Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

Commercial Kitchen Ventilation: Design Challenges

Complex space/pressure relationships, grease management issues, and outside consultants represent just part of the recipe that the mechanical engineer must master.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

January 9, 2018

Commercial kitchen ventilation (CKV) has been a challenge to mechanical engineers for years. Part of the challenge comes from the fact that the mechanical engineer is normally not the “kitchen consultant.

Retrofits: Opportunities & Challenges

There’s more room for mystery and surprise in the early phases, but retrofit projects still contain a unique advantage or two for the thoughtful engineer and owner.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

September 7, 2017

Retrofit projects are opportunities to renew the life of a building and the utilities within that building.

Air Filtration: Points To Ponder

All outside air isn’t created equal, neither is the available engineering guidance, and there isn’t enough preliminary owner/consultant discussion about the pros and cons. Welcome to the air filtration design process.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

July 9, 2017

Defending your selection of air filters in a lawsuit should be easy, right?

State Of Diffusion: Have Typical Air Distribution Design Habits Gone Stale?

After decades of the old terminal velocity standby, it may be time to do away with “We’ve always done it that way.”

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

May 9, 2017

Air distribution in a space and diffuser selection is simple, right?

Getting Comfortable With Radiant HVAC

The particular charms of panels, chilled beams, and related options seem to be at-tracting more attention from designers and owners these days. Design, installation, and even architectural considerations can earn a hard look at radiant for a surpris-ing number of applications.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

September 3, 2016

Radiant HVAC — what is it? Heating is done in three ways in buildings — convection, conduction, and radiation. Heating and cooling with air is common in most building HVAC systems.

Classroom Ventilation: Meeting Today's Challenges

Budgets, codes, and technologies are constantly shifting and evolving. These days, even the classrooms are often portable. Staying one step ahead will depend on your knowledge of current design options and how to integrate them into the space.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

May 2, 2016

It doesn’t get much more sensitive than a discussion about the learning environment for the youth of America.

Temporary HVAC: Working The Plan

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

May 7, 2015

Spurred by student initiative, this Minnesota magnet school has become the host for a unique collaboration focused on auditing and improving its mechanical and environmental performance.

Humidification Options For Commercial Buildings

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

February 3, 2015

Environmental factors, IAQ-related codes and standards, even architectural building materials … a lot of factors combine to create a moving target for designers of good humidification systems. That’s not even considering the potential hiccups lurking in the construction process or resulting from an inattentive project team member. From the humidity basics to equipment placement to post-occupancy maintenance that can thwart lawsuits, pursue the path to appropriate humidity and minimal risk.

Radiant HVAC The How, Where & Why

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

December 1, 2014

Does an old-school concept deserve consideration for a wider range of projects these days? After a refresher on the basics, warm up to a variety of current tips and advantages for maintenance, controls, and installation.

Modular Heating Water Boilers

Modular boilers have come a long way in the past few years, along with load-matching strategies. Improving efficiencies, navigating critical tight spaces, and allowing for future growth are three reasons this option is heating up.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

September 1, 2014

Modular boilers were reportedly first introduced in the 1960s.