Key Takeaways

• Inadequate climate control can lead to costly issues like material degradation, mold growth, and compromised indoor air quality.
• Builders and facility managers share common objectives of energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and asset protection, albeit with differing priorities and timelines.
• By following a structured checklist, construction companies and facility management teams can address climate control needs effectively and efficiently.

Importance of Climate Control in Construction and Maintenance

Climate control is a critical factor in both the construction and maintenance phases of a building's lifecycle. During the construction phase, it ensures the comfort and productivity of workers, as well as the protection of materials and finishes from weather-related damage. Once a building is operational, effective climate control systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.

Purpose of a Comprehensive Checklist

Our checklist is a valuable tool for builders and facility managers alike, providing a structured approach to addressing the various aspects of climate control. By methodically addressing key considerations, this checklist can help construction companies minimize oversights that can lead to costly rework, repairs, and energy inefficiencies down the line. For facility management teams, it helps promote a comfortable, safe, and sustainable indoor environment.

Climate Control Considerations for the Building Lifecycle

Maintaining optimal climate control is crucial throughout a building's full lifecycle — from initial construction through ongoing facility management. Let's explore the key climate control considerations for both the construction and operational phases.

Climate Control During Construction

Temporary Climate Solutions

• Utilize temporary heating, cooling, and humidity control equipment rentals to enable year-round productivity during the building phase when permanent utility systems are not operational.
• Protect stored materials from moisture with enclosures and desiccant dehumidifiers to prevent weathering, rot, and mold.
• Ensure worker safety and comfort with spot coolers, air movers, and temporary heating equipment as needed.

Building Design Strategies

• Properly calculate heating and cooling loads based on factors like building size, insulation levels, and anticipated occupancy to guide accurate HVAC sizing.
• Leverage energy modeling software and simulations to optimize system design like duct layouts, zoning, and diffuser placement.
• Orient the building (and strategically place windows) for effective use of daylighting and passive solar for heat gain/shading to reduce HVAC loads.
• Integrate high-efficiency HVAC systems from the start in your design plans.
• Implement comprehensive air sealing and insulation to help minimize heating/cooling losses.

Installation of Climate Control Systems

• Implement ductwork sealing and insulation best practices during installation to prevent leakage and losses.
• Integrate energy recovery ventilation systems to extract heat from exhaust air and pre-condition incoming fresh air.
• Commission all HVAC systems after installation following NEBB procedural standards to verify proper performance.
• Take advantage of rebates, incentives, and tax credits for investing in energy-efficient HVAC equipment.

Building Envelope Considerations

• Continuous air sealing at all joints, penetrations, and material transitions is vital to prevent air/moisture leakage.
• Install vapor barriers and waterproofing underlayment properly to protect against bulk moisture intrusion.

Maintaining Climate Control for Facility Operations

With the building constructed and occupied, facility managers must now ensure the climate control systems continue to operate efficiently and effectively throughout the building's lifetime. Key considerations include:

Regular Equipment Maintenance

• Follow all HVAC preventive maintenance schedules for air handlers, cooling towers, ductwork, and equipment cleaning per manufacturer recommendations.
• Perform routine air filter replacements every 1-3 months (or per pressure drop) to maintain indoor air quality.
• Include semi-annual coil cleaning and refrigerant level verification to extend equipment life.
• Use rental chillers, cooling towers, and other supplemental climate control solutions during planned/unplanned downtime.
• Consistent preventive maintenance, including filter changes, coil cleaning, refrigerant level checks, and other tasks per the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Optimize performance to reduce operating costs, including integration of energy-efficient equipment (high SEER ratings for facility and building maintenance), thermostatic zoning, and programmable controls.

Monitoring and Automation

• Implement modern direct digital control (DDC) building automation systems (BAS) and IoT sensor networks.
• Continuously monitor, trend, and analyze temperatures, humidity levels, air quality parameters and energy usage data.
• Configure the BAS to trigger alerts when environmental conditions deviate outside of defined setpoints.
• Use data analytics to identify operational inefficiencies and areas for system improvements.

Indoor Air Quality Management

• Prevent and quickly address any microbial growth by implementing dehumidification systems for ongoing control of relative humidity levels between 30-60% as recommended for most buildings.
• Increase outdoor air ventilation rates temporarily as needed to dilute pollutants or other contaminants (following ASHRAE guidelines).
• Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, UV air disinfection, and bipolar ionization systems.
• Rent air scrubbers and negative air machines during renovation projects to contain dust/VOCs.

Emergency Preparedness

• Have temporary HVAC, air filtration and moisture removal equipment on standby through a rental partner (like Sunbelt Rentals).
• Maintain backup power systems and contingency plans for critical mechanical and IT infrastructure.
• Develop comprehensive contingency plans for events like hurricanes, wildfires, floods based on regional risks.
• Leverage Sunbelt Rentals nationwide locations, 24/7 support, and quick-response capabilities for emergency climate needs.

Summary

From construction sites to operational facilities, maintaining proper climate control is essential for creating a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient indoor environment. By following this comprehensive checklist, builders and facility managers can ensure no critical considerations are overlooked.

Let the experts at Sunbelt Rentals be your climate control partner. Our temporary HVAC rental fleet and complete facility solutions will keep your projects and buildings running at peak performance. Reach out today to discuss your specific climate control needs.