HVAC Blog

  Designing HVAC for the Skies: A New Book by Charles Nehme Title: HVAC System Design for High-Rise Buildings Author: Charles Nehme Available on: Amazon, Apple Books, Google Books Category: Engineering | HVAC | Building Services 📘 Why This Book Matters As urban skylines continue to rise, so do the technical challenges of designing efficient, safe, and sustainable HVAC systems. In his latest publication, HVAC System Design for High-Rise Buildings , industry expert Charles Nehme delivers a focused, practical guide for engineers, consultants, architects, and developers involved in tall building construction. This book is a must-read for professionals seeking to understand the specialized demands of vertical HVAC systems—from handling the stack effect to mastering fire and smoke control , equipment zoning , and energy optimization . 🛠️ What’s Inside the Book? The book is divided into 10 comprehensive chapters , covering: The fundamentals of HVAC for tall structure...

  When we think of our HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, we usually associate it with comfort—warm air in the winter and cool relief in the summer. But what if the very system designed to make you comfortable is actually making you sick? Poorly maintained HVAC systems can become breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and other airborne pollutants. If you or others in your home or workplace are experiencing unexplained health issues, it may be time to take a closer look at your HVAC system. Common Signs Your HVAC System Could Be Making You Sick 1. Frequent Headaches or Fatigue If you find yourself regularly experiencing headaches or fatigue, especially when indoors, your HVAC system may be circulating stale air or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants often come from building materials, cleaning products, or mold growth in ducts. 2. Respiratory Issues Coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing are clear signs something may be wrong. Dirty ...

  Is your air conditioner running but not keeping your home cool,  Don't sweat it! Several common issues can cause this frustrating problem. Understanding these potential culprits can help you troubleshoot the situation and determine if it's a simple fix or time to call a professional HVAC technician. Here's a breakdown of why your AC might not be cooling properly. 1. Thermostat Troubles: The Wrong Setting: This might seem obvious, but ensure your thermostat is set to "COOL" and the desired temperature is significantly lower than the current room temperature. Fan Setting: If your thermostat fan is set to "ON" instead of "AUTO," the blower will run continuously, even when the compressor isn't cooling. This can circulate warm air. Switch it to "AUTO" so the fan only runs during cooling cycles. Faulty Thermostat: An old or malfunctioning thermostat might not be accurately reading the temperature or communicating correctly with ...

  Choosing the right Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is a crucial decision for any building owner or manager. It impacts comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and ultimately, your bottom line. But with so many options available, navigating the HVAC landscape can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, empowering you to make an informed choice and ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for years to come. Why the Right HVAC System Matters Before diving into the specifics, let's highlight why selecting the appropriate HVAC system is so important: Comfort: A well-designed system maintains consistent and comfortable temperatures and humidity levels throughout your building, regardless of the season. Energy Efficiency: An appropriately sized and efficient system can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Indoor Air Quality...

  As energy costs rise and sustainability becomes more important, building owners and facility managers are often faced with a crucial question: Should you retrofit your existing HVAC system or replace it entirely? The answer isn’t always simple. It depends on several factors including the age of the equipment, system performance, building needs, and your long-term goals. Let’s explore the key considerations that will help you make the right choice for your building. 1. System Age and Condition If your HVAC system is: Under 10 years old and still performs well, retrofitting (upgrading components or controls) may be enough to boost efficiency. Over 15-20 years old , chances are technology has advanced significantly, and a full replacement could offer better performance and energy savings. 2. Energy Efficiency Older systems can consume far more energy than newer, high-efficiency models. You might consider: Retrofit if the system is structurally sound but lacks ...

The HVAC industry is undergoing rapid transformation as technology, sustainability, and health considerations converge. In 2025, the focus is clearly on smarter systems, cleaner energy, and healthier indoor environments. Whether you’re a building owner, facility manager, engineer, or HVAC professional, staying updated on these trends can give you a competitive edge. Here are the top 10 HVAC trends dominating 2025: 1. AI-Driven HVAC Systems Artificial intelligence is reshaping HVAC system control and optimization. Smart algorithms now learn occupant behavior, weather patterns, and energy use to fine-tune performance in real time, increasing efficiency and comfort while lowering operational costs. 2. Electrification of HVAC With global pushes toward decarbonization, electrification of heating systems—especially replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps—is taking center stage. Electric-driven HVAC aligns with net-zero building goals and is supported by government incentives in many reg...

  In modern building design, comfort, efficiency, and energy savings are at the forefront of HVAC innovations. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your heating and cooling system is implementing HVAC zoning . Whether you're managing a home, office, or commercial facility, an HVAC zoning system can offer precise temperature control, improved energy efficiency, and greater occupant satisfaction. What Is HVAC Zoning? An HVAC zoning system divides a building into separate “zones” that can be individually controlled. Each zone is typically managed by a thermostat and controlled using motorized dampers within the ductwork. This setup allows occupants to heat or cool specific areas as needed, rather than conditioning the entire space uniformly. Key Benefits of HVAC Zoning 1. Improved Comfort Not everyone prefers the same temperature. Zoning allows different rooms or areas to maintain ideal temperatures for individual preferences. For example, a warmer temperature can b...

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for maintaining comfort in your home or workplace, but they can also be a significant portion of your energy bill. The good news? With a few smart adjustments and maintenance tips, you can reduce your HVAC costs by up to 20% or more without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how: 1. Regular Maintenance is Key A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently. Change your air filters every 1-3 months to ensure good airflow. Schedule professional tune-ups at least once a year to clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all parts work smoothly. 2. Use a Programmable Thermostat A programmable or smart thermostat lets you set temperatures based on your schedule. Lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep and raise it before you return or wake up. This simple adjustment can save you significant energy over time. 3. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation Leaky windows, doors, and ducts cause your HVAC syste...

Are you an HVAC engineer, designer, or contractor tired of hearing the same advice repeated in every manual and course? Do you ever wonder where the real tricks of the trade are being shared? I’ve got news for you. After more than three decades working on HVAC projects across the globe—from hospitals and data centers to cleanrooms and skyscrapers—I’ve decided to compile the practical knowledge I’ve gained into one powerful resource: 👉 Secrets of HVAC Design: Techniques Rarely Taught This book isn’t another beginner’s manual. It’s a deep dive into what really works in the field. Think of it as your personal mentorship in print—distilled from years of solving problems onsite, optimizing failing systems, and delivering energy-efficient designs under tight deadlines. 🔧 What You’ll Learn: Duct design methods that drastically reduce pressure drop VAV system tweaks for better occupant comfort and control How to stage chillers and boilers like a pro Practical control logic t...

  In today’s digital world, downtime is not an option . Whether you're managing a data center, hospital, financial hub, or emergency service facility, power continuity is non-negotiable. That's why I’m excited to share insights from my latest technical book: “Generators in Data Centers and Mission-Critical Infrastructure: Design, Operation, and Optimization of Standby Power Systems for Data Centers and Critical Facilities.” 💡 What the Book Covers This comprehensive guide takes readers through the complete lifecycle of backup generator systems, from planning and sizing to installation, automation, and compliance. With over 30 years of experience in MEP and HVAC engineering, I’ve written this book to serve engineers, facility managers, consultants, and decision-makers who are designing and maintaining reliable power systems. Topics include: The critical role of generators in ensuring uptime Types of generators and fuel considerations Proper sizing and load calculat...

  We live in a world powered by electricity—from our homes and hospitals to water systems and the internet. But what happens when it all stops? Blackouts aren't just local annoyances anymore. Around the world Around the world, we've seen entire countries plunged into darkness—from Venezuela to India and even parts of the US These blackouts disrupt more than just lights—they halt communication, food supply, water access, healthcare, and public safety. This growing reality inspired the new book "When the Lights Go Out: Understanding and Preparing for Nationwide Blackouts." 🔍 What You'll Learn in the Book: The Causes : Natural disasters, cyberattacks, infrastructure failure, and more The Impact to lose : How power loss cascades across water, food, health, and transportation Prevention : What governments, utilities, and communities must do Preparedness : Practical tips for individuals and families—what to stock, how to plan Recovery : How nati...