How to Cool an Older Commercial NYC Building Cost-Effectively

Cooling an older commercial building in the heart of New York City can be a challenging endeavor, especially when you’re striving for cost-effective solutions. The soaring temperatures of summer can strain outdated HVAC systems, leading to discomfort for occupants and high energy bills for property owners. 

Despite what your latest energy bill may have led you to believe, you don’t have to exceed your budget to effectively cool an older NYC building during the summer. From identifying signs of an inefficient HVAC system to leveraging advanced technologies like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, we have the insights you need to make an informed decision about your commercial HVAC system. Keep reading to learn how Air Stream can help you optimize your HVAC system for greater efficiency and comfort. 

Signs of an Inefficient Commercial HVAC System 

There are several tell-tale signs that your commercial HVAC system may not be working as efficiently as possible, including: 

• Inconsistent Temperatures: Uneven cooling across different areas of the building is a clear indicator of an inefficient HVAC system. Some rooms might feel uncomfortably warm while others remain chilly. 
• High Energy Bills: A sudden spike in energy costs during the cooling season suggests that your HVAC system is working harder than it should to maintain desired temperatures. 
• Frequent Downtime: If your system is experiencing frequent breakdowns or requiring constant repairs, it’s a sign that it’s struggling to meet the cooling demands of your building efficiently. 
• Excessive Noise: Unusual noises coming from your HVAC system indicate wear and tear, which can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy consumption. 

Efficient Commercial HVAC Cooling Solutions 

There are a range of commercial HVAC solutions that can increase your property’s energy efficiency (and reduce that monthly bill), including:  

Regular HVAC Maintenance 

One of the most vital ways to ensure your commercial HVAC system is working efficiently is with a regular maintenance plan. Regular cleaning, changing filters, and addressing small issues promptly can greatly improve efficiency and extend the system’s lifespan. 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems 

VRF systems are a game-changer for older buildings. They offer individualized temperature control for different zones, adapting cooling based on occupancy needs. This technology not only ensures efficient cooling but also minimizes energy waste, leading to cost savings. 

Smart Building Controls 

Upgrade your building’s HVAC controls to smart technology. These systems use real-time data to optimize cooling and adjust settings based on occupancy patterns and outdoor conditions. This approach eliminates unnecessary cooling and ensures that your HVAC system is always working at its most efficient level. 

Demand Control Ventilation 

Older buildings often struggle with ventilation issues. Demand control ventilation systems regulate airflow based on occupancy, ensuring fresh air without excessive energy consumption. This technology enhances indoor air quality while cooling the building more efficiently. 

Zone Heating and Cooling 

Retrofitting your HVAC system with zoning capabilities enables customized temperature control in different areas. This avoids overcooling unoccupied spaces and maximizes comfort where it’s needed. 

Insulation and Seal Gaps 

Proper insulation and sealing gaps in windows, doors, and walls can significantly reduce the load on your cooling system. Less heat infiltration means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain cool temperatures. 

Your Path to Budget-Friendly Cooling Starts with Air Stream 

Cooling an older NYC commercial building efficiently and cost-effectively is achievable with the right strategies and technologies. Identifying signs of an inefficient HVAC system is the first step, followed by implementing proven solutions for reducing energy costs such as regular HVAC maintenance and an energy-efficient HVAC infrastructure. 

If you’re ready to take the next step to cooling your commercial NYC property more efficiently, contact Air Stream today to discuss how we can tailor these solutions to your specific building needs.

 

The Latest Commercial HVAC Technologies for Optimal Comfort in New York’s Extreme Weather

New York’s extreme weather conditions demand efficient and innovative HVAC solutions to ensure optimal comfort and performance in commercial buildings. From scorching heat waves to freezing winters, commercial property owners and managers like you need to stay ahead of the game to keep your property efficiently heated and cooled.

In this blog post, we will explore the latest commercial HVAC technologies that are transforming the way buildings are heated, cooled, and ventilated. Implementing these solutions, all offered by Air Stream, can ensure a comfortable indoor environment for your occupants no matter the outdoor conditions. 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems have gained immense popularity in the commercial HVAC sector in recent years due to their energy efficiency and flexibility. VRF systems provide individualized control of heating and cooling to different zones within a building, allowing for precise temperature regulation as per occupancy needs.  

Air Stream’s technicians are certified by VRF manufacturers such as Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and LG, ensuring expert installation, maintenance, and repairs for these HVAC systems. By implementing VRF technology into your building, you can experience enhanced energy savings, improve indoor comfort, and reduce environmental impact. 

Sustainable HVAC Systems with Smart Building Controls 

Sustainable HVAC systems equipped with smart building controls can offer you a holistic approach to energy efficiency and comfort. These advanced systems integrate various components such as sensors, thermostats, and automated controls to optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation based on real-time occupancy and weather conditions.  

Smart building controls empower property owners like you to fine-tune your HVAC settings remotely, ensuring minimal energy wastage while maintaining desired comfort levels. Investing in sustainable HVAC systems not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to a greener, more eco-friendly environment. 

Demand Control Ventilation 

Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) systems adjust the amount of outdoor air brought into a building based on occupancy levels and indoor air quality. DCV helps prevent unnecessary ventilation during low occupancy periods, conserving energy and reducing HVAC system strain. 

Implementing DCV systems is especially crucial in New York’s extreme weather conditions, where proper ventilation is essential for indoor air quality without compromising energy efficiency. 

Zone Heating and Cooling 

New York’s commercial buildings often have diverse occupancy patterns and comfort requirements across different areas. For example, the front of a building may be designated as office space, but the back could be warehouse space; as a result, very different HVAC needs could be needed for two areas of the same building! 

Zone heating and cooling systems enable independent temperature control for specific zones, allowing occupants to customize their environment as needed. This approach saves energy by avoiding over-conditioning unoccupied areas, ensuring comfort where it’s needed the most. 

Mobile-Friendly Technology 

The rapid advancement of mobile-friendly HVAC technology has revolutionized the way commercial buildings are managed. As a building owner, you can now remotely access and control your commercial HVAC systems via smartphones or tablets. This capability provides unparalleled convenience, allowing for the adjustment of settings, performance monitoring, and the ability to receive real-time alerts, even when you are not physically onsite.  

Embracing mobile-friendly technology enhances operational efficiency, improves response times, and facilitates proactive maintenance, ultimately leading to an optimal indoor environment for your occupants. 

Elevate Your Commercial HVAC System with Air Stream

As New York’s extreme weather conditions continue to pose HVAC challenges for commercial buildings, it’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest technologies that can optimize comfort and energy efficiency. 

At Air Stream, our certified technicians ensure seamless integration of these advanced technologies into your commercial building, providing unmatched expertise and support. Contact us today to discuss how we can tailor the latest commercial HVAC technologies to meet your property’s unique needs and create an unparalleled indoor environment for your occupants. 

How to Maintain Indoor Air Quality During Extreme Conditions

Recent events, such as the smoke from Canada’s fires engulfing New York City, have raised concerns about poor air quality.

Maintaining indoor air quality during extreme conditions is crucial for commercial spaces. To ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for your employees and customers, partnering with Air Stream for an ongoing commercial HVAC program is the solution. We offer tailored strategies and solutions specifically designed for commercial properties and provide the expertise and support to optimize your indoor comfort.

The Impact of Extreme Conditions on Indoor Air Quality

Extreme conditions can have a profound impact on indoor air quality within commercial buildings. Whether it’s heatwaves, wildfires, or air pollution events, these extreme circumstances pose significant challenges for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Outdoor pollutants such as smoke, ash, and particulate matter can infiltrate commercial spaces, compromising the air occupants breathe. Poor indoor air quality not only affects the comfort and well-being of employees and customers, but also has the potential to impact productivity and overall business operations. That’s why it’s essential for commercial building owners and managers to recognize the impact of extreme conditions on indoor air quality.

Here are some ways you can proactively implement strategies to prevent poor indoor air quality in your property.

Regular HVAC System Inspections and Maintenance

Partnering with Air Stream for ongoing HVAC system inspections and maintenance ensures that your system is in optimal condition year-round. Regular inspections, clean filters, and well-maintained components help filter out pollutants and maintain indoor air quality.

Proper Ventilation Strategies

Air Stream’s technicians can also help you develop proper ventilation strategies tailored to your commercial space’s specific needs. Balancing ventilation requirements with outdoor air quality during extreme conditions is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance of the System

Air Stream’s commercial HVAC maintenance programs also include regular cleaning and maintenance of your system to prevent the circulation of contaminants throughout the building. Additionally, we offer professional duct cleaning services (upon request) for added assurance of clean, healthy airflow and better indoor air quality.

Contact Air Stream Now to Discuss Your Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Maintaining indoor air quality during extreme conditions is paramount for commercial spaces. To ensure ongoing comfort and optimal indoor air quality for your commercial building, partner with Air Stream for our comprehensive commercial HVAC program. Our experienced team of technicians will work closely with you to develop a customized solution that meets your specific requirements and challenges.

And, best of all, by partnering with Air Stream and utilizing our ongoing commercial HVAC program, you can proactively address indoor air quality challenges, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment for your building occupants.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and start a partnership that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of your employees and customers.

5 Ways to Cut Energy Costs All Year Long

With Earth Day upon us, we understand that energy usage (and monthly costs!) is a significant expense for your property year-round. However, there are ways to reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort of your employees or customers!

Here are five ways you can save on energy costs year-round via your commercial HVAC system.

Use Smart Building Controls

Smart building controls allow for the implementation of energy-smart tools, such as programmable thermostats, in your building. This allows you to program basic functions, such as setting the temperature of your building to automatically adjust to a specific schedule. As a result, you can set the temperature to be higher during non-business hours when no one is in the building, and cooler during business hours when the building is occupied. This example alone can be easily integrated into your existing commercial HVAC system, and result in significant energy savings throughout the entire year.

Maintain Your Commercial HVAC System

A well-maintained HVAC system can operate more efficiently, resulting in lower energy costs over time. A regular maintenance plan includes cleaning and/or replacing your system’s filters, and belts, inspecting controls and components, and clearing condensate drains. Performing operations check on economizers, and refrigerant charges. Not only does proper maintenance extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, but it also helps reduce energy waste.

Install Energy-Efficient Equipment

If your commercial HVAC system is outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment can make a big difference in energy savings. Energy-efficient equipment can include high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps. These systems use less energy to operate and can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

Implement Zone Heating and Cooling

Zone heating and cooling allows you to control the temperature of specific areas within your building. This is particularly useful if certain areas are used more frequently than others. For example, you can set the temperature higher in areas that are not frequently used, such as storage rooms or closets, and lower in areas that are occupied more frequently. This can result in significant energy savings by reducing the amount of energy used to heat or cool unoccupied areas.

Use Natural Ventilation

Depending on your building’s layout and climate, natural ventilation can be an effective way to reduce energy costs. This involves proper operations of economizers and fresh air damper assemblies. Additionally, natural ventilation can improve indoor air quality and promote a healthier work environment.

Let’s Discuss How Air Stream Can Help You Reduce Your Building’s Energy Costs

In conclusion, there are many ways to save on energy costs via your commercial HVAC system. By implementing a few simple changes, such as smart building controls, a regular HVAC maintenance plan, and upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money.

At Air Stream, we understand that every business has different needs and requirements when it comes to its HVAC system. That’s why we offer customized solutions that fit your business’s unique needs. From regular maintenance to equipment upgrades and energy-efficient solutions, we can help you reduce your energy costs while keeping your building comfortable and efficient all year long.

To start a discussion with our team, call 516-747-4700.

 

Is Your Building Compliant With New York City Local Law 97?

Did you know buildings are the single-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City?

Local Law 97 (LL97) was recently included in the Climate Mobilization Act as part of Mayor de Blasio’s New York City Green New Deal and plan to make the city carbon neutral by 2050 by increasing the sustainability of buildings.

Here’s a breakdown of what LL97 covers, how it will affect you as a building owner in New York City, and some actions you can take now so that your business isn’t negatively impacted by this change.

What is New York City’s Local Law 97?

Local Law 97 went into effect in November 2019. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York City by 40% by the year 2030, and 80% citywide by 2050.

What Does Local Law 97 Cover?

Local Law 97 generally covers, with some exceptions:

• Buildings that exceed 25,000 gross square feet;
• Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet;
• Two or more buildings owned by a condo association that are governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 50,000 square feet. 

 

How Are Building Owners Affected?

To meet the requirements of LL97, building owners like you must find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The easiest way to do so is by improving existing processes with more sustainable options. Smart building controls, for example, are a way to increase efficiency in your building through the automation of components such as your commercial HVAC system, lighting, and window shades.

What Actions Should You Take?

If you’re a building owner whose emission limits have been lowered, meaning, you are mandated to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, you have the option to follow the original limits based on NYC Building Code occupancy groups and/or the limits based on Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM)’s property types through 2025.

By 2026, you’ll be required to report your emissions using the ESPM property types.

Keep in mind that these sustainability changes can also help you save some money while reducing admissions and adhering to local guidelines. The goal of local law 97 is to create incentives for property owners to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, which will ultimately help cut down on their monthly utility bills.

Start reducing your building’s greenhouse gas emissions now—call Air Stream at (516) 747-4700 to discuss sustainable commercial HVAC options.

 

Should You Upgrade Your Building Management System in 2022?

As you look forward to the new year, now is the time to make considerations for your 2022 commercial HVAC plan. Could your HVAC system be more efficient? Could you be saving on monthly energy costs? Could you incorporate a new system design that flawlessly does everything your building needs…and more?! 

To give you an idea of how your commercial HVAC system can be improved in the new year, we’re highlighting Building Management Systems, including one of our favorite projects of 2020. 

What is a Building Management System? 

A Building Management System (BMS), is a computer-based control system installed in commercial buildings. With a BMS in place, there is a centralized location in the building where all critical mechanical and electrical components are managed, including ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems.

 

Benefits of Building Management Systems

With an effective BMS in place, you not only benefit from a centralized control center but also: 

• Convenient monitoring and management of energy and indoor comfort levels 
• Minimized landlord and tenant costs 
• Extending equipment and systems’ life by reducing loads and operating hours 
• Reduced maintenance costs 
• Fewer equipment replacements and upgrades 

See How We Transformed this Long Island Commercial HVAC System: Broadhollow Road Renovation 

This year, the expertise of Air Stream AC’s Controls Department was enlisted for a full commercial HVAC renovation and refurbishment, as well as a Building Management System upgrade on all equipment at 534 Broadhollow Rd. in Melville, New York.

This project included full integrations of the main air handler, boiler and chiller plants, actuators, dampers for duct branches, and boiler and chiller water controls.

 

 

 

 

 

With this centralized system in place, our client reaps the benefits of smart building controls every day, with fully integrated and automated building management. 

Smart building controls also offer: 

• Simplified operations that make controlling building features as easy as clicking a mouse 
• Increased energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint 
• Customized dashboards that provide easy viewing of all building data, usage, reporting, and permissions…all from one screen! 
• Satisfied, comfortable employees and tenants who’ll love their environment

Start 2022 with a Building Management System Upgrade 

As a certified Honeywell Building Specialist, Air Stream AC has the knowledge and field expertise to help you create a centralized system to monitor and manage the mechanical and electrical elements of your building. Simplify the way you manage your building, reduce energy costs, and create a space your tenants will love.

For more information, call (516) 747-4700. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go Green to Save Your Green $$: 3 Ways You Can Cut Costs Now with Green Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each year, Earth Day is a reminder to reflect on our own energy habits and how they impact our lives. Your commercial HVAC system is one of many ways you can not only reduce energy consumption, but costs as well.

How is the Energy Efficiency of Your HVAC System Affecting Your Bottom Line?

Did you know it’s estimated that heating and cooling can contribute to as much as 73% of the total energy costs in commercial buildings? When it comes to keeping energy use and operational costs down, the efficiency of your HVAC system is critical.

For commercial property owners, if you haven’t already, making the switch to green HVAC technology can reduce greenhouse gases and environmental footprint, while also increasing energy efficiency and cost-savings.

 

 

Green HVAC System Types

Here are three ways you can go green with your HVAC system to save some money!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Smart Thermostats & Building Controls

Smart thermostats are just one of the many smart building controls you can implement into your own energy strategy, leveraging the latest HVAC technologies to integrate and automate all aspects of your building.

When integrated with your HVAC system, smart building controls monitor and automate your HVAC system’s critical points like the temperature, fan status, indoor air quality conditions, and compressor status, and you can even maintain your building anytime, anywhere using a smart app on your phone. . Best of all, smart building controls also optimize your system to be as efficient as possible, saving energy and money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Zoned HVAC Systems

When you’re looking to cut energy costs, zoned HVAC systems are an excellent choice. With zoned systems, you can easily divide your building into multiple heating and cooling zones, all of which can be controlled separately, creating maximum comfort throughout all areas of your building.

With Zoned HVAC systems, you don’t pay for energy you don’t use; rarely used spaces won’t take up energy just to reach a specific temperature needed in another area of your building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. HVAC Economizers

HVAC economizers are another excellent way to save energy and money while maintaining your commercial building. HVAC economizers are part of the outdoor system of an HVAC system, typically mounted on the roof of the building. Economizers evaluate the outside temperature and humidity, and when those exterior air levels are appropriate, will use the outside air to cool your building.

When implemented, HVAC economizers lower energy consumption and costs, while reducing the amount of work your commercial air conditioning system does (prolonging its life!) and improve indoor air quality through increased ventilation.

 

Reduce Your Energy Consumption with Green Heating and Cooling

To minimize your energy use and save on operational costs, contact Air Stream today at (516) 747-4700 and we’ll help you choose the best green energy options for your facility!