• Avoid Problems with HVAC
• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Decrease Your Energy Bill While Cooling Your Home
• Energy & Cost Efficient Changes to Your HVAC
• Purchasing An Energy Efficient HVAC System
• Air Conditioning – Definition and History
• How Air Conditioners Work
• HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and AC
• Alen Corporation - History and Products
• Air Fresheners Don't Freshen
• Make Your Home Safe with Better Ventilation
• FEMA Trailer Residents Fighting Mold
• Humid Areas at High Risk for Mold
• Relieve Stress By Removing Clutter
• Toxicity in Office Affects Indoor Air Quality
• Using Candles Safely
• Wet Weather Breeds Mold

Avoid Problems with HVAC Systems

Large data processing centers run into problems with cooling, but these issues are not unique to computers. Consumers can run into some of the same problems with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and air conditioning units need proper care and regular maintenance in order to run effectively.

In data centers, HVACs can cease to work after a power outage while the computer processors continue to function off of backup generators. Although air conditioning systems will eventually restart after a few minutes, data processors generate enough heat to shut down after two to three minutes of work without a cooling system in place.

Every building manager and consumer needs to understand the importance of proper maintenance and care for their HVAC systems. If an air conditioning unit is not appropriately maintained, the system will suffer unnecessary stress and work less efficiently in times of need. Improper care can also cause unexpected breakdowns of components and failure of a system over a longer period of time.

Every manager and homeowner needs to understand the importance of humidity and its relationship with temperature. Warmer, humid air isn’t good for either computers or people and can damage to processors and promote mold growth.

Martin Olsen, the director of product management and development with Active Power, emphasizes that real-time monitoring of temperature with data processors is key to efficiency and processor safety. He states that managers should compare the temperature of the inlet to the IT equipment temperature. This is essential in determining the effectiveness of the HVAC system. Olsen also says that the system should be adjusted so the temperature of the airflow out of the HVAC unit is only slightly lower than the inlet temperature in to maximize efficient cooling of data processors and airflow.

Olsen also suggests that companies maintain a log of changes to the HVAC system regarding filter replacements. If filters are not maintained and replaced on a regular basis, dust and debris can backup and lower the pressure and efficiency of the system. This can also make fans and blowers work harder in order to maintain appropriate temperatures, causing increases in energy usage.

Olsen continues by saying that belts and pulleys also need regular maintenance. These items should be checked and adjusted to minimize strain and wear on parts. Improperly adjusted belts can lead to early failures in fans and bearings. But these parts do wear out and both consumers and industrial professionals need to recognize that certain HVAC components need to be replaced over time. During replacement or repair, professionals need to inspect all the other parts of the system to insure proper function.

Although most microprocessors and computers come with temperature controls, HVAC systems still need regular maintenance to avoid unnecessary shut down of equipment. Some of these processor temperature controls are directly connected to the building’s system, but others rely on internal controls to determine safety levels.

Regardless of temperature, HVAC filters still need to be replaced regularly and that flooring is modified to accommodate proper air circulation.

IT managers need to be aware of the time it takes from when an HVAC unit might shut down to when the processors shut down due to cooling problems. Proper ventilation and flooring can help reduce the amount of time between these two events and save both time and energy in emergency situations. Although most modern buildings have complex monitoring systems, proper maintenance is still recommended to achieve the best results.

Once again, logging information is key to keeping the HVAC and processors healthy. Olsen suggests keeping all records in one area and continuously monitoring the amount of processing versus the amount of air circulation needed to maintain a desired temperature. Existing duct work can always be used to move hot air from heat containment areas.

Common Problems

Although proper regular maintenance is key, HVAC systems commonly fall victim to certain problems. The majority of HVAC issues involve the following problems:

• Belts – Belts should be inspected at least every other month if not every thirty days. Since belts stretch, they need to be regularly adjusted or replaced. If they are improperly adjusted, they can slip or break, potentially causing a system failure and damaging other components
• Bearings – Not all bearings are the same and some require grease at least once a year.
• Filters – Filters are designed to remove air particles and dust and can become clogged over time. Clogged filters can cause fans to work harder and negatively affect airflow.
• Outdoor Condensers – Cooling coils and compressors require regular cleaning and inspection to maintain proper function of the HVAC system. Dirty coils can lead to poor performance and system breakdown.
• Refrigeration system – Although the compressors and thermal expansion valves usually require no maintenance, consumers and managers need to understand that the refrigeration system needs to match the needs of the home or business. The size that the HVAC system is designed to accommodate needs to meet or slightly exceed the space of the home or building. If the needs of the industry or home change, then individuals need to reevaluate the HVAC system.