The HVAC Factor Columnist
This bi-monthly column addresses heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) topics as they relate to the duties of facility management. Industry experts write about timely topics regarding maintenance/operations strategies; equipment and service trends; and overall trends.
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.
The HVAC Factor: Hybrid Operating Rooms
As with traditional operating rooms, HVAC systems are crucial to the success of these emerging healthcare spaces.
The HVAC Factor: Double Duty
HVAC systems may be the key to providing occupants with mobile connectivity in a facility.
The HVAC Factor: Keeping Cool, Safely
For facilities that handle hazardous items, indoor air quality and comfort are challenges.
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.
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.
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.
Learn How To Capture Energy Incentives And Strengthen The Power Grid
Join us for this free webinar and learn how to to open new revenue streams, reduce energy costs, and advance sustainability goals at your facility with virtually no disruption to productivity.
Watch This: The Role Of Facilities Management In Handling Emergencies And Maintenance
This video webinar provides actionable strategies to safeguard your assets, protect lives, and ensure operational continuity.
[VIDEO] Job Order Contracting: Accelerating the Projects that Matter
This proven single-solicitation process accelerates project delivery while satisfying local bidding requirements. Learn all about Gordian’s JOC solutions .
Infrastructure Upgrades For Energy And Labor Savings: Scaling For Growth
How Arway Linen and Uniform is reducing water and energy consumption by 51%.