DOMESTIC HOT WATER ANALYSIS CHECKLIST: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

-

 The domestic hot water system is one of the most important and frequently-used appliances in any commercial building. Although this system might be out of sight, that doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. If you want to enhance your building’s domestic hot water system and keep it properly maintained, our team of HVAC techs at Tri-Tech Energy in NJ has put together this checklist to help you. 

Identifying Building Type and Location 

The type and location of your building will determine what type of domestic hot water system you can use. For example, geothermal heat pumps require space to dig underground and lay a network of pipes, meaning if you don’t have space to do this then this system won’t work for you. Many commercial buildings already have the infrastructure for domestic hot water systems, and it’s simply a matter of upgrading your existing equipment to something more sustainable and energy-efficient. An HVAC technician can inspect your building, as well as analyze its location, and make the best recommendations for you. 

Understanding Applicable Building Codes 

There are national, state, and local building codes you must follow when installing a domestic hot water system. Building codes address issues like sanitation, hot water safety, and regulations around where equipment is housed. Building codes are legally enforceable and abiding by them isn’t optional, it’s mandatory. If you’re found not to be in compliance with applicable building codes you can be issued fines until the problem is corrected, and that can put a significant dent in your operations. All HVAC technicians must stay up-to-date on national, state, and local building codes to ensure their clients are in compliance. 

Addressing Owner’s Specific Requirements 

Each building owner will have their own specific requirements for their domestic hot water system. It’s the HVAC technician’s responsibility to discuss all expectations and requirements with the building owner before installing or repairing a domestic hot water system. Some owners might not be aware of what’s possible and what’s not, so managing expectations and giving clear information is essential. 

Determining System Redundancy 

Commercial water systems use designs that help ensure uninterrupted operations. Even the smallest disruption lasting half of a second can be enough to shut the system down, allowing contaminants to enter the water and affecting the whole building’s water supply! One way to override the system shutting down is to include redundant systems, which activate and take over when the main water system turns off. System redundancy can be integrated into the communications network, the electrical distribution system, or the automation system, and all elements of a hot water system must be thoroughly analyzed before deciding how best to integrate a redundancy system. 

Analyzing Plumbing Fixture Usage and Future Expansion Plans

The existing plumbing fixtures need to be analyzed to ensure they’re capable of handling the waterflow, especially if there are plans to expand in the future. Sometimes commercial building owners expand their business without taking into account the capacity of their electrical system, their plumbing system, and their HVAC system, only to find that they need upgrades or additions that tip the budget. HVAC technicians should inspect all of the plumbing fixtures and discuss future expansion plans with the property owner to ensure the existing plumbing system is fit for purpose. 

Domestic hot water systems in commercial buildings must be able to withstand constant use and occasional strain. Regular inspection, analysis, and maintenance is highly recommended in order to keep the hot water system operating efficiently, and to maximize its life while ensuring optimal performance. 

For more information about how to enhance your commercial building’s domestic hot water system, please contact our team at Tri-Tech Energy today. 

Originally published at: https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/domestic-hot-water-analysis-checklist/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Professional Boiler Services Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

-
Image
A proper heating system is essential for every commercial building, including factories and industrial sites, and having the correct  boiler system installed  and maintained by specialists is key to operational efficiency and minimal downtime. But all commercial Boiler service companies are not created equal. Levels of expertise, experience, access to specialized equipment, responsiveness, and integrity when considering repair or replace, are also critical. What to look for in your commercial boiler contractors  Commercial and industrial experience:  If you need an existing system maintained, repaired or upgraded, or a new system built from the ground up, residential boiler specialists simply won’t be able to help you – you need a partner who understands the demands of commercial heating systems. This is because scale isn’t the only factor at play – commercial systems have to work harder, have a role beyond just heating in many businesses, and often require advanced facilit
Read more

How to Find a Reliable Commercial HVAC Contractor

-
Image
A good commercial HVAC contractor is more than a company that you call when things start going wrong in your building – they’re a partner who works with you to ensure a healthy, comfortable environment for employees, clients and tenants. Here are some tips on finding a HVAC contractor that can be relied on for professional, expert service and advice. Essential paperwork:  One of the very first steps in this process is ensuring that the company has the correct permits and licensing from the state or municipality, and that they are in possession of a contract license surety bond. This ensures that the contractor is qualified and protects you against unfair dealings or if something goes wrong. It’s also important that your contractor has worker’s compensation insurance in case a worker is injured while working on your property. Don’t accept a quote over the phone:  Every building and HVAC system is unique, and there is simply no way to get an accurate grasp on what needs to be do
Read more

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Commercial HVAC Contractor

-
Image
Looking for a  commercial HVAC contractor  to maintain, repair, design or install a new HVAC system for your building? Here’s some advice to help you find the right team for the job. Don’t Make These Mistakes When Hiring a Commercial Contractor  You don’t know what you need:  Of course, your HVAC contractor should be able to do a full assessment of your system and advise you on repairs or upgrades, but it’s important that you have an informed idea of the services you are seeking. Are you making energy-efficiency a priority? Is your system making strange noises and emitting unpleasant smells? What is your budget? You don’t get multiple quotes:  Unless you have industry experience, it’s very difficult to tell when a quote is reasonable or not, which makes getting multiple quotes essential. Call in at least three contractors and have them assess the situation and see what they offer before you accept an estimate. You don’t ask for references:  The best way to find out if your
Read more