The Hidden Systems Keeping You Cool 02/06/20
As the summer heats up, many New England residents find themselves retreating to air-conditioned spaces for relief from high temperatures and humidity. While we take the cooling effect of air conditioning for granted, unseen heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are far more complex.
Efficient HVAC systems are necessary luxuries that maintain comfortable, healthy, and safe environments for building occupants. And none are more prevalent than the behind-the-scenes systems in shops, offices and other spaces that keep us comfortable throughout the summer season. JM Electrical (JME) is proud to have worked on a number of projects throughout Greater Boston requiring the installation of premium HVAC automation controls, effectively managing each space’s unique energy needs while keeping everyone comfortable. Boston is a unique location, given its history of innovation; the first ever fan-type system in the US was installed at the Boston Custom House in 1846 and in 1906, Boston Floating Hospital became the first ever air-conditioned hospital, using a system to maintain the hospital wards at about 70°F with a relative humidity of 50 percent.
Here’s a quick overview of each component that comprises HVAC in commercial spaces, and a few noteworthy, Boston-based examples:
Heating
The use of air curtains in retail shops, preventing the cold winter air from mixing with the warm air inside, is commonly used in retail spaces. Air curtains prevent the ‘arctic blast’ whenever the door is opened and the same applies in the summer when it’s important to keep the cold air in and the hot air out. JME has recently installed these components at Caffé Nero, as well as our own headquarters.
Ventilation
Makeup Air and Pollution Control Units are of extreme importance in commercial kitchens around the city. Exhausting all kitchen fumes is a must when cooking inside, to ensure customer comfort and safety. New technologies, such as electrostatic precipitators and ozone injectors, ensure minimal environmental disruption and eliminate grease and fumes from the air. JME recently installed these innovative technologies in FUKU, a casual restaurant located in the Seaport.
Air Conditioning
Proper air conditioning is essential in areas such as gyms that can hold dozens of individuals at any given time. Often, the use of several types of air conditioning, including tempered air from base building and additional AC condensers to handle the cooling demands, are required. Popular fitness center Barry’s Bootcamp is an example of a gym that relies on these systems to keep clients cool during their vigorous workouts.
Here in Boston, these innovative yet unseen HVAC systems are continuing to improve the quality of life for millions of residents and visitors each year. Collectively, these unsung technologies are quietly improving the city’s quality of life and making the summer months more enjoyable for all of us.
Contributor Bio
JM Electrical Co., Inc. was established over 30 years ago by Paul A. Guarracino who wanted to provide the highest level of quality service to the commercial electrical contracting market. Over the years, this commitment to service along with highly experienced and dedicated personnel has allowed our company to grow its customer base and make significant contributions to major projects in the Greater Boston area.
Today, JM Electrical enjoys a reputation as an industry leader in installing building automation systems and HVAC controls. JM Electrical possesses the technical expertise to assist our customers in executing all projects from selection to installation of the most sophisticated and cost-effective building management systems.
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