Education
Learn more about the things you should know or would like to know about HVAC systems and maintenance. Have a specific question in mind? Let us know!
Businesses across the country are facing climate extremes. In response, business leaders are exploring ways to deliver reliable, efficient cooling while reducing electrical waste. Commercial buildings need to keep tenants and workers comfortable, protect equipment, and maintain indoor air quality. Two of the most common options for addressing these needs are chilled water systems and direct expansion (DX) systems. While both methods can deliver excellent cooling performance, they work in different ways. When deciding between chilled water vs. DX systems, you need to consider your building size, the climate, and your operational priorities. Read on to learn more about chilled water vs. DX systems so you can make an informed decision.
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Maintaining a commercial HVAC system is critical to keeping tenants comfortable, protecting building assets, and preventing costly breakdowns. But when that maintenance has to happen in an occupied space, the challenge is making sure the work gets done without disrupting day-to-day operations. From scheduling preventive checks to managing noise and dust, the key is planning ahead and using best practices that respect the needs of occupants. You also need to consider how the work could impact employees. Here’s a look at how to approach HVAC maintenance in occupied spaces.
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In large commercial buildings, plumbing systems must manage more than just water flow. Without proper ventilation, even the most well-designed plumbing infrastructure can experience pressure imbalances and foul odors. These isolated incidents can be manageable. However, your plumbing venting systems are interconnected, meaning the compounded effects can lead to widespread failures. Unfortunately, plumbing venting systems are often overlooked during design and maintenance. For property owners, facility managers, and contractors, understanding how venting works and what warning signs to look for can prevent costly repairs and serious code violations down the line.
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In recent years, climate extremes have become a constant concern in building management. Record-breaking summer heatwaves and unpredictable winter fluctuations have placed a major burden on commercial HVAC systems. Traditional heating and cooling setups are struggling to keep pace. Here’s what facility managers and property owners need to know, including how to adapt effectively.
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Mixed-use commercial properties are a growing trend in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Each zone has unique heating, cooling, and ventilation needs, making HVAC management complex. Mixed-use spaces must adapt to the needs of each occupant. For instance, retail areas need steady airflow to keep shoppers cool and comfortable. Offices need quiet systems that promote focus and productivity. Apartments demand comfort and unit-level control. Addressing the heating and cooling requirements of each tenant can be incredibly difficult. Fortunately, you can overcome these challenges by adopting established HVAC best practices designed to address the unique needs of mixed-use commercial properties. Here’s what you need to know.
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Pressure imbalances in HVAC systems are a common yet often overlooked issue in commercial buildings across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. These inconsistencies disrupt airflow, affect comfort, and drive up your heating and cooling costs. The first step to addressing pressure imbalances involves identifying what they are and how they impact your commercial space. This blog identifies common signs to watch for and outlines how you can resolve imbalances.
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Government and municipal buildings in Maryland, Virginia, and DC face stringent HVAC requirements due to their public use and regulatory oversight. For instance, Virginia has detailed regulations regarding minimum temperature requirements in occupied workspaces. If you are responsible for maintaining government or municipal buildings, keeping the HVAC system in functional condition is essential. The Severn Group’s expertise in HVAC design, installation, maintenance, and repair makes us a trusted partner for municipal buildings and government facilities. Here’s what you need to know about heating and cooling system requirements in your space.
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When you’re planning maintenance for your commercial space, don’t forget the unsung hero of your plumbing system: the drains. Poorly maintained or aging drainage systems can lead to plumbing failures, water damage, and costly repairs that disrupt your business. The Severn Group’s plumbing professionals deliver timely maintenance and repairs to keep your drainage systems functioning reliably all year long. We’ll go over the hidden impact of neglected drains and provide actionable tips for avoiding a catastrophic failure.
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When preparing for commercial buildouts, HVAC planning sometimes takes a back seat until it becomes a problem. Whether you’re a contractor overseeing a retrofit or a building owner reconfiguring interior space, your success hinges on one critical factor — HVAC adaptability. Unlike new construction, commercial buildouts in existing structures demand custom HVAC strategies that work with (not against) what’s already in place. The right approach can help your team get more work done and ensure everyone is comfortable all year long. At The Severn Group, we’ve seen what happens when HVAC is an afterthought. This guide can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
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Commercial tenant turnover could cost you as much as 30-40% of the site’s annual lease value. While tenant turnover is an inevitable part of managing commercial properties, you can mitigate these costs with certain actions. The time between tenants is a critical time for building maintenance and, specifically, plumbing inspections and repairs. Taking advantage of this period during tenant turnover can help prevent major maintenance expenses. If plumbing systems aren’t properly inspected and maintained before a new tenant moves in, it can lead to costly repairs, delays, and unhappy occupants. Here’s how to prepare your plumbing systems for tenant turnover so you can avoid these headaches.
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