HVAC Factor Column

Industry experts write about maintenance/operations strategies, equipment and service trends, and overall concerns related to HVAC and facility management.



The HVAC Factor: Variable Refrigerant Flow

This heating and cooling strategy enables facility managers to implement tighter control on energy use and occupant comfort.

The HVAC Factor: Energy Recovery Ventilation

By installing this type of equipment, facility managers can meet (or exceed) required outdoor air ventilation rates without increasing energy consumption.

The HVAC Factor: How Does That Sound?

In education facilities, acoustical considerations can impact learning.

The HVAC Factor: Reducing Water Consumption

Changes to cooling tower operation and maintenance are one way to conserve this resource.

The HVAC Factor: Solar Hot Air

This technology reduces the energy other facility systems must expend for space heating.

The HVAC Factor: Greening Schools, One HVAC Step At A Time

School districts in Illinois are beginning to embrace the benefits of retrofitting and building new facilities with the most energy efficient HVAC available.

The HVAC Factor: Heading Off Trouble With Technology

Facility management staff can detect HVAC equipment problems sooner using automated tools. Here are five options to consider.

The HVAC Factor: Preventing Legionella

An upcoming ASHRAE Standard will require facilities to create an HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) plan.

The HVAC Factor: High Volume, Low Speed Fans

Throughout the year, this ceiling mounted equipment can take a load off a facility's other mechanical equipment.

The HVAC Factor: Preventing Equipment Failure

A predictive maintenance program continuously monitors HVAC systems with the goal of avoiding costly breakdowns.

The HVAC Factor: The Mounting Case For MCPs

Modular Central Plants (MCPs) could pay off in four markets that are poised for growth.

The HVAC Factor: Water Treatment Services

Selecting a provider for cooling tower and related equipment operations should be based on the facility

The HVAC Factor: Radiant Cooling

Increasingly paired with radiant heating, this hydronic system can greatly reduce energy consumption in the right scenario.

The HVAC Factor: Maintaining Comfort In A Changing Environment

During facility renovations, renting HVAC equipment can play a key role in a smooth project.

The HVAC Factor: Moisture Management

Cooling and ventilation parameters are key to maintaining proper indoor air quality.

HVAC Trends: The New HVAC

Smaller, more efficient packaged systems and intelligent controls are anticipated for 2010.

The HVAC Factor: Remote Monitoring Services

Depending on in-house resources, hiring an outside firm to track HVAC systems can be useful.

The HVAC Factor: The ABCs Of UVC

This technology works to keep HVAC systems clean from the inside out.

The HVAC Factor: Ductless Mini-Splits

In certain spaces, this type of system can ease the demand on a facility manager

The HVAC Factor: Watch Out For Roadblocks

Guest Contributer Karl Decker discusses three scenarios that can throw a construction project off track.
Webinar, Facility Capital Improvements

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