HVAC/R

— By Del Williams —   UVC light inactivates viruses and other airborne pathogens, improving indoor safety in commercial spaces.     With commercial facilities taking precautions against viruses as never before, an effective new tool in their arsenal is a new type of “germicidal” LED fixture. This specialized, enclosed LED fixture draws in air and irradiates it with ultraviolet light (UV), significantly improving indoor safety by providing continuous disinfection of airborne viruses as well as bacteria and germs. While traditional UV fixtures have been used for many years to …

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— By David Sansenbach — Protecting power quality is key to restaurant and retail revenue.   One of the most critical elements of running a successful restaurant or retail location is being fully operational whenever you are open to diners or shoppers. In order to do that, electrical equipment like a POS system, a WiFi modem, kitchen printers, security cameras, computing platforms and automation tools need to reliably operate exactly as expected. Given that this equipment is likely quite expensive to purchase (and to fix) and its timely and accurate …

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— By Linda Bommarito —   How to make UVC light work for you in retail or restaurant settings.     UVC light can be an excellent addition to your sanitizing protocols — it is quick, effective and chemical-free. UVC light has been studied and used successfully for sanitization for many decades, from water to air to surfaces. The science is sound, and the technology is widely accepted. UVC destroys or mutates the DNA/RNA of viruses, pathogens, bacteria and molds. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown all of us, we …

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— By Bryan Campbell —   When developing on potentially contaminated property, you can protect your new building from VOCs with a vapor barrier.     Historically, the term “vapor intrusion” was discussed only in association with the most heavily contaminated properties. Now, with the emergence of new stricter guidelines, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many state regulatory agencies identify vapor intrusion as a major driver on many sites, including those with little to no soil or groundwater contamination. In some cases, potential vapor intrusion is not …

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— By Chris Marasco — Improving IAQ to better protect your customers.   The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst of disruption for more than a year. In 2020, the virus quickly shut down many restaurant locations while forcing retail businesses to enforce strict guidelines that instructed customers to wear masks and stand 6 feet apart. In many situations, consumers shifted toward online stores to make their purchases as opposed to gathering in person at a brick-and-mortar location. While the pandemic turned many lives upside down, one positive outcome was …

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— By Del Williams —   How UVC light inactivates viruses and other airborne pathogens, thus improving indoor safety.   With commercial facilities taking precautions against viruses as never before, an effective new tool in their arsenal is a new type of “germicidal” LED fixture.  This specialized, enclosed LED fixture draws in air and irradiates it with ultraviolet light (UV), significantly improving indoor safety by providing continuous disinfection of airborne viruses as well as bacteria and germs. While traditional UV fixtures have been used for many years to clean surfaces, …

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Tampa, Fla. — As record high temperatures sweep the United States, HVAC systems are being pushed to their limits in more places than ever before. If you live in a part of the country accustomed to more moderate summers, scorching temperatures and the stress of heavier-than-normal use can cause cooling systems to break down. The Pacific Northwest and Mountain West have experienced unprecedented temperatures, with highs in Portland, Ore., reaching a record 116 degrees in August. Heat advisories and even excessive heat warnings are also in effect across the South …

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— By Ramez Naguib, P.E. — Effect of air filter rating on energy consumption in restaurants during COVID-19.   This we know: COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, which are then released when someone with COVID-19 sneezes, coughs or talks. Infectious droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Current data do not support long range aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, such as seen with measles or tuberculosis. Short-range inhalation of aerosols is a …

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— By Rick Orman — Why power surges are the hidden threat to restaurant business operations.   The last decade has seen the rapid adoption of digital equipment in quick-service and full-service restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see mobile devices, fully digitalized point-of-sale (POS) systems, network-connected grills and self-service kiosks in restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital transformation due to the increased need to offer online ordering, contactless service and customer demand for a high-tech experience. While the use of technology has increased restaurant efficiency and helped create …

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— By Clive Samuels — Creating safer and healthier indoor air quality.   The spotlight is on indoor air quality as COVID-19 continues to change the way we look at the world. While there is more to learn about SARS-CoV-2, there is strong evidence that it spreads through the air from person to person.1 As a result, consumers and employees are aware — perhaps more than ever before — of the importance of safe and healthy indoor air quality. Viruses present a difficult challenge for air sanitizing and filtering systems. …

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