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Thank you for visiting Hoffmann Brothers Commercial frequently asked question section. If you can't find the answer to your question or concern, please give us a call. We'd be glad to help you with your heating and cooling needs.
What is “design build”? What is design build Heating and Air conditioning project? What is design build Mechanical system? You can approach a Mechanical project using one of two methods, “Plan and Spec” and “Design Build”. “Plan and Spec” is where you hire an engineer who designs the Mechanical system then you use those plans to obtain bids. “Design Build” is where you hire a contractor who has the ability to do the engineering. The design build contractor can provide you with the cost up front, the design, and construct the Mechanical System. We recommend the design build approach and this is why; 1. There are numerous types of Mechanical systems. When designing a Heating and Air Conditioning system for a building you can design a constant volume system, variable air volume, chilled water, split systems, packaged Heating and cooling systems, and we have numerous ways to zone a HVAC system. The type of system determines the initial installation cost and operating cost. Some people thing that by getting numerous bids they are saving money but the type of system has a much greater impact on cost than the contractor selected to perform the job. 2. A design build contractor can give you the cost of each option before you spend money on engineering. You find out the cost before spend money on the design. The plan and spec process requires you to complete the design before finding out the cost. If the cost is too much you must pay to have the system redesigned. The design build contractor will give you the cost up front before you spend any money. 3. Mechanical contractors use various techniques for joining pipe and sheet metal. A design build contractor will use the techniques that they are most familiar with and have the most experience resulting is a lower cost job. 4. Contractors are much more cost conscious than Engineers who sit behind a desk all day. Contractors work in the field every day and have a good grasp on the easiest and least expensive ways to tackle a project. 5. Contractors are also working in the field every day repairing systems and correcting building issues. This experience in knowing what works and what does not work is very valuable when designing a system. Engineers who sit behind a desk all day do not get this experience.
What are the benefits of zoning my building? Comfort: Zoning meets the designated temperature and airflow requirements of one area without affecting other areas of the building. Control: Zoning divides a specific space into different areas and comfort into different levels, which in turn gives you more choices and control. Efficiency: A properly designed zoning system can save you hundreds of dollar each year in energy costs alone. Performance: When zoning is integrated with variable speed or two stage HVAC systems, it allow your heating and cooling equipment to deliver peak performance and efficiency with continually operating at leak capacity. Lower speeds in turn deliver lower sound levels.
How can I reduce my building’s energy costs? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that up to 50% of a commercial building’s energy is used to operate its HVAC systems. Hoffmann Brothers offers higher efficiency systems and advanced technology to help reduce these costs. Another important aspect is having a improperly sized system which can lead to higher energy bills. According to the EPA, the owner of a commercial building can generate $2- $3 of incremental asset value for every $1 invested in energy performance improvements. Many utility companies offer rebates to commercial clients on higher efficiency equipment as well.
What are the benefits of doing maintenance on my system? Maintenance activities can save up to 30% of fan energy and up to 10% of space conditioning energy use. On top of that, by doing maintenance on your systems, you not only lower your operating costs, but lessen your chance for repairs and extend the life of your system. Planned maintenance is one of the least cost insurance that a building owner can purchase. Regularly changed filters keep airflow at its maximum levels, while protecting the duct and occupants from easily caught dust and particles.
What should I know about the changes in refrigerant? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is regulating the production and use of refrigerants. Due to these changes, over time refrigerants that contain chlorine will be eliminated due to growing concern about ozone depletion. In return, there have been cooling products developed that use the new chlorine free R-410A refrigerant in place of the current R-22 (Freon). Because this new R-410A is ozone friendly and contains no chlorine, it allows higher efficiencies than R-22. Lennox offers cooling products that contain the new R-410A.
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