HVAC Supplies Blog

There are many differences between a commercial vs a residential HVAC system, but mainly it comes down to needs. The requirements of a residential HVAC system are not the same as those of a commercial HVAC system. Both have the same purpose which is to offer fresh air and comfortable temperatures.

However, the heating, cooling, and ventilation will significantly differ between a hospital and school, and home. There are 6 main differences between residential and commercial HVAC systems.

Residential and Commercial HVAC: Definitions

What Are Residential HVAC Systems?

A residential HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling your home and comes equipped with furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps, as well as an air filtering apparatus.

What Are Commercial HVAC Systems?

A commercial HVAC system provides heating and cooling within a commercial space. This system is used for larger properties such as businesses, hospitals, restaurants, etc. It is equipped with many different parts to generate heat or cool air depending on the temperature set for that commercial establishment and its needs.

#1. Size of The Commercial and Residential HVAC System

In an HVAC system, size is significant; it is measured by the cubic feet of space it needs to heat and cool. Commercial HVAC units are generally larger because the areas they service are typically greater. In commercial buildings, HVAC systems will use more power and energy to cover the entire space. If the HVAC unit is not adequately sized for the space it needs to cover it will affect heating and cooling costs.  

#2. Placement of AC Units

Residential systems are often placed in the backyards of the residence or on one of the sides of the home. In commercial HVAC systems, the HVAC unit will typically be placed on the rooftop of the facility. The size and noise level are the two main reasons why commercial HVAC systems are placed on roofs.

#3. The Complexity of the Residential and Commercial Systems

Another great difference between residential and commercial HVAC systems is the complexity of the equipment and its different parts. Residential HVAC units are stand-alone systems that are smaller in size and therefore have fewer components. Many residential HVAC technicians insist that complex HVAC systems are often overkilled for homes. A commercial HVAC system, on the other hand, is larger and must service greater areas, which translates to more components that are attached to it depending on a business's needs.

Industrial and commercial HVAC systems often require dampers and actuators. Industrial HVAC damper actuators are important components in commercial HVAC systems to ensure proper heating, cooling, and ventilation.

#4. The Mechanism of Commercial and Residential HVAC Units

Commercial HVAC units are interconnected systems that provide the building with heating, cooling, and ventilation to the entirety of the structure or individual floors and areas within that building.

The 2 types of heating mechanisms are radiant heaters and furnaces. With the AC component, conditioned air is moved throughout the building using pipes. Chillers produce cool water that is then distributed to air-cooling coils within the above-mentioned pipes.

#5. Maintenance Needs and Costs

HVAC systems are an important piece of equipment for both residential and commercial properties and they require regular inspection, preferably once a year by a qualified technician. This can significantly reduce the chance of costly breakdowns occurring in the HVAC system, reduce energy waste, and cut costs on energy bills.

Industrial or commercial HVAC maintenance is especially important because of the complexity of the HVAC system and its different components. Annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician will help property managers extend the life of their HVAC unit and avoid costly repairs.

#6. Type of Drainage Required

It is important for an HVAC system, whether residential or commercial, to be outdoors to facilitate drainage due to the moisture that the air conditioners release. The water that flows through the white PVC or copper pipes in the HVAC unit needs somewhere to go. Drainage is a key component of any HVAC system.

Which One Is the Best for You?

For private homes, a residential HVAC unit is more than adequate. Because commercial properties tend to be larger and the surface they need to service is greater, it is recommended to get a commercial or industrial air conditioning system. Certain establishments such as hospitals or schools, for example, have different needs for heating, cooling, and ventilation than residential buildings and therefore must equip their structure with a commercial HVAC system.

The requirements of each building are unique. Don't hesitate to buy HVAC supplies today, whether you are an HVAC technician or a property owner. Be well-equipped for every season and make sure that everyone who resides, works, or visits your establishment is comfortable!

A well-maintained HVAC system will offer you and your family many advantages such as better air quality and save you loads of money in the long run. Air balancing is an important part of the HVAC maintenance process. The balancing of an HVAC system will reduce uneven temperatures throughout your home while maximizing comfort and conserving energy.

Ideally, this process should occur once a year for the best results. An HVAC technician will come into your home and will check that all air outputs release an equal amount of air. This is to ensure equal air distribution in all rooms, therefore balancing your home’s temperature throughout.

Why Would I Need Air Balancing?

As mentioned above, the advantages of HVAC air balancing are numerous. Comfort and saving money are priorities for most people. Avoiding cold spots in the winter and uneven hot spots in the summer in our homes while saving money is a goal for all homeowners.

Having a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system that performs well in all seasons can only be obtained with good maintenance. Balancing an HVAC system is a key component to properly maintaining it and ensuring that you get the best results. When the temperatures are uneven, people tend to want to replace the thermostat, but often the malfunction or imbalance doesn’t come from the thermostat but rather the HVAC system itself.

Knowing the perfect time to balance your HVAC system is the magic ingredient to a long-lasting and high-performing system. Here are crucial times when an HVAC air-balancing is highly recommended:

• After installation
• After any repairs to the HVAC system
• After any upgrade to the system
• After any modifications to the HVAC system
• After home improvements or big scale renovations
• When there is a change in people in the home
• When there are complaints about hot spots or cold spots throughout the home
• Once a year as part of routine maintenance

How Is Air Balancing Performed?

HVAC balance is an important part of maintaining comfort throughout all rooms in the house. There are many reasons and times when HVAC balance is needed but let’s look at what that entails.

An HVAC technician will place a hood over air supply registers to measure the amount of air coming in and going out through the vents using a manometer. The manometer will record air pressure inside the HVAC system to figure out where the roots of the imbalances are such as:

• Blockages
• Dirty vents
• Ripped vents
• Loose duct joints
• Undersized ducts
• Damaged ducts
• Air ducts that may have holes
• Badly constructed ducts: (either too long or built on sharp angles)

An HVAC technician will then use a hygrometer to check the humidity level throughout the home. 

6 Main Benefits of Air Balancing

Balanced air is healthy air. When your HVAC system works harmoniously your household will feel the difference instantly. Comfort and savings are only scratching the surface of the long list of benefits that come from a well-balanced HVAC system. Air balance translates to a home where there aren’t random hot spots in the summers or cold spots in the winter months. 

#1. It Increases The Lifespan of The HVAC Systems

This is an important benefit because changing an HVAC system can be costly, and extending its life span is cost-effective and healthy. When an HVAC system is imbalanced usually something is obstructing the airflow from dust balls to pet hairs. This will cause the HVAC system to work harder to filter the air and therefore cause more rapid wear and tear. 

#2. Air Balancing Provides Better Air Quality

When the airflow is obstructed for long periods it can cause the formation of mildew and moldy conditions which can be a hazard for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Balanced air in the HVAC system will ensure that everyone in your household will breathe fresh and safe air. To prevent your home from smelling stale make sure to routinely balance the air of your HVAC system. 

#3. Procedure Can Help Diagnose Other Issues

When technicians examine the air balance of the HVAC system, they can also identify underlying issues before they become problematic. This preemptive diagnosis can often save you money by remedying the situation instead of waiting until the HVAC system completely collapses and a new one needs to be installed. Airflow balance or lack thereof often is caused by something that can eventually destroy your HVAC system if ignored.

#4. Air Balancing Improves Overall Comfort Level

Comfortable temperatures and fresh air improve our quality of life. Especially during these times when more and more people work from home, some children study remotely, and during the colder winter months, we all desire to be comfortable. Air balance can provide you with an unparalleled level of ease no matter where you are in your home. Air balancing is crucial to our general sense of well-being. 

#5. Energy Efficiency of Your HVAC System Increases

These days we are too aware of the effects of our consumption on the environment and wish to reduce the amount of energy we use while not disrupting our comfort. Air balancing will ensure that your HVAC system will not be wasting needless amounts of energy. Regular air balancing will make sure that your HVAC system works well and if the system functions properly there will be less energy wasted. 

#6. Air Balancing Saves Your Money

Wasting energy translates to wasting money. If your HVAC system is not routinely maintained and the airflow in your building is irregular from room to room, it can be tempting to adjust the temperature on the thermostat which will result in a greater energy bill. Energy-efficient thermostats in tandem with a well-maintained HVAC system with balanced air will save your household a lot of money. 

Conclusion

Fresh air and comfortable temperatures are at your fingertips. To prevent mildew and mold, to avoid fluctuating temperatures from room to room, to prevent your home from smelling stuffy and stale, to avoid wasting money and energy, get a new HVAC system to get your air balanced in your home. Browse our selection of the best HVAC supplies for sale!

Moisture and humidity are both similar in the sense that they both signify the presence of evaporated liquids, most commonly water, in an environment. Both are present in trace amounts but the damage that unchecked moisture or humidity can cause to a home can be irreparable. This is why monitoring them in our homes is so crucial.

These 2 elements, when in excess, are a threat to our homes. Too much moisture or humidity can lead to mildew, and in extreme cases, too much condensation in wooden structures can cause these buildings to collapse altogether.

How Do I Measure Humidity Level?

High levels of moisture and humidity in a home can cause damage in the long run. As we mentioned previously, moisture in a home can lead to mildew and this can have dire consequences on people living with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

There are visual cues that can signal high or unacceptable levels of humidity in a home. There are several manifestations that can indicate high moisture or humidity such as: mildew in bathrooms, condensation on windows during the colder months, moldy walls, peeling paints inside and outside the house, cracking walls, and excessive build-up of dust mites and other allergens.

A hygrometer is commonly used to measure humidity in an environment, this device uses electrical signals with room humidity sensors to measure and determine the level of humidity in a specific place. This device will provide a reading of the humidity level but if your levels are higher than acceptable then you will need to take additional steps to ensure your home’s good air quality.

There are many preventive and proactive steps you can take, and we’ll guide you on how to lower humidity in your house if it is too high.

What If There’s Too Much Humidity?

When there is too much humidity in a room, it can cause a vast array of issues, but as previously mentioned there are several steps that can keep excessive moisture at bay. Why live in an unhealthy and stale environment when there are options and ways to live a better life. 

Find and Fix Leaks

One of the most important steps is inspecting your home for leaks in pipes or faucets. This can directly lead to a high level of moisture in a home. Once you have found your leaky pipes or faucets then you can fix them by simply wrapping them in insulators to stop the leaks.

Don’t Take Hot Showers

No! Not the hot showers! Yes, unfortunately, hot showers invite humidity, which is clearly visible in the condensation that accumulates on your bathroom mirror. There is nothing more comforting than a hot shower on a winter night, but this will cause your home’s humidity level to rise, so slightly cooler showers are recommended. 

Take Your Laundry Outside

We all use drying racks for clothing that isn’t suitable for the dryer, especially during the winter months when we can’t hang them outside. But it is important to be mindful that these drying racks and the wet clothes we hang on them cause a significant amount of moisture and humidity. 

Get a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a wonderful device that will bring you dry and cool air and will even allow you to not use your air conditioner as much during the summer months, which will in turn significantly reduce your energy bills. Dehumidifiers are a great way to control humidity in a home. 

Get an Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are not the same as dehumidifiers, however, they can aid in the reduction of the humidity in a home. They remove the moisture from the air which is then absorbed and released through the drains of your AC unit. 

Move Your House Plants

Plants connect us to nature, and we love decorating our homes with them. However, too many plants in one room can increase moisture in that specific room. The trick here is to strike a balance and spread your plants out throughout different rooms to ensure your humidity level doesn’t rise. 

Use Exhaust Fans More Often

Stove fans and bathroom exhaust fans were put in place especially to reduce the humidity level in those rooms. Boiling water and hot showers are common culprits of excess humidity in these rooms. When cooking or showering, it is recommended to make use of exhaust fans. 

What If The Moisture Level Is Too Low?

Finding the right balance in everything in life can be a challenge. When moisture is too low, it can cause chapped lips, cracked hands, overall dry skin, an itchy nose, and even a scratchy throat. To keep moisture at a balanced level there are a few things you can do. 

Try Natural Evaporation

There are many ways to use natural evaporation to increase moisture. Hanging wet towels can increase moisture. In addition, you can fill decorative bowls and place them in random places in your apartment such as shelves or above radiators or windowsills to moisturize a room. 

Get a Portable Humidifier

Portable humidifiers can be another great solution. These devices are small but powerful to help you raise the moisture level in your home. They are easy to take from room to room, however, every 24 hours they must be refilled to ensure they function properly. 

Set Up a Whole-House Humidifier

Whole-house humidifiers are an important addition to your HVAC system. This is a great way to control humidity and moisture in your home. This is a centralized way to ensure the best air quality in your home. HVAC humidifiers work with a humidistat which will allow you to always be in control of the humidity level in your home. 

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you live in a home with too much humidity or not enough, it is time to remedy this situation and find the balance that will allow you to live in harmony with your home. Control humidity in your house with sensor collections which can aid you in achieving that balance all homeowners crave. 

Radiators are an important part of our day-to-day lives. They make sure that we stay comfortable. It is important to understand how radiators work, but it is also pivotal to recognize the many different intricate parts that ensure that radiators work well.

An extremely important part of radiators are radiator valves, regardless of whether you have a more traditional radiator or a newer model, they all have valves. They are essential components of radiators; they ensure that the flow of liquid that runs through the piping of a radiator heats up effectively to keep us warm and keep our homes feeling cozy.

What Is The Purpose of Radiator Valves?

Standard radiator valves help control the amount of hot water that flows within a radiator to generate heat levels on a room per room basis, the valves make sure that the output of heat in a room is controlled.

A thermostat will control the overall temperature in the house, while a radiator valve will make sure that a specific room is receiving heat. In other words, all rooms will be heated except for those where the valves are completely off. This can save you on energy costs.

Different Types of Radiator Valves

Even though radiator valves have the same overall function, there are still distinguishing types of valves for radiators that can vary in different ways. The more common types of radiator valves are manual valves, thermostatic valves, dual fuel valves, and other traditional valves.  

Manual

Manual radiator valves are the flaps that protrude from the radiator’s exterior. These are angled and can be manually moved up or down depending on the heating requirements of that specific room.

Standard radiator valves such as the manual ones can control how much heat a room is exposed to, but these manual radiator valves will not be connected to a thermostat or control the room’s temperature. In other words, to get the desired temperature in a room, the radiator valves must be opened or turned on. Some key features of manual radiator valves are:

• They are common, they are easily replaced if one falls off.
• There are many styles to choose from because they are the most used.
• They are user-friendly since they are adjusted manually.
• They don’t require automation which makes them less likely to malfunction.

Thermostatic

Thermostatic radiator valves work very differently from manual radiator valves. Manual radiator valves are adjusted manually whilst the thermostatic radiator valve will adjust itself automatically according to the designated temperature of that room. If the room is colder, then it will release more hot water into the radiator accordingly to heat the cold room.

It is best to fit a thermostatic radiator valve controller on the flow pipe that enters your radiator to get the best temperature readings and the exact, desired temperature for that room. It is, however, not recommended to install thermostatic radiator valves in high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens because the humidity will affect the temperature reading of those rooms and result in false readings.

Some key features to keep in mind for thermostatic radiator valves:

• Individual control temperature settings on a room-by-room basis.
• Environment friendly due to its energy savings capabilities.
• More expensive than manual valves.
• Are not compatible with wall thermostats.

Dual Fuel

Dual fuel radiators are a cost-effective solution to heating; they can work independently whilst still being connected to a central heating system. This will allow you to adjust the need for heat depending on each season. Dual fuel radiators allow you to heat the rooms individually without the need for new piping.

Traditional

Traditional radiator valves supply heat into a room when the temperature has been reached, the flaps will close and reopen as the room cools. These valves will control the flow of water for a central heating system and will determine the heat for each room. They typically come in many styles and fit any décor.

Different Types of Radiator Valve Fittings

Radiator valve fittings come in a variety of shapes; the shape that will best suit your radiator will depend on the pipes that are connected to your radiator. 

• Straight radiator valves: These types of radiator valves will be used in instances where the radiator is connected to the pipework without a bend or curve. These types of valves are optimal in use when the pipework runs from the floor upwards rather than the wall.
• Corner radiator valves: These types of valves connect your radiator to your pipework at a 90-degree angle inwards masking the piping. These are a more aesthetic and tidy type of valve which will hide the pipework.
• H-block radiator valves: H-shaped valves are connected at the bottom of the radiator rather than on either side and they are space-saving. H-block valves are easier to install than most other valves and they can be either manual or thermostatic.
• Angled radiator valves: This type of angle mount radiator valve is the most common type. They connect the pipes to your radiator at a 90-degree angle, which is useful when the piping comes out of the wall.

Conclusion

The right knowledge and equipment will turn your home into your safe space. It will protect you and your family from the cold this winter, and it will help you ride out all the seasons as they pass by. The importance of heating and piping equipment plays such a crucial part in ensuring that your home functions efficiently and there is no time to waste.

For high-quality plumbing supplies for sale, we are here to guide you and make sure you make the best choices.

It happens every year. The weather begins to heat up and it’s time to fire up the HVAC system once again. But once in a while, things don’t always go as planned. Before temperatures get too hot, you need to make sure your AC system is working properly. You certainly don’t want to wait until it’s too late to repair the air conditioner. So before you’re stuck in an intolerably hot indoor environment, let’s examine the 9 signs that AC maintenance may be required.

#1. HVAC System Is Not Working

This one is a little too right on the nose, but it needs to be mentioned as one way to know if your air conditioner is broken. It’s entirely possible that when you turn on your AC system, hot air is blowing out or your air conditioner simply doesn’t work. It’s safe to assume this is one of the signs your AC needs repair, or at the very least, you need some air conditioning servicing.

#2. There’s Too Much of Energy Expenses

Another clear way to tell if you may need some repairs is to look at your energy bill. If you see some major jumps in your energy costs and cannot attribute them to extreme weather events, it may be a sign that your AC needs maintenance or repair. When malfunctions in your HVAC system occur, it will likely show up as a noticeable jump in your energy costs. The last thing you want to do is write it off and hope things normalize next month. Call up your technician and have them come check out the potential issue.

#3. Unpleasant Smells

This one isn’t fun. When you or someone else begins to notice odd or musty odors that have somehow made their way into your building or residence, it’s possible it has something to do with your AC system. Here’s how they could be related: if there are any air quality problems caused by building envelope issues, it’s possible this can lead to moisture and humidity that results in mold and mildew developing inside the air ducts and cooling coils. Foul odors also may be the result of air filters desperately in need of a replacement.

#4. Issues with Temperature Control

If you’re noticing issues with temperature control, especially if different rooms are inconsistent temperatures, there may be an issue with the thermostat or a stuck damper. If you have a commercial HVAC system, short-cycling, which is when the system starts a cycle and then shuts down before enough time has passed, can also be a source of temperature control issues. Temperature control issues can also arise from filter issues, refrigerant leaks, dirty evaporator coils, or even improperly installed equipment. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of a malfunction like this can be redacted by installing an air filter such as the one here.

#5. HVAC Makes Strange Noises

This issue may be one of the most common sources of complaints. Weird noises coming from the AC unit, such as rattling or clanking, can not only be annoying, they can conjure nightmares of having to get your entire HVAC system replaced. You may be thinking to yourself, “is my AC broken?” But there’s not always such cause for anxiety, as these types of noises don’t always result in the need for a total overhaul. Sometimes just one small part needs to be replaced, which can fix the entire noise issue. So if you’re dreading picking up the phone when you start to hear these types of noises, don’t put it off. Dealing with ac maintenance sooner rather than later is a highly advisable idea.

#6. There’s Icing Visible

If you happen to see anything frozen around your unit, there’s likely an issue with a blockage in the buildup line, which may cause the buildup to freeze on the units’ coils or cause spillage. Another possibility is that you have a refrigerant (freon) leak. If this is the case, it's one of the signs your air conditioner needs repairs. Pick up the phone immediately, because the more time that passes with an issue like this in your AC system, the more costly the repairs will be. 

#7. Airflow Issues

One of the other signs your AC needs repairs is that you may be noticing that the air conditioning isn’t blowing as well as you’d expect. Airflow issues are another one of the most common issues with HVAC systems, and there may be a variety of causes for this issue. For example, blockages can lead to airflow issues. A broken motor may also be to blame. These are issues that require examination and air conditioning servicing immediately. If this is something that happens often, you may want to look into an energy-recovery ventilator, which can give your AC unit a boost by replacing stale air with fresh air every time your unit cycles through. And it’s also possible that a thermostat malfunction is a reason behind poor airflow. If that’s the case, you should look into upgrading your thermostat. It may be a good time to check out some smart thermostats that can increase the convenience of operating your AC unit and save you some money in the long run.

#8. Visible Water Leaks

In addition to frost or ice being visible, it’s also possible you may encounter a leak or puddling around your AC unit. If something like this is happening, there may be a variety of causes which will take a professional to diagnose. It could be a problem with your condenser, with your drain tube or with other buildup, or possibly something more serious like a refrigerant leak.

#9. Too Much Dust in The Area

If you notice that there seems to be dust just about everywhere, no matter how often you dust, it could be a problem with your AC unit. If your HVAC gets dirty, it could end up spewing dirty air particles all over the place. Fortunately, this is something that’s pretty easy to fix with a cleaning and a filter replacement. It’s important to note here that regular cleaning of your HVAC system is important, as it can help to prevent an expensive issue in the future.

Your HVAC System Needs an Upgrade

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and this applies to HVAC systems as well. Everything gets older and less effective over time, so it’s entirely possible that the life of your AC unit has run its course. After about 15-20 years, it’s likely time to replace your AC system and get an upgrade.

If your system is on the older side and you’ve taken great care of it with regular maintenance and best practices, you may be able to squeeze a few more years out of it. So if you want to save some major coin in the long run, be sure to perform regular maintenance on all components of your system. Depending on the AC unit you have, some contain manufacturer warranties that make the path to replacement a lot easier on the wallet.

But no matter what you do, eventually your AC equipment is going to become obsolete. If you do find yourself in that situation and you’re looking for HVAC supplies for sale, contact us at Blackhawk Supply for some of the best selection and pricing anywhere.