Few issues are as important as the health and well-being of customers and employees. 

One threat to your company’s health is sick-building syndrome (SBS). Partnering with a team like Omnia360 means creating safe indoor environments that foster productivity, comfort, and health. 

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome describes symptoms experienced by people who spend time in one building or area of the building without any identifiable cause. 

These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. While the exact cause of SBS is often elusive, it’s widely attributed to poor indoor air quality and other environmental factors within the building.

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Several factors contribute to the development of sick building syndrome:

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and other allergens. These contaminants can trigger respiratory issues and exacerbate existing health conditions.

Biological Contaminants

Damp, humid environments are an ideal breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other biological contaminants. Exposure to mold and bacteria can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions, contributing to SBS symptoms.

Chemical Pollutants

Certain building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products release chemicals into the air, known as off-gassing. Prolonged exposure to chemicals can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.

Poor Ergonomics and Comfort

Inadequate lighting, uncomfortable temperatures, and poorly designed workspaces can contribute to discomfort and fatigue, exacerbating SBS symptoms like headaches.

How Can Facility Management Services Prevent Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome is multifaceted, so the best approach to tackling unhealthy indoor environments is a holistic facility management strategy. 

Here’s how our services can help prevent SBS:

1. HVAC services: Our experienced technicians conduct regular maintenance and inspections of HVAC systems to ensure performance and indoor air quality are up to standards. 

These services include cleaning and replacing air filters, checking for leaks or ductwork issues, and calibrating thermostat settings for comfort and efficiency.

Related Post: How Often Should Commercial HVAC be Serviced? 

2. Cleaning services: We employ eco-friendly cleaning practices and products to eliminate dust, dirt, and other contaminants from indoor surfaces. 

To minimize the risk of SBS-causing pollutants, comprehensive janitorial services encompass all building areas, including high-touch surfaces, carpets, upholstery, and ventilation systems.

3. Indoor air quality monitoring: We utilize advanced monitoring technology to assess indoor air quality levels and identify potential sources of contamination. 

Monitoring key indicators such as humidity, temperature, and particulate matter concentrations can address issues before they escalate and impact occupant health.

4. Plumbing maintenance and leak detection: Plumbing maintenance prevents moisture buildup and water damage, which leads to mold growth and indoor air quality issues.

The team at Omnia360 conducts regular inspections of plumbing systems to identify leaks or water damage in pipes, fixtures, and surrounding areas. Proactive measures such as installing moisture sensors and leak detection systems can provide early warning of potential plumbing issues.

Contact Omnia360

Contact us at (833) 360-6642 to learn more about our comprehensive facility management services. We’ll help you create indoor environments that promote productivity and comfort.

Commercial air conditioning systems see heavy use, day in and day out, year after year. They work hard to keep customers and employees comfortable at your commercial property. 

In today’s post, Omnia360 facility solutions, a premier facility management company in Cincinnati, answers frequently asked questions about commercial air conditioning for your business. 

What’s the difference between residential and commercial air conditioning units?

Think of a commercial HVAC system as a larger, more complex version of your home’s HVAC unit. 

What is a commercial air conditioning system? 

Commercial systems have a multitude of packaged units with their own thermostats so that different rooms and floors (zones) can regulate their temps. Due to their size and scope, ventilation is more complex, involving a convoluted network of pipes and drains. 

Lastly, the tech is more advanced than a normal HVAC system; most buildings have AC units with economizers that use logic controllers and sensors to push out heat and bring in cool outside air.

What’s the average cost of commercial air conditioning repair? 

Due to how robust a commercial HVAC system is, it’s typically more expensive than repairing the AC in your home. 

• $75 to $200 depending on the contracting company. 

• Parts also vary in complexity, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

Should I hire an HVAC company or an FM company for AC service work? 

It depends on how much maintenance coverage your building needs. 

If it’s more than HVAC: plumbing, janitorial work, or landscaping, then and facility management company will save you thousands of dollars throughout the year. 

If it’s just a few one-off repairs to your HVAC system, hiring a commercial AC repair company near you is advisable. 

How much money does a commercial HVAC system cost? 

Businesses can expect to pay between $7.50 and $10.50 per square foot for AC systems. Market research suggests that commercial costs are expected to rise due to factors like skilled labor shortage and ever-increasing costs for new constructions. 

What are the six types of commercial HVAC systems? 

• Single-split system

Single-split system, every indoor unit connects to an exterior unit. Whenever you need more AC, you can just add more units to each room. Ideal for smaller spaces, like coffee shops, corner offices, and similarly sized locations. Not ideal for large offices.

• Multi-split system 

Ductless multi-split systems — unlike single-split systems — connect up to five indoor units to one outdoor unit, giving each room individual temperature control settings. Ideal for large commercial properties, not for smaller office spaces. 

• Heat Pump

The heat pump just works to push and pull air from the interior to the exterior of your building, reversing directions whenever cold or warm air is needed. It’s great for schools and sports facilities but often fails in colder climates, like Cincinnati, Ohio, where temps sink below 40 degrees. 

• VRF or VRV system

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) or variable refrigerant volume (VRV) consists of a heat pump that uses refrigerant in the heating and cooling lines, with multiple evaporator connections to a single condensing unit. 

• VAV system

Variable air volume (VAV) systems give consistent, comfortable temps by varying airflow levels. It’s perfect for small offices or commercial spaces where parts of a building need to be heated and other parts cooled off. Some VAV systems are in a single unit, but serve multiple areas (zones). 

• CAV system 

Constant air volume (CAV) systems provide consistent airflow by adjusting the air supply temperature setting. Perfect for spaces with large areas, few windows, or openings, like showrooms or exhibition halls. Not ideal for buildings with multiple floors requiring multiple heating and cooling zones. 

What type of AC is best for commercial use? 

Variable refrigerant flow systems are well-fitted for large commercial buildings; they’re easy to control, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. 

Multi-zone mini-split systems are the best choices for commercial buildings with multiple offices or rooms, each requiring independent thermostat control. 

How long does a commercial AC last? 

10 to 15 years. More with preventative maintenance and careful use. 

Which AC unit lasts the longest? 

Longevity will depend on the manufacturer. Some quality brand names include:

• Trane(™)
• Carrier(™) 
• Goodman(™)
• Rheem(™) 
• York(™) 

HVAC systems that use a two-stage mechanism (like mini-split systems) tend to last longer because they don’t have frequent “on” and “off” cycles. 

Factors that affect your HVAC’s longevity: 

• Wear n’ tear. 
• Preventative maintenance.
• Incorrect installations lead to premature system failure and minor, repeated breakdowns.

That’s why it’s important that you choose a reputable HVAC contractor with a track record of quality installations. 

What size commercial AC do I need for my building? 

It depends on the size of the building, average external temperature to building design, orientation, and purpose. 

Commercial HVAC systems are measured in tons — British Thermal Units (Btu) and can range between 2 and 30 tons. Generally, it takes 25 Btu to cool 1 square foot. 

You’ll need to determine the heating and cooling load required for your commercial property. That requires some math: “How to Perform a Quick Load Calculation.”

Be Warned: Choosing the wrong size negatively affects energy costs, system performance, and how much maintenance is required. 

What is the most efficient commercial HVAC system? 

Choosing a great HVAC system will depend on factors like building design, air quality, and energy efficiency. Other considerations include your budget, how many rooms or floors your building has, and how long you expect the system to last. 

Which AC is the most powerful for my commercial property? 

To find the most powerful AC system, check and compare the BTUs and heating/cooling power input (Watts) of each AC product on third-party wholesale websites. 

Ask Yourself: Does this unit handle hot summer weather well? 

Depending on your business’s location, as well as your building’s age and design, your employees and customers might feel like they’re inside a toaster oven during the summer months. That is, if you don’t buy the right-size AC unit for your space. 

The right size will depend on your building’s layout. So if it’s too large or oversized for your small office space, you’ll run up energy costs for nothing. If it’s too small for your two-story building, your unit won’t keep up with the demand. 

Commercial HVAC System Repair & Maintenance 24/7 Support

Our facility management services provide you with 24/7 support to maintain all facets of your commercial building, from commercial HVAC repair to plumbing, janitorial cleanup, and landscaping. Schedule your FREE assessment today: 833.360.6642.

HVAC systems for commercial office buildings are pressured to perform day in and day out, providing cool and warm air for multiple floors and rooms. Over time, they undergo a lot of wear and tear. 

That can mean more and more out-of-pocket costs towards HVAC maintenance or repair — pretty expensive. Then again, buying a new commercial HVAC unit is not cheap either. 

So, here’s the real question: 

How do you know it’s time to replace your commercial HVAC system?

Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio explains the tell-tale six signs that just scream “you’re due a replacement!” 

1. Strange Noises and Sudden Stops 

If you’re hearing grinding, rattling, clunking, squealing, or hissing sounds, it’s likely that a component is loose or broken. An aging or broken HVAC system can emit bad smells, sometimes musky odors or burning scents. 

Short cycling, or sudden stops and starts, indicate that it’s not getting enough power to operate continuously, or that it’s overheating, forcing the components to work harder to compensate for the impaired performance. 

2. Your HVAC Unit is Over 10 Years Old

Sometimes it’s better to replace an old unit outright than to repair its individual parts. It’s more cost effective and proves to be a better investment for the long run.

Naturally, older models often lack the same level of functionality or technological improvements seen with more up-to-date models of commercial HVAC systems. Upgrading could be an excellent investment to your building’s overall energy efficiency. 

3. Office Air Quality is Getting Worse 

It’s hard to ignore it. Employees and customers alike notice. Stuffy, difficult-to-breath air could be indicative of a leak in your HVAC system. It’s a sure sign that air isn’t being filtered through your heating and cooling system correctly. 

While this could be due to damaged ductwork in your building, it can also be due to damages in your HVAC system. For instance, a broken furnace can lead to carbon monoxide (a deadly gas) leaking through the indoor air vents. 

Related Post: Troubleshooting Your Commercial Furnace – Reasons It’s Not Working

4. Rising Electric Bills 

Skyrocketing utility bills out of nowhere? It’s a sign that your HVAC unit is just not performing and due to age or malfunctioning parts, it has to draw more and more power to run, hiking up your monthly energy bill. 

Completing a full HVAC replacement will ultimately save you on operational costs in the long term. A new air conditioner and furnace will give relief to more than just your checkbook. Your employees and customers will be more comfortable. 

5. Non-Eco-Friendly HVAC Parts 

If your HVAC system is decades old, it’s probably not acclimated to the new eco-friendly functional designs that newer models have. Many older models use a refrigerant called R-22, which contains chlorine that can pose a threat when leaked into the air. 

Most units that use R-22 have been phased out and replaced with up-to-date models. If you have an older model that’s not eco-friendly, you’ll want to replace your business’s HVAC system as soon as your budget allows. 

6. Inconsistent Office Temperatures 

Freezing in one room, humid and hot in the one right next to it. It’s a sign that your HVAC unit isn’t performing well. The reasons for uneven office temperatures are numerous:

• A damaged thermostat
• Clogged air filters
• Leaking duct system 
• Damaged blower motors
• Low refrigerant levels

Ignoring the signs and keeping your current commercial HVAC system will leave you with an uncomfortable place to work and higher energy bills. You might have to think differently about an HVAC replacement. It’s an investment, not an expense. 

Hire Comprehensive Building Maintenance Services in Cincinnati

If you’re looking for 24/7 comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and electrical maintenance for your office building, all from a single source, consider partnering with Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio: (833) 360-6642.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound that helps air conditioners do their job by absorbing heat from the air inside a home or business and leaving cool air behind. Knowing the different types of refrigerants used in commercial air conditioning systems can help business owners comply with refrigerant regulations and make eco-friendly choices when purchasing new HVAC equipment.

Read about some of the most common types of refrigerants used for commercial air conditioning, including details on what they’re made of and their environmental impact, in today’s blog from Omnia360 Facility Solutions.

R-12

This type of refrigerant is methane-based and is made with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. R-12 is known to contribute to global warming and, therefore, was banned in 1994. However, if you have older HVAC equipment, it may still use R-12 refrigerant.

R-22

This type of refrigerant is also known as Freon. It’s made with CFCs, but it contains less chlorine, so it’s less harmful to the environment. Although it’s not as dangerous as R-12, it’s not considered “eco-friendly” by any means and will be phased out by 2030 due to international environmental concerns.

R-290

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly commercial air conditioning refrigerant, R-290 is a good option. It’s propane-based and flammable (which affects its ability to be shipped), but it adheres to the EPA’s SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program.

R-410A

This type of chlorine-free refrigerant is made with industrial chemicals called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It’s also known as Puron. It was developed as an alternative to Freon. In comparison, Puron is more eco-friendly and also more efficient than Freon.

R-513a

This type of refrigerant is another eco-friendly option for commercial air conditioning. It’s a hydro-fluoro olefin (HFO)-based refrigerant, organic compounds made of fluorine, hydrogen, and carbon. Also known as Option XP10, R-513a is a highly efficient refrigerant option for air conditioning and is unknown to harm the earth’s ozone layer.

Need Help Choosing Refrigerant For Your Commercial Air Conditioning Needs?

Contact Omnia 360 Facility Solutions. Our licensed HVAC technicians can offer trustworthy guidance to help you make the best choice for your business. We offer customized HVAC services and packages to meet the unique needs of your business and budget, so if you’d like a quote or you want to schedule service, call us today.

High energy bills can quickly add up, but with the right facilities management strategies, you can significantly reduce these expenses. 

Omnia360 helps companies optimize their HVAC systems to maximize efficiency and cut costs, even if your building isn’t equipped with the latest energy-efficient system.

Energy Efficiency Audits

Facility management services can run an energy efficiency audit to assess your facility’s HVAC system and find areas where energy is being wasted.

During the audit, we examine your HVAC equipment, building insulation, and sealing to identify any inefficiencies. Based on our findings, we suggest practical upgrades or adjustments, such as optimizing system settings or improving insulation, to help lower your energy bills.

Proactive Maintenance and Monitoring

Preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently starts with proactive maintenance and ongoing monitoring. At Omnia360, our facilities management team focuses on catching potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Regular inspections and maintenance checks allow us to identify wear and tear, optimize system performance, and address minor issues before they escalate. 

Related Post: 4 Phases of Planned HVAC Maintenance Explained

Vendor Management for HVAC Services

Effective vendor management is crucial for maintaining your HVAC system without breaking the bank. At Omnia360, we handle all aspects of vendor management to ensure you receive reliable, cost-effective HVAC services.

Our team carefully selects HVAC contractors based on their reliability, expertise, and cost-effectiveness. By working with trusted vendors, we ensure that your HVAC repairs and maintenance are handled by qualified professionals who deliver quality service at competitive rates.

Compliance and Regulations

Facilities management plays a crucial role in ensuring your HVAC systems meet energy regulations and industry standards. Omnia360 ensures that your HVAC systems are compliant with all relevant energy codes and regulations, helping you avoid fines and penalties.

We conduct regular audits to ensure your systems are always up to code. This proactive approach helps you avoid costly violations and ensures your HVAC systems operate efficiently.

Seasonal Adjustments and Optimization

Facilities management services can implement seasonal HVAC adjustments to boost energy efficiency during peak periods. Outsourcing facility management with Omnia360 means our team conducts regular evaluations to fine-tune HVAC systems based on seasonal demands.

Related Post: Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Regular Vent Cleaning

Keeping your vents clean is essential for system efficiency. Dust and dirt buildup can obstruct airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy costs and potential wear and tear.

By incorporating routine vent cleaning into your facility’s maintenance plan, Omnia360’s team can help your system run smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of costly repairs and optimizing energy use.

Optimize Sealing and Insulation

Proper sealing and insulation are critical for HVAC efficiency. Well-sealed and insulated buildings can reduce energy output, leading to substantial savings over time.

Omnia360’s facilities management services ensure that your building’s insulation and sealing are up to par. We conduct thorough inspections to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to enhance your existing setup.

Want a Pro to Take a Look at Your Commercial Facility’s HVAC Equipment?

Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions for professional recommendations and maintenance services that will help reduce your cooling and heating expenses. We provide customized services and packages to save you time and money.

Maintaining a commercial HVAC system is an essential task for a business owner. Not only does it keep employees and patrons comfortable while they’re on-site, but it also ensures that energy bills don’t get out of control and health risks are eliminated due to well-maintained HVAC equipment.

Unfortunately, many things can go wrong with the equipment, primarily if it’s not maintained correctly. Here are some of the most common problems with commercial HVAC equipment and how to fix them brought to you by Omnia360.

Issues With the Drain Line

The drain line is an essential part of HVAC equipment because it diverts moisture away from the primary unit. However, sometimes it can get clogged with debris, algae, or even develop mold growth over time. This can result in leaks, water damage, and an unhealthy work environment for employees.

Improperly Sized Equipment

Often, HVAC equipment is either too large or too small for the space. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to cool or heat the building thoroughly, resulting in an uncomfortable environment for employees and patrons alike. If the HVAC equipment is too large, it won’t run efficiently, and business owners will pay the price with increased energy costs. Fortunately, inefficient heating and cooling can be resolved by investing in properly sized equipment, which an HVAC contractor can recommend.

Leaky Ductwork

Leaky ductwork is extremely common in both residential and commercial buildings. If your ventilation system has leaks or cracks, it will allow conditioned air to escape, which means the commercial HVAC equipment will have to work longer and harder to heat or cool the space. It’s also likely the main reason why a commercial building is too hot or too cold and why the energy bill is so high. Properly sealing ductwork will ensure that the space is efficiently heated or cooled, so it’s more comfortable. It will also extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Strange Noises

Weird noises like clinking or banging might occur when the HVAC equipment is first turned on. However, this isn’t normal and shouldn’t be happening. More than likely, these sounds indicate a more significant issue, such as ventilation joints that aren’t fitting together correctly or loose bolts throughout the system. An HVAC contractor can investigate these strange noises, provide adequate solutions to avoid any significant issues, and ensure the system is working safely and correctly.

Need Commercial HVAC Service? Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions

If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your commercial HVAC equipment, Omnia360 Facility Solutions can help. We offer customized, cost-effective, and efficient packages so you can work with one single provider instead of several. Contact us today for more details! We’re happy to create a service package that is right for you and your business.