HVAC units can be a financial drain for many businesses, with energy being lost through the electricity necessary to power a building. In the case of commercial and industrial facilities, the amount of floorspace is growing faster than the actual construction of buildings themselves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This means businesses are opting for larger spaces, whether it’s warehouses, factories or storage centers.

The added space puts a larger emphasis on energy costs because a larger building usually means more products and workers. To accommodate these buildings, more power is needed, which will raise utility costs and affect the budgets of businesses.

The EIA estimated in 2010 the entire manufacturing industry required 14,228 billion British thermal units of energy. Much of this usage comes from the use of HVAC systems themselves – sometimes as much as 50 percent for some specific industries.

For companies reliant on stringent temperature control, HVAC units are a vital part of the operation of the business as a whole. This can be anything from cooling data centers to storing food at optimal temperatures, with a heavy focus on safety and quality of the product.

During colder months, the performance of HVAC systems is especially critical. A particularly larger emphasis is placed on heating and its associated costs.

Coil capacity
The capability of an HVAC unit to heat a room is largely dependent upon the coils inside the unit itself. Without these coils, temperature and airflow could not be regulated, much to the detriment of a building’s function.

Hot water coils are responsible for heating outside air before it is forced into a building through vents. Usually made with two rows, these HVAC coils are filled with heated water that must be circulated at a specific rate that will facilitate heat transfer. If water is moving too quickly through the coils, the coils themselves have a harder time transferring heat. Additionally, if hot water moves too slow, not enough water is contacting the inside walls of the coil, meaning the overall temperature of the coil might not be high enough to properly heat a building.

While the circulation of water is one issue, maintenance problems are another. Leaks, buildup and electrical problems can plague an HVAC system. If hot water coils are not cleaned and coated in the correct manner, efficient heat transfer will not be able to take place. This will cause energy costs to rise as the unit compensates by working harder and using up more electricity.

Replacing coils
Rahn Industries recommends cleaning coils regularly. However, after years of use, many hot water coils need to be exchanged for newer ones. Coils from Rahn are built to withstand temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 psi of pressure.

Coils up to 40 feet long are made from seamless copper designed at varying diameters depending on the client’s need. The casing of the coil is made from 16 gauge galvanized steel, making them exceptionally durable and longlasting.

To increase the performance of an HVAC unit’s heating capability, tubes are specifically constructed to fit perfectly with fins. Further, Rahn can ship these materials in 24 hours if necessary, making expedited service a top priority. By replacing coils, the lifespan of an HVAC system can increase while total energy costs decline due to the durability of Rahn’s design.

Rather than replace an entire unit and struggle with maintenance costs, updating the interior coils is the most cost-effective way to heat a building with sustainable energy in mind.

Contact Rahn today to see how HVAC products can serve your needs.