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Signs Your Commercial HVAC System Needs an Update

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San Francisco’s bustling business environment relies heavily on maintaining a comfortable space for employees and customers alike. As seasons change, the demand on your commercial HVAC system fluctuates, exposing signs that it may be time for an upgrade or a complete replacement. Recognizing these signs early can save businesses from increased operational costs, uncomfortable indoor environments, and potential shutdowns due to system failures.

Increased Energy Consumption and Utility Bills

A clear indicator that your commercial HVAC system might need an update is a noticeable increase in energy consumption and utility bills without a corresponding increase in usage or operational hours. HVAC systems become less efficient over time, especially if not maintained properly, leading to higher energy costs for businesses. Regular energy audits can help pinpoint whether your HVAC system is the culprit behind rising expenses.

Inconsistent Temperatures and Poor Air Quality

For businesses in San Francisco’s diverse climates, from the cooler, foggy conditions near the bay to the warmer, inland areas, maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your commercial space is crucial. An aging HVAC system might struggle with evenly distributing air, resulting in hot or cold spots. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade over time with older systems, affecting the comfort and health of your occupants, a critical concern in spaces like hospitals, schools, and office buildings.

Frequent Breakdowns and Costly Repairs

As HVAC systems age, components wear out and become more prone to failure, leading to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. For businesses, where every dollar counts, evaluating the cost-benefit of continuing to repair an old system versus investing in a new, more reliable, and efficient system is vital. The threshold often cited by experts suggests that if repair costs exceed 50% of the value of the system, replacement is a financially sound decision.

Advances in HVAC Technology

The HVAC industry is continuously evolving, with new technologies offering significant advantages in efficiency and functionality. Smart therapeutics, automation, and more energy-efficient designs can provide better control and reduce operational costs. San Francisco businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and take advantage of potential rebates and incentives for energy-efficient systems should consider upgrading to newer HVAC technologies.

Calculating Lifecycle Costs

Understanding the lifecycle costs of your commercial HVAC system can guide you through the decision to update. This includes evaluating the age of your system, maintenance history, repair costs, and energy consumption. Modern systems not only operate more efficiently but also offer advanced features that can improve the overall environment of your business space, contributing to employee productivity and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, recognizing the signs that your commercial HVAC system needs an update is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective environment. If you’re experiencing rising energy bills, inconsistent temperatures, frequent repairs, or are concerned about the age and efficiency of your system, considering an upgrade may be a prudent decision.

For a professional evaluation of your commercial HVAC system and to explore the best options for your business, contact Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning today. Don’t let an outdated system impact your operational costs and comfort. Upgrade your HVAC system for improved efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind. Call us at (415) 689-7849 or fill out our online form to schedule a service or get a free instant quote. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with the highest quality solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Is My AC Unit Undersized?

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Determining whether your air conditioning (AC) system is undersized for your San Francisco, CA home is essential for achieving efficient and effective cooling. An AC unit that is too small can lead to discomfort, high energy costs, and increased wear and tear on the system. This blog post will explore key signs that may indicate your AC unit is undersized, drawing on insights from various HVAC experts.

HVAC Considerations for Your Home Addition

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Investing in an addition allows you to create a better, more spacious home while meeting the changing needs of your growing family. Like most renovations, it requires careful thought and planning. Apart from learning about the potential timeline and budget to get it done, you’ll have to consider the type of HVAC setup that will best fit your home addition. This decision, after all, will have an impact on your home’s overall heating and cooling needs.

Electrification & Your HVAC System: A Quick Guide

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If you’re using a gas or oil-burning furnace for heating, you can consider electrification as a way to help reduce your home’s carbon emissions. In today’s post, local HVAC repair company Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning takes a look at electrification and how it relates to your HVAC system.

Important Questions to Ask When Purchasing an HVAC System

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Buying an HVAC system is a considerable investment. That’s why you should always be informed so you can make the right choice for your home and family. After all, you don’t want to buy an air conditioner or heat pump and then have to call on a local HVAC contractors a few weeks later.

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How Does An HVAC Upgrade Increase My Home’s Value?

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If you’re planning to sell your home soon, then you probably want to make your home as presentable as possible. This is so the next potential buyer will be more interested in your property and end up purchasing it. In order for this to happen without any fuss, you may need to upgrade on a few of your home’s features, including your air conditioning system. Read more

Understanding the Basics of Your HVAC System

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Knowing the basics of how HVAC systems work can give homeowners a greater appreciation for their system, inform them as to maintenance tasks they should be performing, help them diagnose problems, and communicate with technicians.

Types of HVAC Systems

There are several types of heating and air conditioning systems in modern homes. In climates that only experience one temperature extreme, a single-stage system may provide either heat or cold to a home. These systems are inexpensive but inefficient and are not commonly used.

Conventional systems will combine a furnace and an air conditioning unit to provide both heating and cooling capabilities. Most of these setups will have single-speed fans, which are only capable of running at full speed or being turned off. Newer systems may have variable-speed fans that run at various speeds to provide greater energy efficiency.

Zoning heating and air conditioning systems allow homeowners to control the temperature of multiple “zones” within their home individually. These systems allow greater comfort within a home and increased energy efficiency, but are more expensive than traditional systems.

Heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for replacing conventional systems. Heat pumps only move heat from one area to another, allowing them to function while using far less energy than other systems. Different types of heat pumps use different sources for heat and work more efficiently down to cooler temperatures.

6 Things Homeowners Should Know About Their System

Homeowners should understand the basics of their own system. Some important details include:

  1. Location of ducts. Air ducts carry conditioned air throughout a home. These ducts are essential to the heating and air conditioning system. Leaking or blocked ducts can keep air from reaching part of the house.
  2. Type of refrigerant. Federal law required the phasing out of refrigerant R-22 last year. Any that remains for repairing systems will be far more expensive than coolant R-410A.
  3. Location of the indoor parts of the system. Furnaces are usually located indoors, as is part of the air conditioning system. Homeowners need to know the location of these and keep an eye on their drain pans to be aware of any damaging leaks.
  4. Location of outdoor sections. The outdoor section of air conditioners need to be kept clean and clear of debris, so homeowners should know where this is and how to clean it.
  5. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER ratings measure the energy efficiency of air conditioners. Higher ratings denote more efficient units.
  6. Air filter information. Air filters are the part of HVAC systems that need the most frequent maintenance. Homeowners can usually perform this maintenance if they know where the filter is located and the type of filter needed. Some filters can be cleaned, but many are simply replaced.

Homeowners who know what type of HVAC system their home uses and the basics listed above will find themselves better able to keep their systems running efficiently, and will be able to communicate more clearly with technicians.

Have any additional questions about your HVAC system? We love educating our customers about how their systems work. Contact us today.

The Latest Advancements in HVAC Home Comfort

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Every industry undergoes changes from time to time. As new technologies are discovered and developed, it takes time for those new technologies to hit the mainstream and be accepted for everyday use as the new industry-standard. In the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), there are a number of technologies on the horizon that will begin to change the way that home owner’s heat and cool their homes.

Latest HVAC Advancements for 2016-2017

Here are some of the latest HVAC technologies that have already hit the market or will soon be showing up in homes across the country in no time:

Smart Thermostats

Though this is by no means a brand new technology, smart thermostats continue to improve, offering even more features that are not only convenient for homeowners but help them save money. For those not familiar with this technology, smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature and other aspects of your indoor air quality remotely from the convenience of your smart phone.

This Wi-Fi enabled thermostat helps homeowners cut down on energy waste by allowing them to control their HVAC system from wherever they may be. For instance, if you leave the AC on full blast when you left the house, you can adjust it to a more moderate temperature to save energy while you are away.

Smart Ventilation

Smart ventilation is another powerful technology that makes it easier for you to make your home environment more comfortable while also helping you reduce energy usage and cut cooling and heating costs. Smart ventilation uses sensors that allow you to monitor and control airflow in each room in your house.

You can save energy by reducing air flow to rooms that are often empty. You can also increase comfort levels by adjusting air flow to each room in line with the family member’s preference. For instance, if you like to feel the cool air directly on you, you might increase airflow to your room, while decreasing airflow to the room of a family member who easily gets cold. The best part is that all of this can be done from the convenience of your smartphone.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

Variable refrigerant flow is also not a brand new technology. However, when connecting this technology to your home automation system, it has the potential to transform the way that home owners maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round. Variable refrigerant flow gives you greater control over the temperature inside your home and allows you to adjust different rooms to different temperatures.

Everyone has different ideas of what temperature is optimal and which environment makes them most comfortable. This technology allows you to increase comfort for everyone by adjusting temperature to their liking. Combine this with the smart ventilation system, and you will be making your home more comfortable and saving energy in no time.

Some of these technologies are already being utilized in homes across the country, while others are not far behind. If you are interested in what HVAC upgrades might be available to you, contact us today.

 

Commercial Heat Pump Troubleshooting

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Like any commercial appliance, heat pumps sometimes have mechanical issues. Below are troubleshooting ideas for some of the more common problems.

  1. Heat Pump Icing Up

If the top of your unit has a lot of ice, if ice is incasing the coils, or if the whole unit has a thick sheet of ice and snow covering it, you’ll want to take action. That much ice can prevent heat from transferring between the refrigerant and the air outside, and it will impede the heat pump’s operation. Any heat pump covered in ice should be attended to quickly, or the unit could become severely damaged.

Troubleshooting for Iced Heat Pumps

What you’ll need to do to fix your unit is dependent upon the type of problem it’s experiencing.

  • The unit isn’t defrosting—If the unit doesn’t defrost periodically like it should, ice will build up quickly. Faulty relays, sensors and controls can all cause defrost issues. The reverse valve, which makes the unit switch from heating to air conditioning, may also have a problem.
  • There is a problem with the outdoor fan—The motor of the fan might be failing or dead. Alternatively, the fan itself may be damaged, which makes it difficult for the heat to release from the unit and causes an accumulation of ice.
  • The refrigerant level is low—Slow leaks of refrigerant can keep the system from producing enough heat, which is needed to melt the frost.
  • The outdoor unit is blocked—Piles of snow can accumulate around the outdoor unit, which impedes the airflow and causes more icing.
  • There is water leaking onto the unit—If water is constantly dripping onto the unit from leaking gutters, it can cause a layer of ice to gradually form on top.

In order to troubleshoot the issue, melt the ice with water from a hose (never use a pointy object). Remove any debris or snow that is blocking the unit. See if any leaking gutters are causing water to drip onto the unit. Repair any you find. Call your HVAC company to troubleshoot further.

  1. Troubleshooting for a Heat Pump that Runs Constantly

 

A heat pump can run constantly in the summer if it is set to a low temperature in very hot weather. If this isn’t the case, your system might be too small and thus be unable to adequately heat the space, or the space may not be insulated well enough to retain the heat. Another culprit is a system that hasn’t had yearly maintenance, as it may have a buildup of debris.

Heat pumps run longer and heat less than furnaces. However, if in the winter the temperature is warmer than the mid-30s and you still find that it’s running all the time, you might have leaking refrigerant, a compressor problem or a frozen outdoor unit. A service technician can help you determine the problem.

Your HVAC company can help you with ice problems and systems that run too frequently. The company can also help with heat pumps that blow cold air instead of warm. Whatever type of issue your heat pump is experiencing, a qualified technician can help determine and fix the problem.

 

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4 Major Reason HVAC Systems Breakdown

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These are the 4 most common reason’s your HVAC system breakdown, it normally happens when you least expect it and even some times can’t afford the extra expenses it causes. Trust us, monitoring your system is a very important step that no one should not do. Call us today and we will make sure your system is running smooth!