Temperatures in many areas of the U.S. have dropped to below-freezing levels, putting a strain on the ability of large commercial buildings to maintain normal heating conditions. The problem exists because many HVAC systems are not optimized to handle extreme weather. Further, winter can make HVAC inefficiencies all the more glaring because poor maintenance and performance issues may not have been taken care of in advance.
After months of mild weather, winter can set in quickly, drastically affecting how an HVAC is supposed to function. Instead of forcing in cool air to buildings, units will have to switch over to ventilating hot air. This places a heavier emphasis on hot water coils and steam coils because they are necessary for the full operation of an HVAC's heating capabilities.
In recent years, HVAC trends have skewed toward hot water coils, but many systems still rely on steam coils to raise the temperature of cold air before it is filtered into a building, according to a study from Texas A&M University.
And with many companies using the same equipment they have used for decades, it's more than necessary for businesses to locate areas where there older models can improve. In the case of using steam, coils have to be able to withstand very high pressures while also maintaining the strength and capacity to handle ever-changing levels of temperature and humidity.
Working with the best materials
If steam coils are not working at full capacity, then heating costs will likely soar because an HVAC system will compensate for the lack of output by using more electricity. Additionally, engineers and building managers may be tempted to simply turn their temperature controls up so that more heat is produced. However, if the problem is located in the coils, this approach won't solve the problem and can, in fact, make it worse.
Research from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found the commercial buildings can save roughly 30 percent of their HVAC costs by outfitting their units with new materials, according to Environmental Leader. This amount of savings is significant to companies of all sizes and can help businesses direct their money to other important functions as opposed to wasting it on high utility bills.
To lower heating costs this winter, companies can replace their steam coils for better performance. At Rahn Industries coils are manufactured to handle standard steam coil pressures of 25 pounds per square inch and temperatures up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. And with coating services available, coils can be further strengthened for longevity.
Rahn Industries has a full lineup of spray and immersion (dip)/ Bake protective coatings to meet your needs.