#1 Predictive maintenance

Which do you think is cheaper: repairing a small malfunction in the ventilation system today, or completely refitting the whole building in a few years’ time?

You guessed it – maintenance is a whole lot more affordable than replacement. It’s important to catch small errors and malfunctions early on, before they can do any damage. That’s why we offer predictive maintenance to repair HVAC systems before they can go wrong.

#2 Plan costs in advance

It’s much easier to balance the budget when you know which costs are coming up in advance. So instead of surprising you with unexpected bills or hidden costs, we have a single annual charge for Brophy Air maintenance. You can plan your annual spending with complete peace of mind.

#3 Understand where your money goes

In a big, complex property, it can be difficult to keep track of all the operating costs. And what’s more, those costs are often connected: HVAC maintenance with building maintenance, office equipment with security, and so on.

As part of our service, we give you a full analysis of your operating costs to figure out where you could be more efficient. We even take the full life cycle of the building into account, to help you plan for the future.

#4 Reduce your carbon footprint

Reducing the environmental impact of your building isn’t just good for the planet; it can save you money too.

We are committed to using the latest equipment and technology which is greener and more sustainable. We also plan our maintenance so that equipment lasts longer – reducing waste – and is less likely to fail or leak.

Are you ready to save money with Brophy Air? Contact us today to talk about how we can help you!

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Benefits of proper ventilation

Indoor air quality has three key elements:

• Bringing in fresh air.
• Maintaining a safe temperature and humidity level.
• Removing pollutants, including viruses.

When the air quality is good, people can concentrate more and work better. The fresh air and correct temperature help them to feel awake, active and energetic. Removing pollutants helps to protect everyone from disease.

Air quality matters even more in educational settings. Why? Because children and young people can often be more vulnerable to pollution or disease than adults.

And because schools are busy, crowded places, there’s more risk of spreading disease. Just think of how quickly a cold can spread through a classroom! Ventilation and air filtration systems can help to reduce that risk.

Staying safe during covid-19

We always recommend that schools maintain their air quality through regular HVAC maintenance and temperature control. And while the coronavirus pandemic continues, air quality is more important than ever.

The CDC has detailed advice for improving air quality in educational institutions. Here are some of their top tips:

• Spend as much time outdoors as possible.
• Set HVAC systems to bring in as much outside air as possible, and focus airflow on the busiest areas of the building.
• Use exhaust fans in restrooms and kitchens.
• Use filtration, UV or ionization systems wherever possible to keep the air clean.

We can help with maintenance, energy efficiency, and improving air quality in any educational or commercial building. Contact us today!

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1. Upgrade to LED lighting

LED lights are much more efficient than traditional bulbs. They last longer, use less power and produce a lot of light. And the latest generation of LEDs are more affordable than ever before.

Did you know that LED lights can also make your office more productive? LED bulbs imitate natural sunlight, which helps you feel awake. A study from the University of Michigan found that commercial buildings with LED lighting had higher productivity levels.

2. Install smart controls

You can minimise energy bills by being smart about switching off lights and saving electricity. Look into smart controls for lighting and HVAC systems. With a smart system, you can turn the lights off with a tap of your mobile phone – you don’t even have to be in the office.

In many offices, computer screens eat up a lot of power after hours. The low-tech way of solving this problem is encouraging people to switch their devices off every day. But if you want a more reliable solution, try monitor power management software. You can turn off everyone’s screen with this central programme.

3. Check your insulation

Good insulation is key to saving on your energy bills. From roof insulation to correctly fitted windows, the smallest details can make a big difference to your electricity usage. Even a new set of window blinds can improve insulation in a commercial building and reduce your costs.

4. Stay up to date with HVAC servicing

If your HVAC systems are worn out, damaged or even just dusty – then your power bills will go up. Regular HVAC servicing saves a lot of money in the long term. Your air conditioning maintenance team can also give you tips on energy efficiency for your specific building.

Want to save more on energy bills for a commercial building? Brophy Air offers the best HVAC repair and maintenance services to fit your budget. Call us today!

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How to keep workplaces safe

According to the EPA, air cleaners and HVAC systems can help to reduce viruses and contaminants inside office buildings. However, they should always be used alongside other safety measures – such as social distancing, wearing masks and disinfecting surfaces regularly.

If you’re not sure what air filtration system your building uses, then check with your HVAC supplier. We’ll be able to recommend maintenance or an upgrade if necessary. Remember: filtration and ventilation systems work best when they are checked and maintained regularly.

Should you be worried about air conditioning?

Some people have asked whether air conditioning systems can spread the coronavirus. However, it’s unlikely that this is a significant problem.

Air circulation systems are designed to filter, purify and circulate air. There are no known cases of COVID-19 caused by infection through air conditioning, according to NPR. Last year, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) released a statement, saying that properly maintained HVAC systems may even reduce the risk of infection.

However, it’s important to maintain air quality by wearing masks and ventilating the building correctly. Anyone who has symptoms or a positive COVID test should stay away from shared offices and commercial buildings.

Air filtration and purification

There are many different filtration options on the market, and some are more effective than others. For Brophy Air partners, we use ionization filtration. This is the most powerful system for removing airborne contaminants and viruses. It’s more effective than simple filtration or even filtration with UVC.

You can use our air systems with confidence. To discuss the needs of your office or commercial building, contact us today!

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These are a few commercial HVAC services that we can provide to help reduce and control costs, while simultaneously improving your building’s indoor air quality.

1. High Efficiency HVAC Filter Replacements

We have access to high efficiency filters at a wholesale price that will allow your facility to operate better. Additionally, our system provides you with a schedule to ensure your filters are changed in a timely manner.

2. Installation of HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are the highest grade of efficiency filters. As a result, they are able to improve indoor air quality to have a clean environment. These are commonly used in healthcare facilities to avoid spread of disease, for instance.

3. Infrared scanning of commercial HVAC equipment

Infrared scanning of equipment enables us to check equipment operation and detect high temperatures that might result in indoor air quality concerns, such as mold.

4. Ultra-violet Lights

Ultra-violet lights have been used for decades in ductwork and on HVAC units to maintain clean surfaces and improve indoor air quality. The ultra-violet light cleans every surface it is directed to. Moreover, they allow commercial HVAC equipment to run more efficiently. Lastly, there are also portable UV solutions available for healthcare facilities and data centers.

5. Global Plasma Solutions (GPS)

Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) technology is the most cost effective and comprehensive indoor air quality solution. Above all, it delivers clean indoor air that is safe and healthy – producing neither ozone nor harmful by-products. NPBI purifies the air by eliminating airborne particulates, odors and pathogens.

6. Validation of outside air damper settings and/or controls

It is crucial to validate outside air damper setting and controls to avoid unwanted humidity and mold growth. While outside air improves indoor air quality, it is important to have the right amount per building design to avoid any comfort cooling issues.

7. Validation of correct air balance

We partner with NEBB or AABC certified test and balance contractors to validate that the commercial spaces have the correct air balance to optimize the building’s environment.

8. Evaporator coil cleanings

Evaporator coils should be regularly cleaned as part of a maintenance program as their environment (cold air, dirty filters, clogged drains) can allow them to get dirty. Further, a clean coil allows the unit to run efficiently and improves indoor air quality as the air passes through the coil.

9. Dry duct cleaning

Cleaning your air ducts improves indoor air quality as the air passes through the duct. When airborne particles accumulate in your ducts, they can inhibit air from flowing freely. As a result, this can strain your HVAC system and cause it to work harder to cool your facility.

10. Building controls validation to ensure systems are operating properly

The primary goal of a building automation system is to improve system efficiency, reduce costs and increase safety. Therefore, it is crucial to validate that the system is working properly.

We are happy to discuss your concerns with you and see what solutions might be more appropriate for you. Contact us to learn more about the solutions we can provide to help reduce and control costs, while simultaneously improving your building’s environment.

I also urge you to subscribe to our LinkedIn and Facebook pages as we are constantly posting about the different solutions we offer.

Gabriel Rodriguez

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The Status Quo

Day in and day out, I meet with property managers and owners in Miami to show them how Brophy Air can take them from a reactive to a proactive operating strategy as it relates to their commercial HVAC equipment. I often receive the same feedback: “We would love to be in a proactive strategy but we currently do not have the money or funds to invest in our HVAC equipment.”

What many individuals do not realize is that a reactive operating strategy results in higher lifetime costs, shortened equipment life and a lot of painful situations that result in unnecessary emergencies. I mean, I understand them, I suffer from this too as a consumer. This is called hyperbolic discounting, the tendency for people to increasingly choose a smaller-sooner reward over a larger-later reward. When thinking about your commercial HVAC system, it is easier to discount potential large future expenses than justify higher short term operating and/or capital expenses.

Benefits of a proactive strategy

1. Reduce potential system issues: Commercial HVAC equipment performance will be more reliable resulting in less emergencies. Any emergencies will be smaller in size reducing overall repair costs and equipment downtime.
2. Extend equipment life: There is less wear and tear on the equipment when it runs efficiently. The longer the equipment lasts, the smaller need for capital expenses.
3. Stabilize costs: This allows Brophy Air to offer a flat fee for all your commercial HVAC needs providing you complete cost predictability.
4. Transfer of risk: This allows Brophy Air to assume risk and responsibility for your mechanical equipment. Therefore, you can focus on what you do best rather than spending time worrying about your HVAC system.
5. Building comfort: Maintains your tenants and your employees comfortable and productive.

Overall, a proactive strategy allows you to reduce costs and increase productivity of your organization.

Lean on Us

If you sit down and run the numbers, you will realize that a proactive strategy will actually help you save money over the long-term. You can use these extra funds to invest in other initiatives or increase your bottom-line.

We at Brophy Air actually perform this analysis for you as we know you are very busy with other concerns.

Ultimately, our programs allow you to significantly:

• Improve equipment reliability and uptime
• Reduce and stabilize costs
• Improve building comfort and indoor air quality

Call us to schedule a 30-minute consultation.

Gabriel Rodriguez

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Many companies have had to respond to local shelter-in-place orders quickly due to COVID-19. As a result, they did not have the opportunity to prepare their facility for being unoccupied for an extended period. We are undergoing unprecedented times.

HVAC systems could be vulnerable to costly problems, such as complete system failures, when they are left idle. Neglecting idle equipment or trying to bring it back to full operation without having it cleaned and inspected could lead to equipment failure, costly repairs, and a delay in reopening your facility. This is not the time to be cheap. Cutting corners may result in unnecessary issues and expenses for you.

Please contact us before resuming operations in your building. It is important to take the appropriate maintenance measures to protect your facility’s commercial HVAC system.

Our highly-trained technicians have the capabilities to inspect your facility’s mechanical system. They will find and address hidden issues to help ensure your building is running efficiently and ready to safely resume operations. It is important you bring back your occupants to a safe and healthy environment.

We have developed a list of top ten services to improve your facility in order to introduce some of the solutions that might be appropriate for your facility. This list is not an exhaustive list of the services we offer but the ones we think are most relevant.

Contact us to learn more about the solutions we can provide to help improve your building’s HVAC system. This is what we do so lean on us!

Stay safe!

Gabriel Rodriguez

The post COVID-19: Before Turning the Lights Back On appeared first on Brophy Air Specialty Group LLC.

If you are considering upgrading your facility’s HVAC system, you should be aware of tax breaks that may be available for your business.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in March aims to provide relief to businesses and individuals negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act does not only contain loans and employment benefits. It also contains several tax saving benefits for businesses.

Under the tax code, the cost of HVAC system equipment and components may be fully deducted for tax purposes in the first year it is placed into service.

To learn more, review this document as it provides more details into the tax breaks.

This time might be the best time to consider upgrading your HVAC equipment as your facilities have limited or no occupancy, for instance. Additionally, these tax breaks provide a financial incentive to invest during these difficult times.

Take advantage of these unprecedented times and make the most out of them!

Contact us to learn more.

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