Construction projects are complex, tiring, and often time-consuming. All of this is due to multiple requirements of small and large scale that comprise the project. With many requirements relating to non-functional aspects of the project, some requirements do require considerable planning and execution since they reflect outputs in many ways. One such prime construction requirement is in the form of HVAC which is a branch of an MEP system. MEP systems are widely incorporated in commercial and private buildings across the globe, dominantly in Saudi Arabia. A major reason is the emphasis on construction management in the KSA.
However, breaking down, the entire Middle Eastern strip is rich in construction masterclass and MEP is incorporated significantly since it allows three primary branches of engineering, construction, and maintenance in a single unit. What this offers is a significant amount of help, easiness, and maintenance of the system. MEP is considered the backbone of any project that needs to offer an output in a positive sense. But MEP comprises mechanical, electrical, and plumbing that further involves the development of HVAC, one of the most sought-after services in the world of construction, interior, and energy efficiency. With the world of HVAC wide enough, it is time we decode it in perfection.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning and is one of the most prominent services in an MEP system. To incorporate HVAC, you may seek the help of professional HVAC contractors and firms but often stakeholders and project managers make use of the MEP contractor firms to incorporate the entire MEP system, with HVAC also implemented as a result. HVAC lies in the mechanical branch of MEP and is the primary service in this branch.
Decoding the service is easy, all you need to do is read the HVAC name separately and you will find three different services combined for a common benefit. That is, providing energy energy-efficient way of circulating fresh air inside a building and taking away the impure air, making the atmosphere sublime concerning the surroundings. This might be the most comprehensive summary of an HVAC role.
Heating
Buildings in different parts of the world require a heated environment in comparison to the surrounding such as the northern parts of the world. It is because the rise in temperature prompts people to look for warmer places and buildings need to be incorporated with a fine centrally heated system that keeps the inside of a building warm and cozy.
Ventilation
Ventilation is another aspect that is a necessity for any building. It is because if there is air pumped into a space, it must be fresh in the first place. If fresh, there needs to be raw, impure, or old air to leave the same space so the aroma and freshness of new air pumped into the space can be felt and observed. This happens to a perfectly laid ventilation system that sucks the impure air out of space and ensures fresh air is circulated within the same space.
Air-Conditioning
The third sub-category of an HVAC system is air-conditioning which itself is significantly important in different parts of the world. Buildings in countries like Saudi Arabia always make use of air-conditioning facilities to the maximum since the temperatures soar significantly during the days for most times of the year. To combat this, air-conditioning facilities are incorporated within the buildings.
With an HVAC system installed, errors and problems can occur that will require maintenance called corrective maintenance. But wouldn’t it be better if preventive maintenance is carried out effectively beforehand to spot any problems? To elaborate on how such maintenance can be carried out, we enlist some key tips below for your consideration.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Professional HVAC contractors are not only professional installers and designers but also professional maintainers. It is because their expertise lies in the HVAC systems to a high extent and their inputs and visualizing the system is far better and keen than any other person. Hence, it is ideal to schedule professional HVAC maintenance with their consultation. Timing of such maintenance is also key. Ideally, it is advised to perform one such professional maintenance in the spring regarding air-conditioning and the other in winter regarding heating. Things that must be looked out for in such maintenance are:
- Checking thermostat calibration
- Tighten any electrical connections if needed to
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Cleaning of blower components
- Inspection of condensate drain and its cleaning if necessary
- Cleaning of evaporator and condenser coils
- Checking fuel line connections
Changing the Filters
The ideal purpose of any filter is to remove the impurities and let the original item pass through with purity. In the HVAC world, filters are extremely important since they are directly related to the functioning of the system. Filters are added to the HVAC system to prevent dust, hair, and other pollutants from mixing the air and entering the space where air is to be passed.
The filters act accordingly to let fresh air enter and circulate throughout the space. However, if filters are clogged, they will fail to perform their task and thus impure air will circulate the space. It is thus necessary to change filters every 30 days. Also, for most systems, the MERV rating between seven and thirteen is considered feasible for any filter.
Visually Inspect the HVAC System
Nothing beats the perfection of the human eye and the keenness to detail it can have. However, all of this is true if the human eye is incorporated with attention to detail. HVAC systems are intricate, delicate, and complex to understand in the first go but once understood, you can inspect them visually to look out for certain issues that may arise. Often in any system, problems arise that can be prevented with a mere inspection on the go. Hence, it is always advised to inspect things visually before calling out for high-end maintenance.
Remove Clutter Around the Indoor HVAC Unit
The indoor unit of HVAC is responsible for many things such as keeping the fresh air flowing into the space and venting out the impure air and particles. But this is possible when there is a clear way for such particles and impurities to exit through the vent. In contrast, when these impurities do not leave through the vent, it is through clutter and loads of impurities that clog the indoor area surrounding the HVAC unit. For this, the least you can do is remove the clutter around the indoor HVAC unit area and ensure that no impurities can clog their way out of the vent. What this effort will do for you is improve the efficiency of the system.
Regulate the Temperature
Whether you have the HVAC system installed inside your house, a building, or any commercial space, you must have one eye on energy consumption. This is because HVAC systems operate through energy and more energy requirements will result in higher consumption. HVAC systems are intended to maintain an optimal temperature inside the building they are installed.
But if they are required to operate at full capacity even when you are not present it will result in high energy consumption. To prevent this, you can use a variable thermostat that will automatically keep the building, space, or house cold in the winter and warmer in the summer when you are not present. This will allow the HVAC system to not consume more or constant power and operate for a longer cycle without any issues.
"Conclusion"
“HVAC systems are one of the best, most prominent, and effective systems in construction management. These systems are designed, planned, and installed through a series of hits and trials and then finalized at optimal settings. Once set, they can operate significantly positively to provide the best outcomes when it comes to energy conservation. In regions like Saudi Arabia, it can be hard to find a professional HVAC contractor but thanks to Silver Foundation, there is no hassle anymore to look out for the best options.“
Frequently Asked Questions
What comprises an MEP system?
An MEP system comprises mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sub-systems.
What is HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning and is one of the primary services of an MEP system.
What branch does HVAC connect with in an MEP system?
HVAC connects with the Mechanical branch of an MEP system.
What is the role of ventilation in HVAC?
The role of ventilation in HVAC is to ensure that fresh air circulates within any space and impure air is sucked out.
How effective running of an HVAC system is possible?
The effectiveness of an HVAC system is through cleaning of clutter around the HVAC unit and using an adjustable thermostat to control energy consumption.
