Remotely Manage Your Building’s HVAC System

Energy costs can bust your business’ budget, especially on larger commercial buildings. Keeping an eye on heating and cooling levels is the best way to lower energy costs for most property managers and owners. However, this can be difficult when you have more than one property to manage or are rarely at the facility. A wise investment to control HVAC use is upgrading to an automation HVAC system that can allow you to manage climate control remotely.

Benefits of Building HVAC Automation

Building automation systems can allow you to control and monitor your heating and cooling from wherever you have access to the internet. Web-based automation systems are the best way for busy property managers and owners to manage their heating and cooling controls. Some of the many benefits to investing in building automation for your HVAC system include:

  • Lower energy costs with better control – many automation systems pay for themselves with energy savings in a few years
  • Accurate reporting and data accessible from any where you have internet or Wi-Fi
  • Alerts for system problems
  • 24/7 access to controls
  • Controlled access and better HVAC security

Once automation is installed, managing your building’s heating and cooling system is simpler and more convenient. Controlling costs can be accomplished remotely, without worrying about needing to be on-site to make significant changes. If you have more than one property with automation in place, the time, energy and money saved can be multiplied.

If you still use manual controls for your commercial building’s HVAC system, automation can give you remote access for energy and climate control management. Contact an industrial HVAC service company that offers automation system installation to learn more about the different options available.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Keep Your Commercial Tenants Happy with HVAC Maintenance

Heating or cooling problems in your commercial rental building can cause riffs between you and your tenants. It is guaranteed that HVAC issues will result in phone calls to your property manager from your tenants. When the AC is dysfunctional in the middle of summer or the heat is not working correctly in January, it can affect your commercial tenants’ business. Keep your tenants happy with an ongoing HVAC maintenance plan to prevent heating and cooling problems.

Finding reliable tenants for a commercial building is difficult. Once you fill your spaces, you want to keep those tenants in place to make the most of your investment. When HVAC problems occur, landlords can put relationships with their tenants at risk. If heating or cooling issues are making their employees unhappy or driving away customers, they may begin looking for a new space when their lease expires.

Invest in a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan

To ensure your commercial tenants do not need to continuously make calls complaining about heating or cooling issues, invest in a HVAC maintenance plan for your building. Not only does routine maintenance help reduce the chance of breakdowns, it can help extend the life of your HVAC equipment. In the long run, it will cost less than emergency repairs and possibly lost revenue if dissatisfied tenants decide to leave due to HVAC problems.

There are many factors involved with managing a successful commercial rental property, including maintaining your HVAC system. Make it simple by hiring an experienced industrial HVAC service to maintain your system to ensure heating and cooling is not a problem. It is a worthwhile investment to keep your tenants happy and retain longer leases for your building.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Pneumatic vs DDC HVAC Energy Management Systems

Many older industrial buildings use pneumatic HVAC control systems. These manual controls have the benefit of long-lasting use – many buildings have pneumatic controls that have been in place for decades and continue to function. However, direct digital control or DDC are considered more energy efficient with many advantages not offered by pneumatic systems. If you manage or own a commercial building with pneumatic controls, it is important to know the benefits of DDC to determine if it is a better option for your building’s HVAC system.

Why Use DDC for Your HVAC Energy Management System?

If you have pneumatic controls, you may have wondered whether upgrading to DDC is worth the investment. If your energy costs are low and your industry does not require precise control over temperatures, pneumatic may work adequately. However, if you want to lower energy costs and improve your control options over your energy management, DDC can be worth the investment. Some benefits include:

  • Higher accuracy and precision with climate control
  • Improve energy efficiency with easier management
  • Advanced reporting systems
  • Easier adaption to automation systems
  • Wireless and remote control options

The drawbacks to a DDC over pneumatic energy management system are related to maintenance and longevity. In some cases, digital controls may need repairs or replacement more frequently than the more basic manual controls used in pneumatic. However, the savings in energy costs can more than make up for the difference and many DDC systems can still last for decades.

For building managers considering upgrading to a DDC system from pneumatic, talk to a expert. Consult an industrial HVAC installer that offers both systems to determine whether a retrofit to a new system is a wise investment for your building.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Protecting Your Commercial Building from Mold Infestation

If you own a business or commercial property, it is an investment that you want to protect. Damage to a building can be costly; not only is it expensive to repair, it can interrupt business activities and stop incoming revenue. Mold is a quiet culprit that can cause serious damage to buildings and can be an expensive problem to solve. The best option is to prevent mold infestation by monitoring and controlling humidity in your commercial building.

Mold growth can be detrimental to any business. Store rooms, basements and closed areas are more likely to be affected by mold due to poor ventilation. Mold growth on surfaces can destroy supplies, especially porous materials like paper, cloth and cardboard. If the mold infestation is severe, it can enter walls and spread throughout the building. Mold removal can require a complete evacuation of the building, with specialized equipment needed to remove all mold spores, costing thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Preventing Mold Growth

Many times, mold growth is caused by poor air quality and ventilation. To protect your business and investment, you should monitor your air humidity and have routine inspections on your HVAC system. Your HVAC service can test the humidity in your building and ensure adequate ventilation is helping limit mold growth. If humidity is high, dehumidification options can help manage moisture levels to reduce mold growth.

If you have noticed musty smells in areas of your commercial building, it is time to schedule a HVAC inspection and air quality analysis. It is much less expensive to prevent mold growth than deal with a full-blown mold infestation in your commercial building.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

Remote Energy Control for Property Management

One of the keys to success commercial property management is maintaining efficient facilities. However, this can be difficult when managing multiple locations at one time. Advanced technology for automated controls can be the difference maker when it comes to reducing energy costs. To maximize energy efficiencies, remote control and HVAC automation can be a wise investment for effective property management.

Utilizing Remote HVAC Controls

Climate control is one of the biggest expenses in facility maintenance. On top of maintaining efficient HVAC systems, utilizing the latest technology available for controls can help reduce energy waste. Automated systems with remote control options allow property managers to view, monitor and access HVAC systems from a variety of mobile devices. This offers the following advantages:

  • Manage multiple facilities from any location
  • Immediate alerts for system problems
  • Quicker response for repairs
  • Easier access to energy management data

Monitoring and managing climate control systems in multiple buildings and locations can be difficult. With remote access to automation information and controls, property managers can quickly evaluate energy efficiency and make the needed alterations to control temperatures and zones. This can result in lower energy costs and better climate control for tenants at all facilities, which can lead to thousands of dollars in savings throughout the year.

Commercial property owners and managers can realize a large return on investment by upgrading manual control HVAC systems to automated controls with remote access. These advanced systems can pay for themselves in energy savings in just a few years, while making industrial and commercial facilities easier to manage. To research the latest options in remote energy and HVAC controls, talk to a commercial HVAC specialist.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Managing an Effective HVAC Retrofit on Your Facility

If you manage a large commercial facility, the thought of retrofitting your HVAC system can be an overwhelming prospect. There are many different elements that must coincide to limit downtime and ensure a quick restoration of your HVAC system and facility. A new HVAC system can be necessary, but you need to know the process will go quickly and smoothly. What you need is a retrofit HVAC contractor to handle the process for your building.

Efficient Management of Chiller/HVAC Retrofits

Experienced industrial HVAC contractors can be your best option for managing your HVAC or chiller retrofit. If you find the right contractor, you can allow them to schedule and manage the process to ensure the retrofit is performed quickly. Some of the best commercial HVAC contractors can perform a complete retrofit over a weekend, limiting downtime of your facility. As part of the process, they can manage:

  • Coordinating schedules of different contractors
  • Obtaining any necessary permits
  • Scheduling electrical, roofing, welding and other construction work
  • Complete design and installation
  • Shutdown process

When you have a qualified HVAC contractor managing the retrofit process, the downtime and startup can go smoothly. If the right contractor handles the details, everything can be completed on-time and with as little disruption to your business as possible. After a weekend of an overhaul on your facility, you can enjoy the benefits of a new, efficient HVAC or chiller that will save on energy costs.

Make getting a new HVAC system easier with a qualified commercial contractor that offers retrofit installations and project management. Take the time to find the best industrial contractor to save you the time and frustration of managing this complicated process yourself.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

4 Ways to Cut Down Commercial Heating Costs

Utility costs directly impact a business’ bottom line. Climate control in commercial buildings can be expensive, especially in large facilities. Finding ways to lower heating and cooling costs can decrease overhead and increase profits – yet many facilities are still poorly equipped when it comes to the efficiency of their HVAC systems. Here are four ways to help minimize building heating costs:

  1. Improve Insulation. While all commercial buildings are insulated to some extent, many are not insulated to the extent they should be for energy efficiency. Adding insulation to exterior walls and roofs, as well as insulated windows can help manage temperature fluctuations.
  2. Invest in an energy recovery ventilator. Reduce the load on the HVAC system with an energy recovery ventilator. This ventilation system recycles energy from released air from the building and preconditions air coming into the building, helping improve the efficiency of the HVAC system.
  3. Building automation system. Automated controls with remote access can help building managers improve their HVAC efficiency. With access to all controls from any computer or mobile device, multiple buildings and zones can be managed from anywhere, cutting down on heating and cooling costs.
  4. Keep up with HVAC maintenance. Scheduled, routine maintenance is one of the best ways to improve HVAC efficiency and prevent breakdowns. Find a quality commercial HVAC service that offers cost-efficient maintenance plans to ensure the existing equipment is kept well-maintained to reduce energy use.

Investments into efficiency can greatly impact energy costs for heating and cooling, often paying for themselves within a few years with lower utility bills. Contact a local commercial HVAC service to schedule an energy analysis for your commercial building to explore options to cut your energy bills and overhead.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Looking to Upgrade to Automation for Your Commercial HVAC System?

If you have not already automated your commercial HVAC system, what are you waiting for? Manually controls for managing your building’s heating and cooling system is outdated and most likely costing you in efficiency. Automation can reduce energy costs and give your building managers more precise control over your system.

There are many different options available for retrofitting your existing system to automated controls. However, two stand out as leaders in the industry and should be on the top of your list to consider when moving to building automation.

Distech Controls

Distech controls offer improved efficiency, a cost-effective option for any company looking to upgrade to automation for their HVAC system. Users can realize up to a 30% saving with Distech Controls, making it a wise investment. Their innovative mobile application allows users to access all controls from any mobile devices, offering 24/7 control of your systems from anywhere.

Niagara Framework

Another option to transform an older HVAC system to automation is Niagara Framework. This software system can automate all the building systems under one platform, from the HVAC and lighting to security systems and elevators. All the controls are accessible from mobile devices and computers, giving your building managers the ability to see alerts, alarms and functional reporting from any location.

While investing in an automation system for your building or complex is a major investment, it is one that has a high return. Most companies can pay for their automation start up costs in the first few years with energy and efficiency savings. Make sure to have a HVAC service contractor that is certified to install and work on these devices to get the most from your investment.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Are You on a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan?

Heating and cooling costs are part of your business’ overhead, but when a large HVAC repair is needed out of the blue, it can put a strain on your budget. If you manage or own a large commercial facility, you know HVAC service will be needed, but planning for the expenses can be difficult without a set maintenance plan in place. The best solution to control your HVAC costs is to find a service company that offers a maintenance plan that will eliminate most unexpected repair costs and work with your budget.

Key Components of a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan

Regular service and maintenance is always important for commercial HVAC systems, but even with preventive care, repairs will eventually be needed. With a solid commercial HVAC maintenance plan, you can get preventive maintenance and repairs rolled into one set payment. Some key components to look for in a service plan for your commercial HVAC system include:

  • Preventive service and inspections throughout the year
  • Covered repairs
  • A customized plan to meet your needs
  • A set fee to fit your budget
  • Experienced, reliable commercial HVAC technicians
  • 24/7, 365-day availability for emergency HVAC repairs
  • Full coverage plan to cover all your HVAC service expenses

When you get the right HVAC company and maintenance plan in place, it takes the guess work out of how much your heating and cooling maintenance will cost each month or year. Plus, a well-maintained system will work more efficiently and reduce energy costs for increased savings. Choose a HVAC company that specializes only in industrial or commercial HVAC systems with many years of experience to get the best service for your company.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Choosing the Right Commercial HVAC Service

Service for a commercial or industrial HVAC system is much different than residential. While many HVAC companies advertise that they offer both residential and commercial HVAC services, few can perform the service needed for large, industrial HVAC systems. When choosing an HVAC service company to maintain, service and repair your system, you want the right experts to do the job. Here are a few factors to consider.

Do They Only Do Commercial HVAC?

If you have a large HVAC system, you want a company that specializes in these types of systems. Choose an HVAC company that only services industrial and commercial systems. This will weed out the other companies that may not have the time or experience needed for your type of system.

Do They Offer Maintenance Packages?

One of the best ways to avoid shutdowns and lower your HVAC costs is through ongoing maintenance. Find a HVAC company that offers comprehensive maintenance and service packages for commercial and industrial systems.

New Installation, Retrofits and Automation Options

You want an HVAC company that will be able to make the needed upgrades to your system in the future. Choose a company that can replace, retrofit or improve your automation HVAC needs when the time comes.

Will They Be There in an Emergency?

If your HVAC system is down, your business may also be unable to function. Make sure the company you choose guarantees quick repair service in an emergency, 24/7.

Finding the right HVAC service for your commercial system can help minimize costs and ensure you have an expert on your side when you need them. Take the time to find the best commercial HVAC service to maintain your system.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600