Top 5 HVAC Myths

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance is essential in all buildings to create a comfortable working environment. With a warming climate, the reliance on equipment is continuously increasing but there are some common misconceptions when it comes to the mechanical systems. Artic has been delivering commercial, healthcare and university multi-utility building services in London for over twenty-five years and have accumulated vast experience and insights when it comes to finding the right solution for your business. Using this, Artic is going to tackle the top five HVAC myths.

The top five myths circulating are:

• Bigger HVAC systems will provide better heating and cooling performance.
• Maintenance is only necessary when there is a problem.
• Turning the thermostat all the way down will cool spaces faster.
• Closing Vents in un-used rooms saves energy.
• Filters only need to be changed once a year.

1-   Do Bigger HVAC System’s Really Perform Better?

With every mechanical system there is the common assumption that bigger means better, but that isn’t always the case.  Not every building will benefit from the same installation and every network will be constructed to fit a building’s individual needs to increase the potential for optimal performance. The three most common types of AC are single split, multi split and VRV/VRF systems, each comes with its own benefits suitable for different buildings:

Single Split System

Single Split is the most common type of air conditioning installation and works best for individual rooms/spaces. They are the typical solution for smaller commercial spaces as every internal AC unit needs an outdoor unit. These units are connected by electrical wires and scone tubing as opposed to bulky ductwork. These are an install which emit less noise pollution. Another benefit to single is that every indoor unit requires its own outdoor unit, so when one unit requires maintenance, all other units can continue working as normal therefore creating minimal disruption.

Multi-Split System

Multi-split systems have multiple indoor units which can all be connected to one outdoor unit. This is the more popular choice for larger commercial and office buildings as installation is more complex and can be time-consuming. Due to the mechanics of multi-split, these can be both energy and cost saving as they are designed to work alongside the movement of heat to warm and cool areas which uses less power. They utilise innovative inverter technology allowing each unit to be set individually to run at different speeds despite all being connected to the same outdoor unit. These can be installed with sensors that can automatically detect variations in temperature and adapt as needed, further reducing energy consumption. A multi-split affords more automation than a single split system and is a good solution for a multi-utility building with more complex HVAC needs.

VRF System

Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems are the recommended choice for large modern properties, such as hospitals, that need an efficient network of heating and cooling units. VRF/VRVs are 30% more efficient than ducted networks and a better carbon friendly option. VRFs are typically used with an R-32 refrigerant which is more energy efficient and holds a lower global warming potential (GWP) of 675 than its R-410A 2088 GWP predecessor. For every 2kg of an R-32 refrigerant in an A/C system has a total carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of 1340kg of CO2, which is emitted through its use, whereas R-410A has a CO2e of 4176kg of CO2 released, making VRF’s which use R-32 refrigerants a more environmentally friendly choice.

The advanced options that come with VRFs boost their overall efficiency with technologies such as variable-speed and capacity-modulated inverter duty compressors, indoor units with electric motors, zoning and individual temperature control. Along with this, VRF systems require little to no ductwork, depending on your choice of indoor ceiling unit, therefore freeing up ceiling space.

Though this is the most efficient and largest option, this will not be the right solution for every building. VRFs come with their own disadvantages. These more complex systems will require a higher level of maintenance due to an increased risk of refrigerant leaks and is a more costly option.

Every option has its unique advantages and disadvantages, but just because one may be more complex, doesn’t mean it is going to be the best option for your facility maintenance. At Artic, its building and maintenance experts are equipped with the knowledge to complete comprehensive audits of your sites and diagnose the right solution for your building maintenance.

2-   Do You Only Need HVAC Maintenance When there is a Problem?

Air handling unit (AHU) maintenance is an important part of all building maintenance services. In buildings where heating, cooling and ventilation are critical to safety, such as a hospital, when units are malfunctioning it can cause extreme distress for both staff and clients, or the public. HVAC maintenance is not there to fix a problem when it arises but instead prevents problems occurring in the first place. At Artic, the service and maintenance department oversee all preventative planned maintenance services (PPM services) throughout commercial, university and healthcare facilities management.

Maintenance needs to be conducted regularly and to a high standard which is why many businesses choose to outsource their company maintenance so that they can be assured their AHU maintenance is completed to the appropriate schedule, remaining functional and compliant without having to lift a finger. Artic believes in being proactive, to avoid having to be reactive.

3-    Do Thermostats Work Faster if You Turn it All the Way Down?

Turning the AC thermostat all the way up or down will not help to cool or heat spaces any faster. Your system is built to work consistently and will only work with the amount of power it is given.  By turning your thermostat to the extreme to either end of the thermostat will mean the heat cycles are interfered with more frequently, switching on and off. In turn, this will cause the mechanisms inside to wear quicker and inevitably lead to increased malfunctions and repairs.

The benefit of modern AC is the ability to install advanced thermostats that can be controlled remotely or provide the function to set temperatures in advance. A programmable thermostat can control the temperature automatically therefore helping to improve the temperature regulation of any building. Automatic temperature control is also considered one of the many energy saving technologies that are often used in modern net zero solutions, through automatic regulation, it stops unnecessary heating or cooling and reduces energy consumption.

At Artic, it is easy for engineers to ensure systems run under automatic control through HVAC maintenance, making it simple for you to regulate your building temperature without manual adjustment.

4-   Does Closing Vents Save Energy?

The myth that closing vents saves energy can be harmful to the overall efficiency of your air conditioning. When vents are closed, this will cause the air to be redirected to other rooms and create a build-up of pressure in the ducts. Every AC network is tailored to the specific layout and size of your building, closing vents will interfere with regulation, causing your system to use more energy and work harder to heat or cool your building. Closing vents may result in damage as well as dangerous leaks or inefficient heating and cooling.

It is important to have regular HVAC maintenance carried out by specialised engineers to check your system is working in its optimised conditions so that your building’s facilities can remain efficient and safe for your building.

5-   How Often Do HVAC Filters Need to be Changed?

AHU filters should be replaced at a minimum of once per quarter. This can vary depending on the industry of your business. It is important for filters to be changed regularly in all commercial, university and healthcare properties to avoid a build-up of chemicals, dust and bacteria which can block up filters and stop air from being able to be pulled through your system. When this happens, your air conditioning units will be forced to work harder and inefficiently, which can lead to it sustaining costly damage as well as an increase in energy consumption.

Changing filters regularly will extend the lifespan of your AHU, saving your business replacement and repair costs in the future. If your building is a commercial building, then filters will not need constant replacement, but if your building relies heavily on your HVAC system providing clean air, such as a hospital, your filters will need to be changed at a higher rate.

Through our comprehensive auditing, Artic’s team are experienced in providing the right PPM services to make sure your filters are changed when they need to be, and your system is running at it’s optimum.

Partner with Artic for a Tailored HVAC Maintenance Solution:

Partner with Artic Building Services for the right solution to managing your building services in London. With its industry expertise, Artic can navigate the complexities of mechanical and electrical systems through strategic facilities management, building the right contract that will help your building to be a safe and comfortable environment for all those within it.

Contact us now to find the right solution for your building.