The weather is warming up and you are beginning to use much more your rooftop HVAC system. To ensure that the system is working reliably in this hot weather and is performing optimally depends on maintaining them properly. In addition, well-maintained equipment will last longer and delay the spending of lots of capital to replace them. Thus, here are some tips to help you with the maintenance of your rooftop HVAC system, including steps you can take in-season. Be careful working with rooftop HVAC units, in terms of safety. If you are unsure of certain steps, make sure to bring in an experienced, professional HVAC firm to perform the tasks.

1. Regular Inspections.  Schedule routine inspections of your rooftop HVAC system, at least twice a year and, ideally, at the beginning of the cooling and heating seasons. Turn off the equipment, remove covers, and go “inside” the equipment to identify any potential physical damage or signs of wear and tear.
2. Keep the surroundings clean. Well, at least keep the area around your rooftop units clear of debris, vegetation, and any other obstructions. This allows for proper airflow and prevents the accumulation of dirt on filters and other parts.
3. Clean the coils. The condenser and evaporator coils are essential and dirt, dust, and debris can affect their ability to work. Use a soft brush or low-pressure water to clean them gently.
4. Replace filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing system efficiency. Replace or clean the filters regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. But pay special attention to unique features of your area. For example, one client cleaned rooftop filters once every 3 months, per recommendation. But the site was near several gravel and sand pits, necessitating more frequent changes as the neighbor’s material became airborne more than in a “typical” location.
5. Check fan blades. Inspect the fan blades for damage or imbalance. Ensure that they are clean and free from debris. If you notice any issues, contact a professional to address them.
6. Inspect belts. First, listen to your system for any unusual noises or rocking of unstable belts. Check the condition and tension of the belts that drive the fan. Replace worn-out, cracked, or out-of-alignment belts to prevent system failures.
7. Lubricate moving parts. Lubricate the bearings and motors per manufacturer’s recommendations, reducing friction and extending the lifespan of the components. And this improves energy efficiency, too.
8. Check electrical connections.  Inspect the electrical connections, wires, and terminals. Ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Loose or damaged connections can lead to system malfunctions and should be repaired promptly.
9. Monitor refrigerant levels.  Low refrigerant levels can indicate leaks or other issues. Regularly check and monitor the refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance. If you suspect a leak, contact a professional HVAC firm for repairs.
10. Professional maintenance.  Consider hiring an experienced, professional HVAC firm for comprehensive maintenance at least once a year. They can perform tasks such as system calibration, efficiency checks, and detailed inspections. Yes, this costs money, but will save you much more in terms of better efficiency, reliability and longevity.

CCES has the experts to help you assess your HVAC equipment and determine any potential problems in operations. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.

Many building owners and managers wonder whether to invest in a Building Management System (BMS). After all, why complicate life? A simple system may be less of a hassle. But here are 6 reasons to not only procure and implement a BMS to manage your building operations, but to invest in a smart one.

1. Energy cost savings.  A BMS allows for precise control and optimization of your heating and cooling, allowing energy usage only for the areas and times of your choosing – when it is needed most. BMS can control not only HVAC, but lighting, too. By monitoring the actual situation (is a room occupied and, therefore, needs to be lit and heated or cooled?), one can minimize energy waste, resulting in a potential substantial savings on utility bills.
2. Improve operational efficiency.  A BMS can control in a consistent manner many far-flung systems, providing reliability that programmed settings will operate, saving labor of checking on or manually manipulating systems far away. Reliable, consistent operations is important to you as an owner or building manager.
3. Pinpoint changes, as needed.  A proper BMS can allow the manager to make changes to specific areas as occupancy or other conditions change quite easily, resulting in greater comfort of the room users. Whether it be lighting, heating, or cooling, BMS allows one to make quick, small changes as needed for a user.
4. Develop trends and learn.  A BMS not only adjusts equipment, as necessary, but can detect and evaluate trends which can teach you about your business and your clientele to make informed future business and/or energy decisions.
5. Equipment longevity. Saving long-term capital costs.  With a BMS controlling equipment so they are on only when needed, said equipment will be used fewer hours over a time period compared to not having a BMS. As a result, equipment will undergo less wear and tear over time and stress out the total electrical system less, as well. Therefore, one can “stretch out” the use of equipment for a longer time, reducing long-term replacement capital costs.
6. Regulatory/program compliance and meet goals.  A growing number of entities have developed sustainability goals or must comply with new energy or sustainability regulations. Many of these are tied to energy usage. A BMS, by reducing energy waste, will help your building more reliably comply with the internal standards or regulations.

In summary, implementing a thorough, smart BMS for energy efficiency provides real, long-term financial savings by reducing energy waste, yet also provides reliable comfort to occupants. A BMS also improves operational efficiency and more reliably helps the building meet regulatory limits and/or internal sustainability goals. All this is automated, saving management work and aggravation. So not only should you consider implementing a BMS, but look to procure a system that meets all your needs reliably.

CCES has the experts to help you assess which type of BMS is most useful and beneficial for your building, based on current needs and physical factors of the building. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.

By Tina Larsson, The Folson Group

Debunking the Myths

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to heat homes, but there is a common misconception that they don’t work well in cold weather. Recent articles in the New York Times and the NY Post have added to this confusion, but the truth is that heat pumps are more than capable of functioning in cold climates, and this has been proven in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In these countries, heat pumps have been used extensively for many years and have been found to work efficiently even when temperatures drop below freezing.

One reason why heat pumps can work well in colder climates is that they don’t generate heat; instead, they simply transfer it from one place to another. This means that even when the outside temperature drops, there is still heat available to be transferred from the ground or air into the home. Modern heat pump technology has made them more efficient than ever before, and they are designed to perform well in all temperatures. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), heat pumps can operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius).

The misconception that heat pumps don’t work well in cold weather often arises from people’s experiences with older models. These older models were indeed less efficient in cold weather, but the newer models available today are designed to perform well in all temperatures. In addition to being efficient, heat pumps are also an eco-friendly way to heat homes. They are much more efficient than traditional heating systems, which generate heat by burning fossil fuels. They produce fewer emissions, making them a more sustainable option.

Heat pumps are not just for heating homes in winter; they can also replace old, traditional air conditioning units, making them a versatile four-season heating and cooling solution for homes. By using the same technology to transfer heat, heat pumps can provide efficient cooling during the summer months, which helps to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This means that homeowners who install heat pumps can enjoy year-round comfort while also saving money on their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint. In this way, heat pumps are a valuable investment in the long-term sustainability of a home.

In conclusion, the belief that heat pumps don’t work well in cold weather is a common misconception. As stated, countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland have been using heat pumps for years, and they have been proven to work efficiently even in extreme cold. Heat pumps are efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. With the latest technology available, heat pumps are a smart investment for any home, providing comfort and sustainability all year round.

The Folson Group is a consultant specializing in helping NYC coops and condos work more effectively. Running a building is complex; there are staff, leaks, the property management company, property managers, and the forever-changing New York City building codes. Our team of experts provides an objective analysis of your building’s financial situation and develops a comprehensive plan to lower expenses and increase your real estate property’s value. We work with you to implement the plan and make sure that it is executed flawlessly. We also help buildings with all their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related policies. Services cover the entire process, from planning to implementation and completion, and clients have achieved energy reductions of up to 40%. If you are interested in making your building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, consider reaching out to The Folson Group to schedule a consultation. See www.thefolsongroup.com.

Developing sound energy codes and even going beyond them to achieve sustainability goals are growing trends in the US. Advanced energy codes are important to maintain the grid during high-demand periods and to help in resiliency after a disaster. A 2022 FEMA study rated various states and municipalities when it comes to developing and enforcing effective energy codes. 39 states were in its lowest category and 19 received a score of ‘0’, including a number of disaster-prone states. Many state governments are reluctant to develop more stringent energy codes, as they wish to spur development, even at the cost of energy efficiency and resiliency. On the other hand, 10 states received a score of 99.

Thus, it is at the municipal government level that many energy codes are written and enforced. Municipal building departments used to regulate basic building functions: make sure they are built properly and will not collapse or catch fire easily. But momentum is growing to have municipal building departments develop and enforce energy codes, too, which are becoming more stringent due to concerns about Climate Change. Inherent design features have a strong influence on the energy usage of a building over time, independent of weather and operations. And with the growing concern for Climate Change and energy’s role in it, some codes and requirements are getting very aggressive.

Boston recently modified their energy “stretch” code to require new multifamily buildings to meet Passive House building requirements, making it the first major US city to require passive building standards. Boston is the 8^th Massachusetts municipality to adopt the “opt-in” building code, which includes meeting sustainability standards that go beyond standard energy codes. Starting on January 1, 2024, all new multifamily buildings in Boston must meet passive building requirements. Phius certification of passive housing standards is the surest path to meet these requirements. According to Phius, buildings that meet the Phius Certification standard use 40%-60% less energy than code-built buildings with no upfront cost premium.

Chicago recently modified its building code to include cooling requirements for landlords beginning this cooling season. The change states that if the heat index exceeds 80 degrees, certain residential buildings must provide functioning air conditioning in all apartments or have an air-conditioned indoor common area where people can gather. Affected buildings include those that house older people under the Federal Fair Housing Act and buildings that are more than 80 feet tall or have 100 or more units. Needless to say, as the cooling season is beginning, landlords are scrambling to repair or replace AC units and prepare them for reliable cooling.

New York City has promulgated a law that will have great impacts on energy efficiency and usage. Local Law 97, promulgated in 2019, goes into effect in 2024. It is not an energy code, but a greenhouse gas emission rule. Subject buildings must develop their own GHG emission limit, tied to energy usage and demonstrate compliance or non-compliance with the specific standard. While GHGs are what is being measured, it is tied to energy, either energy efficiency or using “cleaner” sources of energy. The fines are projected to be very high for wasteful or “dirty” energy usage.

CCES has the experts to provide technical assistance to help you assess and develop strategies to comply with various energy codes and GHG regulations, including the ones listed here. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or 914-584-6720.