HVAC Design/Construction Process

Cooling Towers Facing New Water Reality

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:55:10 -0400

This article explores how large facilities are using alternative cooling tower treatment strategies, like advanced oxidation processes (AOP), to reduce water use and operational costs without sacrificing uptime.

The Records Problem Quietly Undermining Building Decarbonization

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:07:58 -0400

ES NEWS Guest columnist Trevor Vick examines how the lack of reliable, continuous records is hindering building decarbonization efforts and compliance with emerging performance standards.

Smoke Signals: Why Duct Liner Choice Could Impact Fire Safety

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:12 -0400

The choice of duct liner materials in HVAC systems can significantly affect fire safety by impacting smoke development and spread, writes ES NEWS Guest Columnist David Burd of Owens Corning.

The Load Calculation Standard Most Engineers Haven't Read (But Really Should)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:43:38 -0400

ASHRAE Standard 183 is now embedded in energy codes across most U.S. jurisdictions, and many engineering teams don't know their current load calculation workflows may not meet it.

Liberating Your Data: The Foundation of Smarter Buildings

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:53:54 -0400

Buildings can't take advantage of modern AI and automation tools because their data is locked inside proprietary systems. Liberating that data into a centralized, structured layer is the foundation for smarter facilities.

Correct Installation of the Relief Air Plenum Pressure Sensor

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:25:50 -0400

A guide to proper relief air plenum pressure sensor installation for stable and effective AHU control.

The Shift to Predictive HVAC Service

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 27 May 2026 13:11:10 -0400

As commercial buildings face escalating costs, aging equipment, and a shrinking labor pool, the HVAC industry is being pushed to abandon old-school, reactive maintenance in favor of smarter, data-driven strategies.

Combining Equipment Startup with System Commissioning

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:14:44 -0400

Combine equipment startup and system commissioning into a single, streamlined process to improve quality control and efficiency.

The Critical Role of Gas Chromatography in CCUS Success

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:33:06 -0400

Accurate and continuous measurement of gas stream composition is the hidden key to safe, efficient, and compliant CCUS operations.

HDPE Cooling Tower from the Early ’80s Still 'Chillin’ to the Max'

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:56:23 -0400

Installed in 1981, an HDPE cooling tower at Radio Frequency Company has operated continuously for over 40 years – far surpassing the typical lifespan of metal models.

The Future of Refrigerants for HVAC Compressors and Their Challenges

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:18:34 -0400

Written by Brett Hopkins of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions R&D, ES NEWS’ latest Case in Point examines how new refrigerants and elastomer technologies are impacting HVAC compressor design and reliability.

Understanding Real-World Performance of Additive Air Cleaners in HVAC Design

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:44:35 -0400

Air cleaners are either subtractive or additive. Subtractive devices, like fiber or carbon filters, physically remove particles or chemicals from the air. Additive devices release substances into the air to neutralize microbes or chemicals.

How to Future-Proof the Mechanical Systems in the Modern Data Center Campus

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:03:36 -0400

Dig into how data center mechanical systems must be engineered to handle stricter power and water limits, increasing computing density, and heightened community concerns, all while staying flexible for the future.

Owner-Focused HVAC Training: A Smarter Approach

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:28:11 -0400

Elevating project outcomes and reducing long-term costs through proactive owner involvement in HVAC training – from conceptual design to project closeout.

How Axial-Flow Fan Packages Are Redefining HVAC Performance

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:27:06 -0500

Axial-flow fan packages with high-efficiency motors and VSDs are transforming HVAC performance, offering significantly greater energy savings, reliability, and sustainability than traditional EC fans.

Is Your 2026 Business Plan Completed and Ready for the New Year?

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:07:48 -0500

A well-crafted business plan helps HVAC companies set clear goals, measure progress, and adapt to changing market demands throughout the year.

Unstable Transitions in HVAC Operations: Humidifier Enable Logic

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:53:54 -0500

Commissioning Columnist Miles Ryan shows how a programming oversight caused unexpected humidity control failures during system transitions.

Hybrid Cooling: How Combining Free and Active Cooling Optimizes Energy Efficiency in Industrial Enclosures

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:08:04 -0500

Hybrid cooling systems combine the best of passive and active technologies to maximize energy efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

When the Fine Print Isn’t Enough: Trust, Payment and Risk in Engineering Contracts

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:47:54 -0500

A consulting engineer shares hard-earned lessons on why trust and partnerships can matter more than contractual details in the architecture and engineering business.

Keeping HVAC Systems Running Clean: The Importance of Proper Filter Maintenance

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:37:08 -0500

Regular and data-driven filter changes are essential to safeguard indoor air quality, minimize equipment wear, and respond to real-world conditions like pollen surges.

Decarbonizing Defense: Modernizing Mission-Critical Infrastructure with a 4-Pipe HVAC Conversion

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:07:10 -0500

A top defense research organization’s Boston campus overhauled its aging HVAC to boost energy performance, occupant comfort, and sustainability.

How Commercial and Institutional Buildings Can Reduce Energy Consumption

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 08:56:57 -0500

Small steps matter, but the key to lower energy consumption lies with the decisions of architects, engineers, and legislators. Guest columnist Dan Reider, P.E., explores what really makes a difference.

Professionals Collaborate, Compete, and Connect at Unified Group’s Debut Design-Build Forum

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:33:36 -0500

The Unified Group’s first Design-Build Forum brought together 40 HVACR pros from across the U.S. for candid conversations, hands-on exercises, and even a bocce ball showdown.

Efficiency, Cost and Speed: Addressing Construction Industry Challenges with IMPs

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:15:28 -0500

Today’s construction industry needs smarter solutions to keep projects on budget, on schedule, and in line with tough environmental standards. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are stepping up, writes Karim Muri of Kingspan.

Establishing Quality Startup Processes for Central HVAC Systems

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:01:54 -0500

A guide to building a structured, quality-driven approach for equipment and system startup in central HVAC projects, ensuring efficiency from design through commissioning.

Every Sheet Metal System Starts with a Flow Diagram

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:52:13 -0500

A practical roadmap for ensuring coordinated, cost-effective installations – saving time, money, and headaches for everyone involved.

Industrial Heat Pumps: Transforming the U.S. Market

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:02:22 -0500

Thanks to new alliances, real-world trainings, and ambitious climate goals, a once-niche technology is transforming the way American industry thinks about energy and sustainability.

How Stratus Is Changing the Game for Prefab

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:47:55 -0400

A digital platform is changing the way we manage prefabrication. Stratus connects our teams and streamlines every stage of the process, a Harris project manager and fabrication director writes in their latest ES NEWS' column.

HVAC Project Closeout Punch List Process: Standardize and Educate

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:56:25 -0400

Clear communication and consistent documentation are the backbone of a smooth HVAC project turnover.

From Desert to Coast: How Data Center Design Is Getting a Climate Reality Check

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:33:17 -0400

From liquid cooling and insulation to modular construction and regulatory risk. Here are the top data center MEP design trends that a panel of experts, convened on an ES NEWS webinar, are seeing.