Author name: pcsadmin

The server room is the brain for any commercial space. From software developers to medical offices to retail stores, the server room’s operating efficiency determines the experience for employees and customers. They control point of sale equipment, communications technologies and any information system in general so the success of your business relies on its seamless operation.

Servers are high-powered pieces of equipment, often tightly packed in small storage spaces. In this setup, it is easy to see why server rooms can quickly heat up to over 100 degrees consistently. This high heat can have serious consequences for your server’s performance and subsequently your profits and expenses.

Servers and High Temperatures

Servers are being built to handle higher and higher heat as the technology improves. However, any hardware has a breaking point and while you may not have to worry about combustibility, consistent exposure to high heat can greatly shorten your server’s lifespan and potentially void the warranty. This can lead to significant yet otherwise avoidable costs.

At the very least, promoting air flow between the close knit servers in your arrangement is essential to lessen the effects of heat where it is most prevalent. For optimal performance, air conditioning is absolutely essential, especially if the server room is prone to high heat and temperature fluctuations.

Portable A/C Solutions for Server Rooms

Creating your own server room allows for hands-on control and security of your systems and customizability if your business needs change. Unfortunately, servers need a controlled climate, with low humidity and a temperature around 70 degrees.

On-site server rooms are often reappropriated storage spaces or underused rooms that may be prone to high heat, humidity or fluctuating temperatures. All of these factors contribute to slowed performance and hardware malfunctions.

Finding an affordable and effective cooling solution for your server room can be a challenge. Fans and evaporative coolers require little setup and provide cooling with relatively low electrical costs. However, fans are limited in cooling capabilities and neither option has the responsiveness to temperature changes.

Spot Cooling Server Rooms: A Single Source Approach

Servers need to stay within a certain temperature range — not too hot, not too cold. Dynamic temperature modulation and automatic shut-off features of A/C units make them the best climate-control solution for server rooms of all sizes.

Using central air as the only source of cooling can add significantly to your utility bill. Many of the spaces that businesses use for server rooms are also poorly ventilated, a necessity for proper A/C function. In these situations, portable air conditioning is the best option.

Our portable air conditioner units, or “spot coolers,” deliver cold air in small spaces to keep costs low. Server rooms can vary greatly in size according to the organization’s needs and capabilities. We carry spot coolers that work in areas as small as 200 square feet or spaces up to 2,100 square feet.

The Efficiency of Spot Coolers

Spot coolers deliver on three levels to solve common issues in server rooms — temperature control, humidity reduction and installation versatility. When it comes to temperature control, the digital control panel allows you to set the temperature and blower speed. The A/C will then work automatically to keep the climate within your defined range.

The humidity demands of server rooms are also addressed with portable air conditioners. Server rooms need to work within a relative humidity below 60 percent to avoid corrosion and equipment failure. As spot coolers circulate air, it removes moisture, helping control the humidity levels.

Finding a cooling solution for an enclosed space that lacks vents can be tricky but portable air conditioners allow venting through windows or through makeshift ports in the ceiling. In many commercial spaces, ceiling tiles are removable and replaceable, making it easy to set up a port in a windowless room. Beyond venting, all that is needed is a 120 volt power source (standard wall plug) and you will be up and running.

Backup Measures: Spot Coolers as a Secondary Source

Even if you do have ample air conditioning in your server room, using a spot cooler as a backup is a good idea. Servers contain critical information and control the function of the most important systems needed to run a commercial operation. If your central air or other primary cooling source fails, server performance will suffer and put your business at a disadvantage.

Having a portable air conditioner on-hand can keep your operation running smoothly in the event of central air failure. The built-in thermostat can recognize when the temperature rises above the preset temperature and turn on to maintain it in case the primary source fails. This is an extremely low-cost solution because the A/C will only draw power when in use.

Portable air conditioners make a lot of sense as an emergency cooling solution for server rooms but keeping one on hand as a regular backup may also save you money. Server rooms still need to be controlled even in idle states, including weekends or holidays when the building is closed. Central air cools the entire building and using its entire function for the specific purpose of cooling one room means wasted energy and subsequent dollars. Having a backup portable air conditioner lets you turn it on during these downtimes and save money on your utility costs.

Versatile Air Conditioning Rentals to Fit Your Space and Your Budget

Server rooms are one of the most critical elements to keeping your business functioning, profitable and enjoyable for employees, customers and stakeholders. At Preferred Climate Solutions, we believe in maximizing value by providing air conditioning rentals perfectly suited for your unique needs at an affordable price.

We understand that emergencies happen in an instant and need resolution immediately to save your equipment and your business. That is why we offer 24/7 service with delivery and setup — so we can be as responsive as possible in getting you back up and running with a portable air conditioner.

Texas heat does not take much time to cause damage and discomfort. If you run a server room of any size, contact us today to see how our solutions can get you the cooling you need at a price you will love.

As we continue to confront the ever changing circumstances of Covid-19, keeping our businesses and public spaces safe is of paramount importance. Many establishments are using screening tents as an essential preventative measure to ensure the safety of the staff, patients, customers and other stakeholders. Many pop-up tent options go a step further with drive-thru convenience.

The safety afforded by these temporary solutions are, for many employees, offset by the discomfort of working hours in a non-controlled climate. In Texas, sunny days pour in generous amounts of heat and it does not take long before productivity and well-being begin to suffer. This summer has been particularly tough on outdoor workers as temperatures have soared close to 120 degrees. Add in several layers of PPE that many employees have to wear and the heat becomes that much more unbearable.

At Preferred Climate Solutions, we have an acute understanding of the difficulty of keeping outdoor areas at a comfortable temperature for you and your clients. In regards to screening tents, these temporary workstations will hopefully become a thing of the past sooner rather than later and investing in expensive permanent solutions may not be the most cost effective option.

To ensure you get the best value and climate control for your particular needs, we offer a comprehensive array of affordable air conditioning rentals for Texas residences and commercial spaces. Tent suppliers have been doing an exceptional job in making their products available  within a few business days to meet the sudden needs of establishments around Texas. A/C rentals are equally critical and we strive for maximum responsiveness with our 24/7 service.

We want to ensure that our customers are able to get the benefits they need, when they need them and at a price they will enjoy. Explore our different air conditioning categories and read on to see how they can help in your outdoor Covid-19 screening areas.

Evaporative Coolers for Tents, Partial Enclosures and Outdoor Areas

Many screening tents have one, two or even three lines for patients and customers waiting to be tested. These lines are usually enclosed on only three sides, with two walls, a ceiling and open ends for the in-and-out flow of traffic.

Traditional portable A/C units become impractical in these situations, drawing large amounts of power and dumping cool air outside with wasted energy. Evaporative coolers are an excellent option for screening tents trying to keep the public comfortable as they wait several minutes or even hours waiting to be tested.

Evaporative coolers require very little energy, costing as low as a dollar a day to operate. They provide directed air that cool areas in their path and drop temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. They can effectively cool indoor and outdoor areas, with the most powerful options able to cool up to 5,000 square feet. Plus, since you can control the direction of the cool air, you know that there is no wasted energy.

These cooling units offer easy installation, allowing for quick adjustments and fast cooling as needs rapidly change. With no need for venting, all you need to do is add a little tap water, hook it up to power and point it at the area you want cooled. Cool blasts of air arrive quietly within seconds and work for a full eight hours with the energy usage of a small kitchen appliance. Select from several evaporative cooler sizes to find the best fit for your outdoor testing setup.

Power Breeze Fans for Economical Outdoor Cooling

Similar to evaporative coolers, power breeze fans offer a low-cost solution for directed cooling. These units draw exceptionally low power despite being able to drop the temperature by over 25 degrees in an area up to 3,000 square feet. Setup does not get much easier than this — all you need is an outlet and you are ready to go.

For a quick, convenient and affordable cooling solution, screening tents can get a lot of benefit from power fans. Shop our various power breeze fans to find the right option for your screening area.

Spot Coolers for Enclosed Screening Tents of All Sizes

Screening tents are being made available in a broad range of sizes. The smallest options start at just 25 square feet while the biggest options measure up to 400 square feet and beyond. These different sizes require different equipment, as high-powered A/C solutions are impractical for small spaces but absolutely necessary for larger tents.

Portable A/C rentals are an excellent temporary solution to mitigate the heat in enclosed spaces. The equipment is simple to set up, requiring only a 120 volt outlet and a space for venting. Fortunately, most screening tents use windows in their designs so setting up a powered unit with warm air venting is an easy process.

Our portable air conditioners can handle screening tents of any size. Our smallest units start at 10,000 BTUs, powerful enough for small spaces up to 200 square feet. If you have a larger area or greater heat output from equipment and larger groups of people, our strongest options go up to 83,000 BTUs, covering over 2,000 square feet of space.

If you operate an enclosed testing tent and are concerned about the health, safety and productivity of your workers, consider a portable A/C solution. These are the best option for continual cooling in insulated areas and provide the most customizability in choosing your level of air conditioning. Screening tents can see waves of traffic and periods of downtime so being able to adjust the output with convenient remote control capabilities ensures you will always be at the desired comfort level.

As the days stay hot in Texas, portable A/C rentals may be the perfect option for keeping your people comfortable as you work to keep the public safe. Shop our portable A/C options and reach out to our customer service team for information to get the right product for your unique needs.

In the hot Texas sun, air conditioning is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re looking to plan an outdoor event or just keep your warehouse cool, having a climate control solution is a vital part of any plan. The problem is, air conditioning can be confusing and expensive.  There are so many options available that it can be hard to know exactly what you need – and then when you do figure it out, you have to pay for it!

To help solve these problems, many choose to rent. Renting an a/c system can be a good idea for many reasons. It’s cheaper on the budget in many cases, it allows you to outsource things like maintenance and it makes it easier to get the exact system you need.

Renting an a/c system is not without its problems, though. Before you decide to rent, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Consider Your Exact Needs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is getting the wrong type of air conditioning system. Not all systems are created the same, and each type of system has been designed for a very different situation. Keeping a small space in an office corner comfortable, for example, requires very different needs than cooling down a large tent at an outdoor reception. 

Not planning your system based on your needs can lead to a lot of problems, not the least of which is simply getting a system that doesn’t do the job right. A poorly performing system causes anger and frustration, and it’s even worse when the problem could have been avoided by just taking the time to understand what sort of cooling system works best for the need. Whether it’s a spot cooler for a smaller space, a power breeze fan for a line of people or a large 25-ton unit to cool down an entire warehouse, understanding your needs is the first, most critical step in renting the right air conditioning system.

Consider Your Available Resources

One thing to remember when you are using energy-intensive air conditioning units is that they suck up a lot of resources. If you are powering an office, that’s one thing, but if you are looking to cool down a tent at an outdoor venue, or keep customers cool while standing in a line, then the amount of power you have at your disposal becomes an important factor to consider. Renting out equipment that draws too much power or causes outages to put you right back into the same trouble that you had without them, and is therefore a very good reason why 

Different types of units require different amounts of energy and resources, and this factor must be taken into account when planning for your cooling needs.

Consider Your Space

In addition to knowing your needs, you also have to consider the size of the space that needs to be cooled. The reasons for this are probably obvious. If you are trying to use a large space, then getting an air conditioner that is too small for space is just a bad idea. Not only will the space stay too warm and humid, but it will also tax the system and add stress to a machine that is already working overtime. This can cause the system to fail, which of course means your space gets even warmer. 

What a lot of people fail to realize, however, is that having a system that is too big can actually create other problems. First, an oversized system cools a space too fast. This fast cooling is actually bad because it does not allow the entire space to get cooled gradually and evenly. The result is an area with a multitude of warm or cold spots that are uncomfortable. 

The second problem with an oversized air conditioner is that the shorter cycle means the a/c doesn’t have a chance to thoroughly dehumidify the air. Many people don’t realize that cooling the air is only one of the a/c’s jobs. The other is to take the moisture out of the air and leave the space dryer. If the air conditioner is unable to do that, the result is cool, moist air that feels cold and clammy. This is not comfortable and can lead to a very unpleasant working environment.

Consider Your Budget

Another factor to consider is a very practical one – money. How much can you spend on air conditioning rental? While renting is a much cheaper option than purchasing and financing a system, it still has costs associated with it. The difference is that renting is a cost that doesn’t go away, which means that it needs to be planned for over a longer period. You might be saving money, but you still 

Consider Expert Advice

Of course, you can avoid all of these pitfalls if you make the smart move first and call in an expert, like those at Preferred Climate Solutions. A knowledgeable, trained expert can listen to your information – or even visit, if possible – and make recommendations based. This recommendation takes all factors into account, from your cooling needs to the size of the space involved to the budget you’re working with, and provides the best possible solution for your situation. Renting out equipment without consulting an expert means you run the risk of obtaining the wrong cooling system and causing more problems than you were trying to solve.

If you would like to get more information about the types of air conditioning available, or you would like to speak with someone about your air conditioning needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Preferred Climate Solutions today!

Trying to conduct any sort of business without air conditioning is difficult, at best. It might technically be possible, but it makes everyone involved miserable and irritated, which can really have a negative impact on your business. In fact, studies have shown that workers who have to perform in less-than-optimal environmental settings are more irritable, prone to distraction and less likely to get their work completed to their manager’s satisfaction. To make matters worse, this irritability is often taken out on the customers, leading to further problems down the road. In a place like Texas, these problems are only magnified by the extreme heat.

Sometimes, your a/c problems are the result of a malfunction. Sometimes, they might be the result of poor planning at an outdoor event. Regardless of why you need the air conditioning, it’s important to know that there are options available. Even when it is a last-minute emergency, Preferred Climate Solutions is ready to help out by providing quality air conditioning rentals at a reasonable rate. Here are the types of air conditioning rental solutions we offer:

Spot Coolers

If you’re familiar with the idea of a space heater, then the spot cooler should make sense to you. Unlike most air conditioning, which is large and bulky and takes up massive amounts of space, spot coolers are smaller and more portable. These are excellent solutions for when you are trying to cool a smaller area or maybe even just one person. Simply direct the jet of cooler air to the place that needs it the most. Because they are portable you can even take them on the go if your immediate cooling needs change.

Don’t let the “small and portable” description fool you, however. Spot coolers come in all sizes, and if you need to cool a larger area – even up to 2,000 square feet or so – we have spot coolers that can handle the job, allowing the powerful force of cool air to work its way around the venue. Of course, once you start getting into even larger areas than that you might want to look at something else, but for quick, convenient, small-scale cooling, there’s nothing more convenient or affordable than a spot cooler from Preferred Climate Solutions!

Event A/C

If you are planning an outdoor event, most likely you’ve already taken air conditioning into consideration. However, even the best plans can change or fall through, and you might find yourself needing outdoor event air conditioning at the last minute. Thankfully, Preferred Climate Solutions has got you covered. We offer a variety of last-minute outdoor a/c options that not only fit your event style perfectly, but they also fit your budget.

Whether your event is in a larger, outdoor area that’s exposed, inside of a tent or even in a building like a warehouse that just doesn’t have adequate airflow, our outdoor event solutions are ready to make your event a success. 

Our options allow you to cater to the air conditioning to the event: need a smaller unit? We have units ready to go as small as 5-tons. If you need something larger, we can go as high as 25-tons. Even better – multiple units can be stacked, shipped and set up wherever you need them. All of these units deliver powerful cooling that you can easily control, ensuring that your guests always feel cool and comfortable, no matter what the temperature outside might be.

Evaporative Coolers

If these solutions sound great, but you are really worried about the inconveniences of traditional air conditioning such as the noise, the good news is that there are even more options. Evaporative coolers are another type of portable cooling option that works a little differently. Rather than relying on jets of cool air like a spot cooler, evaporative coolers work a little differently, but still with the same result: delivering cooler air to an area that desperately needs it.

Evaporative coolers are great because they provide a low-cost, quiet solution that you can’t just get from other types of air conditioning. Perfect for a hot barn, a line of guests waiting outside a venue or even a workshop, evaporative cooling’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to our line of emergency air conditioning rental solutions.

Power Breezer Fans

One final option is the power breeze fan. These fans use a self-contained water tank to deliver cooling that can be as low as 27 degrees less than the surrounding ambient air. If you’ve ever seen someone rig a cooling fan by putting a blower on top of a cooler, then you’ve seen the makings of a power breeze fan.

Power breeze fans are a popular choice for many people for a number of reasons. Not only do they provide fast-moving, cooler air to spaces as large as 3,000 square feet, they also do that while consuming less electricity than your standard a/c. In fact, some models use even less energy than a hairdryer! What’s more, power breeze fans do not contain any chemicals like Freon at all. Instead, the entire system is water-based, which means the only thing you’re feeling is pure, the natural mist that helps to cool you down.

As you can see, there are many ways you can beat the heat in the hot Texas sun, even if your air conditioning needs are a last-minute emergency. If you find yourself, your event or your venue in hot water – or air, as the case maybe – don’t suffer needlessly. Instead, contact us at Preferred Climate Solutions. We are ready to deliver fast, efficient, portable air conditioning whenever you need it.

One of the internet’s greatest weaknesses is misinformation. Rumors get started, word of mouth spreads and before you know it everyone “knows” what’s true about everything. This has largely been the case with air-cooled A/C units, as many people seem to be very confused about how they work and their capabilities. The truth is air-cooled A/C is actually one of the best options for cooling indoor spaces in hot, dry climates. Forget what you’ve heard, here are seven myths about water-cooled air conditioners people need to stop believing.

1. Water Cooled A/C Doesn’t Work as Well as Air Cooled AC

Let’s start with the most popular misconception about water-cooled AC. Conventional air-cooled A/C units remove heat from inside air by pushing it outside. So long as you have electricity and a way to vent the hot air to the outdoors, you can place them just about anywhere, and they don’t need to take up a lot of space. This makes installation and maintenance easier, but it doesn’t actually mean they cool air more efficiently.

Water-cooled A/C units have their drawbacks, but they have a significant advantage air-cooled A/C units will never have: cooling efficiency. Thanks to physics, water-cooled A/C possesses a heat flux and consistency of cooling superior to air-cooled units by a factor of 10-100.  Hot air passing through a water cooler and into a space is always cold, and so a water-cooled A/C unit produces colder air coming into a room at a fast, reliable and more consistent rate.

2. Water Cooled AC is Only Effective For Small Spaces

The second myth is as easily dispelled as the first. Water-cooled A/C systems are ideal for keeping large spaces like warehouses and large commercial or residential buildings cool all year long. Contrary to popular belief, the more space you have for a water-cooled A/C system, the more efficiently it will function since it works best with more space between the cooling towers. Large spaces are actually best cooled by a water-cooled A/C compared to an air-cooled A/C system.

3. Water Cooled AC Does is Not Effective in Areas/Regions With High Ambient Temperatures

Hot air coming into a water-cooled A/C system does not present the same problem as it does for an air-cooled A/C unit. The exposure to refrigerant lines in air-cooled A/C is far less efficient than the heat transfer matrix used by water-cooled A/C.

Incoming air is always hotter from an air-cooled unit, but a water-cooled A/C brings in significantly cooler air as it is circulating out any hot air already in the room. No matter how hot it is outside, a water-cooled A/C will always cool faster and better than an air-cooled A/C unit.

4. Water-Cooled AC Units Take Up More Space Than Air-Cooled AC

This may have been true in the past, but recent advances in technology and design have rendered this argument moot. Water-cooled units can easily be installed in the same or similar spaces that would traditionally only accommodate an air-cooled A/C unit. There are even air-cooled portable units that can be used on-demand should the main A/C system at a location or facility go offline.

5. Water-Cooled AC Uses More Energy Than Air-Cooled AC

Given that water-cooled A/C units don’t need to run as often to keep inside air cooler, they actually use significantly less energy than air-cooled A/C. They do more using less all the time since they can cool incoming air more efficiently, and they run the exhaust system less often because the air inside stays cooler longer.

6. Water Cooled AC Wastes Water

Many homeowners and facility managers get wide-eyed when they hear the words “water-cooled A/C” for the first time. Some estimate that they will drive up utility costs since they require two resources: water and power. The fact is that water-cooled units recycle up to 95 percent of the water they use every day, and they use less electricity because they cool air more efficiently and so don’t need to run as often.

7. Water Cooled AC Costs More To Rent Than Air-Cooled AC

While the cost per unit is higher with a water-cooled A/C if you are purchasing one, the rental fees are actually the same. We offer portable water-cooled A/C to our clients since it often provides an optimal cooling solution during the arid, scorching Texas summers. Sometimes an air-cooled A/C unit is the best solution, but even these reliable workhorses are no match for certain hot weather or specific scenarios where the internal heat is almost as great as the external heat.

Need portable air conditioning? Preferred Climate Solutions can help you find the best way to keep your business or event cool this summer without spending a fortune on fees and utilities. Contact us today to learn more about our water-cooled portable A/C units.

Looking to keep cool in the searing Texas summer heat? A portable evaporative cooling (EVC) system is less expensive and energy-hungry than traditional portable air conditioning units and an inexpensive way to cool large areas without high utility bills. Before you run out and rent an EVC for your next event or to cool off your business/workplace, however, here are ten important things you need to know:

1. Locations Suitable for an EVC System

Due to their eco-friendly and energy-efficient design, EVCs are effective in almost any location where a normal fan can be placed. Outdoor cafes, repair shops, factory spaces, churches, grocery stores and almost anywhere else you want to cool the ambient air temperature is ideal for setting up an EVC.

2. Local Climates Appropriate for an EVC System

High temperatures with low humidity are the best climate for using an EVC, and users have reported temperature reductions as high as 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit even on days when the prevailing weather conditions were extremely warm. The dry heat of Texas in the summer makes almost any location perfect for cooling with an EVC.

3. Benefits of Choosing an EVC System

Deciding to use an EVC over a portable AC system to keep an area cool may seem like choosing second best, but there are many benefits to setting up an EVC that make it the smarter choice. Here are a few examples:

• Energy Efficiency

Most EVCs consume about as much energy as a ceiling fan or large area circulation fan. There isn’t a portable air conditioning solution that can offer that.

• No Increase in Carbon Footprint

Ecologically conscious businesses looking to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint are the ideal customer for an EVC. If environmentally-friendly cooling solutions are important to you, your team and your customers, an EVC is definitely the way to go.

• Doesn’t Contribute to Air Pollution

Portable air conditioners have a significant drawback in terms of air pollutants, particularly if their filters are not changed regularly. Conversely, an EVC uses a much more effective filtration system to keep dirt, pollen and other airborne or odor-causing pollutants out of the air. Better air quality means a better environment for everyone at your facility, employees and customers alike.

• Practical, Portable and Cost-Effective

Here’s how using an EVC works: rent your EVC, from preferred climate solutions, wait for delivery, ask us to wheel it to where it will offer the greatest cooling impact, and power it up. That’s it. We’ll make sure the filter is clean and the reservoir is filled before we go. Your electric bill won’t go through the roof, we do all the heavy lifting, and you can place an EVC anywhere you’d place a fan for better air circulation.

• Doesn’t dry out the air

AC units work by pushing the indoor air outdoors and filling the space with cool air. The problem is that fresh air coming in is dry as a bone, which can make for an unpleasant climate in terms of air quality. Renting an EVC instead of using a portable AC unit helps keep the air at a comfortable level of humidity and temperature without drying the air out. In hot, dry climates like Texas, this is a win-win scenario.

4. Potential Drawbacks of EVC Systems

There are a few drawbacks to consider when renting an EVC. First, they aren’t as effective at cooling spaces in humid climates. They can’t drop the indoor temperature as significantly as they would in more arid climates. Additionally, EVCs require easy access to water continuously to keep functioning. If you live in an area where water use is a concern, an EVC may not be the best option.

5. The Key Differences Between Portable Air Cooler and Standard A/C

EVCs diffuse water to cool the air in open or enclosed spaces without using refrigerants. Portable A/C units are typically not effective in open spaces, require more energy and cost more to rent and operate. If you are looking to save money and cool space for an event or a season using economically and ecologically sound principles, an EVC us the way to go.

6. How to Calculate What Size EVC You Need for Space

Calculate the volume of your space by multiplying the length by the width by the height. Measurements must be taken in meters. Write that number down. A normal space at average occupancy needs to replace the air about 20 times per hour or every three minutes. Multiply that number by the volume of the room, and you get the cubic meters per hour (CMH) needed.

For example, a crowded room (25-40 times/hour exchange time) with a volume of 100 cubic meters requires a 3000 CMH of cooling power. The best option here to offer superior coverage is to rent two EVCs with at least a 1500 CMH capacity and place them in the room for maximum efficiency.

7. Important Features Essential to Effective Operation

When your EVC is delivered, it is important to ensure you thoroughly understand all features and functions. Learn the control panel, locate the cooling pads, verify you know how to refill the water tank and read the gauges. Additionally, make sure you know if the unit is a fan or blower type so you can place it properly. Last but not least, check to see if there are ice compartments that need to be filled and be certain not to overfill them.

8. How To Clean an EVC System

If you’re renting from Preferred Climate Solutions this shouldn’t come up as an issue for you since we will be maintaining the equipment. However, if you will be running the unit for an extended period, it is best to familiarize yourself with how to clean the filters, pads and other components that need routine maintenance. Should something go wrong, you may be able to deal with a simple problem on your own instead of waiting for our technicians.

9. Regular Maintenance Schedule for EVC Systems

All EVCs need servicing a minimum of twice per year. Naturally, since our units are rented out to clients, they receive maintenance and cleaning far more often than the minimum requirement.

10. How To Choose The Right EVC System for Your Needs

Calculate the CMH for space you want to cool with your EVC. Using that measurement and your expected occupancy, give the experts at Preferred Climate Solutions a call. We can help you choose how many EVCs you need, which CMH capacity is best and what unit placement will provide the best results.

Need an EVC for your venue, cafe, or outdoor/indoor event? Contact us today for more information about our EVC rental program.

Living in Texas means that you have to get used to the heat. One of the best solutions is to use air conditioning whenever possible. However, while a robust A/C unit can make the climate more comfortable, it can also rack up high energy bills. 

As a business owner, you have to balance your need for air conditioning with upkeep costs. On the one hand, your employees and customers will appreciate a fresh and crisp environment. On the other, you don’t want your bills to spike during the summer. 

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of top ways to save money on commercial air conditioning this summer. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be amazed at how low your next statement can be. 

Inspect Your HVAC System Regularly

Although summertime is when air conditioning is most valuable, Texas heat lasts throughout the year. This means that your building’s HVAC system endures a lot of wear and tear, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance. 

Ideally, you should inspect your unit at least twice per year. First, you’ll want to get it checked before summer hits so that you’re prepared for triple-digit days. Second, you should inspect the system between summer and fall so that you can spot any potential issues. By following up after the hottest part of the year, there shouldn’t be any surprises for next season. 

Change Air Filters Whenever Necessary

When was the last time you changed your HVAC filter? If you’re not sure, it’s probably been too long. Commercial air conditioners get far dirtier than you may realize, and the dirt accumulates quickly. According to the experts, you should be changing these filters out once a month, if possible. 

To help save on maintenance costs, be sure to learn where the filters are located and how to change them yourself. This way, you don’t have to call a technician every time, and you can have more control over the replacement schedule. By being consistent with this habit, you can keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Unless your business is open 24/7, there’s no reason to keep the building cool all night. Even if you have a cleaning crew coming in after hours, they can likely handle warmer temperatures for a couple of hours. 

Thankfully, it’s easy to connect your HVAC to a programmable thermostat. Also, you can control the temperature and timing remotely, which makes it even more convenient. For example, many new models allow you to adjust settings from your smartphone. You can also monitor the temperature when you’re not there to make sure that no one is messing with it. 

When using a programmable thermostat, consider how long it takes to cool the building down in the morning. For example, you may want to have the A/C turn on two hours before you open for business. 

Inspect and Seal HVAC Ducts Properly

Although dirty air filters are a common reason why the air conditioning isn’t working efficiently, an often overlooked issue is a cracked or missing duct seal. Over time, the sealant can harden or wear away, which lets air escape. The more cracks there are, the harder your HVAC has to work. 

In most cases, you’ll need to call a technician to ensure a thorough inspection. It’s a good idea to have this done when checking the HVAC, but you’ll have to ask for it specifically. Usually, the technician will only inspect the machinery, not necessarily the ducts. 

Use Blinds and Shades Whenever Possible

If the sun is shining directly into your building, it’s raising the ambient temperature. While it can be pleasant to get a view of the outside, it’s likely not worth the uncomfortable heat. Thankfully, a quick and easy way to minimize this problem is to install blinds or drapes on sun-facing windows. Then, close them during the hottest part of the day. 

Another option that provides a view and shade is to install an awning. While awnings are only useful for the bottom floor, they can help lower the temperature significantly. Also, they help protect against other elements like wind and rain, making them ideal all year long. 

Set the Temperature a Few Degrees Higher

Considering that Texas summers can routinely get into the triple digits, getting cool is all about relativity. For example, if it’s over 100 degrees outside, staying in an 80-degree office will feel much better. 

According to the experts, the best temperature to set your thermostat is 78 degrees. At first, this may seem way too high, but it’s not as uncomfortable as you might think. Depending on your situation, you may have to set it lower, but don’t assume that you have to be at 70 degrees or below. Over time, both employees and customers will get used to it, particularly if the outside temperature is blazing hot. 

Use Fans to Help With Airflow

Although air conditioning can make interior spaces feel pleasant, it’s not the only option for cooling down. A simple fan setup can have just as much impact, and it uses a lot less energy. 

Even if your HVAC is a high-quality system, fans can make it work more efficiently. As air moves through space, it’s easier to lower the ambient temperature. Overall, increasing the airflow can enhance your cooling efforts no matter what, so putting a few fans around the place can be a good investment. 

Another thing to consider when trying to improve your building’s airflow is to shut off areas that aren’t used regularly. For example, if an office, conference room, or storage area doesn’t get much activity, why waste energy to keep it cool? The less air your HVAC has to condition, the more money you’ll save. 

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today

When it comes to portable A/C rentals, we’re your company’s best resource. Whether your HVAC has shut down, you’re hosting an outdoor event, or need A/C in a specific area, we have many solutions to suit your needs. Give us a call can we can assist you in finding the right portable unit for your business. 

Living in Texas means getting used to the heat. However, while the state can be relatively hot most of the year, the summer months can become unbearable. As a business owner, one of the best ways to ensure that your customers keep coming back is to maintain a cool interior environment. 

While having a robust A/C system is a must, there are plenty of other tactics you can employ to beat the heat this summer. Not only will your employees and customers appreciate the effort, but you can also save money on your utility bills. Here are our top tips for keeping your business cool this summer. 

Inspect Your Building’s HVAC Before Summer Hits

Since your air conditioning unit will be working overtime during the season, you have to make sure that it’s up to the challenge. Ideally, you can get a qualified technician out to your business before the heat ramps up too much. This way, you can save a lot of unnecessary wear and tear. Also, HVAC maintenance specialists are often busy during the summer months, so it’s easier to get someone to your business if you plan ahead. 

While an inspection is crucial, there are multiple ways to keep your HVAC running smoothly. Here are some options that can extend the life of your A/C system. 

• Keep It Shaded – If the intake unit is in direct sunlight, that means the compressor has to work that much harder to deliver cold air. Even something as simple as a pop-up tent can do wonders for your A/C’s performance.
• Replace the Filters Often – You’d be surprised by how quickly an HVAC air filter can get filthy. If you’re not replacing them regularly, the system has to work harder to push more air through. Invest in some backup filters so that you can change them out yourself every month or so. 
• Use Programmable Thermostats – If your business is only open for part of the day, it doesn’t make sense to have the A/C running while no one is there. Fortunately, programmable thermostats are readily available, and you can set both the temperature and timing. Best of all, you can adjust these settings from a smartphone for added convenience. 
• Inspect It After Summer – Once the heat starts to die down, you want to check out the HVAC system again. By doing this, you can spot any potential problems and get them fixed before next season. 

Overall, you want to be diligent and thorough with your air conditioning unit. Once you start taking it for granted, it will break down on you. If your HVAC fails, it can not only be uncomfortable, but expensive to fix. Also, your customers won’t like it either. 

Be Mindful of Heat Sources

The sun isn’t the only thing heating your business during the summer. Plenty of items can generate a lot of heat, which means that your HVAC has to work that much harder. If you can mitigate some or all of these sources, you can reduce the ambient temperature without adjusting the A/C. While all businesses are different, here are some common culprits. 

• Heavy Machinery – If your business relies on manufacturing units running at full speed, they will generate tons of ambient heat. To help relieve this problem, try alternating machines if possible, or use a portable cooler to negate their output. 
• Office Equipment – Electronics like computers, servers, monitors and others can get quite warm when they’re on for long periods. One way to reduce the heat is to turn these items off when they’re not in use. It may take a little longer to boot up, but the cooler temperature might be worth it. 
• Light Bulbs – Switching to LED bulbs is not only smart for energy savings, but you can lower the heat in your building. Incandescent and fluorescent lights can increase the temperature far more than you realize. 

When identifying heat sources, be sure to come up with a strategy to negate their output. For example, if these items are close to an A/C vent, moving them might allow the air to cool down faster. Alternatively, you may be able to utilize fans to help cool machines off instead of relying on the air conditioner. 

Be Strategic With Your Cooling Needs

As the saying goes, it’s better to work smarter, not harder. Your HVAC system will already be in overdrive during the summer season, so why not alleviate some of that pressure? Here are some simple ways to reduce your business’s temperature without having to crank the A/C up. 

• Close Off Unused Areas – The more air that the system has to condition, the less efficient it will be. If there are offices or other interior spaces that don’t get used often, seal them up as much as possible. Closing the door can work, as can shutting any vents that go into the room. 
• Install an Air Curtain If Necessary – One issue that some businesses have is the constant movement of people in and out of the building. This kind of activity can make it impossible to have a controlled climate. An air curtain blows a stream of air across a doorway to create a natural barrier without preventing entry. 
• Install Blinds or Shades Where Possible – While seeing the outside can be nice on a bright day, the sun can increase the interior temperature. Blinds, drapes and awnings can work wonders at cooling your business. 

Rent a Portable A/C Unit As Necessary

For offices and retailers that can’t seem to make their HVAC system work well enough, a portable air conditioner might be the best solution. Whether it’s an industrial-strength cooling unit, an evaporative cooler, or just a massive fan, these machines can get the job done when nothing else will. 

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today

Don’t let the summer heat ruin your business. At Preferred Climate Solutions, we have many portable cooling options for your needs. Call us to find out how we can deliver climate control. 

Summer is back, and it’s time to make sure you are ready to keep yourselves and customers cool indoors. Not sure where to start? Check out these 10 safety tips for commercial air conditioners:

• Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are supposed to trap pollutants, allergens and other airborne contaminants. That means eventually they will become full and restrict airflow, causing a drop in air conditioner performance. Changing them out regularly not only ensures better air quality, but it also reduces the workload on your commercial HVAC system.

• Maintain an Adequate, Safe Power Supply

Every commercial air conditioner installed must meet specific building codes and federal/state regulations for maintaining safety and proper function. Small business owners need to check their power supply periodically to verify that current and voltage outputs are up to code. Moreover, the AC power supply needs to be inspected to ensure the AC isn’t overloading the system and creating a potential safety hazard.

• Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up

Before the hot weather sets in, schedule a tune-up with an HVAC professional. They can verify your refrigerant levels, check condenser drains to make sure they don’t cause an overflow and ensure everything is ready for the season. The last thing any business owner wants is for their air conditioning to break down in the middle of summer. Losing time and money while you wait in the heat for a technician to come out is plain bad for business.

• Avoid Using Unsecured Extension Cords With Portable Commercial Units

Some warehouses and automotive repair shops use portable commercial AC units in the summer when their existing systems aren’t keeping conditions cool enough for work. Whether you are renting or using a system you own, use the integrated power cord if at all possible. If that’s not practical,  check that your extension cords are correctly rated, free of insulation damage shape and properly secured. 

Using an extension cord that isn’t rated for the job can create dangerous electrical safety hazards that can cause injury or loss of life.  If a cord has frayed insulation or appears to be wearing thin, it needs to be replaced immediately.  Above all, find a way to secure extension cords so they don’t create a hazardous work environment for your team.

• Keep the Area Around Your Commercial Air Conditioner Clear

This is important whether you are using a temporary commercial air conditioner or you have one already installed. Don’t allow anything to be stacked on or around your HVAC unit, and the area around portable commercial units should be clear on all four sides. Improper ventilation or debris falling into the mechanism can lead to expensive damage and equipment failure. Check it at least weekly, too. You don’t want to work all week in a hot building only to discover that someone leaned cardboard or trash up against the unit.

• Verify Your Commercial Air Conditioner has Been Professionally Inspected

If you’re moving into a new location, one of the first things you need to do is verify when the AC was last inspected and serviced. Regular inspection not only helps you keep your building up to code, but it also has the potential to save you from expensive, unexpected repairs. The sooner a problem is discovered, the sooner it can be fixed. Letting it go and failing to follow up on potential problems is the best way to have a system breakdown at the worst possible time.

• Check The Anchoring and Mounting of Your Air Conditioning Unit

No matter where your AC unit is located, check out the mounting and anchoring of your commercial AC. An air conditioner needs to be properly balanced at installation to prevent issues from arising with the motor and other moving components in the system. It is especially important to check the anchoring and mounting after an earthquake, heavy storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes as well. You never know how these natural disasters will affect your building, and sometimes the damage to your AC goes unnoticed until it stops working.

• Verify Your Air Conditioning Unit and Circulator Fans Have a Laboratory Testing Sticker

It is highly unlikely you would have any professionally installed hardware on the premises which is not certified by an independent laboratory. However, not every small business owner works with the most scrupulous contractors, and if you are not the original tenant you need to find out all you can about what AC hardware they installed, upgraded, or replaced. 

If they don’t have the information you need, check individual components for their UWS, IL or similar seals. An unrated component can void your insurance and result in extremely costly damage should there be an electrical issue and you have any untested/unrated parts installed on your HVAC system.

• Verify Surge Protection

The power supply of most commercial buildings is fully surge protected, but as with all things HVAC-related it is better to trust and verify. Proper surge protection is essential to getting the most out of your commercial air conditioner, especially where safety is concerned

• Clean All Ducts and Vents

At least once per year, get all your ducts and vents vacuumed out. The dust build-up alone can cause air quality and health issues for your team members. It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep them clean, both for health and safety reasons.

All in all, your commercial HVAC system needs routine maintenance at least once per year. Why not have the best in the business inspect your system for you? Contact us today for more information about keeping your commercial AC system up and running for years to come. 

Running an air purifier indoors and ensuring you replace all of your HVAC filters with high-efficiency filter pads definitely improves the air quality in your environment. Allergens, pollutants and cooking/cleaning fumes are all easily captured by the average HEPA filter, but how do they “stack up” against germs and viruses?

With COVID-19 prevention and social distancing heavy on everyone’s mind right now, many want factual answers to this question. Moreover, if an air filter or purifier doesn’t measure up, how well can masking up in public work? The answers to both questions have excellent responses from both virology experts and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Examining the facts as presented by experts provide a significant amount of clarity for both questions. Let’s examine the effectiveness of traditional HEPA filtration, electrostatic/ozone-generating air purifiers and UV lighting systems. 

Air Filtration and COVID-19

I’ll get right to the point: The only one hundred percent effective air filtration system for COVID-19 is preventing exposure when outside your home. The CDC has studied novel coronaviruses for decades, and their research indicates that individuals can carry the virus on their clothes, skin and hair. How long it survives exposed to open, room-temperature air is still a matter for debate, but the effectiveness of commercial and home air filtration is not. 

Microorganisms like viruses are small enough to easily pass through even the finest air filtration systems. This is why social distancing, hand-washing/applying hand sanitizer, using disinfectant wipes on high traffic surfaces (door handles, gas pumps) and wearing gloves are such critical components of preventing the spread of COVID-19.  They offer a 99% effectiveness rate when used correctly. Air filters don’t easily trap viruses because the space between the fibers is too wide to properly trap and contain them. 

Some might argue HEPA filters can trap particles as small as two microns, and that is sufficient for pollen, most pollutants and allergens. Viruses like COVID-19 are more than a thousand times smaller than even a single micron, measuring in the 0.1-0.3 nanometer range. There is no physical way to make an air filter fine enough to trap viruses and still allow for sufficient flow of breathable air. The fibers may trap some viruses as they pass through, but it is not guaranteed to be effective. 

Preventing the spread of viruses via CDC outlined protocols is far more effective since they actively seek to kill the virus on surfaces before it can spread. To make a long story short if you are counting on a HEPA filter to prevent the spread of coronavirus alone, it can’t. There are a few more effective methods of active filtration and purification that may help, but even the best commercial-grade HEPA filter won’t eliminate the virus on its own.

Electronic Air Filters/Purifiers

These devices function by trapping larger particles with a prefilter. Most use some variant of a HEPA filter to eliminate particulates before passing them on into the purification system. This system consists of two electrically charged plates that can collect any material that passes between them at the atomic level (electrostatic air filters). Some electronic air filters also use an ozone generator to trap and kill biological organisms via electrical attachment.

The Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine has confirmed ozone-generating products are effective at killing coronaviruses. Their studies focused specifically on the SARS virus (a corona virus-like COVID-19) and given sufficient exposure time these air purifiers can be as effective as disinfectant or hand sanitizer.

The effects of ozone-generating devices have yet to be tested with COVID-19, so there is no definitive proof they are as effective as they have proven to be when used to prevent the spread of SARS. Using an ozone generating air purifier is unlikely to eliminate the spread of COVID-19, but it certainly doesn’t hinder virus prevention either. 

UV Light Purification

UV light systems for air purification and disease prevention number in the thousands, but they all function on the same basic principle. UV Light Purification bathes surfaces in UV light at a specific distance to eradicate biological contaminants. Given a sufficient amount of time, UV light can even kill viruses and pathogens like SARS and MERS. 

In air conditioning systems, these UV light bars are placed farther up in the air stream where they won’t affect anyone in the building. Skin-damage is still a very real possibility with prolonged exposure to artificially generated UV light. The effects are similar to what happens to your skin when you are out in the sun for too long, so it’s best to minimize exposure time if at all possible.

UV light systems have proven to be extremely effective at preventing and killing mold, viruses and bacteria on stationary surfaces like damp evaporator coils. That being said, the possibility that they can kill airborne viruses flying past at speeds of 400-450 cubic feet per minute is fairly low. 

These UV light bars simply do not have enough time to expose biological contaminants at the correct distance inside an air conditioning system.  They are a smart addition to any commercial HVAC system for preventing mold and killing any contaminants that may have attached themselves to the water molecules in the system. Overall, their effectiveness ends there.

Final Thoughts

All in all, using various methods of air filtration can help slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it’s never going to be as effective as social distancing and other proven methods of disease prevention. Keep washing your hands regularly, avoid touching your face and eyes and use appropriate PPE when out in public. The virus may be small enough to pass through the fibers of a mask, but saliva isn’t. 

Most viruses can be spread by coughing with an uncovered mouth up to six feet away. Masks help both asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers prevent the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating that problem. Additionally, if you are exchanging air filters for a home or commercial HVAC system, wear gloves and a mask to prevent accidental exposure to any viruses that may be trapped in the filter. 

Air filtration systems may have limited effectiveness against the spread of COVID-19, but the effectiveness of traditional virus prevention protocols is irrefutable. Until the next time, stay safe and keep following CDC guidelines in public, at work and at home.