Ventilation

Ventilation

Ventilation is required for both HVAC comfort and good air quality. Without the right ventilation in your NH building, you may experience comfort issues and even health problems. ASHRAE have also recommended increasing ventilation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by diluting virus particles.

ASHRAE’s definition goes on to explain that ventilation is one of the most important jobs of an HVAC system. Without it, your space lacks fresh air and can become stagnant and uncomfortable. Or worse, toxins and contaminants can be trapped, that can make people sick. HVAC systems should include a sensor for these types of pollutants, and carbon dioxide to calculate the amount of outside air ventilation required.
Therefore, adding the correct amount of fresh air from outside to the indoor air in your building is very important. Call our HVAC company in NH for ventilation services today!
ventilation box
The EPA recommends the use of mechanical ventilation to prevent the buildup of odors, excess moisture and pollutants in your building. Odors are annoying, and in business can cost you money. Moisture can lead to worse problems: mold growth and potential damage to furnishings and equipment.
Mechanical ventilation also provides the ability to expel odors and moisture from areas. Essential for commercial spaces such as manufacturing companies, schools, and hospitals.
Expelling pollutants, specifically Volatile Organic Compounds that you may not be able to smell or detect, is an important step to safeguard the health of everyone breathing the air in your space.

The right choice of mechanical ventilation is very important

There are various types of mechanical ventilation systems; some are connected to your HVAC system, while others are separate. The type that will work best for your HVAC comfort depends on your space, its usage, and your climate. Certain types of mechanical ventilation are designed for hot and humid climates, others for cold climates, and others for a combination, like we experience here in New Hampshire.
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Air Purification

Air Purification

What is the purpose of an air purifier?

Air purifiers assist to remove impurities in the air we breathe. For example: dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold spores, and other airborne pollutants.
ASHRAE POSITION DOCUMENT ON AIR FILRTATION & AIR CLEANING

Why is it important?

During these new difficult times with COVID-19 understanding the role your HVAC equipment plays in the processing of indoor air quality is very important. Depending on your HVAC system the effect on your indoor air quality can be positive or negative. Regular maintenance and filter changes are recommended at a minimum.

What else can you do?

Currently GSPH is working with businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities in NH to quickly install equipment that can improve air quality and protect your environment.
VIEW OUR ARTICLE ON WMUR9

Recommended reading

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iWave C 4900-10

Coil Cleaning

Coil Cleaning

Coil Upkeep

There is no difference between A/C evaporator coil and condenser coils when it comes to the need to schedule an annual tune-up. It is a critical part of maintaining your air conditioner to manufacturer’s specs for performance and efficiency. The individual maintenance requirements for each coil are affected by their differing functions, as well as location.

Evaporator Coil Issues

The evaporator coil is internally located and continuously exposed to airflow circulated by the blower, it is susceptible to buildup of dust or dirt. When airborne particles form a layer on the coil surfaces, efficiency of the all-important heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant is diminished. This can result in poor cooling performance and higher operating costs as the system runs longer “on” cycles to meet thermostat settings.
Another factor specific to the evaporator coil is mold contamination. Dormant airborne mold spores are among the microscopic particulates circulating through the HVAC system airflow. Once these spores contact the surfaces of the coil that are wet from the condensation factor, the presence of moisture activates the dormant spores and active mold growth results. Like dirt and dust except more stubborn, mold growth on evaporator coil surfaces impacts proper heat transfer. Left to thrive, mold growth inside the coil air passages may eventually obstruct airflow entirely and cause the system to shut down.
coil cleaning
evaproators

Evaporator Coil Maintenance

In most systems, the evaporator coil is sealed within the air handler and may not be readily accessible. Annual maintenance by our qualified HVAC technicians in NH, can include coil inspection and cleaning to remove dust and dirt. If evidence of mold growth is noted, the technician will utilize EPA-approved biocides to disinfect the evaporator coil as well as the condensation drip pan under the coil.

Condenser Coil Issues

A major difference between A/C evaporator and condenser coils when it comes to maintenance is the fact that the condenser is located outdoors and exposed to the elements. Coil surfaces may accumulate windblown dust, pollen, and dirt, as well as debris from snow removal, fallen leaves and grass clippings. On the other hand, because condenser coils do not generate condensation moisture like the evaporator coil, mold is not usually an issue.
dirty HVAC
HVAC cleaning

Condenser Coil Maintenance

Turning off the electrical power to the outdoor unit once a year and hosing down the coil with a hose is a good way to maintain condenser coil efficiency. In addition, the upper fan grille should be inspected for damage from fallen tree limbs or other objects.
The outdoor condenser unit also requires open space on all sides to facilitate the free flow of air into the coil intake vents. Encroaching vegetation needs to be cut back to create at least two feet of clearance around the unit.

Refrigerant Problems

Low refrigerant can affect the performance of both the evaporator and condenser coils. When a new central A/C is installed, the indoor and outdoor units come pre-charged with refrigerant. In a competent professional air conditioner installation, technicians will measure the refrigerant level before installing and after the unit has been test-run. When this does not happen and refrigerant is insufficient, the unit may chronically underperform in terms of both energy efficiency and effective cooling. Ironically, low refrigerant levels may also cause evaporator coil surfaces to become excessively cold, freezing condensation and triggering a sequence of events that eventually culminates in coil icing which may shut down the system.
During annual preventative maintenance by our HVAC technicians, checking the refrigerant pressure is also standard procedure. Air conditioners do not use refrigerant the way an automobile may consume motor oil and require occasional topping up. If low refrigerant pressure is detected, then troubleshooting will be carried out to find out the root cause.
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Air filtration

Air Filtration

What is the function of an air filter?

Their function is to filter your air as the airflow circulates the system. They do not just keep dust and pollen out; they are also tasked with keeping larger particles out of your HVAC system, preventing stress and damage that can lead to equipment repairs. Dirty, unchanged filters are a leading cause of issues with your HVAC system, like overheating or freezing.

Types of filters

Pleated filter

Pleated

HEPA filter

HEPA

Roll filter

Roll

PLEATED FILTER MERV RATINGS
NATIONAL AIR FILTRATION ASSOCIATION

Risks of unchanged filters

Neglecting to change your air filters when necessary results in dust, mold, and other particles entering your air and reducing the indoor air quality. Clogged filters will force your system to expend more energy, costing you more in utility costs, for poorer air quality. Reduced flow adds stress to your equipment, that leads to parts replacement and repair work. Are you are losing costs for not following a simple filter change discipline? Call us today for HVAC service in NH.

How often should I change my filters?

Depending on your commercial environment filter change frequency can differ from twice a year, to quarterly or even monthly.
uncleaned filter

What you need to do

Preventing these issues and ensuring you have the best quality air is as simple as changing the air filters on a regular basis! Checking the state of your air filter is part of GSPH preventative maintenance inspection. Schedule your Spring and Fall tune ups with us for peace of mind about your HVAC system.
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