Category: HVAC

If you own a commercial space or are managing one, it is quite likely that you are familiar with how unpleasant odors can drive customers and potential clients away. According to psychologists who study the effects of different smells, people quickly become conditioned to odors.

Hence, people working in commercial setups with unpleasant odors will stop noticing it but when a client or customer walks in, they will definitely notice the unpleasant smell in the air.

The main question that arises here is what is causing the smell? In most cases, musty and moldy smells come from the HVAC system. The ducts connected to the system are responsible for regulating the airflow in the building and all the rooms are connected to each other via these ducts.

Hence, if there is debris, mold or mildew build up in the HVAC system, the bacteria, fungi spores and unpleasant odors travel through the duct to every room.

How Can You Tell If The Odor Is Coming From Your HVAC System?

Unfortunately, odor problems are difficult to solve. They could be caused by a dead mouse in the HVAC room or mold or mildew development in the HVAC system.

If you are dealing with musty and unpleasant odors in your building, there is a high chance you have already tried all the obvious remedies including deep cleaning the area. However, if the issue is still present after doing these things, the culprit is most likely your HVAC system.

If your HVAC equipment has not been properly maintained for over six months, it can harbor moisture causing the build up of mold leading to unpleasant odors. In addition to this a poorly designed HVAC airflow can push air in the wrong direction, spreading nasty odors to areas from the janitor room and toilets.

In either case, you will have to consult with an HVAC maintenance professional to help you identify and rectify the issue.

An HVAC System Is Much More Than A Cooling And Heating System

HVAC systems are designed to move air through buildings. They are a combination of different air removing and air pushing systems including exhaust fans, clothes dryers, built-in vacuum systems, dust collection systems, range hoods, ventilation systems, air conditioners and heating systems.

Hence, when an HVAC system is designed for a commercial building, extra care has to be taken. When there is more air removed from an area than air supplied, negative pressure causes air to be drawn in from outside the room, resulting in negative air flow. Similarly, when more air is pushed into your space than removed by exhaust, positive air flow is created.

All this has to be kept in mind while laying out the ventilation system. Air moves odors, and other particles with it, hence poorly laid systems can result in a musty and unpleasant odor in an area.

If you feel like the HVAC system of your building has not been designed properly or air flow is not being properly regulated, you can easily get it fixed by an HVAC professional.

Precautions That You Can Take

As mentioned, ill-maintained HVAC systems can develop serious issues that not only will cost you money in the long run but can also be a health hazard for people working in the building.

Inhaling and ingesting fungi spores and mold residue can lead to various lung and gastric diseases. Hence, it is imperative that you take some precautions to ensure the safety of your HVAC system and the people in the building.

Some of the precautions that you can take include:

• Getting the ventilation system cleaned every six months.
• Hire professionals to maintain your HVAC system every three months.
• If your HVAC system is 10-15 years old, get it replaced.

Moreover, it is advised that you hire experienced HVAC professionals for maintenance purposes.

Get Help From Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner when it comes to repairing, maintaining and installing HVAC systems. We are one of the best and most reliable HVAC Contractors In Vancouver And The Lower Mainland. Contact us for more information on our services.

As a homeowner it is necessary to get ready for the upcoming weather. Prepare for the summer by ensuring that your AC is in good working condition. Similarly, you might want to reconsider your heating system before winter approaches. Hiring an HVAC contractor is a wise idea if you require a new installation or if you want to repair your existing heating or cooling systems.

But, how can you ensure that you are hiring the right company? To help you hire the right contractor, we have shared some useful tips in this blog post.

Know What You Need

Before hiring any HVAC company, make sure you know what you want in your home. Do you want to install a new heating and cooling system, is there a problem with your boilers or the AC? Knowing the purpose of calling an HVAC contractor can help you narrow down which HVAC contractor to go with based on their expertise. Furthermore, it will also save you from going off-track when asking your contractor to do the job.

Check Their Experience

Before hiring, check whether the HVAC company is experienced or not. There are many technical tasks involved in heating and cooling repairs, and only an experienced professional will know what should be done to repair the problem at hand. Moreover, different tools are used for such tasks, only an experienced contractor will know how to properly use them.

Research

Research on your own and find the most suitable HVAC contractor for your work. It might include going out in the market and doing surveys or researching online to find an HVAC contractor with good reviews that can suit your needs. When in doubt, get a second opinion. You can ask your friends or family to suggest a suitable HVAC company.

They Must Have Insurance

Installing or repairing cooling and heating systems can be hazardous. Any damage to such systems can be costly. Therefore, it’s important that you check that the company you are thinking of going with has insurance and can cover the general liability. They should be responsible for any damage caused on their part. Unless they have liability insurance, don’t hire them.

Get An Evaluation Before

It is better to have your home inspected and to get a quote before signing any contract. Once you have decided on a particular HVAC contractor, call them and ask them to inspect the problem before. If a company provides you an estimate before the evaluation, it is a sign of inexperience. A well-established company will always find out what you want and then give you the cost estimate for it.

Don’t Go For The Lowest Prices

It is better to get a cost estimate after the evaluation. Cheap prices don’t mean that they will always be to your benefit. Many inexpensive services often include irresponsible workers who don’t know how to do the job. Therefore, try to avoid being caught in apparently cheap offers and hire the right company that can offer you great services.

Get A Written Agreement

Having a written agreement is important before you begin any work with your HVAC contractor. It must state the total cost, any upfront costs, liability insurance, and other important details. This will save you from any unexpected conflicts later on.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is a reliable HVAC contractor in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Our professionals strive to maintain a healthy indoor environment for you in every season. Contact us for HVAC services.

It is natural to want to crank up your air conditioning system when it is hot and humid outside. This is especially true after a storm has just passed leaving you with hot and humid weather conditions.

However, have you ever thought about whether it is safe to keep running your AC system during a storm? Many people dismiss the thought of turning off their HVAC system during a summer thunderstorm to maintain the indoor temperature of their home. But, not many are aware that operating your air conditioner during a thunderstorm can lead to some damage to your unit.

Hence, experts advise that you should shut off your system when the weather starts acting up.

In this blog, we have jotted down the main reasons it is important for you to shut off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm.

Lightning Strikes

Although there have not been many incidents where lightning has struck residential areas, there is an undeniable possibility during a storm. Moreover, the electrical service drop where your utility lines connect to the house on the roof is a very vulnerable point for lightning strikes.

If lightning strikes the drop, it can cause a significant power surge through your home’s electrical system. An average bolt of lightning can produce as much as five billion joules of energy. Imagine this power flowing through your home’s wiring before the breakers are triggered to trip. In this fraction of a second, your HVAC system can be damaged.

If your HVAC system endures similar damage, there is no workaround for it. You will have to replace it.

Unstable Power

During a thunderstorm, due to charged air and harsh weather conditions, the power can become unstable. The voltage of electricity you receive fluctuates, most HVAC systems are not designed to deal with fluctuating power.

If the system is left running, these fluctuations can result in the air conditioner’s control panel, which is full of sensitive electrical circuitry, being damaged. It can also melt the plug into your unit or end up corrupting the entire heating and cooling system.

The only way to fix any of the aforementioned issues is by replacing the whole system.

Does This Hold For Window Air Conditioners As Well?

Yes, the same is true for window air conditioners as well. Moreover, they are more likely to be hit by lightning since they are protruding from the window. In addition to this, if you live in an apartment building or highrise and are further from the ground, the chances of getting hit by lightning increase.

However, the devices are electrically insulated to remain safe in the event of a surge and the refrigerant inside the unit is nonflammable, so you don’t have to worry about an explosion. The power surge and the effect of the lightning can, on the other hand, render your air conditioning system useless.

Air Conditioning Protection System

If you live in an area where lightning strikes are very common, having your system electrically insulated to remain safe in the event of a surge is a good idea. The system uses lightning rods, conductors, and ground rods to create an alternate path for lightning to reach the ground so that it does not travel through the home’s electrical system.

However, know that these systems are not 100 percent effective at preventing surges.

How Can Pro West Heating Help?

At Pro West, we are pleased to offer our customers high-quality HVAC systems from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Our experts are trained to deliver the best services backed by a 100 percent guarantee. We help you decide whether your HVAC system needs to be replaced or repaired, our team can help you make a viable and budget-friendly decision. For more information on our services, contact us.

One of the most well used heating systems for large buildings that has sat on the market throne for decades is the hydronic heating system. The reason for its widespread use is related to its ability to effectively heat and cool large buildings such as offices, campuses, and more. The hydronic system can be used to loop both hot and cold water through the pipe system.

Unlike traditional systems such as gas, heat pumps, and electric furnaces, the hydronic heating system is a practical, efficient, and effective alternative for heating and cooling residential and commercial buildings. It can provide a well-directed heating system while being cost-effective and having few installation and operation difficulties.

Compared to air, water is a much better heat transferring medium. Therefore, hydronic heating systems have better performance compared to conventional air-based systems. Hydronic systems have numerous benefits in addition to their cost-effectiveness.

Continue reading to find out more about some of the top benefits offered by hydronic systems.

It Is A Cost-Effective Alternative

The cost of running a hydronic system is estimated to be 20 to 30 percent less than the operating cost of conventional central heating or gas ducted heating systems. This is an excellent indicator of how installing a hydronic system can benefit your home and business.

Apart from the initial upfront payment for the installation cost, the operational cost of the hydronic heating system will leave you without long-term high running costs. In addition to this, as most hydronic heating systems utilize gas boilers, you can achieve efficiency levels of up to 95 percent with considerable savings.

It Is Cleaner And Healthier

Something that most homeowners do not realize is that their regular central heating systems are home to a number of dust particles and microscopic contaminants. Countless bacteria, allergens, and dust mites are floating around in the same air that you and your family members breathe.

Hydronic heating is a healthier alternative for heating and cooling your home or building. Its heating mechanism is very simple, where the water is first heated and the heat from it then radiates via special radiators around your home. This way, it effectively eliminates the constant cycle of dust and dirt blown into the air.

The hydronic heating system is both allergen-friendly and good for those with breathing issues like asthma. With its additional benefit of providing warmth in the same way nature does, the installation of a hydronic system is a healthy and effective way to heat your home.

It Is A Lot Safer

Before finalizing your choice, one important factor that you must consider is the safety aspect of the system.

The hydronic heating system does not have any exposed electrical components or flames and is completely sealed off. It has a lower risk percentage of a fire hazard and offers quality heating in volume with safety as its top priority.

It Is An Eco-Friendly Alternative

The most eco-friendly form of heating is hydronic heating as it only requires water and natural gas. In addition to saving on your energy bills, using hydronic heating can also help the planet by reducing your overall energy consumption. It is known to be an energy-efficient technique because of its ability to operate 2 or more separate piping systems from a single hydronic boiler. Unlike other electricity-dependent heating systems, the total energy used by hydronic heating is 70 percent less.

About Us

At Pro West, we offer expert services in the repair, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, hydronic, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region. Contact us today for more information about our services.