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What Is A RTU HVAC System?

WHAT IS A RTU HVAC SYSTEM?

If you’re in the market for replacing the HVAC equipment in your commercial facility, your contractor may suggest an RTU HVAC unit. But what exactly is an RTU? Well, the abbreviation stands for “roof top unit”.  RTU’s are also commonly referred to as a “package unit”.

HOW DOES A RTU DIFFER FROM OTHER HVAC SYSTEMS?

With numerous HVAC options available for roof installation, it is important to understand what sets a RTU system apart. RTU’s combine various components to deliver the dual benefits of both heating and cooling.

PROS AND CONS OF RTU SYSTEMS

PROS:

Energy Efficiency

Space Optimization

Simple Installations

Faster Diagnostics and Repairs

CONS:

Roof Space and Access Requirement

Exposure to Elements

Potential Animal Intrusion

Limited Suitability for Tall Buildings

 

A Preventative Maintenance program completed by a licensed HVAC Mechanical Contractor can extend the life of your equipment, reduce downtime, and help maintain your facilities air quality.

 

Hardy Services is here to help with all your Plumbing, HVAC, and Controls needs! 

Visit us at hardyserv.com or call (205) 591-5678

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Hydro Jetting: The Key to Efficient Plumbing in Your Facility

Hydro jetting has been steadily gaining popularity among commercial buildings, and for good reason. Its wide range of benefits has the potential to greatly improve your commercial and industrial plumbing system. In this blog, we’ll explore a few key ways in which hydro jetting can gently transform and enhance the overall health of your plumbing system.

Versatile Application

Hydro jetting can be used in various types of plumbing systems, including residential, commercial, and industrial. It is effective for clearing drains, sewer lines, and other piping systems, making it a versatile solution for different plumbing needs.

Effective Clog Removal

Hydro jetting is exceptionally powerful in breaking up and clearing tough clogs, including grease, hair, mineral deposits, and other debris that can obstruct your pipes. It provides a thorough and efficient solution for restoring optimal flow.

Thorough Pipe Cleaning

Hydro jetting is a comprehensive cleaning method that reaches all areas of your pipes. The high-pressure water stream scours the interior surfaces, removing scale, sediment, and other accumulated materials. This results in improved pipe functionality and maximum flow capacity.

Removes Bacteria and Odors

Hydro jetting not only cleans debris but also eliminates bacteria and odors. The forceful water stream washes away bacteria and biofilm that can lead to foul smells and potential health hazards.

Non-Invasive and Environmentally Friendly

Unlike traditional methods that may require digging or using harsh chemicals, hydro jetting is a non-invasive and environmentally friendly solution. It relies solely on high-pressure water, making it safe for your pipes and the surrounding environment.

Prevents Future Clogs

By using hydro jetting with high-pressure water to clear the pipes, it not only eliminates existing clogs but can also help prevent future blockages. It removes residue and build-up along the pipe walls, helping reduce the likelihood of clogs occurring in the future.

 Cost-Effective Maintenance

Investing in regular hydro jetting maintenance can help prevent costly plumbing repairs in the long run. Hydro jetting can help extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and reduce the frequency of plumbing emergencies.

 Improved Overall Plumbing System Performance

By eliminating clogs, buildup, and bacteria, hydro jetting significantly improves the overall performance of your plumbing system. You can experience better water flow, reduced instances of backups or blockages, and enhanced system efficiency.

Remember, it is always recommended to consult a professional plumbing service to assess your specific situation and determine if hydro jetting is the right solution for your plumbing needs.

 Hardy Services is here to help with all your Plumbing, HVAC, and Controls needs!   Visit us at  hardyserv.com or call us at (205)591-5678.

 

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HVAC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Q’S AND A’S

HVAC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Q’S AND A’S

How can a Preventative Maintenance Program protect your buildings’ mechanical investment? Perhaps you are looking to make a change with your current HVAC vendor?  Or are you looking for a Preventative Maintenance Program for the first time? Your buildings’ mechanical systems are an integral part of keeping your facility comfortable and clean.

You have HVAC Preventative Maintenance questions, and we have answers!

Here are some of the most often asked questions regarding a Preventative Maintenance program:

  1. WHAT DOES A HVAC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT TYPICALLY COVER?

A typical HVAC Preventative Maintenance Contract will cover the labor and materials to maintain the equipment at your facility. This could include items such as system inspection, filter changes, belt changes, coil cleaning, and additional tasks that can help prevent equipment downtime.

  1. HOW OFTEN ARE MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS COMPLETED?

Maintenance inspection visits are customizable based on the facility’s needs. Typical schedules include monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, trimester, semi-annual, and annually.

  1. WHAT TYPE OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR MY FACILITY?

The three most common Preventative Maintenance Programs you will encounter are:

Filter Only Service – Filters at your facility are changed by a technician as scheduled. This is ideal for facilities that do not have a heavy demand for their mechanical systems and do not have an individual responsible for maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance – This is the most utilized program option. This would include materials and labor for filter changes, belt changes, system diagnosis, and coil cleaning.

Full Coverage – This is the ultimate insurance policy for your mechanical systems. This could include all labor, materials, parts, and items mentioned in the Preventative Maintenance item above and labor and material for emergency service calls.

These Maintenance Programs listed above can be tailored to fit the needs of your facility.

  1. WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF A PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT?

The typical term length is 1 year. However, if you are looking to manage expenses over a longer period, options for a 2- or 3-year contract can be offered. If you are confident about the vendor’s services, a multi-year contract can save you money and give you peace of mind knowing you can reliably budget your HVAC service costs.

  1. WHEN WILL I BE ASKED TO PAY?

Typically, payments are made after each maintenance visit is completed. However, options to pay at different intervals for budgeting purposes can be accommodated.

  1. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF HAVING A HVAC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH HARDY SERVICES?

Priority service! All our maintenance customers, no matter the program, have priority service. This includes access to our HVAC, Plumbing, and Controls departments at adjusted Preventative Maintenance Customer rates.

Equipment condition reports. Depending on the maintenance program you select, equipment assessments, equipment life expectancy, and budgetary replacement costs can be provided.

24-hour Support! All of our services are available to our Preventative Maintenance Customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our entire team of HVAC Technicians, Plumbers, Controls Technicians, and Management team are here to support your facility!

KEEP HARDY SERVICES IN MIND FOR ANY HVAC, PLUMBING AND BUILDING AUTOMATION NEEDS!

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PARANORMAL ACTIVITIES ……IN THE PIPES

We have all heard the tall tales of fisherman, the scary stories around a campfire, and have seen movies about the things that cannot be explained.  There are things that remain a mystery, things that are only found in the deepest and darkest places in the ocean, only move in the night, or things that you just catch a glimpse of out of the corner of your eye. Similarly, Plumbers can share tales of the discoveries they have found in the deep and dark places that only they are brave enough to embark into.

 

Below are the “Top Ten” strangest things on record that have been found in pipes:

  1. Bullets and Explosives Explosives from WWII have been found in the sewers of London, England.
  2. Livestock? – Yes, a cow was found eight years ago when a Chinese farmer lost a cow.
  3. Jackpot!! – A plumber was called out because a gravity line was blocked. The quarters filled two five-gallon buckets resulting in a $12,000 find!
  4. Sorry, I missed your call! – Smartphones
  5. “It’s not mine” – Contraband
  6. Something to chew on – Dentures
  7. Missed the party bus – Miniature Bottles of Liquor
  8. It’s on a bird, it’s on a plane, it’s in the sewer – Superhero Action Figures
  9. Nothing is scary than bad hygiene – Hygiene Products
  10. Animals, Animals and Animals Lizards, snakes, alligators and many more.

 

If you suspect some paranormal activities with your commercial plumbing, a sewer camera inspection could provide answers to your questions.

Reasons for a sewer camera inspection include:

  1. Visually see the internal condition of the pipes
  2. Locate the issue in the pipe within a few feet
  3. Determine the issues in the pipe; blockage, roots, broken pipe, etc.
  4. Video documentation of the inspection for future reference
  5. Lower labor costs vs. traditional methods

 

So, if you think you have some paranormal activity going on in your pipes, who you gonna call?? Hardy Services!!

For additional information or to schedule service for your HVAC, Plumbing, or Controls needs, call us at (205)591-5678 or visit us at hardyserv.com

 

5 CAUSES OF FROZEN HVAC COILS

News flash, it is Summer, it is HOT! The last thing you would expect to see is ice on the coils of your HVAC system.

Below are a few potential causes for frozen coils on your HVAC system:

  1. Dirty air filters may cause frozen coils

Your HVAC needs clean airflow throughout the system to function properly. Dirty filters can obstruct air from getting in and out of your system. If the air does not circulate around the coils, the coils get too cold, and lead to ice accumulation on the coil.

  1. Broken fans can decrease airflow and cause coils to freeze

Even if your filters are clean, it will not help unless the fan is pushing air through the system.

If your fan has a broken motor, or dirty blades, this can cause a decrease in airflow that could lead to frozen coils.

  1. Condensate line issues

Condensate lines are the part of your HVAC system that drains away the excess moisture from humidity. This moisture, condensed into water, travels through condensate lines to drain. Lines that are clogged, broken, or do not have the proper pitch, can freeze resulting in ice accumulation. A common place for obstruction happens near the evaporator coil, which is the coldest part of the HVAC.

  1. Malfunctioning thermostats

Your thermostat works with your HVAC by regularly checking the temperature and controlling the amount of conditioned air your building needs to stay at the desired temperature.

If the thermostat is malfunctioning or does not read the correct temperature in the space, it could cause the unit to run longer than needed. Left unchecked, an overworked HVAC unit could develop frozen HVAC coils.

  1. Refrigerant leaks are a common cause for frozen coils

Refrigerant is the chemical that runs through your HVAC coil, it regulates the temperature by absorbing heat inside of the space. When refrigerant leaks, it will affect the cooling process of your HVAC system, which causes condensation on the coil to freeze.

 

KEEP HARDY SERVICES IN MIND FOR ALL HVAC, PLUMBING AND CONTROLS NEEDS

 

Call us at (205)591-5683 or visit us at www.hardyserv.com

 

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BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (BAS) -THE BENEFITS

The benefits of Building Automation Systems (BAS), sometimes referred to as Building Control Systems (Controls), vary, but the reasons usually fall into three main categories:

  1. They save building owners money
  2. They allow building occupants to feel more comfortable and be more productive
  3. They reduce a building’s environmental impact

SAVING MONEY

A Building Automation System can reduce the utility bills for building owners. A more energy efficient building simply costs less to run.

Estimated energy savings from simply monitoring occupancy range from 10-30%, which, based on the size of your building, can create significant savings on utilities each month.

Typically, building owners or facility managers find that the money a BAS saves them can over time offset the installation and implementation of the system itself.

Also, optimizing the operation of the equipment for your facility can extend the life of the equipment, meaning reduced replacement and maintenance costs.

 COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY

Efficient control over the building’s internal environment can create a healthier and more pleasant work environment. Furthermore, studies have shown that improved ventilation and air quality can have a direct impact on productivity and a business’s bottom line.

 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

By reducing energy consumption, a BAS can reduce the output of greenhouse gases and improve the building’s indoor air quality, the latter of which ties back into bottom line concerns about occupant productivity.

 KEEP HARDY SERVICES IN MIND FOR ALL HVAC, PLUMBING AND CONTROLS NEEDS

Call us at (205)591-5683 or visit us at www.hardyserv.com

AVOID FROZEN PIPES IN YOUR COMMERCIAL FACILITY

AVOID FROZEN PIPES IN YOUR COMMERCIAL FACILITY

 

For many building owners and facility managers, frozen pipes can be one of the most significant problems that occur during the cold months.

 

Items that can contribute to frozen pipes:

  • PIPES THAT ARE NOT WELL INSULATED. Insulated pipes keep the warmth in and the cold out. If pipes are not insulated, it is much more likely that the water inside them will freeze.
  • PIPES LOCATED IN NON-CLIMATE CONTROLLED AREAS OF YOUR FACILITY. Commercial buildings may have areas that are not climate controlled or have poor heat distribution.  These areas include basements, exterior walls, or more remote spaces.
  • PIPES FREEZE BECAUSE THERE IS NO WATER CIRCULATION. Water supply lines and drainage pipes can be sensitive to freezing temperatures. These lines/pipes often have water sitting stationary for long periods of time.

 

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT PIPES FROM FREEZING IN YOUR FACILITY

  • INSULATE THE PIPES. Use pre-formed pipe sheaths or wrap the pipes with standard blanket-style insulation.
  • INSULATE THE BUILDING. It is also a good idea to insulate areas that are likely to get cold. Increased insulation can also make your building more energy efficient.
  • USE HEAT TAPES. Heat tapes are lengths of wire with embedded heating elements that warm up to heat pipes.  These can be wrapped around your pipes to prevent freezing.
  • SEAL AIR LEAKS. Make sure to seal any cracks, holes and gaps that allow cold air to blow in on pipes.

 

HARDY SERVICES IS HERE TO HELP WITH ALL OF YOU HVAC, PLUMBING AND BUILDING AUTOMATION NEEDS!  

 

CALL US AT (205)591-5678 OR VISIT US AT HARDYSERV.COM.

 

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Plumbing Maintenance for Healthcare Facilities

PLUMBING MAINTENANCE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Modern healthcare facilities require advanced plumbing solutions to comply with local, state, and national codes and standards.  A trained commercial plumber can provide support for these facilities.  Healthcare facilities may have the need for large pipe repair/replacement, gas/oxygen lines, drainage assistance, water supply lines repair/install, or many other unique plumbing needs that only a trained commercial plumber can provide.

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, dental practices, veterinary clinics, medical laboratories, and assisted living homes provide unique services and therefore have many unique plumbing needs. Below are just a few areas in which a trained commercial plumber can help:

  • ACCESS DIFFERENT TYPES OF WATER

Medical facilities may utilize many different types of water systems to include potable cold-water systems, water treatment systems, hot water systems, irrigation systems, grey-water systems, and steam systems. These systems need to be maintained and may require calibration to reduce the risk to patients.

For example, hot water systems provide 2 types of hot water to facilities, warm water for hand wash basins, and how water to clinical sterile areas.  These systems must be calibrated to reduce the risk to patients in these environments. 

  • GAS LINE INSTALLATION, REPAIR, AND RELOCATION

A trained and certified commercial plumber can install, repair, and relocate gas lines to ensure safe access for medical personnel and patients.  Common gases used in these medical facilities could include oxygen, medical air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, nitrogen oxide, and helium. 

  • REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT MAINTENANCE

Repair or replacement of aging pipes, fittings and fixtures can prevent breakdowns that could be dangerous to patients.  A plumbing maintenance program for your medical facility can help ensure a healthy environment for your patients and reduce downtime for facility operations.

  • MANAGING WASTE ISSUES

Wastewater and other chemicals can create serious sanitary issues if released without proper treatment.  The right solution can provide added protection for the environment while protecting the staff and patients.  By maintaining the release of wastewater safely, you can reduce risks inside and outside your healthcare facilities.

Healthcare facilities provide unique services and therefore have many unique plumbing needs.  Are you looking for a dependable commercial plumbing team that can meet the need?

KEEP HARDY SERVICES IN MIND FOR ALL HVAC, PLUMBING AND BUILDING AUTOMATION NEEDS!

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ARE MY PIPES HAUNTED?

Squeaking, creaking, vibrating, and banging pipes can make you feel like you are living with ghosts or goblins. However, more than likely…… it is nothing supernatural, but just sounds that could be explained by issues in your water pipes.

 

CREAKING AND TICKING SOUNDS

“Creaking” sounds can be caused by hot water traveling through copper pipes. The hot water causes the pipes to expand causing them to rub against any surface surrounding them.

Once copper pipes begin to cool off, they start to contract and may cause a ticking or creaking sound. A possible resolution to the “Creaking” & “Ticking” noises could be an adjustment to your water temperature or wrapping the pipes to lower or eliminate the sounds.

 

POPPING SOUNDS

Mineral buildup in your water pipes can cause “Popping” sounds. The buildup creates a rough coating on the inside of the pipes, which results in the forming of air bubbles that burst and pop when the water heats up. The source of these “Popping” sounds may be your water heater. A Commercial Plumber will know how to flush your water heater to reduce sediment or can install a new water heater if needed.

 

VIBRATIONS, BANGING, AND CLANGING SOUNDS

A common and easily manageable issue that can contribute to many of the sounds and vibrations in your systems water pipes is water pressure. Loosely attached water pipes sometimes vibrate due to the pressure of traveling water. Pipes that vibrate against solid objects can produce a loud vibrating or knocking sounds.

A sudden banging or clanging throughout your water pipes could be caused by a closed valve that suddenly halts the flow of running water causing a hydraulic shock wave to travel through the pipe until it hits a solid obstacle with a loud bang! A Commercial Plumber could help to solve the issue.

 

Learn more about some “spooky situations” at:

 

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Hardy Services is here to take the mystery out of your Plumbing, HVAC, and Controls needs 24/7! Our 24-hour Service line is 205-591-5678 or you can visit us at hardyserv.com

 

SIGNS OF AN A/C WATER LEAK

Have you found a puddle of water in the mechanical room or notice a wet spot on the ceiling tile?  If so, something is wrong.  Likely, you’re A/C has a leak!  What do you do now??!!

First, don’t hit the panic button!  There are several possible causes for an A/C to leak water and many of them are not a difficult and expensive repair.

However, it is important to act quickly, because a leaking A/C can cause major damage to walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and could lead to major repairs or equipment replacement.  Proper Preventative Maintenance provided by your trusted Commercial HVAC Service provider can help prevent most of the issues listed below.

 

COMMON REASONS WHY AN A/C MAY LEAK WATER

  1. FROZEN COILS – Probably the most common reason an A/C leaks water. Locate your indoor air handler and look at the evaporator coils. If you see a block of ice, turn the unit off immediately and call your Commercial HVAC professional for a service call.

 

  1. DIRTY COILS – When regular maintenance is neglected, it is common to find dust, grime, and dirt on the A/C coils. The dust, grime, and dirt buildup can impede the flow of water to the drain pan.

 

  1. DAMAGED INSULATION – Insulation on your coils are designed to keep the accumulated condensation flowing down the coil. However, when the insulation gets damaged with cracks or holes, water can drip directly from the coil instead of flowing to the drain pan as it should.

 

  1. DISCONNECTED DRAIN LINE – This problem usually stems from a poor installation. If you’re A/C’s drain line wasn’t attached correctly, it can become disconnected and lead to an A/C water leak.

 

  1. CLOGGED DRAIN LINE OR TRAP – Here is another issue due to lack of maintenance. The condensation collected by your air conditioner carried dust and debris into the drain line and drain pan. This causes the drain line to clog and results in the water to backing up and overflowing/leaking.

 

Learn more about HVAC preventative maintenance and how important it is to get the right plan for your facility.  Here are some links to additional information:

 

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For further information regarding a preventative maintenance plan or if your system is not operating at its best, give us a call 205-591-5678 or visit us at hardyserv.com