HVAC Supplies Blog

Do you want all devices and subsystems in your building to communicate as fast and efficiently as possible? If the answer is yes, you need to choose the right building automation and control network (BACnet) protocol. Now, the question is: should you pick a BACnet IP or BACnet MS/TP for your building system?

We want to tell you about the pros and cons of these protocols. So, keep reading to understand which will work better for you.

How Does BACnet Protocol Work?

BACnet is the industry-standard communications protocol for building automation and control networks. The BACnet has become the most popular standard for building automation systems (BAS) because it provides:

• Reliable data exchange between all devices, software, and subsystems in the building;

• Secure channels to transmit and communicate data;

• Interoperability across different systems, so you won't have to limit yourself to a single product or manufacturer.

Think about all programs, devices, and tools in your BAS. They can use different mediums, programming languages, and formats. BACnet protocol ensures they're working together under one roof.

BACnet protocol supports seven different physical media and networks, with the most popular being BACnet IP and BACnet MS/TP.

The MS/TP has been the common standard for decades, but it's being replaced with BACnet IP. So, what are the differences between these types of communication standards?

Differences Between BACnet MS/TP and IP Protocols

BACnet IP and MS/TP protocols allow all parts of building automation systems (including software, sensors, cameras, and other devices) to interact and share data.

Now, let's see what makes them different.

BACnet Over MS/TP

BACnet over MS/TP, which stands for Master-Slave/Token Passing protocol, is a protocol that's part of the BACnet standard for building automation and control networks. In this network, devices are connected using EIA-485 serial cables in a daisy-chain fashion and are classified as master or slave devices. Master devices send requests, while slave devices respond to these requests, but masters can only communicate when they possess a token.

The token-passing mechanism in BACnet MS/TP operates through standard serial ports and EIA-485 transceivers, making it cost-effective. However, the technology is akin to dial-up in terms of communication speed and security when compared to Ethernet-based BACnet IP. This makes BACnet MS/TP less appealing, especially in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities where security is paramount.

Token passing, the network access control mechanism in MS/TP, allows only master nodes to initiate data transmission when they hold a token. After a master node uses the token to send data, it passes the token to the next master node. This sequential process makes communication slower compared to BACnet IP. Additionally, BACnet MS/TP lacks security features and requires data to pass through an intermediate network controller like a JACE, further slowing down communication.

BACnet Over IP

BACnet over IP connects devices via IP addresses (unique identifiers on local networks or the internet). This method of communication doesn't rely on token passing like BACnet over MS/TP. Instead, all of your subsystems are connected via cloud-based software or virtual private networks (VPNs).

Now, what does BACnet over IP mean for your BAS? In short, it means you aren't limited to the number of sensors, gateways, cameras, or other devices. You can also implement third-party software and platforms with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

On top of that, BACnet over IP is routable. This means your devices can communicate even if they're located in different subnets.

Which Is Better: BACnet IP or BACnet MS/TP?

What type of protocol should you implement into your building automation system? The short answer: BACnet IP is by far a more reliable and efficient option.

If you want to know why — here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of BACnet MS/TP and IP.

Bandwidth

BACnet IP gives you nearly limitless possibilities compared to BACnet MS/TP. Here are the key differences between these protocols:

• IP protocol can support over 100 MB internet speed, whereas the MS/TP network typically has about 0.1 MB speed at max;

• Unlike IP, the BACnet communication protocol limits bandwidth for devices per token, which can create internal queues of app messages.

When you measure “stable” bandwidth, you should consider the time needed for handshaking (establishing communication between BACnet devices). But even with that in mind, the fastest BAC MS/TP will be a few hundred times slower than your average BACnet IP. On top of that, IP protocol usually has a more reliable connection due to better equipment and more advanced programming logic.

Security

BACnet IP offers protection against hackers that could attempt to breach control networks and access sensitive data and information that could be stored there. In contrast, BACnet MS/TP doesn't prevent hackers from disrupting the control network, and everything from HVAC systems, copiers/faxes, telephones, and other sensitive data is at risk without IP protocol.

All forms of businesses and corporations value their privacy, the secure transfer of information and data from employee to employee, and the integrity of all systems connected to a single network. BACnet IP offers unparalleled protection which is especially valuable for establishments such as large corporations, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, educational facilities, and any other company which aims to safeguard their critical systems and sensitive data.

Scalability

Scalability is crucial for your building system, as it affects the number of devices that can communicate simultaneously. The BACnet IP advantages here are just as obvious.

MS/TP allows a maximum of 128 devices on the same network. As we mentioned, all of these devices share one token and have to wait for their turn to respond to a request.

Now, IP protocol supports a nearly unlimited number of devices. Even better, it can connect devices over multiple networks via the internet protocol or a VPN.

Installation and Troubleshooting

BACnet over IP is much easier to install than BACnet MS/TP. Let's see why:

• BACnet IP devices support wireless communications, meaning you'll have fewer cables;

• You get less chance of interference due to stripped wires when using MS/TP;

• IP protocol is compatible with a bigger network topology (including Star, Ring, and Daisy Chain).

It's also much easier to find and resolve issues when using BACnet over IP. In MS/TP, a single malfunctioning device affecting multiple devices is common, and you'll have to check each one manually. On the other hand, IP protocol allows you to find and fix affected devices much quicker by using IP addresses as identifiers.

Why Should You Choose BACnet IP over BACnet MS/TP?

BACnet IP encompasses a plethora of advantages that make it the superior choice for networks to control the BAS for any type of business:

• Centralized and fortified monitoring.

• Efficiency: IP networks render cables and cabling interfaces of BMS mute therefore significantly reducing costs.

• Universal scripting languages can be used with IP networks.

• Remote monitoring and real-time alerts: IP networks can be controlled through the internet or MPLS/VPNs. This also allows for immediate alerts for security, safety, and health issues that may arise from different types of devices that are connected to the BACnet IP network.

• WiFi can be used to monitor and communicate with all units or BAS sensors connected to the BACnet IP.

• Financially cost-effective: It reduces both labor costs and operational costs by requiring less human interference and less energy to run the IP control networks.

• BACnet IP networks also eradicate communication issues that can be caused by wires or other faulty connections.

• Customization allows managers to set up their protocols for operational use.

Conclusion

As you can see, BACnet IP is the best option for building automation and management systems. You can use this protocol to connect all of your devices and subsystems under one roof without compromising speed, flexibility, or existing integrations.

Blackhawk Supply offers an impressive selection of BACnet-compatible devices, including routers, switches, and gateways. Feel free to browse through our store or request a free quote!

Clean air filters are critical for your comfort and for keeping your HVAC systems running properly. By taking care of the air filtration at home, you can improve the indoor air quality and prologue your equipment’s service life.

We want to share some of the most helpful air filter maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your HVAC. So, keep reading to learn more!

Why Should You Change Air Filters?

Many people change air filters only after wearing them out. But this laziness can cost you, literally and figuratively.

Clogged filters can’t stop dust or pollen as effectively as they should. Pollutants that don’t get trapped in filters start circulating in your home and enter your respiratory system. People prone to allergies have it the worst. You can suffer from sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, and all because of the poor home air filtration.

You should keep air filters clean to ensure your AC units are performing with maximum efficiency. Dirty filters prevent your equipment from working at full force and increase your energy bills. Ultimately, poor maintenance can cause your equipment to fail in time.

6 Air Filter Tips to Get The Most Out of Your HVAC

Every homeowner can ensure their HVAC works at top efficiency without stacking up the electric bills. How? Just follow the tips below.

1. Choose the filter based on MERV rating

To get the best indoor air quality without overpaying, you need to choose filters with an optimal MERV rating. Now, what does “MERV” mean on air filters?

In short, MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a standard used to measure the effectiveness of air filters. You can use this rating to compare different types of filters. The higher the rating, the more particles the filter traps.

• MERV 1-4. It can filter dust but won’t improve the indoor quality significantly.
• MERV 5-8. Captures dust and smaller airborne particles that can cause allergies. This is an optimal rating range for homes.
• MERV 9-12. Works for larger households or families with pets.
• MERV 13-16. Filters many types of pollutants, gasses, viruses, and bacteria. This range is typically used in commercial settings or healthcare facilities.

As you probably guessed, the efficiency of air filters grows proportionally with their price. So there’s no reason to get a MERV 13 filter for home central air filtration systems. Here’s a chart to help you understand the differences between MERV ratings:

2. Clean and replace the filters regularly

Air filters should be kept clean if you want your HVAC equipment to work better and last longer. You should replace or clean filters based on their specifications and MERV rating. As a rule of thumb, this usually means:

• Every 3 months for MERV 1-4 range
• Every 2 months for MERV 5-8 range
• Monthly replacement for MERV 8 rating and higher

Now, try to remember when was the last time you actually checked your HVAC equipment. How can you remind yourself to replace filters every few months? Here are some tips to ensure you always check your air filters:

• Set reminders on your smartphone
• Create events in your calendar for future dates

You should also keep replacement air filters in your home inventory. But we’ll talk about this in greater detail later.

3. Take your living space into consideration

It’s undoubtedly important to replace filters regularly based on their MERV rating. However, there are additional factors you should consider:

• Type of residence. Apartments with single occupants or vacation homes don’t require frequent air filter replacements, whereas bigger houses need regular HVAC maintenance. We suggest changing filters every 3 or 4 months if you’re living alone. If you have a suburban home, consider replacing AC filters at least every 2 months.
• Pets. The more pets you have, the more often you need to replace filters. If you have one pet, we would advise doing this every 2 months. When living with multiple companions, you might want to do this every 30 days.
• Respiratory problems. It’s better to replace filters every month if someone in your home suffers from allergies or other respiratory problems.

External factors can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. For example, you might want to replace filters more frequently if there’s ongoing construction near your area home.

4. Set the thermostat to AUTO

Having the thermostat set to the ON position means it runs 24/7 regardless of your AC unit or furnace. This means your system will circulate warm air non-stop and, consequently, clog up your filters much faster.

We recommend setting the thermostat to AUTO instead of ON. This ensures the fan activates only when your AC is working. As a result, you’ll optimize home air filtration, reduce the strain on air filters and air conditioning units, and lower energy consumption.

5. Don’t neglect professional maintenance

You’ll need professional maintenance to make sure air filters provide optimal home filtration levels. For example, you should call experts if you notice the following:

• Strange odors coming from the AC
• Abnormal humidity levels in your home
• Leakage from your systems
• Clattering noise coming from the unit
• Slow airflow and other efficiency problems
• Growing electricity bills (faulty equipment can consume much more energy than it needs)

Waiting for something to break before calling professionals is a terrible strategy. Besides, most of the time, you won’t know that something’s wrong with your HVAC or filters until examination. That’s why we recommend calling in experts at least once a year.

6. Buy replacements from a reliable company

No one likes going to the store just to buy a new air filter. Many people procrastinate just because of this. Now, here are a few tips to help you out:

• Buy a few boxes of filters at once (enough to last you for a few seasons or years)
• Set up reminders to order filters at set intervals (for example, every 1 or 2 months)

Thankfully, you don’t need to bother with these chores if you order from Blackhawk Supply. Our store has a wide selection of HVAC parts and accessories at an excellent price with affordable shipping.

Conclusion

As you can see, you can easily improve your HVAC service life and ensure the best air quality in your home. Just make sure to follow our air filter maintenance tips and buy replacement parts regularly.

At Blackhawk Supply, you easily find new filters for your AC units. Feel free to look at our catalog or request a quote at our store!

Choosing a control valve is challenging even for vetted technicians. To choose the right one, you should possess a basic knowledge of regulation technologies. You also need an understanding of different types of control valves and their applications.

Now, what is a control valve, and what types of valves exist? At Blackhawk Supply, we'll be happy to share what we know!

Keep reading to learn about the technology behind control valves, their categories and types, and their various industrial applications.

What Is a Control Valve?

The control valve is a power-operated device designed for controlling the flow and pressure of fluids and steam. The degree of regulation (from full capacity to minimal) is based on the signal from a controller.

Control valves are an essential component of industrial control systems. These devices are used to control processes, such as liquid level, pressure, velocity, and temperature, but within the correct operating range. Additionally, they ensure efficient operations and the long-lasting service life of your equipment.

These valves are used in many residential and industrial applications. For example, you can find them in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, unit ventilators, fan coil units, VAV boxes, and various other devices.

Control Valve Types and Categories

All control valves share the same goal (flow, pressure, and temperature control), but they are designed for slightly different applications. The most widespread types of control valves are:

• Rotary control (ball and butterfly valves)

• Linear control (globe and diaphragm valves)

• Three-way control

• Self-acting control

Let's look at these control valves and their features in greater detail.

Rotary Control Valve: Types and Functions 

Fluids in the rotary valves (also known as quarter-turn valves) travel through rotated passages in a transverse plug. As the name suggests, they use a rotating closure element to control the flow.

This type of valve is very flexible and is compatible with many adaptive technologies. Most rotary valves are quite compact. At the same time, they work with demanding applications. Their design makes them great for dirty (particle-heavy) fluids, such as those used in refineries.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are extremely useful for isolation applications, as they provide straight-through flow. On top of that, they are quick-acting, easily actuated, and offer a low-pressure drop. Ball valves can be operated pneumatically, electrically, and manually (based on their model, of course).

These valves have a rugged three-piece valve body in the form of a quarter-turn valve with a round hole in the center. A ball valve uses a hollow pivoting ball to control how much fluid can flow through it.

Ball valves are pretty heavy and more expensive than other control valves. However, they work great for high-capacity and high-pressure applications. You can find them in:

• Building control systems

• Water industries

• Chemical industries

In addition to hot and chilled water, the ball valve offers excellent control of glycol mixes and steam. Plus, this type of control valve limits cavities and crevices, preventing contamination from outside sources. 

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves use quarter-turn rotation for control in high-flow applications. The butterfly valves provide a fast and easy way to start and stop the flow. Additionally, it allows for complete closure and opening of the valve, minimizing potential leakage.

These valves are operated pneumatically, manually, or electrically (akin to ball valves). Unlike a ball valve, a butterfly valve is a much more lightweight and economical solution.

Butterfly valves come in different construction materials, liner options, and other specifications. This makes them highly compatible with a wide range of industrial, water, and chemical applications.

Most companies use butterfly valves for their low-pressure drop, high-pressure recovery, and excellent flow isolation. Their typical applications include:

• HVAC systems

• Exhaust gases control

• High-temperature services

• Steam services

THE PLUG VALVE

The plug control valve is a type of valve used to regulate the flow of a fluid in a pipe. It is a type of gate valve, and it consists of a cylindrical plug that slides in and out of the pipe to control the flow. The plug is connected to a stem, which is turned to open and close the valve. The stem is connected to a handle, which is used to operate the plug valve.

The plug valve is used in a variety of applications, including controlling the flow of water in a pipe, regulating the pressure in a pipe, and controlling the flow of oil in a pipeline. It is widely used in the oil and gas and in the food and beverage industries to control the flow of liquids in a pipe.

Linear Control Valve: Types and Functions

Linear valves (multi-turn valves) use a sliding-stem mechanism to push the closure into the open and close positions for flow control. This control valve has a slower operation speed but great positional stability and accuracy (1:1 flow control).

Linear valves have a straightforward and durable design. These valves are also very versatile due to a large variety of available trim sizes and options. Some of the most prevalent subtypes of linear valves are globe valves and diaphragm valves.

Globe control Valves

Globe control valves regulate flow in pipelines and other applications requiring increased flow resistance or significant pressure drops.

These valves have a generally spherical valve body. The mechanism consists of two halves, a moveable plug (disc element) that separates these halves, and a stationary ring seat. In addition, the globe control valve has a stem that regulates the flow by moving up and down in the valve.

The efficiency and reliability of globe valves make them an excellent choice for a wide selection of applications, including:

• Chemical feed systems

• Boiler and main steam vents

• Cooling water systems

• Fuel oil systems

Globe valves are pretty expensive devices. However, they provide extended service life, high performance, and optimized flow passages that reduce pressure drops and destructive turbulence.

Diaphragm Control Valves 

Diaphragm valves (membrane valves) are typically made of plastic, wood, or metal body with multiple ports and an elastomeric digraph. The seat in the body opens and closes the valve, controlling the flow.

These valves eliminate any chance of contamination due to their tight seal. This helps to ensure the liquids in your systems remain as sterile and clean as possible.

You can use diaphragm valves in many systems, thanks to a wide range of designs and construction material options. In addition to clean water control, you can use these valves to regulate corrosive and abrasive media. You can also use them with pneumatic control heads or process controllers to enhance the accuracy of control.

Three-Way Control Valve

Three-way control valves are designed to open fluid flow in a pipe while closing the flow in another pipe. These valves typically have a pneumatic, multi-spring, or electric actuator for power.

A three-way flow control valve is available in two configurations: a diverter valve and a mixing valve.

These valves can control water, oil, steam, and various fluids in HVAC systems. The typical applications of the three-way valve include:

• Air handling units

• Boilers

• Fan coils

• Water chillers

Mixing Valves

A mixing valve is designed to control the supply of water in heating and cooling systems. Basically, these devices provide an easy way to mix hot and chilled waters for a comfortable temperature.

Diverter Valves

A diverter valve is named after a mechanism that opens and closes the valve in combi boilers to regulate water. The typical places where you can find diverter valves include:

• Home radiators

• Showerheads

• Taps

Diverter valves aren't used for standard HVAC systems and conventional boilers. Instead, they are installed in systems that supply heated water on demand.

Tee-Piece Valves

Some types of valves, like Tee-Piece valves, combine both mixing and diverting functions. They can accept an ON/OFF or modulating signal. These valves can be used in combi boilers, showers, radiators, and regular HVAC systems.

Self-Acting Control Valve

A self-acting valve regulates the water flow with the help of temperature-sensitive fluid. This fluid expands on heating and contracts when cooled. The force created by these reactions transfers to the actuator, which opens and closes the valve.

These valves are used to regulate water and steam in heating and cooling systems. A self-acting control valve's typical applications include:

• Air compressors

• Air chillers

• Boilers

• Industrial engines

Some of the advantages of self-acting valves include easy installation and enhanced durability. Plus, these valves are self-sufficient, meaning they don't need an external power supply to operate.

Popular Applications of Control Valves in the Industry 

The primary function of all control valves is to regulate the flow, pressure, and temperature of fluids (and other substances). Additionally, control valves can regulate air, steam, glycol mixes, and chemicals based on predefined settings.

Control valves are found in any refining, chemical manufacturing, and other industrial applications. These valves are used for process quantities and consequential control. Now, how do these valves work?

• Control valves regulate the flow in loops.

• At the start of the loop, a transmitter and a controller compare the current flow level with the desired level.

• The controller sends a correction signal to the control device (valve).

• The control valve closes to reduce the fluid flow (or opens to increase it).

• The valve opens or closes to ensure the desired level of flow.

You can find many control valve types and applications used in various industries. They include food & beverage, oil & gas, pipeline, biopharma, and many others.

Additional Control Valve Features to Consider Before Buying

As you understand by now, control valves are quite complicated mechanisms. It's not just about choosing the correct type of valve. To ensure you're getting the right valve for your system, you should also consider:

• Media type. Your control valve should support the liquid or gas type. For example, metal works for pressure gasses, and corrosive materials require something like PFA or PTFE.

• Actuation. Do you want a hand-operated valve or an actuator that turns it off automatically? On top of that, you should consider the positioning of the valve after it loses power. For instance, a double-acting actuator maintains the last position. In contrast, the spring return actuator either opens or closes the valve after losing the signal.

• Installation. Consider your management system before choosing a valve. Some types of valves support remote monitoring and control, which can make maintenance much easier. Additionally, find out how easy it is to disconnect and reconnect the valve.

• Maintenance. Some valves are virtually maintenance-free, and others require regular cleaning. Needless to say, some control valve types, like ball valves, are way easier to keep clean due to their design.

Now, the list isn't exhaustive. We recommend comparing control valves based on their advantages and disadvantages, functionality, efficiency, and price. 

Conclusion

After reading this, you should have a good idea about control valve types and applications. We hope that our guide helps you get the best device for your tasks!

Feel free to check Blackhawk Supply for a great selection of high-grade control valves from reputable manufacturers like Belimo, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, and many others. Our shop has control systems, plumbing supplies, and a ton of other miscellaneous stuff!

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decades; it is hard for us to imagine a life without or recall life before it. Our advancements have affected every aspect of our lives, especially in the technical field. Smartphones paved the way for smart homes and smart thermostats are a byproduct of this. A smart thermostat allows you to save money and stay comfortable. 

How Does a Smart Thermostat Save You Money?

A smart thermostat is not a magical device, it is simply technology created to make our living spaces more restful. It can be a struggle to get a room to the perfect temperature; traditional thermostats require constant human supervision and often don’t give us the desired result. A smart thermostat will calculate the space in use to cool or heat that space, in doing so there is less wasted energy, therefore, less money spent.

How It Works

The smart thermostat is connected to the heating boiler and the thermostat is then linked to an application that is downloaded to your smartphone. The app learns your schedule and allows you to control the temperature settings of your home from the palm of your hand. It can be programmed to turn off the air conditioning or heating in your home while you are away.

Learning Features

A smart thermostat has learning features that can adapt itself to a person’s schedule. It is more energy-efficient as it can over time learn when someone is home or not and adjust the temperature accordingly. It has a self-learning capability, built-in wireless sensors, and smartphones can identify whether a home is vacant or occupied. 

Mini Splits

Mini-splits conserve energy and therefore save you money. A mini-split system can allow you to cool or heat individual rooms or even spaces in the room as needed. They are designed in such a way that there is no need to waste any more money on empty space but rather it allows a person to enjoy the perfect temperature anytime anywhere.

How Much Money Can a Smart Thermostat Save?

As previously noted, smart thermostats can save you a great deal of money. The technology is designed in such a way that it maximizes the results whilst minimizing the use of unnecessary energy. There are many things that can assist in utilizing this device to the best of its abilities because no home is the same.

• Automated settings for home and away: Through built-in sensors, the thermostat can gauge whether the house is empty or occupied and automatically switch to away mode if the sensors are not activated.
• Energy reports: The application provides you with a monthly report on how much energy was used, this helps one keep track and make regular schedule adjustments to save more money as time goes on.
• Correctly using the sensor: The smart thermostats come with a built-in sensor and often they can also be voice-activated. In addition, it has tracking abilities that can help it determine the occupancy level throughout the day. This is especially important for people who own vacation homes, this will pre-set the temperature to be optimal at the arrival.
• The application: An app is a useful tool that can be used to adjust the temperature similar to a regular thermostat. However, additional features associated with the app can help you reduce your heating or cooling costs. The app allows you to set a schedule, adjust temperature settings and view your energy report.

How to Save Money with a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a great money-saving tool especially if used correctly.

Create a Regular Heating and Cooling Schedule

Smart thermostats enable you to program a heating or cooling schedule which then can be adjusted with your smartphone via the app. This is a valuable tool and can save you a substantial amount of money on cooling and heating expenses. It is noteworthy that while away from your home that the temperature is set in such a way as to not waste energy. It is important to invest in a smart thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities that will help you create a custom schedule based on your unique needs. These smart thermostats are equipped with revolutionary motion detection technology that will not only save you money but will give you peace of mind. 

Heat and Cool the Home by Zones

Heating or cooling your home via zones is a great way to be comfortable while paying less for cooling or heating expenses. Most homes consist of a variety of zones such as bedrooms, living room, kitchen, basement, etc., these spaces have different purposes and don’t need to be cooled or heated simultaneously. By adjusting the desired temperature per room being used will cost you less, there will be less energy wasted and you will be more comfortable than ever. The long list of benefits of dividing your home into zones can be summed up by optimizing your comfort when and where needed without any waste. Multi-zone cooling or heating is the way of the future.

Maximize Savings with Algorithms

Our world today is getting smarter and smarter. We are constantly surrounded by technological devices and all these tech devices use sophisticated algorithms to ensure we maximize their benefits. The algorithm used by a smart thermostat enables the device to optimize its learning capabilities. This allows for the thermostat to adapt itself to the user’s lifestyle in perfect synchronicity; in turn, this means that the thermostat will learn and adjust itself accordingly by using the algorithm to predict weather changes and occupancy to give you the best results for less money. The algorithm allows the thermostat to communicate with your smartphone via the app so that adjustments can be made from home or while away.

Stay Aware of Important HVAC Maintenance Needs

Smart thermostats come equipped with evolved technologies that can help you maintain your HVAC system. There are many reasons why this is important: it can save you money with updates on the maintenance of your HVAC system, prevent the system from breaking down, cut your energy expenses. An HVAC system is essential for its features allow you to enjoy clean air. In addition, it can keep your home safer, improve your comfort and it is even environmentally friendly. A smart thermostat will send you alerts that can extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce reparation costs.

Make Last-Minute Adjustments

Life is unpredictable: it can throw you for a loop on many occasions. You need to stay at work longer, your friend needs your help, you need to stop at the store on the way home, or you are counting cars in traffic; this is life. Don’t be afraid of these last-minute changes in your schedule because with a smart thermostat you can adjust your temperature from anywhere anytime. It is worthwhile to invest in a smart thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi which then connects with you via the app. It is user-friendly and useful.

Smart thermostats will allow you to enter the future with unparalleled comfort and ease. Find the right smart thermostat for you and your family at Blackhawk Supply. The peace of mind that smart thermostats offer is incomparable, coming home never felt better!

Summertime can be a real test for your air conditioner and ventilation units. However, you can maintain your systems in order by following our summer HVAC tips. After all, the last thing you want is for your HVAC system to break in the middle of the season. You also want your heating component to be ready when the winter comes.

So, let’s see how you can preserve and maintain your HVAC during summer and keep it working for years to come.

8 Ways to Preserve your HVAC: Summer Maintenance Tips

So, how do you keep your HVAC in shape during summer? Here’s what you should do to improve indoor air quality and prolong your equipment’s service life.

1. Replace HVAC Filters

You should clean or replace your air filters regularly to keep the system running smoothly. The HVAC filters remove airborne pollutants in your house, and the more your units work, the faster the filter will get dirty.

We recommend cleaning your filters every two months. However, depending on the size of your household and residents, you may need to clean the filter every 30 days. On top of that, we recommend replacing HVAC filters at least every six months to maintain indoor air quality.

2. Remove The Dirt From The Air Ducts

The air ducts and vents capture ten times the amount of pollutants air filters do. So if you don’t clean them, the dust and dirt will keep circulating in your home, restricting the airflow in the process.

You can sweep and clean your ducts yourself with a vacuum, brush, and a lot of paper towels. If you don’t want to bother with removing screws and scrubbing the debris, you can alternatively call a professional HVAC duct cleaning company.

3. Remove Obstacles From The Vents

Air conditioners and ventilators shouldn’t be blocked by furniture, rugs, and other heavy items. This can obstruct the airflow, which will put a lot of strain on your HVAC systems, as it needs more energy to keep your home at the right temperature. In short, rearranging items can improve the effectiveness and service life of your equipment.

4. Clear The Outside Debris

Exterior components are a crucial part of our summer HVAC maintenance tips. You must remove debris around the outdoor unit to keep the vents unblocked. Plus, you need to clean the condenser coil.

To do this, you first need to power off the unit and other electrical systems nearby. Afterward, remove nearby leaves, grass, mulch, and shrubs. Then, you can spray the coils, vacuum the fins and wipe down the unit. Finally, let the condenser dry for a few hours before turning the system on.

5. Inspect The Wiring

The electrical components of the HVAC can deteriorate and degrade over time. You should check the wiring regularly to ensure that your unit works properly and remain safe.

Now, we don’t advise replacing the wiring by yourself. However, you can turn off the systems and examine the wires before calling a professional. If you notice blackened or scorched wires — contact a technician without delay.

6. Check The Refrigerant For Leaking

Refrigerants in the air conditioners continuously transition between liquid and gaseous states to absorb the heat. Without proper maintenance, the refrigerant may eventually leak from your AC coils, rendering the whole device useless. That’s why you need to check the refrigerant supply level and refill it systematically in your HVAC (in the summer settings especially).

7. Adjust The Thermostat Settings

Summer means later sunsets and subsequent swift in your schedule. Therefore, you need to optimize your summer HVAC setting to improve your comfort and energy consumption.

We recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (or 26 degrees Celsius) during summer. At the same time, you should program the thermostat around your schedule. For example, there’s no need for your HVAC to work at full force when everyone is sleeping.

A faulty thermostat won’t measure the indoor temperature correctly, which will affect your HVAC systems. So, we advise getting the thermostat checked up yearly.

8. Invest In Additional Tools

You can reduce the strain on your air conditioner units with accessories. They include:

• Dehumidifiers and humidity controllers can even remove excess moisture in the air and help you feel much cooler.
• Smart thermostats can automatically optimize HVAC settings for summer based on the outdoor temperature and your daily schedule.
• Saving blinds on windows won’t let the heat come into your home, making it much easier for HVAC to maintain the temperature.

As you can see, you can improve your comfort and reduce strain on your HVAC system with additional tools. Besides, these accessories will help you reduce energy bills in summer.

Conclusion

You should maintain your air conditioners and ventilation units during summertime to prolong their service life. With our summer HVAC tips, you can ensure that your system works at full capacity even without professional help!

Blackhawk Supply offers a wide variety of premium HVAC equipment to help you improve your indoor air quality. Feel free to browse through our store — you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for!