Did you know that it is a Florida Building Code requirement to install safety float switches on new Roof Top Unit replacements?

Most customers know that condensate float switches are installed in air handlers inside buildings. It is now mandatory to install float switches in Roof Top Units (RTU) as well. Normally, you will have two float switches in a split system above the ceiling; one will be incorporated in the main drain of the air handler and the other will be installed in the auxiliary emergency drain pan. Therefore, if the first device fails, there will be a redundant safety switch. This is best illustrated by a common example: if the main drain line on an A/C system becomes clogged, then condensation water would fill the drain pan and could start to overflow. This safety device is designed to shut down the air conditioner when the drain pan backs up.The float switch can prevent water damage to your floor,ceiling, or merchandise.

During a scheduled preventative maintenance, the safety switch can be tested to ensure that it will function properly and shut the unit down in case of a water back-up. The Florida Building Code made it mandatory to install the float switch device on rooftop equipment, not just air handlers. Some customers have noticed that ConServ includes a quote for float switches on our RTU replacement proposals. A minor investment such as this can keep our customers up to code as well as a safeguard them from any accidents or damage from water leaks.

307.2.3.1 Water-level monitoring devices.

On down-flow units and all other coils that do not have a secondary drain and do not have a means to install an auxiliary drain pan, a water-level monitoring device shall be installed inside the primary drain pan. This device shall shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain becomes restricted. Externally installed devices and devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.

Contact your ConServ representative for more details.

In 1992, ConServ Building Services, Inc. began providing excellent commercial HVAC service, planned maintenance and construction services to businesses in the state of Florida. Our firm has since grown in both size and reputation. ConServ now has a large fleet across the Southeastern United States, ready to serve you. Contact ConServ Building Services at 1-800-940-3241 to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable service professional.

The rumor of R22 equipment not being manufactured after January 1, 2010 was just that, a rumor. As a matter of fact, several manufactures increased production of their R22 components in 2010 and began to dry-ship them without the refrigerant. Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration(ACHR) News reported that Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, Nordyne and Rheem are all producing dry R22 condensing units. The development of so-called “dry R22” condensing units means that ConServ can continue to maintain existing R22 HVAC systems with less expensive replacement parts rather than switching to new R410A equipment, as long as a supply of R-22 is available at reasonable prices.

The original EPA ruling of 2009, designed to curtail use of R22, only said that entire systems could not be manufactured and that any replacement components for aftermarket use could not be pre-charged with the refrigerant. Condensing units constitute a component, not an entire system. With the sluggish economy, there should be an ample supply of R22 refrigerant at a reasonable price. We are seeing an increase in customer demand for less expensive R22 components to use in repair of older R22 units, rather than changing out to R410A equipment. There are a few concerns with installing a dry-shipped condenser, such as:

• The possibility that the stepped up use of R-22 to charge the dry-shipped equipment onsite will increase the use of the refrigerant to the point where the supply of R-22 dwindles and becomes scarce.

• The price for R-22 refrigerant is going up and will continue to increase until the supply runs out. Installing a dry R-22 unit is acceptable when repairing a system but not for installation of a completely new system.

When installing a complete new system, an R-410A system must be used. Please contact your local ConServ sales specialist to find out if a dry R22 condenser is right for you.

Please contact ConServ Building Services for any of your service or maintenance needs.  We’ll schedule an appointment for you with one of our highly trained professionals.

A healthy place of business starts with controlling your indoor CO₂ levels. Honeywell C7232 Carbon Dioxide (C0₂) sensor models provide exceptional long term monitoring and control of space ventilation. 

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas. It’s produced both naturally in the environment and through human activities--people exhale CO₂ which contributes to the levels in the air. 

The level of CO₂ indoors depends upon:  

• The number of people present 
• How long an area has been occupied 
• The amount of outdoor fresh air entering the area 
• The size of the room or area 
• Whether combustion by-products are contaminating the indoor air (e.g., idling vehicles near air intakes, leaky furnaces, tobacco smoke) 
• The outdoor concentration  

Occupants may experience negative health effects in buildings where CO₂ levels are high. At high levels, carbon dioxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms. This could occur when exposed to levels above 5,000 ppm for many hours. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed ventilation guidelines that should maintain a comfortable environment for most occupants. The amount of fresh air that should be supplied to a room depends on the type of facility and room. For example, in elementary school classrooms, ASHRAE recommends 15 cubic feet per minute per person of outdoor air (for a 1000 square foot room occupied by 50 people). In office spaces, ASHRAE recommends 20 cubic feet per minute per person (for a 1000 square foot occupied by 7 people). 

Installation of Sensors  

• Sensors can be installed either on the wall or in the A/C return air ductwork
• The Honeywell C7232 provides voltage or current output based on CO₂ levels 
• Sensors are connected to a damper in the A/C system’s existing ventilation system 
• Controller typically signals an increase in fresh air into the space 

Contact your ConServ representative for more details. 

ConServ Building Services provides customized maintenance programs to monitor and maintain your filtration system. Please contact ConServ Building Services for any of your service or maintenance needs.  We’ll schedule an appointment for you with one of our highly trained professionals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks poor air quality as one of the top five public health risks. The average person spends almost 90% of his or her time indoors.  Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) promotes absenteeism in both work and schools.  Common symptoms include asthma, allergies, headaches, and dizziness.

Maintaining proper indoor air quality is crucial for the health of the inhabitants of a building.  The efficiency of the HVAC system to regulate indoor air quality relies heavily on HVAC filters. There are many choices with regard to air filters:

•  Pleated Filters

• Medium and High Efficiency Bag Filters

• All MERV rated filter options

• Rigid Cell Filters

• Bulk Media and Pre-cut Pads

• Automatic Roll Filters

• Disposable Panel Filters

When selecting filters, you should consider factors such as moisture resistance, temperature compatibility, and flammability.  Filters should be changed at regular intervals of every 1-3 months depending upon the facility and the surrounding environment.  ConServ will be able to both recommend and monitor filters for you.

ConServ Building Services provides customized maintenance programs to monitor and maintain your filtration system. Please contact ConServ Building Services for any of your service or maintenance needs.  We’ll schedule an appointment for you with one of our highly trained professionals.

Your HVAC equipment is an investment and as such, should be properly maintained. Regular inspections decrease the need for expensive emergency repairs and equipment failure. Our commercial maintenance programs can be tailored to each customer's needs.

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