Category Archives: Commercial

Commercial Air Conditioning Strategies in the Age of Covid-19

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As health experts continue to learn more about the spread of COVID-19, there is plenty of evidence that indicates the virus can be spread through airborne transmission. Thus, there is potential that an HVAC system could spread the virus when high-speed air flows past an infected person to others. This fact is something that has employers and commercial building managers concerned as employees begin to return to workplaces. As your commercial HVAC system experts in Chandler, AZ and throughout the greater Phoenix area, we wanted to offer some guidance that could help mitigate the risk through this route.

Circulation and Airflow Management

One primary goal for commercial HVAC during this time is to increase the rate of exchange with fresh air from the outside of a building. This reduces the recirculation of air. Evaluating ducting and potentially reconfiguring it can be beneficial. As well, adjusting settings to prevent the system from shutting down overnight and on weekends can also help.

There has been some evidence to indicate that taking measures to modify indoor airflow patterns can also play a role in reducing transmission. This includes ensuring a slow, steady air speed and directing potentially contaminated air out of rooms and away from occupants.

Upgrading HVAC Equipment

As buildings regain usage, it may also be time to consider upgrading HVAC equipment. For example, replacing fixed-speed fan motors with variable-speed ones can improve airflow. As well, it may make sense to install an air purification system which can improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and even deactivate viruses circulating through the air. At Bruce’s, our technicians are licensed to test indoor air quality and install commercial air purifiers.

While modifications to HVAC systems will not completely eliminate the virus, they can be part of a comprehensive effort to reduce the spread of it. To learn more about how Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating can be part of your business’s “return to work” plan, call us today at 480-968-5652.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Space Cooler This Summer

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While summer is here, it’s still business as usual in most Arizona commercial spaces, as well as for the employees who work in them. Productivity needs to remain consistent throughout the year – even when temperatures hit the triple digits. The challenge is ensuring indoor temperature stays consistently cool and comfortable.

If you have a commercial space, you know that not only can it be difficult to maintain a consistent indoor temperature in the summer, it’s also costly. At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re here to help with all your commercial air conditioning needs, including a few tips to help keep your space comfortable with costs under control.

Schedule maintenance

If you haven’t yet, make sure your HVAC system is functioning efficiently by scheduling a preventive maintenance call. Not only will we, at Bruce’s, ensure that your units are ready for the hot season ahead, we can help you increase efficiency to save you on your monthly utility bill.

Change air filters

Ensure air filter replacement is part of your regular building maintenance. By replacing or cleaning filters at least once a month, you can reduce your energy consumption by 15 percent while helping to improve indoor air quality throughout the space.

Consider energy-saving blinds

Do you have windows that let in a lot of sunlight? They also let in heat which makes it harder for your HVAC system to cool your space. With window coverings, your units don’t have to work as hard and will last longer, increasing your system’s return on investment.

Listen for potential problems

If you notice noises from an air conditioner that are growing louder, it’s worth getting your system checked out. A common problem is a cracked or broken belt, but it could be something more serious. To ensure you don’t have a system failure which could halt business altogether, be proactive with addressing possible problems.

Use ceiling fans

Ceiling fans can enable you to raise the thermostat setting by about four degrees without any noticeable impact on your employees’ comfort. By using your ceiling fans with your air conditioner, you can save money throughout the summer by creating a wind chill effect that will keep everyone cooler and more comfortable.

Don’t forget! Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating for all of your commercial air conditioning needs this summer.

Ensure Your Office Air Conditioner Will Keep Your Team Cool This Summer

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Arizona summer heat can be relentless by anyone’s standards. Yet, it’s business as usual here in the desert – even when temperatures soar above 100 degrees. To keep operations rolling on the most scorching days, it’s vital to have your commercial air conditioners working both effectively and efficiently.

As your commercial HVAC experts, we want to partner with you to ensure you have the expertise, equipment and service needed to effectively maintain your temperature-controlled environments. Whether you have a one-person office, a commercial retail space or an expansive warehouse, you don’t want to take chances with your air conditioning. It only takes one system breakdown to make operations come to a screeching halt.

We’re here to help when you need repairs on an air conditioner unit. More importantly, we can provide proactive maintenance to prevent you needing service in the first place. Seasonal tune-ups are a wise business decision and your first line of defense when it comes to maintaining consistent interior climate control.

Struggling with an Old Air Conditioner?

Like with any piece of business equipment, you need to carefully determine the return on investment of a new air conditioner. To maximize the value of this purchase, it’s vital to choose the right type and size system. At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we make sure you always get exactly the system you need for your business – nothing more, nothing less. We consider all factors when determining your optimal unit specifications. This includes:

  • Square footage of your facility
  • Usage of space
  • Size and location of outside walls
  • Zoning requirements
  • Special needs, such as computer rooms or laboratories

Don’t take chances by waiting for a system failure or by choosing an unproven HVAC service provider. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652 and gain the peace of mind that your business will stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

Commercial HVAC: Keeping Your Employees Comfortable During the Winter

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Do you run a small company or own a commercial space in the greater Phoenix area? If so, you probably know firsthand the challenges of keeping the temperature optimal during the winter months. Mornings can be bone-chilling cold, and afternoons can feel downright balmy. This can make it a battle to maintain the right temperature for employees through the workday.

Occupational research studies have repeatedly shown that the optimal office temperature is between 70 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit for the majority of workers. However, there are factors to consider as you adjust the thermostat:

Gender – Because women have lower metabolic rates than men, they can be more susceptible to cold. So, if there are a lot of women in the space, the temperature might need to be raised slightly.

Humidity – While it’s relatively dry during Arizona winters, a bout of rain can quickly increase the humidity inside a commercial space to an uncomfortable level. This can make the air feel muggy and too warm. In contrast, low humidity can make the air feel colder and can even impact skin, sinuses, the throat and eyes by making them feel dry and scratchy. Most experts will tell you that a humidity level of around 40 percent is ideal for year-round productivity.

Windows – Large windows, as well as skylights that let in a lot of sunlight can make an office feel warmer, even when the temperature outside is chilly.
High ceilings – The excess space created by voluminous ceilings can lead to poor air distribution. In other words, heaters in the winter, as well as air conditioners in the summer, must work harder when you have high ceilings.

Older buildings – Often, aging buildings have outdated HVAC systems that have uneven temperatures.

Set the Optimal Temperature

Office temperatures that are too warm or too cold are among the most common complaints of those in work environments. And, issues related to temperature result in millions of dollars in lost productivity each year. It makes sense to focus on getting it right.
The best solution is often to poll workers to find out what is most comfortable. Once you have a general consensus, you can program the best temperature for the majority of people. For those who feel the temperature is too cold, it may make sense to relocate them closer to a heat vent. Likewise, workers who like it cooler might be more comfortable near an open window or with a desk fan.

Maintenance Is Key

Of course, it’s impossible to regulate temperature effectively if you have an HVAC system that isn’t operating properly. Because your heater and air conditioner are vital to the success of your operations, it’s important that they are properly maintained on a regular basis. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating to learn more about our commercial heating and cooling solutions.

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Fall?

With fall officially here in the Valley of the Sun, you’re probably more than ready for a break from the heat. Is your HVAC system ready for the seasonal change? The following are some tips to ensure your home is prepared for when the temperature dips and you need heat.

Clean Your System (Exterior)

Summer storms often result in leaves and debris accumulating around exterior air conditioning units. With monsoon season now over, this is the perfect time to clear vegetation, dirt and dust that can impact your system’s functionally. Trim back bushes and landscaping that surround your unit. Remove dead leaves, branches and weeds.

Clean Your System (Interior)

Summer winds also can wreak havoc on the interior of your HVAC system, causing dust to quickly collect inside your unit, ductwork and filters. With the season over, replace or clean your indoor air filters. It’s a simple task that can dramatically improve your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your system.

Inspect Your System

While much of your system isn’t visible, you can still conduct a preliminary inspection to determine if there are any obvious issues. Grab a flashlight. Inspect the outdoor unit, as well as your furnace, vents and any visible areas of ductwork. Look for potential problems like leaks, loose seals or cracks.

Next, turn on your system. Check to make sure air is moving through every vent. If you haven’t used your heater in six months or more, you will likely smell a burnt odor for a few minutes. This is normal as dust that has built up on the furnace or heat pump will burn the first time you use the heat. If the burnt smell continues or if something doesn’t seem quite right, don’t delay in calling for service.

Call for a Professional Tune-Up

Not every issue can be discovered through a visual inspection. This is why it’s important to get regular tune-ups to ensure your system is working as it should be. A professionally-trained HVAC technician knows exactly what to look for, as well as what to do to extend the life and efficiency of your system. This includes lubricating moving parts and tightening electrical connections.

Kick Off Fall with a Tune-Up

Winter chill is just around the corner. Be prepared by scheduling a fall tune-up with Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. It’s the best way to ensure the efficiency of your system and prevent a small issue from turning into a costly repair. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule a time that’s convenient for you.