Here in the New York City area, we’re all pretty tired of the cold weather by now. No matter how you travel to work, whether it’s by bus, car or train, your commute probably ends with a cold walk in the icy wind. When you get to your destination, you expect to walk into a toasty warm space. The last thing you want to find is that the furnace is not heating. Even worse, the furnace is blowing cold air!
If your space has a heat pump system that provides both heating and cooling, it may seem like there are twice as many possible causes when something goes wrong. A heat pump system does operate somewhat differently than a traditional air-cooled air conditioner. So how do you begin heat pump troubleshooting? And are there heat pump repair issues you can fix yourself?
In some cases, there are issues you can prevent and problems you can solve on your own when you are aware of the heat pump troubleshooting steps. Here is a list of the most common problems we see with heat pumps, possible causes, and what to do next.
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Last Updated on February 11, 2019
If your air conditioner is doing something unusual, you may be wondering if it’s a small problem you can tackle yourself, of if you need to call in the professionals. If you suspect that the problem may be a impending AC compressor failure, that’s a big concern.
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Last Updated on January 28, 2019
If you’re building, renovating or replacing HVAC equipment, there are more options than ever for heating and cooling your space. You’re already familiar with the old standby options: boilers, gas furnaces, electric baseboard heat and split system air conditioners. But if someone has suggested a heat pump, this technology may be new to you.
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Last Updated on January 28, 2019
If you’re in a colder climate and researching HVAC replacement systems, you may have learned about the split system heat pump for the first time.
In milder climates, heat pumps are a very common go-to HVAC solution because they provide both heating and cooling. And, heat pumps cost quite a bit less to operate than a split system air conditioner plus a separate heating system (such as a gas or oil furnace).
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Last Updated on January 28, 2019
As we’ve talked about in our blogs all this month, heat pump technology has evolved to the point where heat pumps are growing in popularity in colder climates, like here in the northeast. You might even be considering a heat pump yourself, to:
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Last Updated on January 23, 2019
There’s a saying about saving power: the cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t use. HVAC energy efficiency starts with a mindset of using less and getting the most out of what you have. Since HVAC systems represent a significant portion of typical energy costs (experts say as much as 50 to 60 percent), these measures can make a big difference.
Today we’re sharing with you the top 11 ways to increase your HVAC energy efficiency.
Plagued with a lingering musty smell in your house or business? Here’s why you really need to do something about it:
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Last Updated on December 27, 2018
Comfort is an important factor in where people choose to shop or dine. But comfort is not only about the air temperature; if your establishment has an unpleasant indoor odor, you may be driving away customers in droves.
Who wants to eat a meal in a restaurant with a lingering indoor odor of grease or even mildew? In addition to the comfort factor, customers can’t help but wonder about cleanliness and food safety. They’re also not likely to spend much time shopping in a boutique that smells like a locker room.
When customers walk out, you’re losing more than just the customers who don’t return. It’s increasingly likely that those unhappy customers will share their negative experience with your indoor odor both with friends and on Yelp or Facebook. Word of mouth and bad reviews can severely damage the reputation of your business.
If you’re considering replacing the HVAC system in your NYC commercial space or high-end residence, there’s a new type of HVAC technology on the market that you need to know about. It’s called Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and it’s the latest and greatest in heating and cooling comfort.
Designing a restaurant kitchen is a complicated business, especially when it comes to your ventilation. Many consider the kitchen ventilation system to be one of the most complex parts of designing a food service establishment.
We’ve talked before about how important computer room air conditioning (CRAC) is to keeping business equipment functioning properly. Magnify that many times over, and you can see how critical data center cooling is to the uptime of a larger IT system — the very thing that keeps a business up and running.
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Last Updated on September 28, 2018
Mid-August and temperatures are in the 70’s? It makes you wonder if the dog days of summer are behind us or if they’ll be back with a vengeance next week. It’s a relief to have some cooler weather, but one thing that may put a damper on your comfort level is the sound of your air conditioner running constantly when you know it shouldn’t be.
Is your AC running all the time without shutting off, or cycling on and off continuously? There are several causes for concern. More than likely you’ve got a problem with the unit. It’s also using way too much electricity and running up your electric bill. And don’t forget about the wear and tear on your air conditioner from all that unnecessary work.Read more
The dog days of summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t make cooling a factory floor any less important. Many factories operate around the clock, giving the equipment little or no time to cool down. Even when equipment is switched off, heat can build up and, with no escape, gradually raise the temperature on the factory floor.
Here in New York City, those of us who lived through Superstorm Sandy tend to be more than a bit nervous about hurricanes. You don’t quite understand the magnitude of what can happen until you experience a storm like that, and have to deal with the aftermath. Since hurricane season is coming around again, we want to address a topic that’s a big concern here in Manhattan: hurricane preparedness for high rise buildings.
Ever since the deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City in 2015, there has been increased awareness of the health risks to millions of city residents and workers. And yet, recent data shows many building owners and managers are not complying with cooling tower cleaning and other safety measures now required by law.
As a facilities manager for a retail chain, you probably don’t think what you do impacts your company’s bottom line. Or that you are in any way responsible for retail sales revenue. You would be wrong on both counts!
When it’s summer in the city, an indoor pool might just be the ultimate luxury. Rain or shine, it’s a great place for beating the heat or getting some exercise. But along with the pleasure and convenience comes a unique maintenance issue that outdoor pool owners, managers, and service technicians don’t have to deal with: indoor pool humidity problems.
Let’s face it: most people are not HVAC experts. So when you’re trying to choose a service provider or an installer for air conditioning and heating equipment, that can be a difficult task. How can you tell if they know what they’re doing? That’s why many turn to HVAC reviews online to help identify the best and weed out the worst.
When it’s the dog days of summer and you realize your HVAC is not cooling your store, it’s kind of an emergency! Every minute you go without effective air conditioning is like money draining out of your bank account. Or, more accurately, money never making it into your bank account because your customers are shopping elsewhere.
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Last Updated on June 7, 2018
When August finally rolls around, it can be hard to remember that you were wishing for this heat in January. A hot day on the beach is nice, but the humidity in summer leaves you sticking to your chair. If you find yourself longing for the chilly days of winter, check out these ways of staying cool in summer before you resort to that in-office water balloon fight.
Usually our blog articles focus on our readers, their HVAC problems and concerns, and our best tips and advice for solving those problems. We’re not trying to sell you something: we understand that some of our readers just want information but don’t necessarily need our services at the moment. We’re happy to be your go-to source of reliable and trustworthy information about central air repair, maintenance and installation.
That being said, we do hope you’ll reach out to us if you’re in the NYC metro area and you find yourself in need of central air conditioner repair service, preventative maintenance, or installation.
Here’s why you’ll be glad you did.
You have probably heard that clean HVAC ducts help ensure healthy indoor air quality. You may be thinking about doing a DIY duct cleaning project. If you’re watching your wallet and have an industrious spirit, you can try duct cleaning yourself.
Have you read stories linking poor air quality to health issues? If so, you may wonder if you should hire an HVAC cleaning company to clean your air ducts. There are lots of companies offering duct cleaning bargains. But how do you choose a reputable HVAC cleaning company over one that makes promises they will not keep?
Avoid getting ripped off by following these guidelines.
Is your living or work space not as cool as you would like it? Are you noticing your indoor air is not fresh and maybe even musty? Have you heard any banging and whistling noises?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your ducts might be the cause of these HVAC problems. Let’s take a look at some common HVAC problems associated with duct deficiencies.
Your furnace gets to snooze over the summer and your AC settles down for a long winter’s nap, but your ducts never get any rest. In many HVAC systems, ducts do double-duty. They deliver heat from your furnace in the winter and cool air from your AC in the warm months.
Winter is over and hot weather is coming soon. That’s why spring is the best time to do furnace duct cleaning. By calling in a professional for furnace air duct cleaning now, you get better comfort from your AC when those scorching days happen.
If you’re in charge of facilities, you’re used to thinking about the physical security of your workplace. But if you’re not an IT guy, you probably never thought it was your job to worry about the security of your data. However, if you’re using an automated building management system that interacts with your HVAC system, or remotely monitoring your comfort conditions, you do have to worry about HVAC security.
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Last Updated on March 15, 2018
What exactly is an HVAC economizer? Any derivative of the word “economy” is appealing to us consumers because it indicates that we stand to save something whether it is from an operational or financial standpoint. So as you probably guessed, an HVAC economizer will save your business money on utility bills. Let’s take a look at how an HVAC economizer is a savings tool well-worth your initial investment.
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Last Updated on February 26, 2018
Negative air pressure and positive air pressure can cause all kinds of strange, unexplained symptoms in your store, restaurant, or office, like these:
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Last Updated on February 26, 2018
If you’re interested in reducing energy usage and costs, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of energy saving tips for restaurants that lower energy consumption and your bills. Here’s the good news: not all energy saving tips for restaurants require a huge capital outlay.
First, let’s take a closer look at the root of the problem.
You may have heard that energy experts attribute 50 to 60-percent of energy costs to your HVAC system’s operation. Like most facilities managers, you’d like to save on your energy bill without spending a bundle on equipment upgrades. The good news is: there are lots of simple, inexpensive ways to save energy. Let’s look at ways to save energy by reducing energy consumption.
There are plenty of expensive retail energy management systems on the market today. But when you’re facing today’s extremely competitive retail climate and tight profit margins, you’re probably reluctant to make a heavy investment. The good news is – you don’t have to spend a fortune on a retail energy management solution that will take years to pay for itself. Follow these retail energy management tips and start saving money right away.
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Last Updated on February 13, 2018
Do you ever feel like you’re getting short-changed by your HVAC company? If you have been dissatisfied with your HVAC vendor and suspect more attentive and knowledgeable service is available, your suspicions are correct. While there are many reputable HVAC contractors out there, only the best HVAC companies invest in leading-edge technology to enhance their already outstanding service.
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Last Updated on February 2, 2018
As a business owner or someone who manages a building or office, you know all too well how energy consumption costs reduce your bottom line. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there is roughly a 33-percent waste of energy usage in the average building. Let’s begin to look at how to save energy in buildings and how to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
LONG ISLAND CITY, New York – Jan. 16, 2018 ¬¬– Leading NYC HVAC provider Arista Air Conditioning Corporation announced today an exciting new partnership with XOi Technologies that adds an unprecedented level of transparency about HVAC repairs and service to the business/client relationship through the use of cutting-edge technology.
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Last Updated on January 9, 2018
This is an update to one of our most popular and helpful blog posts. Here’s the original: 4 Ways to Make Sure Your NYC HVAC Vendor Isn’t Taking You For a Ride
As a property owner or a facilities manager, you probably feel at the mercy of the different contractors you call in to maintain your building or make repairs. One of the most important parts of facility management is making sure your building maintains a comfortable temperature and good air quality, and you’re aware that choosing an HVAC contractor is something you shouldn’t take lightly.
So, let’s take a look at how to choose an HVAC contractor.
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Last Updated on December 13, 2017
As a homeowner, you’ve probably had at least one experience with a repair technician, remodeling contractor or mechanic that left a sour taste in your mouth. After the job’s completion, you wondered if you got what you paid for or overpaid for the services rendered. When an emergency forces you to call in a random fix-it person, feelings of helplessness are amplified.Read more
You probably have heard of radiant heating, but if you’re like a lot of people it remains a mysterious heating concept. Truth be told, forms of radiant heat graced ancient Rome before Julius Caesar ran his empire. Though a radiant floor heating system may have originated with Greek and Roman hypocausts, which circulated hot air under flooring, progressive innovations still render it as a cutting-edge method of heating your home or business.Read more
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Last Updated on November 21, 2017
Office temperature might be the most fiercely debated issue in many work settings. People tend to get fired up about office temperature problems because they spend so many hours at work, under a great deal of pressure to get things done, and being uncomfortable is a major hindrance.
Let’s take a look at the link between office temperature and productivity, some new technology solutions that give employees more control, and some not-so-new solutions that are often neglected in the effort to achieve the perfect office temperature.Read more
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Last Updated on August 30, 2017
If you’ve got air conditioning equipment that you rely on, chances are you probably understand the importance of regular maintenance. But the trouble is, not all preventative maintenance agreements include coil cleaning. If your service vendor has been recommending this procedure, you may be wondering why you need to clean AC coils.
Here’s a quick explanation followed by more information for those of you who want the details.
One of the worst mistakes you can make when purchasing new HVAC equipment is choosing a unit that’s the wrong size for the space. Especially if the old unit was not providing adequate heating or air cooling, you may be tempted to go with a more powerful unit thinking it will provide more comfortable conditions.
It won’t. When it comes to sizing HVAC systems, especially air conditioners, bigger is not necessarily better. What you want is a unit with exactly the right capacity and system design to meet the needs of the space.
Here are 8 reasons why over-sizing HVAC systems is the wrong choice for your heating and air conditioning needs:
1. The unit cycles on and off frequently.
This is called short cycling, and it’s a common symptom of an oversized furnace or air conditioner. It means your system is working much harder, using more fuel, and providing less comfortable conditions. Properly sizing HVAC systems solves this problem.
2. More breakdowns.
With the wrong HVAC sizing, your unit turns on and off so many times throughout the day that it creates a lot of wear and tear on the equipment’s parts. Any good NYC HVAC service company will tell you that as a result, you’ll have parts failing sooner than expected and increased commercial air conditioning repair or furnace repair bills. Not to mention the inconvenience and possible business interruption due to a broken heating or air conditioning system.
3. Reduced equipment life span.
All that cycling is hard on your HVAC system. If you’ve purchased a unit with an expected life span of 15 to 20 years, that unit may fail in as little as 10 years. That’s an important reason why correctly sizing HVAC systems is critical.
4. Higher utility bills.
Incorrectly sizing HVAC systems wastes energy since the equipment uses the most energy when it starts up. Because it’s starting up more times throughout the day, and has a higher capacity to begin with, you will see a spike in your energy usage.
5. Inconsistent temperatures.
The short cycling creates drafty, inconsistent heating and cooling, and you could also experience hot and cold zones throughout your space.
6. Humidity problems and poor indoor air quality.
Here’s another reason correctly sizing HVAC systems is essential. Air conditioners that are oversized don’t run long enough to remove the moisture from the air. This results in too much humidity, which can cause a host of problems ranging from furniture and computer damage to the growth and spread of bacteria, viruses and dangerous mold.
7. Noisy conditions.
That powerful unit cycling on and off all day at full blast makes a lot of noise that can interrupt your business. If you’re running a restaurant, retail location or health facility, it can even drive away customers.
8. Higher cost to purchase, operate and maintain.
Why would you pay more for something that’s going to cost you more to use and provide less comfortable conditions? This is a case where you don’t necessarily get what you pay for. Shelling out more for a higher capacity unit doesn’t get you more comfort. Properly sizing your HVAC systems gives you exactly what you need.
In some cases, you may actually need a unit with a smaller capacity than you had previously. That’s because many buildings in NYC have HVAC equipment that was installed by a builder without adequate HVAC expertise. Sometimes builders make the same mistake as home and business owners, and choose a larger unit than is required. Also, when buildings are renovated there are often design and energy efficiency improvements made that decrease the capacity required for heating and cooling.
It takes experience and the right tools to accurately determine the correct capacity for your space. To calculate the correct sizing for HVAC systems, certified commercial HVAC companies will perform a Manual J load analysis.
This service takes many factors into account, including the square footage of your space, design elements, energy-efficiency features, building occupancy patterns and how the space is used. Most quality HVAC service providers use a software tool to do this calculation.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of buying heating or cooling equipment with a higher capacity than you need. If you’re being advised to do so by an installer, get a second opinion before you waste your money.
If you’re doubtful about the advice you’re getting from your current HVAC service provider, you may be thinking about switching but worried about terminating the relationship. There’s no good reason to stay with a provider that’s no longer serving your needs correctly. To learn more about how to make a smooth transition, take a look at our helpful guide to Contract Confidence: Transitioning to a New HVAC Service Provider.
Do you own a New York City/State building that has a cooling tower as part of your HVAC system? If so, you know about the new cooling tower regulations recently passed by the city and the state following last summer’s outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease.
We have been hearing about quite a few companies that have been getting violation notices and receiving hefty fines as a result of the city’s efforts to enforce Local Law 77 – 2015. If you’re one of them, or worried that it might happen to you, here is some clarification and advice that can help you get in compliance.
Here are some answers from Gary Berkowitz, Arista’s Manager of Chemical Cleanings and an expert in cooling tower maintenance and the new cooling tower regulations.
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Last Updated on May 18, 2017
THIS CONTENT HAS BEEN REVISED as per the new NYC cooling tower legislation. See the updated article: UPDATE: Cooling Tower Maintenance Checklist for NYC
Following the Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak in New York City this past summer, there is a great deal of concern and uncertainty about what’s required for proper cooling tower maintenance. As a business owner, you want to keep your employees and customers safe from deadly bacteria. And if you’re in New York City, you must make sure you stay in compliance with NYC Health Department regulations.
Back in August, the New York City Council passed new legislation that requires the registration, inspection and disinfection of all cooling towers as a preventative measure against Legionnaires’ Disease. The new law requires building owners to register all cooling towers with the city, and also register any new cooling towers before putting them into use. The NYC Health Commissioner has also issued an order requiring all cooling towers to be inspected by an environmental consultant and then disinfected.
If you currently use an HVAC company you are unhappy with, unfortunately you probably have firsthand knowledge of unacceptable service or a dissatisfaction with your climate control system.
Rest assured, it does not have to be that way. Not all HVAC companies have been created equal and you can choose a company that will provide topnotch service and install quality equipment to match your needs. Let’s look at how to choose an HVAC company that can provide you with the services you deserve.
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Last Updated on March 9, 2017
If you’re in charge of your company’s facilities, you’ve certainly had experience dealing with heating and air conditioning contractors. You’ve likely vetted quite a few over the years. Yet, since you’re reading this article, you are probably finding yourself disappointed yet again. You may be wondering why it is such a challenge to find an HVAC service provider that meets your expectations.
The answer is: not every HVAC company is qualified to handle the challenges of commercial spaces, especially large corporate environments and businesses with multiple locations.
Also, you want a company that’s willing to customize its service according to your needs and priorities. Read on to learn about how to choose an HVAC contractor that’s both willing and able to deliver superior service that goes beyond your expectations.
If you’re in line for a new HVAC system installation, there is important information to digest before you undertake such a considerable capital investment. Your comfort along with your employee’s comfort and productivity depends on your comprehensive review of the myriad of options for your HVAC replacement; not to mention its impact on your wallet upfront and down the road. Let’s take a look at some of the things business owners and facility managers should take into account when sizing up a HVAC replacement project.
If you’ve got a business located in an older building in an urban location, such as brownstones in New York City, chances are you have heating and air conditioning systems with ducts. And it’s likely that those ducts have been there for a number of years. Especially given the pollution levels in the city, a lot of nasty stuff can build up in those ducts over time: including dust, allergens, chemicals, microorganisms and mold.
If you are experiencing comfort problems in your building, such as odors, inconsistent temperatures, and even allergies and other health issues, cleaning air ducts can make a big difference.
Like most business owners, you’re probably not an HVAC expert. Yet your restaurant HVAC is a mission critical system that your business can’t operate without. All year round, you depend on your heating and air conditioning system to keep your dining room comfortable for your customers, so they keep returning to your restaurant again and again. Your restaurant HVAC also keeps your kitchen and food prep areas comfortable for employees, which have specialized comfort and ventilation requirements in order to meet health inspection requirements.
The same holds true for your commercial refrigeration equipment. When your walk in freezers, blast chillers, low boy refrigerators and display cases are not working as they should, it’s a big risk to your business. If your food quality suffers, you could lose customers. In the worst case, you could be serving food that puts customers in danger of getting sick if your ingredients are not stored at the proper temperatures. The next thing you know, negative reviews start popping up on social media. And what happens if the health inspector shows up when your commercial refrigeration equipment is acting up?
That’s why we have put together this collection of essential information for the restaurant owner about restaurant HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment service: it’s everything you need to know at your fingertips. Get the answers to all your questions and concerns here! Plus we’ve added out best advice for restaurant owners, based on everything we have learned from serving the industry for 6 decades.
You are considering the renovation of your business space in an older building and are faced with many important decisions and among those is choosing the right HVAC system. You probably feel comfortable with many of your choices such as the best floor plan to meet your needs. But when it comes to selecting a new HVAC system, you may feel lacking in expertise and chilled by the thought of choosing the right HVAC system for your space that is on the cusp of renovation.
Here is some basic information that should help break the ice in the decision-making process and steer you in the right direction in making best choice for your business.
When you’re renovating an older building for modern living (especially one in an urban setting like NYC), adding modern conveniences can be a challenge. Air conditioning is a prime example.
Older buildings often don’t have the space to install the ductwork needed for traditional systems. Also, electrical systems may be sufficient to handle the load of today’s AC equipment. While upgrading the electric can be expensive, finding the space for air conditioning equipment is more of a problem. Doing it wrong can often mean damaging original plaster, floors and woodwork. Even in the best case, installing traditional equipment usually means giving up closet space or lowering ceilings to make room for equipment.
That’s why it’s smart to consider alternative air conditioning systems for older homes, as well as small businesses renovating older buildings. In New York City, historic brownstone townhouses are frequently renovated for both uses. Here we will discuss the problems with older solutions, and introduce 3 more modern air conditioning options for older homes that you may not know about.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The NYC streets are teeming with shoppers and you’re looking forward to your most profitable holiday season yet. Hopefully Black Friday was successful for you and a sign of healthy sales to come over the coming month. But are you doing everything you can to get shoppers into your stores and entice them to spend? And are you doing everything you can to control costs and maximize profit?
Here at Arista, we have worked closely with NYC’s retail business community for decades. Today we are sharing some holiday tips from some of our most successful retail customers about how to maximize profit this holiday season.
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Last Updated on October 1, 2016
Our theme for this month’s blogs is “Things Techs Wish People Knew About HVAC,” and that starts with a very basic understanding about how air conditioning works.
Why should you know or care how AC works, as long as it keeps your space cool?
The short answer is:
So, here’s a basic primer that explains how the most common air-cooled systems & how air conditioning works.
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Last Updated on June 13, 2016
As the demand for energy continues to rise, utility companies are offering rebates to customers as a way to reduce usage and avoid having to spend millions to construct new plants. If you are a homeowner, you may have taken advantage of some of these rebates. What you may not know is that utility companies also offer rebates to businesses that choose energy-efficient options for construction, equipment purchases and facilities operation.
It’s no surprise that utility rates on the rise again: electricity rates are expected to increase by more than 4 percent this year, and gas prices could go up by as much as 10 percent. If your HVAC equipment is getting up there in years, now may be a good time to consider replacing older units with newer models that use much less energy than older models. You can offset the rate increases by reducing your energy usage, and you can also earn you cash rebates from your utility company.Read more
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Last Updated on April 28, 2016
Proper air flow is one of the most critical things your air conditioner needs to do its job properly. Are you experiencing the following symptoms of air conditioning problems? If so, you’ve probably got air flow issues. Read on for more information about what to do and how to prevent AC failure.Read more
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Last Updated on April 28, 2016
It’s that time of year again when you see skeletons and witches inhabiting every lawn and peering out of every window. So when you have a furnace making noises with all sorts of unsettling sounds, you can’t help but wonder if a poltergeist got in there.
Before you call in the ghost busters, here are some of the common problems that may be making your heating system go bump in the night (and all day long). Luckily, most of them are not that scary.Read more
Taking on a commercial renovation project comes with an overwhelming number of decisions that need to be made.
You probably feel comfortable making some of those choices, such as choosing the most functional layout or even selecting furniture. But as a business owner, you may feel less than qualified to decide on the right HVAC system for your new space. A ducted air conditioning unit or a ductless one? You’re not an HVAC expert; how are you supposed to know what’s right for your space?
If you’re being pressed for a decision without fully understanding your options, you’ve come to the right place for help. Here’s some basic information on the ducted air conditioning unit and the ductless system, to guide you in making the best choice for your business.
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Last Updated on April 20, 2016
When you have electrical issues related to your air conditioner, you might not be able to tell what’s causing the problem: your air conditioner or the electrical system in your space.
It’s no secret that electricity is nothing to fool around with. If you’re not an expert in wiring and electricity, the danger is enough (as it should be!) to keep you from trying to figure it out on your own. But then who do you call? The AC guy or the electrician?
In most cases, your first call should be to your air conditioning service company. There are a number of power-related problems that can cause AC failure and performance issues, and an AC service tech is qualified to diagnose the problem, and properly trained in how to work around high-voltage electricity.Read more
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Last Updated on April 20, 2016
Isn’t it just the last thing you need during the crazy rush right before the holidays? Your maintenance guy tells you there’s a puddle of water under your furnace. Oh, great… there goes your dream of a profitable December and starting off the New Year with a trip to the tropics. Will you have to shell out thousands for a new furnace instead?
Don’t cancel your plans just yet! There are a number of reasons that can lead to your furnace leaking water, and most of them don’t mean an untimely death for your heating system.
Start by identifying what type of heating equipment you have, and check out these possible causes for water leaks.Read more
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Last Updated on April 20, 2016
There are any number of issues that can cause your air conditioner to stop working. Luckily, they’re not all expensive fixes. The problem could be just a loose wire that’s caused a power failure in your air conditioner. Or you could have a clogged air filter that’s impeding the air flow to the system.
On the other hand, when AC compressor failure causes your system to breakdown, you have a major AC emergency service problem and a big expense on your hands. The compressor is a vital and expensive component, and when it goes you may find yourself dropping a lot of cash on a new AC unit.Read more
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Last Updated on April 7, 2016
Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your restaurant. Getting your restaurant kitchen design wrong can be a huge disaster. Design impacts the success of your restaurant in many ways:
As a provider of HVAC, refrigeration and kitchen equipment maintenance to NYC restaurants for decades, we’ve been involved in lots of restaurant renovations and build-outs. Over the years, we have learned a thing or two about what NOT to do when creating a restaurant kitchen design. Whether you’re remodeling or opening a new establishment, avoid these bad practices that can cost you big time.
It’s the beginning of the year: the collective time to evaluate what’s working and what could be working better. Even business owners, the expert inventory-takers, are going one step further to ask questions about the items that get the least attention. “Does my current HVAC system make sense for my business?” or “How often does my rooftop air conditioner need to be serviced?” may not even make the list! We’ve taken the time to simplify the basics for answering these questions to help your yearly planning run a little more smoothly.
Do you own a New York City/State building that has a cooling tower as part of your HVAC system? If so, you’ve certainly heard about the new cooling tower regulations recently passed by the city and the state following last summer’s outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. How does this legislation affect you, and what do you need to do to be in compliance? Many of our customers have been asking us for clarification and advice, so we’re betting you have questions.
Here are some answers from Gary Berkowitz, Arista’s Manager of Chemical Cleanings and an expert in cooling tower maintenance and the new cooling tower regulations.
If you’re in the food service business, you know that maintaining comfortable conditions in your restaurant is a must.
It’s never okay to allow your dining room to become too hot, cold or humid. You also can’t have too much equipment noise disturbing your customers. Then there’s the problem of drafty conditions or even kitchen smells being pulled into the dining room by a poorly-functioning restaurant HVAC system. Any of these problems can cause you to lose customers and impact your bottom line.
As a Facilities Manager, you’re dealing with many different service providers for your company. Yet choosing an HVAC company can be one of the most challenging, especially if you don’t happen to be an HVAC expert yourself.
Obviously, you want an HVAC company with the expertise to solve your heating and cooling issues quickly and reliably. But you also want a company that offers great customer service and is easy to do business with. How can you find all these qualities? Ask about these 8 things when you evaluate a prospective HVAC provider for service, installation and/or repair work.
Some cool new HVAC technology options are being introduced that will make staying warm in winter and cool in summer a whole lot easier for all of us. As a matter of fact, in some instances, you may not have to think about it all. Your new HVAC technology might just be able to follow you around—heating you up and cooling you down when you need it.
Seriously?
If you’re reading this article about air conditioning in January, then kudos to you for being a smart and proactive thinker. Many business owners and managers would rather put off the problem than tackle their air conditioning issues in the middle of winter. Yet January is an excellent time to replace that unreliable air conditioner that gave you trouble all last summer since you now have time to thoroughly research your options. You can get reduced prices at this time of year as well.
This is a perfect time to educate yourself about the types of systems that are best suited for your business. If you own or manage a restaurant, we’d like to introduce you to the variable refrigerant flow, or VRF cooling system. VRF systems have been the HVAC system of choice for decades in other parts of the world, and are now becoming very popular in the US for certain types of spaces, including restaurants.
Related article: Buying a New Air Conditioner? Why It’s Smart To Buy In Fall & Winter
Attention facility managers and business owners:
Let’s see a show of hands: are you responsible for maintenance and operations of a business facility? Have you watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” this holiday season? Then this post is for you: here are some lessons about the importance of HVAC maintenance and your HVAC service tech that you can learn from this classic holiday film.
SPOILER ALERT: This article gives away details about the plot of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but we’re betting you’ve seen it half a dozen times anyway!
Negative reviews of your restaurant can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Especially when you have gone to the trouble to find a great chef, pay him as much as you can afford, and you know the food is good. From what you see and hear every day, people love the food. Yet there are still people writing negative reviews and giving you only a couple of stars on Yelp.
What’s going on? And how can you put a stop to it?
Here’s the problem that may be behind those negative reviews: many restaurant owners are very conscientious about the quality of the food (and rightly so), yet don’t pay as much attention to the dining atmosphere. This is a mistake, especially in New York City, where there is so much competition; it doesn’t take much for an unhappy customer to choose the restaurant around the corner next time.
The truth is, a great dining experience is not only about the food. There are many additional factors that can make or break a customer’s experience. And they are the kinds of things that it’s easy for an owner to overlook; you spend so much time there that you tend not to notice. But if you want to put a stop to those negative reviews, it pays to fix these issues once and for all.
When you’ve been working with the same heating and air conditioning service company for a while, you may begin to wonder how you can tell if your HVAC service technician is any good. Is he just doing okay servicing your equipment or is he really a top-notch HVAC guy?
Here’s one fun, yet effective way to tell: think about the qualities of a top NFL quarterback. Look for signs of these skills, habits and abilities, and you can be sure your HVAC service technician is someone you can count on to get the job done right.
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Last Updated on October 22, 2015
We’ve worked with many, many Facilities Managers over the years, and we know that it’s a demanding job. It seems like more and more responsibility is piled on the shoulders of NYC’s Facilities Managers, demanding an ever-increasing level of time and expertise.
In addition to responsibility for your building’s power, lighting and mechanical systems, Facilities Managers are managing cleaning, maintenance and even landscaping. Every new workplace initiative seems to get added to the FM’s job description, from increasing security to energy-efficient operation. AND you’re expected to do it all with fewer and fewer resources.
If you’re in charge of facilities management, you’re certainly accustomed to thinking about the physical security of your workplace, as well as the physical comfort of employees and customers. But if you’re not an IT guy, you probably never thought it was your job to worry about data security, much less worry about vetting reputable air conditioning companies.
You may have never considered the importance of seeking reputable air conditioning companies. All that changed last year when Target reported a major data security breach that happened after network login credentials were stolen from Target’s third-party HVACR vendor.
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Last Updated on September 26, 2015
Have you been through it before? After a major storm blows through and takes out everything in its path, including your air conditioning system, you just want fast AC repair to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
But then you face major delays as you wait for someone to come assess the damage to your system, order the parts and/or equipment needed to get you back up and running, and finally make the repairs. If lots of other homes and businesses have experienced storm damage, you could easily be waiting weeks or even longer to get your cooling system back.
So what can you do to make sure you’ll get fast AC repair the next time around? First, and most importantly, don’t wait for next time to think about it.
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Last Updated on September 26, 2015
Those of us in the New York City are who lived through Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath understand the need for disaster recovery planning.
Chances are, if you own a business in New York City, you’ve done your due diligence and developed a disaster recovery plan for your business. You probably have plans in place for evacuation, communication with employees and customers, power supply and data access. After all, having a disaster recovery plan in place can make the difference between getting back up and running after a catastrophe and losing your business permanently.
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Last Updated on September 24, 2015
Since Superstorm Sandy devastated New York City, it’s no secret that NYC is extremely vulnerable to storm surge and wind damage in a hurricane. We all lived through it and we know firsthand what can happen. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted 6-11 named storms, including 3-6 hurricanes and up to 2 major hurricanes for the 2015 season. And as we all know, it doesn’t even have to be called a “hurricane” to inflict severe damage.
So if you’re like most New York City business owners, you can’t help but be a little nervous when hurricane season rolls around again. But sometimes a little anxiety can be a useful thing, if it motivates you to get prepared.
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Last Updated on August 12, 2015
If you’re reading this, you probably already suspect that things are not going the way they should be with your current heating and air conditioning company. Have you experienced any of the following signs of declining service?
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Last Updated on August 12, 2015
It’s mid-August, and the summer slump is in full swing. How many of the following symptoms do you see in your office?
As a restaurant owner, you’ve probably invested quite a chunk of change in décor and lighting to make your restaurant’s atmosphere inviting. But have you paid as much attention to your restaurant air conditioning and the temperature of the dining room?
Without a doubt, restaurant air conditioning is a hot topic among diners (pun intended!). Air temperature is an important part of every diner’s experience, and if your customers are sweating or shivering through their meal, they are not likely to return for another one. Especially in New York City, you have competitors on every block, and customers will quickly find another restaurant where they can eat in comfort.
When your dining room feels like a sauna or an icebox, you’re losing more than the customers who don’t return. These days, it’s likely that those disappointed customers will share their uncomfortable experience with everyone they know on Facebook, or worse, post a negative review on Yelp. Both word of mouth and bad online reviews can do some serious damage to your restaurant’s reputation. When diners feel like you’re skimping on restaurant air conditioning maintenance, they may wonder (our loud and on social media) whether you’re also cutting corners on food handling, kitchen cleanliness, or quality of ingredients.
Also, don’t forget that your employees will be more productive when the temperature is comfortable.
Have you always been handy? If you can fix your car and lots of things around your home, you may be tempted to take on the challenge of DIY HVAC repair. Or maybe you’re a business owner with a maintenance staff that handle cleaning and minor repairs around your premises. They should be able to tackle DIY HVAC repair, right?
Wrong! DIY HVAC repair is not only dangerous, but it can lead to some very expensive consequences. Read on to learn why DIY HVAC repair is a temptation you should not give in to.
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Congratulations, New Yorkers! We’ve made it through a long, nasty winter, and it’s finally spring. The robins have arrived, there are tulips poking through the ground, and it seems like everyone is walking around with a smile. It won’t be long before it’s time to turn on the air conditioner and break out the flip flops.
Speaking of turning on the air conditioner, actually the time to turn it on is NOW, before the hot days arrive and you really need it. Give it a test run to make sure it starts up ok and no problems have arisen from the unit sitting unused all winter.
But what happens when you turn on your AC and it starts making hideous noises? Or it blows a fuse? Or it starts up but no cold air comes out? Or worse, nothing happens at all? Unfortunately, you’ll have to make that dreaded emergency service call.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
If your building’s furnace has been there for 10 or 15 years (or more), you may be wondering how much life it has left. You don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars for a new one if you don’t have to yet, but you also don’t want to be in a position of having to make a quick decision to buy a new furnace when it suddenly fails and you have no heat. How can you predict when it’s likely to fail so you can replace it proactively?
If you’ve noticed many of the following warning signs, it’s time to call a certified HVAC service company for an evaluation of your system and recommendations for replacement options.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
If you’re in the market for new HVAC equipment, you’re probably doing a lot of research into the type of equipment that’s best for your needs, as well as the brands that are highly rated. Did you know that it’s just as important to do your due diligence in choosing the right installer? Use this HVAC troubleshooting guide to help you understand possible issues.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Are you in the market for a new HVAC service provider, and wondering how to tell if someone’s really any good? Think about the qualities of the great detective, Sherlock Holmes. That’s what it takes to be a top-notch NYC HVAC guy.
Look for signs of these skills, habits and abilities, and you can be sure you’ve found someone you can count on to get the job done right:Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Remember the Grinch, slowly driven mad by the Whoville Christmas celebrations with all that NOISE, NOISE, NOISE, NOISE? That’s how you start to feel when your AC is running constantly. It’s annoying enough to turn anyone into a Grinch.
All that noise from your air conditioner is trying to tell you something! And the problem will only get worse if you don’t address it.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Leaking Just when you were having a good month with no major disasters, and you were actually optimistic about getting ahead of expenses, your maintenance guy comes in to tell you that there’s a puddle of water around your indoor air conditioning unit. Now you’ve got that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach in anticipation of an expensive repair bill.
Don’t panic! It may look bad, but in many cases, your air conditioner problems–even water leaks are not an expensive fix, if you’ve caught it quickly.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
When a service tech inspects your broken air conditioner, the very LAST thing you want to hear him or her say is, “Sorry, the compressor has failed.” It’s often a death sentence for an air conditioning unit since it’s such a costly part to replace. If your warranty has expired and the cost to replace a compressor exceeds a third of the cost of a new unit, you may be facing the purchase of a new air conditioner. Either way, it’s going to cost you a bundle.
The surprising fact is that as many as 80 percent of compressor failures could be prevented if the problems leading to the failure were corrected in a timely manner. These problems can be detected and eliminated during regular preventative maintenance and help you avoid costly air conditioning repair in NYC.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Whether they call it a superstorm, a tropical storm, or a hurricane, these devastating weather events can cause catastrophic damage, as those of us who lived through Superstorm Sandy know all too well. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted 8-13 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes for the 2014 season, so now is the time to get prepared.
We all know the drill to protect our homes and families when an impending storm threatens: stock up on water and non-perishable food, get out the flashlights and weather radio, buy lots of batteries, bring in your lawn chairs and board up the windows. But did you know that you should also be taking precautions to protect your NYC HVAC system?
Making the time now to take a few precautionary actions, and knowing what to do when a storm strikes, can make the difference between sailing through the storm with no damage and having to shell out thousands for new HVAC equipment.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
Ah, summer in New York City! Temperatures are soaring, humidity is rising and people on the NYC streets are seeking relief from the oppressive heat. Will they find it in your retail store or restaurant? Comfort is an important factor in where people choose to shop or dine. If your establishment is too hot or too cold, you may be driving away customers in droves.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
In the late summer and early fall seasons here in the Northeast, the air is inundated with grass and weed pollen spores, bringing about miserable allergy symptoms for many people. If you’re suffering, you’ll do just about anything to get relief. Like pay a fortune to your neighbor’s kid to do your yard work for you. (We know one guy who wears a surgical mask 24 hours a day.)
If you own a business or are in charge of building maintenance, this problem can cause you major headaches (in addition to the sniffles, sneezes and coughs). The prevalence of air conditioning allergy symptoms can seriously disrupt worker productivity. Employees are staying home sick and taking time off to visit the doctor. Also, blowing your nose 100 times a day takes considerable time away from your job! The problem can even turn deadly for people with chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and diabetes.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
In July in New York City, it can feel like we’re living in the tropics, with the weather alternating between heat and humidity and thunderstorms with torrential downpours. As your discomfort grows, do you know what else is growing in your air conditioner? Mold and bacteria. Now it’s September and the NOAA is predicting at least one major hurricane this season.
If you’ve been neglecting regular maintenance of your air conditioning system, you’re setting yourself up for a potentially serious situation. As the temperature and humidity levels fluctuate, so does your risk of contamination from mold and disease-causing bacteria, including legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease.Read more
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Last Updated on July 29, 2015
It’s no secret that carbon monoxide is deadly. We’ve all heard the horror stories that result from people unknowingly breathing in the colorless, odorless gas. As a responsible business owner or manager, you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your building, and you probably think that protects you from the danger.
Not entirely.
It’s true that carbon monoxide detectors will most likely protect you from the deadliest outcome: people in your building becoming sick or even dying from exposure to the poisonous gas. But have you considered the consequences of having a scare in your building when those detectors go off? The following fall furnace maintenance tips will help you stay safe in the event of your detectors go off, and take preventative action to ensure they never do.Read more
In the dog days of summer, your office air conditioning is working harder than anyone else to keep your commercial space comfortable. The constant onslaught of heat and humidity, along with rain, pollen and NYC pollution, can make it tough for your system to keep up with the demand.
And if your air conditioner hasn’t been regularly serviced, it has to work even harder to meet the demands of the environment.
When your air conditioner can’t keep up with the cooling demand, some parts of your space will be too hot, while other areas are too cold. High humidity may be causing condensation buildup and even dangerous levels of mold, pollen and other contaminants in the air. Your employees are feeling extremely uncomfortable and may even be getting sick from the poor air quality.
Since it’s too hot to go outside and you’re probably safely ensconced in your comfortably air conditioned home or office, you may be feeling blessed to live in the 21st century where we only have to step inside to escape from the heat.
But the truth is, our ancestors had all sorts of clever ways to beat the heat, and some of their ideas are precursors to air conditioning as we know it today. So sit back and enjoy these fun facts about the history of air conditioning.
On the other hand, if you’re sitting in an office that’s not all that comfortable and wishing you could do something about it, here’s what you should be reading instead: Improving an Imperfect World: Mitigating Office Temperature Extremes.
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Last Updated on July 24, 2015
Chances are you’ve seen articles and advertisements telling you to get your HVAC system cleaned and maintained at least once or twice a year (it should be apart of any fall furnace maintenance routine). You may be wondering why it’s so important. After all, your equipment seems to keep working, right?
That may be the case for now, but you’re setting yourself up for a host of trouble later on (not to mention much bigger expenses) by skipping this easy and affordable task.Read more
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Last Updated on July 22, 2015
For those of us who live and work in New York City, air quality is an issue we can’t afford to ignore. After all, it’s easy to see that brown haze that hangs over the city, especially on hot and humid summer days. And it’s not a surprise considering the concentration of motor vehicles, diesel generators, construction, kitchen exhaust and industrial byproducts in and around the city. You can’t help but wonder what that’s doing to your lungs. Especially if you’re one of the millions who suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties.
As individuals, we can take steps to improve air quality outdoors, but we may not see an immediate payoff. But here’s a surprising fact that you may not know: indoor air quality can be just as bad for your health, and may be even worse, than outdoor air. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can be as much as 2 to 5 times worse than the air outside. And according to GreenGuard, an organization that promotes environmental health and safety, there is a great deal you can do to immediately improve air quality in your home and work space.
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Last Updated on July 9, 2015
If you’re not an expert on HVAC equipment, or even a handy sort of person, choosing a furnace maintenance provider for your company can seem like a daunting task. You’ve been trusted with this important assignment, yet you may feel like you’re in over your head.
Not to make you more nervous, but there’s a good reason to be concerned. If you choose a provider that’s unwilling or unable to do the job right, they may skip steps that can result in dangerous and even deadly consequences for you and your building’s occupants.Read more
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Last Updated on July 9, 2015
July in New York City can feel like we’re living in the tropics. The temperatures pushing 90 degrees or higher are compounded by sticky air that makes it feel even worse. If your air conditioner is not doing a great job getting rid of the humidity, it can have all kinds of nasty consequences beyond comfort and uncooperative hair.
Here’s what you need to know how to tackle humidity and air conditioning problems.
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Last Updated on July 8, 2015
As consumers, most of us try to do what we can to save energy: we turn out the lights when we leave a room, we recycle our paper, glass and aluminum, and we fix leaky faucets to save water. But as a business owner, there is a great deal more you can do to save energy. With the summer heat upon us, you’re probably focused on energy saving tips as a way to cut the rising cost of doing business.
The fact is shocking: you’re probably wasting 30 percent or more of the energy used in your commercial space.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 30 percent is the amount wasted by the AVERAGE building. If you haven’t done much to update your systems and your practices over the years, you could be wasting even more. It’s no wonder your bills are so high and get worse every year. These energy saving tips will help.
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Last Updated on July 8, 2015
Your air conditioning plays a major role in your day-to-day comfort and well-being. So when you’re installing air conditioning in your home, making the wrong choices can really cost you. Not only in dollars and cents, but also in your quality of life.Read more
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Last Updated on June 25, 2015
It’s always gratifying when you can learn something from television. That way, you can tell yourself you’re doing something educational when you binge-watch old Seinfeld episodes.
Luckily, you really can learn a couple of important lessons about air conditioning in NYC from Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer.
SPOILER ALERT: Some plot details of Seinfeld episodes are revealed below, but we’re betting that you’ve already seen them anyway!
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Last Updated on June 25, 2015
Just about everyone is concerned about ways to save energy these days. Rates aren’t going anywhere but up, and as we add more and more electronic devices to our lives, our consumption is growing as well.
Even if you’re fortunate enough not to be worried about paying the bill, you’re probably worried about the condition of the planet and the legacy we’re leaving behind for our kids and their kids.
By now, most of us understand why we need ways to save energy. The question is, how can we do it?
