Back to the Basics of Combustion Performance Testing

When the outside temperature begins to drop, commercial spaces start to turn up the heat inside. For buildings operating with combustion equipment, it’s important to assess these appliances periodically to ensure proper performance.

What is combustion?
Combustion involves the process of heating air by igniting a fueling source (oil, propane or natural gas), then using a blower to spread it throughout a building’s duct system. Cooled air returns to the furnace through a different duct system, and the process begins again. But because this process involves the release of exhaust gases and pollutants, it’s imperative to the health and safety of your building occupants that you periodically test furnaces and boilers to ensure a safe fuel-to-air ratio.

Industry professionals recommend testing at least once per year, particularly during the seasonal transition from fall to winter. To perform a thorough combustion analysis, your HVAC tech will use a handheld device designed to accurately test, measure and report on your facility’s particular fueling source.

Combustion testing delivers a number of benefits to your business by increasing energy efficiency, boosting occupant comfort (and safety), extending service life and saving time and money.

If your facility is interested in performing a combustion analysis, contact our team of professionals to help maintain your heating equipment!

Budgeting for an Equipment Replacement in 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act passed earlier this year has lofty goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions up to 40% by 2030. The legislation includes massive investments in sustainable solutions, including $386 billion for climate and energy spending, plus tax breaks to expand the use of green technology. If you already had your eye on a commercial HVAC system overhaul, now might be the time to consider your options.

Outdated HVAC equipment can be costly — not just from a maintenance perspective, but older systems generally run up higher energy bills. Whether you’re looking at a full replacement or a system upgrade, both options require an upfront investment for equipment and labor. Other factors that affect costs include:

  • Size of your commercial building. This is one of the most important factors to consider. If your system is underpowered, it could have trouble keeping a consistent temperature. System wear and tear in this situation goes beyond the norm, meaning the lifespan of your equipment will shorten. Nobody wins there.
  • Type of HVAC unit. Whether your facility is a small store or a large office building, today’s HVAC systems have a variety of heating and cooling capacities to meet your needs. The most common types of commercial systems are: Single-split, multi-split and VRF/VRV. Single-split is generally one of the more popular and affordable systems that allows individual control of heating and cooling for each space. Multi-split systems have a smaller outdoor footprint and consume less energy due to temperature sensors that allow the system to adjust. VRF (variable refrigerant flow) or VRV (variable refrigerant volume) systems use heat pumps and heat recovery.
  • Brand. Each brand offers different systems with their own unique features (and price tag), so you’ll be able to find something that meets the needs of your building while staying within budget.

It’s worth noting that system replacements come with a manufacturer’s warranty — so you can rest easy knowing any repairs (should they arise) are generally covered without any extra costs.

The plumbing throughout your commercial facility also sees a lot of wear and tear throughout its lifespan. If you’re budgeting for plumbing repairs or replacement, you might find an effective solution in hydro-jetting, which also comes at a more attractive price point. Not only does it resolve any immediate issues, but it can also provide a long-lasting preventative measure to safeguard against future clogs and pipe damage.

Legacy Mechanical is your trusted expert when it comes to commercial HVAC service, and we’re ready to help when you need us. Contact us today!