For
many of us in the Greater Toronto Area, this was the winter that never came.
With the recent warm weather during March Break, some clients are considering
an early change-over.
Last
year, we had several buildings that changed over to Cooling by the third week
of April. For Heat Pump buildings, it is important that the Fluid Cooler be
ready for the first warm days of the year. We advise getting Fluid Coolers
ready by the end of April at the latest.
The
vast majority of buildings switched over during the second and third weeks of
May. It may be helpful to change over the in-suite cooling, while leaving the
Make Up Air units in a Heating Mode until the end of May. This is possible with
hydronic (water coil) and packaged air handlers. In this way, if there is a
cold snap, there is still a source of heat in the building.
One
of the most important things that must be done during the change-over is to
check and isolate the basement loop heating systems. In some buildings these
systems are fed from Primary Boilers, however, in some buildings these systems
are fed
from
the Dual Systems. When fed from the Dual System, this can result in these loops
having chilled water flowing through them resulting in condensation and the
ensuing damage to locker contents, drywall ceilings and other areas.
After
change-over it is also important to check to make sure that ramp heating and
stair melting systems are shut off for the season.
For our clients - it
is also important to contact Provident Energy when your change-over is occurring. When
switching from a heating to cooling mode, the ‘action’ of valves must be
reversed. For example, when in a heating mode, if you need more heat, the valve
must open to allow more heat to flow. When a rise in the space temperature (the
input signal) needs to result in an increase in an output signal, this is
referred to as ‘direct acting’. When a rise in space temperature needs to
result in a decrease in the output signal, this is referred to as ‘reverse
acting’. An Energy Management System must be told when to work one way or the
other.
A carefully planned change-over will ensure comfort through the spring and
summer.
