What Is the Usual Life Expectancy of a Commercial HVAC Unit?

August 20, 2023

What Is the Usual Life Expectancy of a Commercial HVAC Unit? The life expectancy of a commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit is a big concern for many facility managers and business owners. After all, such systems are significant investments that, ideally, should serve your establishment for a substantial period. Learning more about commercial HVAC units can help you determine the average lifespan of these systems while also giving you ideas on how to keep your unit working at an optimal level. How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Last? On average, a well-maintained commercial HVAC unit should last between 15 to 20 years. However, this is just an average range, and this number can change due to a variety of reasons. Certain factors, including the type of system, its usage, location, maintenance frequency, and the quality of the installation, can either decrease or increase this lifespan. Here is a more in-depth review of the different factors that influence the lifespan of a commercial HVAC system. 1. Type of System Different types of HVAC systems have different life expectancies because of their unique structures and functions. For example, rooftop units, commonly used in commercial applications, are exposed to more...

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What Is the Right SEER Rating for Your HVAC System in St. Louis, Missouri?

July 20, 2023

What Is the Right SEER Rating for Your HVAC System in St. Louis, Missouri? As the summer temperatures rise in St. Louis, having a reliable and efficient HVAC system is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable. But what kind of system do you need, and what SEER rating is right for you? SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of your HVAC system’s efficiency; often, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. Read on to learn more about SEER ratings and how to find the right HVAC system for your home. Understanding SEER Ratings The SEER rating determines how effective an air conditioner is by calculating the total cooling output during a normal season and dividing it by the total energy consumed during the same period. SEER ratings for central air conditioners are mandated by the government to be no less than 13, while greater ratings can be attained with certain models. To help you assess and compare air conditioner systems before your AC installation, the EnergyGuide label shows how one unit compares to others regarding energy usage. Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are often more costly than those with lower ratings....

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How Soon Will You See a Return on Investment for Geothermal HVAC?

July 10, 2023

How Soon Will You See a Return on Investment for Geothermal HVAC? Over the past few years, more and more homeowners in the Saint Louis, MO, area have started to prioritize energy efficiency like never before. Some do so because they worry about the already-mounting effects of climate change. Others do it because they’ve seen energy prices skyrocket and can’t take on any further cost increases. That new reality is pushing more and more people to explore the possibility of switching their homes to geothermal heating and cooling. Geothermal systems are, by far, the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. However, they’re quite costly to install compared to conventional HVAC. Naturally, then, homeowners wonder how long geothermal systems take to pay for themselves in energy savings. To answer that, here’s a deep dive into the costs of geothermal and how much money the average home might save in energy costs by using one. The Costs of Geothermal HVAC Today, the average conventional HVAC system costs approximately $7,500 depending on a variety of factors, including installation. While that may sound like a lot of money, it’s nothing compared to the costs of installing a new geothermal HVAC system. That costs...

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How HVAC Systems Operate in Commercial Buildings

June 21, 2023

How HVAC Systems Operate in Commercial Buildings Regardless of the type of building you own or manage, not having the right HVAC system installed in your facility could lead to a loss of clientele and income. It can also make things difficult for your workforce as extreme temperatures occur, making the work environment less than ideal. While there are several types of commercial HVAC systems available to you, each unit is more complex than standard residential HVAC systems. Before you buy a commercial HVAC unit for your building, you should know how they work. Understanding Commercial HVAC Systems Commercial HVAC systems are designed to perform the same function as residential systems, which is to keep anyone inside the building comfortable while delivering high-quality air. These systems can be powered by gas or electricity. Ventilation systems are equipped with fans that bring in outside air and send it through a filtration component. The contaminated air in your building will then be expelled, which helps keep CO2 levels down. Effective ventilation systems dilute gases, keep respiratory conditions at bay, and reduce odors. If you didn’t have this system in your building, there would be unwanted particles in the air, which would make...

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A Handy HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist

June 14, 2023

A Handy HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist Springtime is a wonderful opportunity to clear out the clutter that has accumulated during the winter and check off outdoor chores that have fallen by the wayside during colder weather. It’s also a great time to check in on your HVAC system to ensure you and your family stay cool and comfortable this summer. To help you do this, has created a handy checklist of several things you can do to keep your AC system, ducts, ventilation and other HVAC system components running smoothly as the weather heats up. Replace Your Filters Your HVAC system uses filters to capture dust and debris in the air to keep it from clogging up your HVAC system. Most systems have replaceable filters that need to be changed between once a month and every three months. Even if you haven’t run your cooling system over the winter, the spring season is still a good time to check the condition of your filters and replace them if necessary. An HVAC company can provide you with recommendations if you’re unsure about how often you need to change your filters or which filters to use. Different indoor air quality scenarios may...

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Geothermal Systems?

May 1, 2023

What Are the Pros and Cons of Geothermal Systems? Since the ground stays at a fairly constant temperature, especially in comparison with the air, it works well as a heat source in the winter. Ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal systems or geothermal heat pumps, take advantage of this. They’re able to transfer heat from the ground and send it into homes. In the summer, these heat pumps also provide a valuable service. They take heat from homes and transfer it into the ground, where it’s readily accepted. Geothermal energy comes with many advantages, but like with anything else, it has some disadvantages as well. How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work Geothermal systems transfer heat between your house and the earth using water or refrigerant circulated through long loops of underground pipes. In cold weather, the heat pump removes the heat energy collected in the fluid, concentrates it, and transfers it to your home. Alternatively, the heat pump removes heat from the building in summer and deposits it underground. In most systems, conventional ductwork is used to distribute heated or cooled air from the geothermal heat pump throughout the building. This means that you do not have to replace the...

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12 Telltale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

February 14, 2023

12 Telltale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System When it comes to your home comfort in St. Louis, your HVAC system plays a major role. However, even the best and most reliable systems can experience problems affecting their efficiency and performance over time. That’s why it’s important to know when it might be time to consider getting a newer energy-efficient HVAC system. Here are 12 signs that indicate that it might be time to replace your HVAC system with a newer, more energy-efficient one. You Have an Old or Outdated (HVAC) System HVAC systems can become less efficient and require more frequent repairs as they age. This can lead to a less comfortable living or working environment, and you may see a spike in your utility bills. A newer energy-efficient HVAC system can improve indoor air quality and provide more consistent heating and cooling. Additionally, newer systems often have advanced features such as programmable thermostats, air purifiers, and humidifiers. Your Energy Bills Have Been Consistently Increasing An inefficient heating and cooling unit means you’ll pay more monthly for utilities since these units tend to operate at lower efficiency levels than today’s newer units. Upgrading to an ENERGY...

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Stay Ahead of the Game: A Guide to Missouri’s 2023 HVAC Regulations

February 14, 2023

A Guide To Missouri’s 2023 HVAC Regulations The 2023 HVAC regulations in Missouri aim to ensure that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems meet industry standards and improve indoor air quality. These regulations cover a range of areas, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, equipment certification, installation and maintenance, carbon monoxide detection, refrigerant management, and compliance. Why Does the DOE Maintain Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) maintains minimum energy efficiency standards to help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and support the development and use of energy-efficient technologies. The standards apply to various products, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, appliances, lighting, and buildings. By setting minimum energy efficiency requirements, the DOE helps to drive innovation and investment in energy-efficient technologies. They also ensure that products meet certain energy efficiency standards before being sold on the U.S. market. The goal is to reduce energy consumption, lower consumer energy bills, and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign energy sources. By establishing and enforcing these standards, the DOE helps create a market for energy-efficient products, encourages manufacturers to develop more efficient technologies, and ultimately helps reduce the country’s overall energy consumption....

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Do HVAC Contractor’s Know How to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

February 2, 2023

Do HVAC Contractor’s Know How To Improve Indoor Air Quality? How Can HVAC Contractors Help With Indoor Air Quality? If you’re struggling with indoor air quality, you may be wondering who can help. HVAC contractors are generally very knowledgeable about the factors that could impact your indoor air quality. These include humidity, carbon monoxide levels, and ventilation. When you work with in St. Louis, you can trust that our team has the expertise to solve your indoor air problems for increased comfort. Let’s explore what you can expect when working with a professional HVAC technician. Checking and Cleaning Your Air Filters Your HVAC expert will ensure your home is well-ventilated and that the air circulating through your space is clean and healthy. They do this by checking and, as needed, cleaning your air filters. Air filters trap pollutants, dust, and dirt, preventing air from circulating throughout your home. When air filters get clogged or dirty, pollutants are released into the air you breathe. HVAC technicians also identify other sources of poor indoor air quality and provide solutions to reduce pollutants in your home. Professionals from our company will advise you to vacuum and shampoo the carpets often if you have...

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Which Parts of Your Home Need the Best Ventilation?

October 18, 2022

Which Parts of Your Home Need the Best Ventilation? Ventilation is the process of exchanging air in an enclosed space with fresh air from the outside. It’s vital for keeping your home healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Each area of your home requires adequate ventilation for different reasons. In some areas, ventilation is especially important to help control moisture, reduce odors, or remove contaminants from the air. Let’s take a close look at the areas of your home where ventilation is most important so you can make informed decisions about your home’s air quality. The Kitchen The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home, and it’s also one of the most important areas to ventilate. The reason for this is twofold. For one, kitchens produce a substantial amount of moisture from cooking activities like boiling water and steaming food. This excess moisture can lead to condensation on surfaces like walls and ceilings, which can contribute to the development of mold. In addition, kitchens are also full of potential contaminants like smoke, grease, and food particles. These contaminants can build up in the air over time, leading to poor indoor air quality. If you have a gas stove, these...

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