Common HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Questions

Temperature problems can have many causes, including inadequate airflow, malfunctioning controls, improperly located thermostats, aging equipment, changes in how spaces are used, building-envelope issues, or HVAC systems that are no longer properly balanced. An HVAC evaluation can help determine the cause rather than repeatedly treating the symptom.

High indoor humidity can result from inadequate dehumidification, excessive outdoor air, building pressure problems, HVAC equipment operation, controls, infiltration, or other building conditions. Persistent humidity should be investigated because it can affect occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and building materials.

Age is one consideration, but it does not determine by itself whether HVAC equipment should be replaced. Condition, maintenance history, reliability, efficiency, replacement-part availability, refrigerant availability, operating cost, and the building’s future needs should also be considered.

The answer depends on equipment condition, age, repair history, reliability, energy use, replacement-part availability, and anticipated future use of the building. An engineering evaluation can compare continued maintenance with replacement and help determine whether other building-system changes should be considered at the same time.

Not necessarily. Building loads may have changed since the original equipment was installed, and the existing equipment may not have been correctly sized in the first place. Renovations, windows, insulation, occupancy, lighting, technology, and ventilation requirements can all affect heating and cooling loads. Equipment sizing should be evaluated before replacement.

An electrical engineer can evaluate the building’s electrical service, actual demand, distribution equipment, and existing and proposed loads. This is especially important before adding major HVAC equipment, kitchen equipment, electric vehicle chargers, manufacturing equipment, additions, or other significant electrical loads.

Possibly. The first step is determining how much electrical capacity is available and how much power the proposed chargers will require. Depending on the building and number of chargers, upgrades to electrical service or distribution equipment may be required.

The equipment’s electrical requirements should be compared with available capacity in the building’s electrical service and distribution system. An engineer can also identify whether panels, transformers, feeders, or other components will require modification.

Not necessarily. Age, condition, manufacturer, available replacement components, capacity, maintenance history, and safety concerns should all be considered. An electrical assessment can help determine whether existing equipment can remain in service or should be incorporated into a capital replacement plan.

Repeated breaker trips can indicate overloaded circuits, equipment problems, electrical faults, or other issues. Frequently resetting a breaker without determining why it is tripping can overlook an underlying electrical problem that should be investigated.

Low water pressure can result from inadequate incoming pressure, aging or undersized piping, pressure-regulating equipment, restrictions in the piping system, or increased building demand. The first step is determining where the pressure loss is occurring.

Often, but the existing domestic water, sanitary piping, venting, and available space must be evaluated. Changes in occupancy or building use may also affect the number of plumbing fixtures required by code.