Tag: #priceindustries

Sometimes simple control is better

Penn A19BBC-2 line voltage thermostat

The KISS method is one of my favorite acronyms, keep it simple stupid. It is not about insulting a contractor about their knowledge, it’s about making things easy. Decades ago the PENN electric switch company, bought by Johnson Controls in the 1980s, made a line voltage thermostat that required no outside power to operate. No internet of things, no calibration or BSME required to operate it.

We needed an thermostat to operate a Loren Cook Gemini exhaust fan to remove hot air in a lobby where we installed a condensing unit. The VRF unit is inside for demonstration purposes and when the training room need a lot of cooling we need to exhaust the heat outside. The Penn thermostat simply turns on the fan when the room gets above 78F. Simple 120V one wire current interruption when room temp is OK, engages when the room gets hot. So simple!

Gree Condensing unit with Price Industries exhaust grille connected to Loren Cook exhaust fan
The finished product installed

3 easy tips to solve HVAC air distribution problems

Cold office workers are everywhere!

We at ACI Mechanical solve cold office worker problems for our contractor and owners all the time. Here are 3 tips to make a difference for cold work spaces.

  1. Change the airflow patterns of diffusers and grilles

Many ceiling diffusers or grilles have the ability to be adjusted or closed down. Many designs have maximum airflow rates that are over designed for actual building usage. Facility engineers (or you with a ladder) can reduce the total airflow directed toward occupants. Change the diffuser from a fixed style to adjustable to have a choice.

Price Industries diffusers have adjustable controllers

2. Install VAV Diffusers to control local zones without extra wiring

We installed a 10″ neck Acutherm Thermafuser in a small conference room at ACI Mechanical in Seattle, changing the room from freezing cold to a perfect 72 degrees. It took a ladder, a new Panduit strap to connect the existing flex duct to the new diffuser, and an Thermafuser to solve the problem. It was a 10 minute installation, before picture shown:

A ladder and a simple diffuser replacement
This conference room is no longer cold!
Acutherm by Price Industries Thermafusers

3. Use Preheat strategies on thermostats and building controls for morning warm-up

We use our Verasys building control system by Johnson Controls to preheat the building at 5am, before the first worker arrives at 5:30am in Seattle. This gives the three rooftops the ability to “catch-up” from a weekend of unoccupied setpoints.

Verasys smart building hub connects to JCI equipment, smartphone image superimposed

Changing the way air flows in a building can make a difference for occupant comfort all year long. It is worth the time and effort!