by TCadm | Oct 27, 2020 | Thayer News
As indoor environment practitioners and mechanical systems experts, we’ve always held the position of educator, engineer, installer and the people you call in the middle of a blizzard or the night to fix systems. Typically, we are in the role of the problem solvers. Most of the “outside world” has viewed and perceived the HVAC industry as a very matter of fact and A to Z profession. When there’s an issue, call the HVAC company and they will fix the problem with a combination of two things – labor and parts.
The Transition
Recently the earth tilted on its axis, throwing us all for a loop with a pandemic the likes not seen since the early 1900’s. Suddenly there was a public cry worldwide for unique solutions to a relatively unique risk – the COVID-19 virus – one that illuminates the need for expertise in establishing, managing and maintaining indoor environments. The public no longer felt safe indoors where they live, work and commune. This challenge required a need to apply expertise to solutions that ultimately improved safety and health for the people that work, inhabit or visit indoor environments. This new light also allowed the general public to view these professionals as engineers, designers, technicians, innovators and problem solvers – which they’ve always been.
Why We Are “Burning the Midnight Oil”
As stewards for safe, healthy and productive indoor environments, the call for action was heard. We have always looked beyond simply delivering products and labor to ensure our clients received custom solutions that adequately reflects their specific environments. We have been tirelessly in pursuit of the latest, scientifically verifiable, know-how to this huge challenge. No two office buildings, schools, residences, warehouses or clients are alike, which is why applying our specific expertise to creating solutions from scratch is needed now more than ever.
Being Vigilant
We are entering a new age whereby an extreme focus on the air we breathe is looming large for all of us. The “new normal” will be here for some time, requiring a commitment to apply and maintain best practices to allow us to be both safe and productive indoors. We urge everyone to explore scientifically verifiable solutions. There is no silver bullet to shoot this enemy, but we are well stocked with silver buckshot if you need help. There may be no better time than to “Call in the Experts“.
by TCadm | Oct 1, 2020 | Thayer News
As we navigate the current COVID-19 situation, it may be surprising to learn that prior to the pandemic, a majority of property owners did not place a high level of importance on maintaining their HVAC systems. In fact, a brief survey of property owners would likely register a small yawn when approached with the topic, leaving all HVAC matters to be addressed only when service needs were an issue. However, as the world changed its view and began to look at the safety of indoor environments through the lens of COVID-19, the importance of HVAC maintenance is taking on an entirely different level of importance.
Almost overnight, COVID-19 infections caused our global population to care enough about air filtration to actually install an air filter over their face in order safeguard from infection. All of a sudden, the level of interest and concern about operating and maintaining HVAC systems became top of mind for millions worldwide. And, from this, we’ve expanded our interest from our personal spaces to the importance of how these often complex systems should be maintained in our shared spaces.
The dirty facts about HVAC systems is that most major manufacturers do not typically provide accessible guidance on system maintenance which can lead to premature equipment failure. And, without a sound recommendation on preventative care and routine maintenance, property owners run the risk of being denied under their warrantee coverage for insufficient maintenance.
A properly maintained system can save building owners on average15-20% of their current energy costs, yet the vast majority of systems are maintained inadequately due to the following circumstances:
- Commercial systems are not being operated as the design engineer intended.
- Unqualified or inexperienced HVAC contractors are not following the minimum industry consensus for standards of preventative maintenance.
- Most building owners are not able to observe or verify maintenance tasks.
- A majority of HVAC systems are failing to operate in accordance to building codes.
- HVAC manufacturers do not offer training on proper preventative maintenance.
- Filters maintained during preventative maintenance programs are being changed too early, leading to worse filter performance and increased costs.
Regular maintenance with a qualified, professional HVAC contractor has the ability to reduce the risk of a costly breakdown, premature equipment failure, and an increase in capital expenditures. Here are three things you can do today to begin this process:
- Contact Thayer, LLC at 1-800-649-4197.
- Talk with your teams about areas that you would like reviewed.
- Identify your goals for your HVAC systems.
