HVAC Factor Column

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



indoor air quality

Concerned With Poor IAQ?

A facility’s indoor air quality affects occupant health as well as energy efficiency. Take steps to mitigate negative impacts.
water energy nexus

Reduce Energy Use, And Save Water

An emerging focus on the water energy nexus—the interplay of these resources in building systems—holds promise for conservation.
Demand Control Ventilation

Derive Savings From Demand Control Ventilation

Among energy conservation measures, DCV provides significant energy reductions for the operation of HVAC systems.
HFC refrigerants

Refrigerants With Low Global Warming Potential

Regulations and overall concern for the environment is driving research to identify effective refrigerant alternatives with low GWP.
chiller maintenance

Chiller Data: Connected Or Not?

For proactive chiller maintenance and operation, connectivity provides facility staff with quick access to equipment conditions.

The HVAC Factor: Sound Attenuation For Exposed Ductwork

Minimizing unwanted noise throughout a facility calls for examining HVAC ductwork system components, and their operation.
chiller plant

The HVAC Factor: New Life For An Aging Chiller Plant

Completed in December 2014, this renovation project serves as an example of how a historic utility plant can be improved to address significant elements and concerns.

The HVAC Factor: Executive View of Preventive Maintenance

A summary report of HVAC service provides insight that is useful to repair and replace plans.
insulation-for-chilled-water-piping

The HVAC Factor: Insulation For Chilled Water Piping

With hot, humid climates as the focus, several types of chilled water pipe insulation were field tested.

HVAC Factor: Data Center Operations

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a metric for tracking systems efficiency. But, there’s more to measure in the data center.

The HVAC Factor: Systems Get A Break

At the University of Baltimore, a new facility features passive heating and cooling, and natural ventilation.
McLaurin is a product manager specializing in healthcare, laboratory, and cleanroom solutions at Titus HVAC (www.titus-hvac.com) based in Dallas, TX. He is an ASHRAE certified Healthcare Facility Design Professional as well as former mentee of the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Leadership U program.

The HVAC Factor: Hybrid Operating Rooms

As with traditional operating rooms, HVAC systems are crucial to the success of these emerging healthcare spaces.
Larsen

The HVAC Factor: Double Duty

HVAC systems may be the key to providing occupants with mobile connectivity in a facility.
Big Ass Fan

The HVAC Factor: Keeping Cool, Safely

For facilities that handle hazardous items, indoor air quality and comfort are challenges.
Lantz

The HVAC Factor: Standard Maintenance

The recently updated ACR standard from NADCA advises facility managers, and their contractors, on best practices.

The HVAC Factor: Keeping Steady With Geothermal

Temperature control was crucial for a research facility in North Carolina. From the October 2013 issue.
Smithart

The HVAC Factor: Spiral Round Ductwork

As an alternative to rectangular ducting, this approach is a more efficient delivery system when conditions are suitable. From the August 2013 issue.

The HVAC Factor: Wireless Thermostat Conversion

In Oakland, CA, an office building reduced energy use (and occupant complaints) with a retrofit to its pneumatic equipment. From the June 2013 issue.

The HVAC Factor: Boiler Maintenance

Proper temperature and debris buildup are two areas to focus on for plant efficiency. From the April 2013 issue.

The HVAC Factor: Thinking “Inside The Box”

Even when HVAC/R systems are operated efficiently, there is always room for improvement. The following 10 suggestions may help.
Webinar, Facility Capital Improvements

Join Our Webinar! Maximizing Value For Facility Master Planning

A panel of Facility Management leaders will discuss long-term planning challenges and answer questions about maximizing the value of conducting a Facility Condition Assessments (FCA).
Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) webinar

Did You Miss Our “Building Analytics, Skilled Labor Shortages & Decarbonization” Webinar?

View this free video webinar to learn how fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) has become a critical part of the resilient facility team’s tech stack.

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