The Importance of a Comfortable Office

Are your employees keeping their coats on and complaining about the temperature in the office this time of year? Studies have shown that uncomfortable office temperatures can decrease productivity, which inevitably means your business’ bottom line could take a hit. For decades, available research has suggested that keeping the office temperature between 70 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit is best for the majority of workers.

Whether it’s too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, no employee should have to work in an environment with an inadequate heating and cooling system. Plus, the more pleasant the work place is, the happier your employees will be and the more efficient they’ll be at work, which means more money in the bank.

Commercial HVAC Services Offered

At WG Speeks, Inc. we service, replace and maintain HVAC equipment for Commercial/Industrial buildings in the Metro Richmond area. This includes banks, doctors’ offices, apartment complexes, churches, retail stores, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, industrial buildings and even warehouses.

We can service or install all types of your office heating/cooling needs, such as:

• Boilers (gas, oil or electric)
• Reciprocating Chillers to 100 tons
• Cooling Towers
• Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Furnaces
• Roof Top Units
• Computer Room Units
• Humidification/Dehumidification

Call W.G. Speeks Today

We offer individualized Commercial Service Agreements to keep your heating and cooling equipment performing at an optimal level. For more questions about our Commercial Services or any of our other services, call us at 804.776.5770 and see why W.G. Speeks has been the reliable Richmond, VA heating and air conditioning experts since 1943.

Source Link - Heating and Cooling Richmond, VA

Thinking About Finishing Your Basement

What to Consider for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Do you have an unfinished basement? Don’t let all of that unfinished space overwhelm you and keep you and your family from gaining the space you need to enjoy your home to the fullest. Finishing a basement is a large home improvement project, but it will offer a great return on investment, about 70% actually. And finishing the space you already have will cost less than adding on to your home.

Whether you’re going to hire a general contractor or you’ll be tackling the renovation on your own, you’ll need to consider if your current heating and air conditioning systems can accommodate the extra space and how to keep their components accessible when you develop a floor plan.

Keeping HVAC Components Clear

Most unfinished basements house HVAC components. When you design your floor plan, you will probably want to enclose your appliances for aesthetic purposes, but you shouldn’t close them off completely. Anytime a gas furnace or other gas appliance is kept in a confined space, that space must be properly ventilated per gas code requirements. You can find that information in the National Fuel Gas Code.

Protecting your family and yourself in the event of future problems by planning a mechanical room, which offers enough space for technicians to work around the equipment, is a very smart idea and could be a possible requirement in regards to your local building codes. Read More

Cut Back On Cooling Costs

Summer is approaching very quickly and the heat is already beginning to crank up. It is very important to make sure you’re keeping utility costs low and affordable. During warmer months, your AC can take a toll on your wallet, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few tips for keeping your AC usage controlled.

1. Keep it Steady – Leave your AC set at one consistent temperature or make a gradual increase or decrease every few hours. A programmable thermostat is good for keeping temperatures consistent. Cutting your system off pushes your system work harder to get the inside temperature back down to a cool and comfortable degree.

2. Avoid heated appliances – We know people who stray away from frying foods, baking and blow drying their hair during the summer and they may be on to something. Cutting back on appliances that generate heat will keep from allowing temperatures to rise, in return, helping your house stay cool.

3. Place plants – Place plants in and around your home to help create shade and counter sunlight; thus creating a more cool temperature and less need to crank your AC.

4. Replace your AC unit – Replacing old worn out systems with newer, energy efficient systems can cut energy costs nearly in half. Keep the filter clean for proper air flow and you will be well on your way to a lighter bill. more about

If you are thinking of upgrading your AC unit or need an expert opinion call W.G. Speeks of Virginia today!

Fall and Winter HVAC Preventative Maintenance Tips

Fall officially began this past Thursday, Sept. 22^nd and although it doesn’t feel like Fall outside quite yet, cooler days are in our near future. If you haven’t had your HVAC system maintenance serviced for the upcoming fall and winter weather, now is the perfect time to do some maintenance.

Most heating demands in homes account for 33% of the total energy consumption. So before starting up your heating system for the first time this year, here are some helpful tips on making sure your HVAC system is in tip top shape for the cold weather season.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

The first thing you should do is check your HVAC filter for buildup of dust and dirt. Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system, causing your heating costs to increase over the fall/winter season. You should clean your air filters monthly, and if you’ve forgotten to clean over the summer, it is probably time for a replacement.

Clean Vents

Much like your HVAC filter, dirty and clogged vents can have repercussions for your home’s air quality and heating system’s efficiency. Dirty vents means dust, dirt, allergens and mold could be circulating throughout your home. These things mean poor air quality and potential allergic reactions for family members. Just like your air filters, when vents are clogged, the airflow is reduced and your HVAC efficiency is compromised.

Adjust the Supply Register/Check for Drafts

Cold air falls and hot air rises. So it makes sense that when the weather gets cold, it’s best to open a few of your supply registers on the first floor and close a few on the second floor. This facilitates the heating of your home in a more efficient way. Also, drafts can be a major cause of a cold home when your heating system is running. Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts. Check your seals and frames for signs of wear and damage.

Source Link : AC Repair Richmond, VA