flexible and scalable: As many as you need can be installed and they work independently from each other, offering zone comfort room per room.

• Applications: They work well in rooms that don't have a ductwork system. They can be used in single rooms, offices, or small storage areas. 

• Cost-effective: Leaky ducts often contribute to a high energy bill, but a ductless system eliminates this and therefore it is much less pricey than other AC units.

Cons:

• Expensive: Their initial cost is quite expensive, almost double the cost of a traditional outdoor unit.

• Not comfortable: Many people don't enjoy having an AC unit in their room.

• Not easy to drain: AC units need to be drained and the ductless Mini Split systems have not yet found a way to do this. It is advised to purchase this type of system from a professional.

PTAC vs Mini Splits: Which One Should You Choose?

Air conditioner units can be purchased these days without any difficulties, but finding the right one that will best suit you is often the real challenge. You need an air conditioning unit that will offer you the satisfying level of cooling and heating that you are looking for, as well as greatly improve your indoor air quality.

In addition, it is important to consider your needs, whether you want to cool or heat a specific room in your home, office, or even a commercial property. Your perfect match will need to be chosen carefully. So, let's dive into the difference between packaged terminal air conditioners vs ductless mini-splits:

• Installation: This is a key feature when shopping for an AC unit, and both PTAC and Mini-Splits units offer easy installation. However, it is important to note that the PTAC unit will require drilling a hole in the wall, which could pose more of a challenge than a Mini-Split unit.

• Energy-efficiency: Energy efficiency, along with performance, is important when choosing an air conditioner. The Mini-Splits unit is more technologically advanced and therefore offers a much higher energy efficiency ratio than even the newer models of PTAC units. 

• Cooling and Heating Capabilities: As we mentioned above, performance plays an equally important role when it comes to the AC unit that is right for you. It is important to remember that the performance of an AC unit is directly linked to comfort. While it must be said that PTAC units work quite well they don't have the same range or precise capability as a Mini-Splits unit. 

• Versatility and flexibility: When it comes down to the PTAC vs ductless Mini-Split system, most PTAC units are popularly used in hotels and hospitals while Mini-Splits units can be used in a wide range of residential and commercial facilities. 

• Single-room vs multi-room applications: Ductless Mini-Split units can be used not just for a single room but for a multitude of separate rooms. This is because a Mini-Splits unit often comes equipped with multi-air handlers. 

• Control: Both PTAC and Mini-Splits can be connected wired or wirelessly to a room's thermostat; but additionally, Mini-Splits can be controlled wirelessly using a smartphone or a tablet. 

Where to Get Your HVAC Outdoor and Indoor Unit?

Now that we have done a run-through of the different types of AC units, it's time for you to get your own indoor and outdoor units. If you are still unsure about your choice and are struggling to decide between PTAC vs Mini-Split system, please contact us, and Blackhawk Supply will make sure you make the best choice for your needs.

Sustainability is an increasingly growing trend in the HVAC system universe. People are seeking comfort at a reasonable price but are also committed to not damaging the environment. 

Finding the right balance and the right HVAC supplies and products can be challenging. It is recommended to talk to a professional and upgrade your HVAC units so you don’t waste valuable funds on energy bills that could be significantly lowered with the right equipment.

Sustainable HVAC units, particularly HVAC systems for commercial buildings, are the way of the future. Every building, residential or commercial, can significantly benefit from sustainable HVAC systems. 

#1. Don’t Neglect Changing the HVAC Filters

Energy-efficient HVAC systems for commercial buildings must regularly have their filters changed. This is also relevant for private use as well, as changing your HVAC filters is not just beneficial for health reasons, but has an important environmental impact as well. HVAC system sustainability hangs in the balance when filters are not changed regularly. 

Overall, there are three main reasons why changing HVAC unit filters is important. First off, it helps extend the life of your HVAC system; secondly, it improves your air quality; and lastly, it improves your system’s overall efficiency. 

#2. Get Yourself a Better Thermostat

A new thermostat will bring you additional comfort and convenience while also helping your HVAC unit run more efficiently. In the end, it comes down to energy costs, and if you upgrade and get the right thermostat, it will save you money in the long run. 

HVAC thermostats play a crucial role in controlling your HVAC system and allowing your commercial property to save when it comes down to it; this is true for private residences just as much as any other type of property, whether commercial or residential. 

Sustainable heating and cooling start with a smart thermostat that can cater to everyone’s needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Smart technologies are revolutionizing the HVAC industry with a better grasp on getting more out of your current HVAC system for less. A smart thermostat will use less energy, can be automatically adjusted, is programmable, and uses less power than its traditional counterpart. 

#3. Optimize Your HVAC Maintenance

A regularly maintained HVAC unit can last for a much longer period of time while simultaneously saving you up to 40% on costs related to repairs caused by an aging HVAC system. 

In addition, it will ensure that your HVAC unit works efficiently while it improves your air quality. A properly maintained system will also save you plenty on energy bills, but most importantly, a well-maintained HVAC unit will increase your employees’ productivity because a lot of issues related to productivity are directly linked to a malfunctioning HVAC unit and the resulting temperature imbalance. 

#4. Seal Your HVAC Ducts

Regularly cleaning your air ducts and properly sealing them can help you save up to 20% on energy costs. Sealing the ducts will ensure that your property stays a comfortable living environment throughout the year and no matter the outside temperature. 

It is important to note that a sustainable air conditioner system can only be achieved by sealing the air ducts to make sure that no cool or hot air escapes and energy is not wasted when compensating for the losses. This is especially critical in the summer months when the system is blasting. 

#5. Upgrade and Replace Your HVAC Equipment Regularly

The most efficient way to ensure that your HVAC system works properly is through regular maintenance. In addition, it is crucial to consult with professionals and upgrade your system periodically to ensure you get the most updated equipment for your HVAC unit. Newer systems are built with efficiency in mind and are generally more environmentally friendly than older models.

If your system is more than 10 years old, it is highly recommended that you update it as soon as possible. Newer HVAC systems don’t use harmful refrigerants, which translates to cleaner air. If your current system has poor levels of ventilation and filtration, this could cost you more energy bills. 

Finally, most newer HVAC systems today come equipped with features such as the ability to filter allergens, which is an added advantage, particularly for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. 

Conclusion

Now that we’ve examined the importance of properly maintaining your commercial HVAC system, it is time to plan your next steps. Please contact us at Blackhawk Supply so we can help you achieve clean air while saving you money on your energy bills and unnecessary repairs to your HVAC system. 

It is important to act now to ensure your air conditioning sustainability, especially with the summer months on the horizon. A professional can help you maintain your HVAC unit and make sure your air ducts are clean and sealed off, your filters are regularly changed, and you get the best thermostat to help your HVAC system run smoothly and efficiently even during peak periods of the year. 

Circuit breakers are electrical switches that protect the circuit breaker box from damage. The circuit breaker box houses an array of different domestic circuit breakers that are usually numbered to differentiate them. Once a circuit breaker in a house is pulled down, it switches the power off for that specific area of the house. 

There is often a larger circuit breaker within the box that is called the main breaker, pulling down the main breaker results in cutting power off to the entire house. The damage that can occur is often caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuits which can happen for many reasons. 

5 Main Circuit Breaker Components

5 main circuit breaker components function as a cohesive whole. These 5 components are the circuit breaker frame, the operating mechanism, the contacts, the trip unit, and an arc extinguisher. 

Circuit Breaker Frame

The frame is considered the body of the circuit breaker. The frame provides a method for all required components to be mounted and kept in place, ensuring the proper circuit breaker usage. The frame is a protective case that provides insulation from the current. There are two types of circuit breaker frames. 

The metal frame circuit breaker is made from precise metals that are bolted and welded together to form the frame. The molded, insulated material frames are made from strong insulating materials such as glass-polyester. Originally these types of circuit breakers in homes were used for low voltage circuit breakers, but since technology has progressed, these types of frames can now also be used in high voltage circuit breakers. 

Operating Mechanism

There are two types of circuit breaker mechanisms: over toggle and two-step stored energy.

• Over toggle mechanism: This mechanism is called a Quick-Make or Quick-Break type, the speed at which the contacts open or close is not linked to how fast the handle is moved. This is a manual operator, but a motor operator can be used for this type of mechanism. This mechanism is designed to trip the contacts when required regardless of whether the handle is held ON or OFF position.
• Two-step stores energy mechanism: Is used when a lot of energy is required to close the circuit breaker and when it needs to close quickly. Unlike the over toggle mechanism, this type of mechanism uses independent opening and closing springs. This type of mechanism stores charged energy in a separate closing spring which provides safety due to the remote charging of the spring; and it can be operated remotely, which enhances safety for the operator. 

Contacts

The contacts are a key element of a circuit breaker function, as they connect the circuit breaker to the system. They isolate a part of the domestic circuit breaker from the rest of the system. While a circuit breaker opens or closes, the fixed contact maintains the movable position from close (make) or open (break). 

In other words, contacts play a simple role: they open and close the circuit breakers. They can do this manually, on-demand, or automatically depending on the type of breaker. The contacts are designed to protect the circuit breaker from an overcurrent (thermal overload) or short circuit (magnetic) or ground fault. 

Trip Unit 

A trip unit is like the brain of a circuit breaker box, it enables it to perform and respond to commands. Its function is to trip the operating mechanism in the event of a prolonged overload that could be caused by an overcurrent, short circuit, or ground fault. 

There are two types of trip units:

• Electromechanical: This one is typically used in low voltage domestic circuit breakers. This type of trip unit uses bi-metal and electromagnets to protect the circuit breaker. 
• Electronic: This type of trip unit interprets input current and decides based on the parameters. It offers many capabilities that are not present in the thermal-magnetic trip units such as diagnostics and testing capabilities. 

Arc Extinguisher

An arc is an electric current discharge that happens when the contacts are opened, and an arc extinguisher is a component that will extinguish the arcs as they form in a domestic circuit breaker. This is a key element of a circuit breaker as it controls the extinguishers because arcs are inevitable. Arcs can be destructive in their intensity and their size, like a short current which is a devastating overcurrent condition. 

Different Types of Circuit Breakers

There are three types of breakers: standard, GFCI, and AFCI. There is also another called the main breaker, which is larger than the others. Overall, these circuit breakers function rather similarly. The primary difference between types of breakers is what amp capacity they can handle. For example, most older breakers can be rated at 60 amps while the main breaker will mostly work on 100-amps or more. The other difference is that they operate in different locations of the home.

How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?

What is a circuit breaker and how does it work? Now that you can answer the first part of the question, it’s time to focus on the second. The role of domestic circuit breakers is to interrupt the flow of electrical current when it reaches a higher point than previously predetermined. The process is simple. The hot wire in the circuit connects to the two ends of the switch and this will move the contacts. The movement of the contact of the circuit breaker will determine when to shut off the flow of electricity for safety purposes.

Conclusion 

Circuit breakers play a key role in home safety regarding using electricity. It is important to fully understand your circuit breakers and their composition to be able to buy electrical supplies that will properly protect your home. Blackhawk Supply sure a household circuit breaker is a necessity for every property, as it can protect your household appliances by shielding you from a current overload such as an overcurrent, short circuit, or a ground fault that could cause great damage. Don't hesitate to contact us!