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Why You Need an HVAC Maintenance Plan This New Year

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:08 GMT

Though it may be hard to believe, 2019 is almost over. As such, it’s crucial business owners start thinking about the new year and how they want to reevaluate their plans to ensure efficiency and profitability. One of the easiest ways to give your facility a boost is to hire an HVAC contractor for a routine maintenance plan. The following guide outlines what this entails, as well as why it’s beneficial, to help you prepare for 2020.

What Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

A maintenance plan refers to a set of scheduled appointments with an HVAC contractor. These are spaced out in accordance with your system’s upkeep needs to ensure complete efficiency and functionality all year long.

HVAC contractorDuring these appointments, your HVAC contractor will handle tasks like cleaning indoor and outdoor units and the surrounding areas, replacing air filters, inspecting ductwork, lubricating internal components, clearing condensate drain lines, and ensuring the thermostat and electrical connections are in proper working order.

What Are the Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

One of the primary reasons business owners opt to invest in HVAC maintenance plans is because it takes a lot of the stress out of keeping their facilities up to date. Because these programs include routine, automatic appointments, you won’t need to worry about tracking when your system was last serviced.

This continuous care also helps ensure your system always operates at full functionality. By allowing an HVAC contractor to inspect your system regularly, you stand a better chance of finding and treating small issues before they evolve into major breakdowns. This also saves you money in the long run, as it will be less likely you’ll need to invest in major replacements.

If you’re interested in investing in an HVAC maintenance plan in the coming year, contact our experts at Lindbergh Commercial Services in Maryland Heights, MO. Our experienced HVAC contractors are proud to offer effective, accurate diagnoses and service options to ensure optimum efficiency year-round. Visit our website to learn more about our services and call (314) 731-0404 to schedule an appointment today.

How to Tell When a Commercial Heating System Needs Repairs

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:07 GMT

A commercial heating system can come with its share of problems once it starts to break down. This is why servicing your furnace is so important; it prevents you from replacing the whole heating system prematurely. Pay attention to these signs that your heating system needs repairs.

5 Indications Your Commercial Heating System Needs Repairs

1. Low or No Heat

If you notice the building isn’t getting as warm as it used to, there could be an issue with the burner, air ducts, or piping system. There are multiple reasons why this could be happening; some examples include leaks or holes in the ductwork, a dirty air filter, or the blower motor is blown. Call a technician to determine the exact problem.

2. Higher Heating Bill

A higher heating bill is expected during the cold winter months, but if you notice a sharp spike in what you’re paying, that could be a sign your furnace is wearing down. The efficiency of your system relates to the age of your furnace, and how often you get it serviced.

furnaceAs the furnace ages, some of the mechanisms break down, like the coils being slow to heat or malfunctioning. Since the heating system isn’t producing enough heat, you may be tempted to turn the thermostat higher. The more heat your system produces, the more expensive it is to run.

3. Producing Bad Smells

Mildew could start to grow within the system if the UV light air purifier within it breaks, and a clogged air filter could produce an unpleasant odor. Watch out for burnt smells, which could signal fried wiring, and always be aware of the rotten egg smell - a sign of a gas leak.

4. Systems Start Leaking

If your business uses a boiler, it’s possible for water to leak. Finding a few spots here and there is fine; if you notice a puddle, a wet ceiling, or water around the baseboards, this is a more severe problem. Boilers normally leak due to a valve fault, or a temperature valve leak. Corrosion in the system is also a common cause.

5. Excessive Clanging Noises

Large heating systems and furnaces make a lot of noise, but a grinding or a booming sound coming from the vents is anything but ordinary. It’s possible that the motor bearings are dysfunctional, or the burner is misfiring. Other suspicious noises include gurgling or hissing.

If you need affordable furnace repairs and installations, contact us at Lindbergh Commercial Services out of St. Louis County, MO. For over ten years, our licensed and certified HVAC professionals have provided reliable and prompt service, so your business can continue to run smoothly. Call (314) 731-0404 to speak to one of our qualified professionals or visit us online to learn more about our services.

When to Repair or Replace Packaged Rooftop Units

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:07 GMT

Your rooftop packaged system, or flat roof HVAC system, provides heating, cooling, and ventilation services that keep your commercial utility costs reasonable. Heating and cooling centralization makes the system less costly to repair compared to traditional systems with multiple units, while ductwork that keeps warm and cool air flowing downward contributes to lower monthly energy costs. Here, review signs indicating it’s time to call your local HVAC contractor for repairs or a complete system overhaul.

Repair

Request repair services from your HVAC contractor if your system is under 10 years old, as the average lifespan for rooftop packaged systems is between 15 and 20 years. Maintenance records also provide repair versus replacement clues—for example, if the system has undergone yearly inspections that include cleaning and part replacement, it probably only needs minor repairs or is dealing with a related efficiency issue such as leaking ductwork.

If it’s an older system in relatively good condition, your HVAC contractor may recommend efficiency upgrades over a full-scale replacement, such as installing variable speed fan control, remote monitoring, fault detection, and modulating compressors.

Replace

Replace a rooftop packaged system that’s over 15 years old to avoid costly repair services and related headaches. Older systems typically experience issues such as operation difficulties, frequent part breakdowns, and energy inefficiency.

Yours may have a cracked or corroded heat exchanger from years of incorrect combustion or loosened or broken belts from excessive wear. If the condenser coil has not received regular cleaning and inspection, it may have sustained irreparable damage. Your HVAC contractor will check these and other parts to determine whether a replacement is best.

Again, an older system generally benefits from replacement services since it is already nearing its expiration date. Replacing an old system with an energy-efficient rooftop packaged system offers benefits such as tax reductions and utility company incentives in addition to lower monthly bills, as well as upgrades that increase indoor comfort, such as better humidity control.

Whether it’s time to repair or replace your rooftop packaged system, count on our HVAC contractors at Lindbergh Commercial Services . Our team has served the Metro Saint Louis, MO, area since 2006, providing reliable commercial services and products, including walk-in coolers and freezers, and extended warranties. Call (314) 731-0404 today to schedule an appointment or visit us online to learn more about how we’ll help your business.

4 Must-Have Pieces of Commercial Food Equipment

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:06 GMT

Quality commercial food equipment is essential for kitchen safety. It ensures that food remains at the proper temperature and maintains a clean atmosphere. However, selecting the products to outfit a new kitchen can be a challenge. Narrow down your options by considering the following and determining which items will best suit your needs.

Common Types of Commercial Food Equipment

1. Grill

From flat tops to open grates, grills are a necessity when setting up a commercial kitchen. Each is made to serve a specific purpose, such as browning pancakes and cooking steaks, and can easily fit your kitchen’s design. Their high-tech ignitions produce the optimal temperature in a matter of minutes and will help to speed up the cooking process.

2. Refrigerator

Cold storage maintains freshness and prolongs the life span of the food. It’s available in both reach-in and walk-in designs and features a thermostat to ensure a consistent internal temperature. Smaller products contain built-in shelving, while larger options provide the space for setting up individual units inside.

3. Oven

For items that take longer than a few minutes to cook, you may want to install either a conventional or a convection oven. Conventional features a stationary heat source at the bottom while convection has an internal fan that keeps the heat circulating. They’re available in a variety of different sizes and can contain a myriad of dishes, including roasts, pizzas, and individual pot pies.

4. Stove

Ranges are essential for making small batches of sauces, custards, and other delectable sides. While gas ranges tend to heat up a lot faster, electric ones feature a smooth, easy-to-clean design. Each one comes with overhead ventilation to minimize humidity and ensure that the air remains breathable.

Maintain functionality with the help of Lindbergh Commercial Services in Maryland Heights, MO. Our locally owned company has 13 years of experience in servicing commercial food equipment and is fully licensed and insured. Our staff members are trained in the latest techniques for installations and repairs and will ensure that your new restaurant equipment is ready for use. We keep our prices affordable and are known for prompt response times. Learn more about our services by visiting the website . Call (314) 731-0404 to request a free quote.

How to Choose a New Commercial HVAC System

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:05 GMT

Your business’s commercial HVAC system keeps you and your team comfortable during the hottest and coldest days of the year. It also contributes to customer comfort, if applicable, to avoid reputational damage and lowered revenue. If it’s time to purchase a new commercial furnace and air conditioning system, review these considerations first.

5 Considerations Before Buying an Air Conditioning & Furnace System

1. Size

Calculate your building’s heating and cooling capacity requirements by dividing the square footage by 500 and multiplying that number by 12,000 for the BTUs, or British Thermal Units necessary to maintain a comfortable space. An HVAC system that’s too small does not have the capacity to sufficiently heat or cool a building, while an oversized system heats and cools too quickly, resulting in frequent cycling and higher energy bills.

2. Energy Efficiency

Compare the efficiency of each potential system not only to keep your heating and cooling costs reasonable but to also reduce your environmental impact. Many consumers and affiliates prefer to work with “green” businesses who care about lowering their carbon footprint. Look for the ENERGY STAR seal of approval on systems to make the decision easier.

3. Cost

Consider your commercial furnace and air conditioning system an investment, which can mean paying more upfront due to perks such as energy-efficient parts and accessories. Lower-quality systems typically do not offer the energy efficiency you need to keep your heating and cooling costs down and may malfunction frequently or wear out quickly.

4. Location

Determine your system’s installation location by considering space availability, whether you need indoor and outdoor units, and if centralized ductwork is present. A central unit on the roof of your commercial building that links to ductwork, for example, can provide the inconspicuous location you want as well as easy access for HVAC contractors.

If you don’t have centralized ductwork, and your building is smaller, you must consider the new ductwork’s location or opt for a ductless system requiring one or several outdoor units.

5. Add-Ons

Think about any accessories your furnace and air conditioning system will benefit from. If you’re choosing a system for a factory that creates significant dust, for example, you may want to add air purification components to improve indoor air quality. Other add-ons, such as programmable thermostats, reduce monthly utility costs by heating and cooling commercial spaces as needed.

Have your selected furnace and air conditioning units installed by Lindbergh Commercial Services to enjoy a quality system that lasts for years. We provide HVAC contractor services, including commercial food equipment sales and repairs, to clients throughout the Metro St. Louis, MO, area. Our technicians are fully licensed, punctual, and offer extended warranties. Call us today at (314) 731-0404 to discuss your heating and cooling needs or visit our website for service details.

3 Reasons an HVAC Unit Is Leaking Water

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:04 GMT

When you own a business, maintaining the proper temperature is important for the comfort of your customers as well as your staff. So, when your HVAC system shows signs of wear, including leaks, you may find yourself concerned. Before contacting your HVAC contractor , learn what causes HVAC leaks in the guide below.

Why Is the HVAC Unit Leaking Water?

1. Drain Line Clogs

When your drain line becomes clogged, it backs up, filling the drain pan. Because it can only hold so much liquid, eventually it overflows, leading to leaks. Routine maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor can help prevent this by blowing out the lines that typically get clogged with dirt, reducing buildup.

2. Dirty Air Filter

Air filters are the first line of defense in your HVAC system, designed to capture airborne contaminants such as dust and debris before they enter your system. When not changed regularly, air filters can become bogged down, blocking airflow to the evaporator coil.

When this happens, the evaporator coil freezes over, then eventually melts, overflowing the drain pan and creating leaks. To avoid this, check your air filter every one to three months, replacing it as needed.

3. Disconnected Drain Line

Drain lines can become disconnected when the hose loosens over time or, more commonly, when the PVC fittings aren't properly secured during the installation. When the drain line becomes disconnected, condensation can build up, leaking through the ceiling or pooling on the floor. An HVAC contractor will check your drain lines to ensure they're secure, updating the fittings and replacing loose hoses if needed.

If your HVAC system is leaking, don't wait for it to get worse. Contact the professionals at Lindbergh Commercial Services in Maryland Heights, MO, for repairs. Our team of knowledgeable HVAC contractors provides over ten years of experience in affordable and professional HVAC services designed to keep your office building, warehouse, or restaurant comfortable year-round. Call us today at (314) 731-0404 to request an appointment or visit us o nline to learn more about our services.

3 Benefits of Commercial Appliance Maintenance

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:03 GMT

Equipping your professional kitchen with commercial appliances is essential to providing great food and service to your customers. While these appliances make your job easier, it can be challenging to work efficiently if one piece of equipment breaks. If you aren’t scheduling routine maintenance checks for your commercial appliances, here are three reasons why you should start.

The Benefits of Scheduling Routine Commercial Appliance Maintenance

1. Keep Employees Safe

Commercial kitchens have many pieces of equipment that can cause injury if they aren’t working normally, such as stoves, ovens, and ranges. While it is impossible to predict when a malfunction will occur, it is possible to prevent it from happening. Make sure your employees are safe at work by hiring a professional maintenance company to check factors like electrical wiring and ventilation components to avoid electrocutions, fires, or gas leaks.

2. Lower Your Electricity Bill

Even if the appliances in your commercial kitchen don’t appear to be out of order, letting them go without maintenance for too long allows the internal hardware to become overworked. This strains the entire system and uses more electricity than necessary. Schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional to keep your electricity bill low and lengthen the lifespan of your appliances.

3. Maintain Cleanliness

Maintaining a clean kitchen is a fundamental part of running a restaurant. From ice machines to commercial ovens, each surface must be properly washed and sanitized for the satisfaction and health of your customers. Along with cleaning the outer parts of your appliances, hiring a professional maintenance company can help you clean internal components that your staff may not be able to get to. This makes the workspace more sanitary and lowers the risk of an adverse health inspection rating.

Make sure you are getting the best out of your commercial appliances with regular maintenance. If you are looking for a reliable company to assist you, contact Lindbergh Commercial Services in Maryland Heights, MO. With over ten years of experience, they provide comprehensive maintenance services that fit your budget. For more information about all this company has to offer, visit their website . If you would like to speak with a trained technician, call (314) 731-0404 today.

Why Your Commercial Refrigeration Is Making Loud Noises

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:02 GMT

Issues with commercial appliances such as refrigeration systems can cause an unwanted disruption, particularly for food-based businesses. If your refrigeration system is making loud noises, there are several potential culprits to assess. To provide insight into the various refrigerator noises you can expect and how to address them, here’s a helpful guide.

Common Refrigerator Noises

While noises within your refrigeration system can be worrisome, not every sound is a cause for alarm. For instance, you may notice hissing and gurgling noises as the compressor moves refrigerant through your system’s coils. However, this is a perfectly normal activity, but these sounds will amplify as your system ages.

Also, if you notice rattling or rumbling at the base of the fridge, you may have a faulty drain pan. Fortunately, this component typically requires some basic tightening with a screwdriver to remedy the issue.

Unfortunately, a number of other loud and unusual refrigerator sounds can be cause for alarm. For instance, if you hear a loud buzzing or whirring sound coming from the back of the refrigeration unit, you likely have a damaged or clogged fan. To avoid this issue, it’s best to check for and remove any obstructions from behind the refrigerator once every six months.

If the buzz is constant but not coming from the back of the fridge, you likely have an issue with the evaporator fan motor. Over time, this piece can separate from the mounting bracket, creating excess noise. This can be particularly problematic, as your refrigerator will not be able to cycle through the refrigeration process properly, and the ice inside will start to freeze. Your appliance will need a replacement motor immediately.

How to Handle a Noisy Fridge

You may be tempted to troubleshoot issues with your commercial appliance on your own. However, you don’t want to delay in addressing problems with your commercial refrigeration system, since waiting too long can result in destroyed products.

Ideally, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional HVACR contractor to ensure it’s fixed as quickly as possible. With the proper equipment and knowledge, a professional will examine the unit and check for temperature fluctuations and ice accumulation. They’ll then diagnose the issue and provide an effective solution.

If your commercial refrigeration system is unusually noisy, don’t delay in seeking professional assistance. At Lindbergh Commercial Services in Maryland Heights, MO, we understand the severity of temperature fluctuations in your commercial appliances and the resulting impact on productivity and inventory. Fortunately, we have over a decade of experience restoring climate-controlled environments in restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings. Whether you need assistance with restaurant equipment or air-conditioning units, we’ll provide unmatched customer support. To get in touch with a professional HVACR contractor, give us a call today at (314) 731-0404 or visit our website .

4 Ice Safety Tips for Restaurants

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:01 GMT

Under guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ice is considered a food. Like any food, it can become contaminated with bacteria when not properly maintained. To protect your patrons, your employees must know how to keep it sanitary. From cleaning your ice machine to learning proper storage techniques, your customers will remain safe and satisfied.

How Should You Safely Maintain Your Ice?

1. Invest in an Ice Machine Water Filter

Using a water filter will reduce the likelihood of contamination and add to the life span of your ice machine. Customers will respond positively to the filter, too, as the water will taste better.

2. Use Proper Handling Techniques

Ice isn’t so cold that it’s impervious to germs. Wash your hands and wear gloves before touching the ice. This will avoid contaminating the ice with bacteria and germs that are transferred by touch.

At the time of removal, consider the ice used. For instance, holding a glass over the ice storage container as you fill it isn’t a safe practice. While you might save a few pieces by letting it fall back into the container, you’re risking contamination.

When serving the ice, use a scoop. The scoop should be kept in its own holder rather than in the ice storage container to avoid cross-contamination.

At the end of every day, sanitize the scoop with soap or by running it through the dishwasher.

3. Make Routine & Monthly Inspections

When cleaning the machine, remove the ice, so it isn’t contaminated by cleaning products. If you notice a build-up of scum or mold, remove it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routinely clean your machine while it’s empty. You can accomplish this by pouring a sanitizer through the cycle. Then create two cycles of ice. Dispose of the ice. The third cycle of ice will be safe for consumption by your customers, and your machine will be clean.

4. Schedule Maintenance

Have your ice machine serviced by an HVACR technician twice a year. They’ll take it apart, inspect it for damage and dirt, and make the necessary repairs before cleaning it. This will increase the life span of the machine, keep the ice clean, and make visits from the health inspector a breeze.

To ensure your ice machines are clean and running efficiently, reach out to Lindbergh Commercial Services . For over 10 years, businesses throughout Maryland Heights, MO, have relied on our licensed and insured HVACR technicians. With our help, your commercial refrigerators and freezers will keep your products cool for years to come. For a complete list of our services, including preventative maintenance and repairs, visit our website . For a free estimate, call (314) 731-0404 .

3 Helpful Tips for Organizing Commercial Refrigeration

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:39:00 GMT

The backbone of every successful commercial kitchen, aside from skilled cooks, is fully-functional and safe equipment. This includes commercial refrigeration like walk-in freezers . However, having the right equipment isn’t enough. You also need to know how to organize your unit to ensure food freshness and efficient food preparation. Below are a few ways to maximize the space in your walk-in freezer.

3 Tips for Organizing Your Commercial Refrigeration

1. Store Meat on the Bottom Shelves

One food safety rule you should always adhere to is the proper placement of raw meat. The meat should be stored at the lowest point of your refrigerator or walk-in freezer to prevent dangerous cross-contamination from the packaging. If any food products come in contact with drippings or marinades from the raw meat, they must be disposed of immediately, which can cause you to lose money. Placing raw goods on the bottom shelves reduces the chances of juices coming into contact with other products.

2. Don’t Pack the Fridge

While it may be tempting to tightly pack the refrigerator or freezer, you should avoid this temptation. Tightly packing the refrigeration unit will prevent cold air from freely circulating throughout the space. Without proper airflow, you could end up with uneven cooling or hot spots inside your fridge. For adequate cooling, try to leave about three inches of space between your goods and the walls of the unit.

3. Rotate Your Food

It’s easy to put something inside the refrigerator only to forget it after a while. Eventually, the product will expire, and it must be thrown out. This simple mistake causes food waste and a higher grocery budget because you’ll have to replace the items that went bad. To ensure every product in your commercial refrigeration unit is used in a timely fashion, periodically rotate your goods by bringing your older food to the front and placing the new items toward the back. This will give you enough time to make the most of everything in your fridge and freezer.

Maintaining your commercial refrigeration is necessary for a successful restaurant. The technicians at Lindbergh Commercial Services have assisted businesses throughout Maryland Heights, MO, for almost 15 years. These HVAC contractors specialize in everything from heating and air conditioning repairs to custom refrigeration solutions for walk-in freezers, coolers, and ice machines. To learn more about their services, call (314) 731-0404 or visit them online today.