HVAC Factor Column

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

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.

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.
Capital Planning

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Maintenance Reliability

Did You Miss Our “Ensuring Maintenance Reliability In Your Operations” Webinar?

View this free video webinar and learn about maintenance reliability, the complex relationship between maintenance and operations, and how to take action.

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