airing

Air Conditioning in Schools

Here’s Why Air Conditioning in Schools Is Important

Trying to solve an advanced math problem or learning what happens when different chemicals react is hard enough already. On top of that, if students have to deal with the summer heat, it can become next to impossible to concentrate in the classroom. Extreme summer heat can make students feel tired and sluggish, impacting their productivity and reducing focus time. In addition, high temperature combined with humidity can trigger allergy symptoms or aggravate other health – related issues. Air conditioning in schools can be a great way to deal with high temperatures and humidity. A good indoor climate will not only make students comfortable in the classroom but also lead to improved concentration and learning outcomes.

Why Do Schools Need Air Conditioners?

Schools require air conditioners because, in summers, classrooms can get unbearably hot. In this case, instead of focusing on learning, the brain would rather focus on keeping the body cool. As a result, students won’t be able to perform their best academically.

1. Improved Focus & Concentration

When the weather is too hot, it’s difficult for students to focus on their work in schools without air conditioning. Research shows that students have a hard time learning new concepts when the temperature is at extreme levels. Moreover, they also tend to get low grades on tests taken on hot days. They are 12 percent more likely to fail the test if they took it on a 90-degree day as compared to a 72-degree day.

Teachers also complain that the lack of air conditioning in schools makes it really tough to engage students. They also have to deal with more disciplinary issues with the rising temperatures. With air conditioning, indoor temperature can be regulated, and students will be able to concentrate better.

2. Reduced Asthma & Allergy Symptoms

In summer, high humidity levels can be a big source of discomfort. Students with asthma or allergies suffer more as mold, bacteria, and dust mites thrive in humid environments. These harmful indoor air pollutants result in various health issues for students, forcing them to miss school days.

Since air conditioners also dehumidify the indoor air as part of their cooling process, it can help maintain humidity levels. In addition, AC filters remove most of the contaminants and help improve indoor air quality.

3. Reduced Downtime

In the summer months, schools often have to close down due to the extreme temperatures. While it’s necessary to close the schools in this situation, this disrupts the learning process. With air conditioning, schools can stay open even when it’s hot outside without compromising on students’ comfort.

Which Type of Air Conditioner Is Best Suitable for Schools?

Wall Mounted Mini - Splits

Wall-mounted mini – splits are highly efficient air conditioning systems. They consist of one or more units connected to an outdoor compressor.

Mini – split installation takes less time and is quite easy as compared to a traditional ducted HVAC system. Since there are no ducts involved, cooled air is pushed directly to the room where the indoor unit is installed, eliminating the risk of air loss.

In classrooms, the indoor air handler should be installed where they can provide maximum and even airflow. Two units can be installed in large rooms instead of one large unit for balanced air circulation and to avoid any hot and cold spots. You can look at this handy guide on air conditioner sizing for a better understanding.

Ductless mini – split heat pumps can not only cool the classes but also provide supplemental heating in winter, which makes them a flexible air conditioning option for schools.

When it comes to improving indoor air quality, mini-splits filter out airborne allergens and deliver clean air to the intended area. This will help to reduce allergy symptoms in students and prevent fatigue and nausea due to poor air quality.

4. Energy - Efficient HVAC Systems

A cassette air conditioner is a type of mini-split recessed into the ceiling. Just like any other split unit, it also has an indoor unit to deliver cool air and an outdoor unit to remove the collected heat outside. The indoor unit is centrally placed in the ceiling dispersing conditioned air in four directions which can help provide an even airflow across the room. This makes cassette air conditioners are ideal for large classrooms or school halls.

Cassette Air Conditioners for Classrooms

This research shows that HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers. Installing an efficient HVAC system will save you energy – reducing electricity bills. Energy saving is one of the concerns of the users, and the Department of Energy shows that heat pumps can reduce electricity used for heating by 50% as compared to furnaces, baseboard heaters, etc. Opt for the most energy – efficient cooling unit for your home. Verify energy efficiency ratios and look out for SEER ratings and smart functionalities that can help increase your savings.

Window Air Conditioners for Schools

Window air conditioners are a popular choice for schools, as they are relatively affordable. Besides, window air conditioners are the easiest to install. As they don’t take up floor space, window units are perfect for smaller classrooms. However, window air conditioners can cool a single space at a time, so different units would be required in each class. Window air conditioners come with various features, including timers and temperature controls, making them a great option to regulate the climate in a classroom.

Under Ceiling Air Conditioners

Under ceiling unit, as the name suggests, is mounted underneath a ceiling with the help of fasteners, providing cool air without occupying any valuable space. Unlike ceiling cassette ACs, which are placed within a ceiling, these are mounted near a wall and just below the ceiling.

They are powerful, yet cost-effective units and are mostly used in offices and school buildings where floor or wall space is at a premium. They provide high airflow up to a considerable distance, which helps reduce the number of units required in a classroom. This also reduces the cost of installing multiple units.

Central Air Conditioning for Schools

A central air conditioning unit uses ducts and vents to deliver conditioned air. It consists of an air handler, a compressor, and a series of ducts. If a school already has ductwork installed, it makes perfect sense to use a central air conditioner to cool the classroom in summer. It is still possible to add a central system to a school without previously existing ducts. However, that would require extensive renovation, which can be costly. To save on the renovation costs, they are often installed in new school buildings.

Central air conditioners are designed to cool a whole building instead of individual rooms. This can lead to cooling in unoccupied areas, affecting AC efficiency and energy bills. A simple solution is to install HVAC dampers and create a zoning system. It ensures that cooling is directed only towards the classrooms where it’s needed.

Smart Air Conditioning for Schools

In schools, the best option is to connect the air conditioning systems with smart thermostats or smart AC controllers. Smart thermostats work with central while smart AC controllers can be paired with mini-split, portable, and window Acs. These smart devices can then be used to automate classroom climate.

These climate control devices offer control beyond basic temperature control. Using smart controllers, air conditioners in schools can be scheduled to turn on/off at specific timings. In addition, the school administration can use them to keep track of AC filter cleanliness levels to prevent allergy issues in students. Moreover, these smart climate control devices can help save on bills by monitoring AC usage.

Let Z&X Mechanical be your AC system solution

Z&X Mechanical has more than 30 years of expertise in serving clients in Cyprus. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of always meeting the needs of clients while providing top-quality heating maintenance services. We will always do what we promise and ensure that you are satisfied with our heating services.

Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about the importance of scheduling an air conditioning maintenance.

Are you interested in our services? Want to know more from our specialist? Leave us your contact below and we will contact you.

    * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

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    8 Misconceptions About Underfloor Heating

    Underfloor heating is a sustainable and economical heating system, but there are many misconceptions about how it works. We are here to debunk the myths and show you why this system is an excellent option for you. What is unknown is often misunderstood. And there are many misconceptions about what underfloor heating is and how it works. It’s about time we set the record straight once and for all. We will show you how this sustainable and cost – efficient system works and why it would be an excellent choice for your home.

    Types of underfloor heating

    Before we go into the myths, let’s first look into the different types of underfloor heating. Currently, there are two types of underfloor heating systems: electrical systems and hydraulic systems, which run on hot water. The hydraulic system also comes in two different infrastructures known as a dry system and a wet system, and the difference between the two is how the pipes are set up.

    For water systems, the pipes are in the screed while in dry systems, the pipes are in the floorboards to serve as a heat conductor. You will usually find the ‘wet’ hydraulic variant with new construction projects, while the dry version and the electrical systems are best suited for renovations.

    Now that you know a little bit of the technical side of underfloor heating, it’s time to look into the misconceptions surrounding it.

    Underfloor heating

    Myth 1: underfloor heating is much more expensive than radiators

    It’s true that the price to install underfloor heating is 30% more expensive than traditional radiators. But underfloor heating is an investment that pays off in the in the long run. Because the system is more energy efficient and requires less maintenance, users will find their energy bills and overall system costs are much lower than traditional radiators.

    Underfloor heating

    Myth 2: underfloor heating is technically electrical heating

    Of course, electric floor heating runs on electricity, but the hydraulic system runs on hot water and central heating. There’s also an option to connect an underfloor system to a heat pump. While the heat pump does require a bit of electricity, it also relies on renewable energy. Because underfloor heating operates at a constant low temperature, choosing to add a heat pump to your system is an ideal choice.

    Myth 3: a house with underfloor heating never gets warm

    While it’s true that underfloor heating does not produce as much heat as a conventional radiator, it does generate enough heat to create a comfortable environment. The system works to evenly distribute heat over the entire floor surface, so the room temperature can reach up to 25°C. Homeowners can even set the thermostat a couple degrees lower and rest assured they are not losing any heat.

    Myth 4: underfloor heating heating takes longer to heat up a house, so the temperature never stays consistent

    While electric floor heating works almost as quickly as radiators, hydraulic systems react a bit more slowly. But that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through cold temperatures. It’s important to see how you can set up your system to best suit your lifestyle and keep your interior at a comfortable temperature. For example, if you have a hydraulic system, you can change the settings to make sure the room temperature only drops three degrees during the night.

    Myth 5: underfloor heating makes your feet swell

    In the early days of underfloor heating, the room temperature could rise to more than 35°C, and if that was the case, your feet could swell up. But with the current systems today, these situations don’t occur anymore, especially if your house is well insulated. In fact, combing underfloor heating with a heat pump allows the system to provide cooling, which is plus in the hot summer months.

    Myth 6: underfloor heating is only installed in the floor

    This may come as a bit of surprise, but you can actually install underfloor heating beyond the floor. You can also install it in the walls or ceilings to heat rooms even faster. Overall, underfloor heating does not take up extra space, so you can perfectly integrate it into any modern interior.

    Underfloor heating

    Myth 7: underfloor heating is unhealthy

    Underfloor heating prevents the circulation of dust particles that can cause allergies or sickness. Homeowners can also take advantage of the better humidity and a healthier environment free of dust mites and mould, which is especially helpful for people who experience allergies or respiratory issues.

    Myth 8: you can’t combine underfloor heating with parquet

    If you take some factors into account, you can easily combine underfloor heating and parquet. If you have a stable type of wood that is resistant to humidity and multilayer version where the planks are up to 15 cm wide, you should be good to go!

    Let Z&X Mechanical be your heating system service solution!

    Z&X Mechanical has more than 30 years of expertise in serving clients in Cyprus. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of always meeting the needs of clients while providing top-quality heating maintenance services. We will always do what we promise and ensure that you are satisfied with our heating services.

    Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about the importance of scheduling seasonal maintenance for your heating system in Cyprus.

    Are you interested in our services? Want to know more from our specialist? Leave us your contact below and we will contact you.

      * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

      Via Daikin

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      11 Must – Know Tips for Building an Energy – Efficient Home

      Proper planning goes a long way. The same is true when you build a new home that is based on energy – saving fundamentals. Energy – efficient homes not only help with energy conservation but also help you save money in the longer run. Moreover, your home becomes more durable and comfortable.

      With time, the energy cost is rising and will continue to increase, making it imperative to save energy. Energy – efficient home, renovations or designs not only help with energy conservation but also help you decrease your carbon footprint by resorting to eco – friendly options.

      With integrated planning and budget considerations, there are multiple options to cut down on energy costs. Usually, fuel and electricity are converted to heat, light, and other forms that can be used within a home. A smart home can better utilize these resources and hold an aesthetic element that looks good to the eye too. Multiple resources can significantly improve energy – efficiency in automated homes.

      Home Design Tips for Building Energy - Efficient Homes:

      You must want to eliminate the risk of any mistakes when building or renovating your home. The following information would help you achieve a smart and energy – efficient structure for your smart, energy -efficient home.

      1. All About Location
      2. Landscaping & Shade
      3. Ventilation Systems
      4. Energy – Efficient HVAC Systems
      5. Energy Saving Devices
      6. Building Envelope
      7. Design for Water Conservation
      8. Roofing Materials
      9. Lighting Fixtures
      10. Go Solar
      11. Water Heating Systems

      1. All About Location

      While building an energy – efficient home, location, shape, and construction materials are prime considerations that will significantly influence the heating and cooling requirements. The maximum use of passive solar energy gain in winters and reduction of the heat gain during summers is the ideal scenario. It is achieved by optimizing the location, orientation, and landscaping of the home.

      Home orientation determines how much sun your house will be getting.  This has a direct impact on your home’s temperature.

      Design the home to take advantage of different sun angles. The midday sun is at a low angle in winter and a high angle in summer. Based on this, position your home to reduce heating and cooling expensesHomes situated on the south side of the street – facing north get a lot of sunlight at the back of the house. Homes on the north side get shade during the summer afternoons in their backyards. Similarly, if you are living in a colder climate, you would want to choose your windows’ location to be able to absorb maximum sunlight. South – facing homes capture sunlight in the winter while blocking it during summer.

      Such strategies can make a huge difference, and you would be able to enjoy summers without your house being overheated. For instance, if the building is constructed in a way that is not exposed to the sun, walls are insulated, or the glass is shaded, then the solar gain is minimized. The cooling requirement will ultimately decrease, which would help you in conserving energy. But the tradeoff is a lower solar gain in the winters; however, if you live in an area that experiences short winters, then this is ideal for you.

      2. Landscaping & Shade

      Landscaping using elements of shade can help prevent your house from absorbing excess heat, in fact, they help reduce the temperature by up to 6 degrees. For blocking summer heat and letting the sunlight in during the winter, go for deciduous trees. They are perfect for both seasons as they bloom in spring/summers and lose their leaves in winter. To provide continuous shade and to provide protection from strong winds, go for dense trees and shrubs.

      Planting location is also crucial. Planting trees on the east, south, and west sides will keep your house cool during periods of extreme heat. East trees cast shadows on your home in the morning sun. South Trees cast shadows on your house in the mid – morning and early afternoon. Trees planted on the west cast shadows to block the afternoon sun when the temperature is extreme, making them the most impactful in reducing your energy bills.

      Heating System Service

      3. Ventilation Systems

      A well – designed ventilation system for an energy – efficient house doesn’t only provide comfort but also helps in energy saving by preventing the overuse of electrical appliances used for heating and cooling purposes. Moreover, home ventilation also filters out contaminated air. The simplest form of ventilation systems are windows and mechanical systems with fans used to keep the interior pleasant. Your home design should ensure healthy and natural ventilation.

      The ventilation system is an integral part of your energy – efficient house design because it moves air and moisture across the building envelope’s barrier, and sometimes it also moves heat. A well – thought – out ventilation system can significantly minimize your overall energy usage and help make your home more energy – efficient.

      4. Energy - Efficient HVAC Systems

      This research shows that HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers. Installing an efficient HVAC system will save you energy – reducing electricity bills. Energy saving is one of the concerns of the users, and the Department of Energy shows that heat pumps can reduce electricity used for heating by 50% as compared to furnaces, baseboard heaters, etc. Opt for the most energy – efficient cooling unit for your home. Verify energy efficiency ratios and look out for SEER ratings and smart functionalities that can help increase your savings.

      5. Energy Saving Devices

      With the progress and advancement in technology, the selection of relevant smart devices can help you in saving and optimizing your home energy. Such devices use minimum energy to function as compared to regular appliances, thus further reducing your electricity bills. An energy – efficient home needs to be smart to give a good return on investment and save money in the longer run.

      You can utilize smart AC controllers, smart thermostats, smart bulbs, smart blinds, kitchen appliances, etc., to equip your smart home. Taking the example of smart AC controllers, they function by regulating your air conditioner usage according to your usage habits throughout the day helping you save 25% on your cooling and heating bills. They can also be coupled with other smart home climate control appliances connected with Alexa or Google Home for further benefits.

      6. Lighting Fixtures

      Every building/home uses an interior and exterior lighting system, which might consume a lot of energy depending on the type of lighting fixtures or bulbs used. Thus, it is advised to use fluorescent bulbs and LEDs because they generate less heat and more light, ultimately helping you save energy. LEDs provide good returns on investment and can fit in most of the light fittings.

      Apart from LEDs and bulbs, the building’s windows can be designed so that natural light can reduce the need for artificial light during the day. Moreover, aluminum – clad wood can be used for window frames since these windows provide better insulation making your home energy efficient.

      7. Building Envelope

      You protect your smartphone from scratches by using a glass protector or an external cover, right? Similarly, a building envelope serves as a protector or covering for a house. The outer structure of the building is called the building envelope, and it is one of the necessary energy systems. It works as a shield between the inside and outside environment, protecting the house from the air, moisture, and generally harsh weather conditions.

      Considering the type of insulation used, the building envelope maintains the interior temperature at any level that you desire. It can keep your home warm during winters and cool during summers. It is essential to consider an energy – efficient home design. Body envelope includes insulation which can be very beneficial for energy saving. It lowers the load on the house’s heating and cooling system and makes your home more energy – efficient. It maintains the desired temperature at home and absorbs moisture, and saves your walls from being damaged.

      8. Design for Water Conservation

      An increasing number of energy – efficient houses are incorporating water – saving systems. For instance, homeowners are going for greywater recycling systems. Greywater is the waste water from showers, sinks, laundry tubs, and washing machines. You can have a diversion system installed that carries the greywater from your washing machine to your bathroom or your garden.

      This system can decrease your water usage by about 50%, helping reduce your water bills.

      Moreover, you can also save water during the shower and washing dishes by incorporating new technology in your house. New low – flow water fixtures in the kitchen and showers reduce the amount of water coming out of them but distribute it more evenly.

      9. Roofing Materials

      The roofing material is another important consideration when building an energy – efficient home. The material used for the roof of your house can absorb less heat by deflecting the sunlight, thus maintaining a constant temperature of your home. The choice of roofing materials makes a difference in overall energy efficiency. The materials used to build the roof help you with energy conservation, decrease air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and keep your home cool without air conditioning. Initially, the selection of a roof could be expensive, but in the long run, it pays back and reduces your bill by regulating the temperature of your home during summers.

      10. Go Solar

      Solar Panels can help build energy – efficient homes. If your area is exposed to the sun throughout the year, then solar panels will surely reduce your electricity bills. These panels don’t require extensive maintenance, so it’s a one – time investment that saves you from a lot of hassle and makes you self-sufficient. Solar panels are an environmentally friendly option since solar energy is converted into electrical energy, reducing harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Once you have installed solar panels, you can use the energy for a host of different uses, such as a solar heater for heating water, bulbs, and practically any home appliance

      11. Water Heating Systems

      The home water heating system consumes a huge amount of electricity. There are multiple ways the water heating system can be improved, and the user can save energy. One of the methods is to insulate the tank of the water heater to retain heat. It lets your water heater remain idle without the water losing much heat. Another option is to use solar water heaters, an eco-friendly option and help with energy – saving. Choosing a water heating system could be a tough decision, though. Learn more about the types of solar water heaters and how to choose the water heating system when building an energy – efficient home.

      Along with these tricks, the user should take care of the electricity being overused. Make sure your lights, HVAC system, or home appliances are turned off while you are away. Moreover, energy – efficient home plans have proven to be effective and help the user to save energy. It does not only let the user conserve energy but also helps to decrease the carbon footprint. Energy – efficient house plans might be expensive at the start but can prove to be incredibly beneficial in the longer term, thus letting you save money as well as energy.

      Let Z&X Mechanical be your heating system service solution!

      Z&X Mechanical has more than 30 years of expertise in serving clients in Cyprus. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of always meeting the needs of clients while providing top-quality heating maintenance services. We will always do what we promise and ensure that you are satisfied with our heating services.

      Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about the importance of scheduling seasonal maintenance for your heating system in Cyprus.

      Are you interested in our services? Want to know more from our specialist? Leave us your contact below and we will contact you.

        * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

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        5 Reasons Why Heating System Service is Essential for Your Home

        Improved Energy Efficiency

        Scheduling seasonal heating system service for your home in Cyprus is important to keep everything working in optimal condition with minimal problems. A professional heating maintenance service company can check everything out to ensure that your system is prepared for the winter season.

        Heating System Service

        Benefits of Heating Maintenance Services

        Here are the top five reasons why it is such a good idea to schedule heating system services on a seasonal basis. One of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency is to ensure that your heating system is well-maintained. A licensed professional can lubricate components and clean filters to maximize efficiency and save you money in the long – term.

        Increased Equipment Lifespan

        Another benefit of scheduling routine maintenance is that it significantly enhances the lifespan of your heating equipment. Many of these small problems can be repaired before they cause extensive damage that is much more difficult to fix.

        Heating System Service

        Enhanced Air Quality

        A well – maintained furnace creates better airflow, which improves the quality of air inside your home. Changing out a filter on a regular basis will significantly improve the air quality by reducing the amount of pollen and dust that is easily trapped within the filter.

        Improved Safety & Comfort

        Your entire home will feel much more comfortable when your furnace is operating properly without any issues. Furnace problems can cause a wide range of issues, such as reducing the air quality and increasing the likelihood of a fire. But scheduling routine heating maintenance services is a great way to maximize household comfort and safety.

        Heating System Service

        Savings on Repair Costs

        Repair costs can quickly add up due to a variety of issues. However, preventative maintenance is key in saving you money in the long run. Experienced professionals can immediately fix any small problems with your heating system before they turn into an emergency that can cost you an arm and a leg down the road.

        Let Z&X Mechanical be your heating system service solution!

        Z&X Mechanical has more than 30 years of expertise in serving clients in Cyprus. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of always meeting the needs of clients while providing top-quality heating maintenance services. We will always do what we promise and ensure that you are satisfied with our heating services.

        Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about the importance of scheduling seasonal maintenance for your heating system in Cyprus.

        Are you interested in our services? Want to know more from our specialist? Leave us your contact below and we will contact you.

          * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

          Via Toshack

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          Preventive Maintenance – What It Is And How It Is Done?

          Preventive maintenance, or planned technical maintenance, consists of intervening on equipment at regular intervals or according to predefined criteria. Its primary objective is to reduce the risk of breakdowns on goods, machinery and equipment, but it also makes it possible to achieve more general objectives. This is why most factories and companies seek to increase the share of preventive maintenance implemented compared to corrective maintenance. To implement a preventive maintenance strategy or plan, it is important to master the main aspects and know which tools can be used.

          What is the purpose of preventive maintenance?

          Maintenance is carried out according to predetermined criteria, the objective of which is to reduce the probability of failure of an item or the degradation of a service rendered. So, it must make it possible to avoid equipment failures during use.

          The cost analysis must highlight a gain in relation to the failures it avoids.

          Purpose of preventive maintenance:

          • Increase the lifespan of equipment;
          • Decrease the probability of in – service failures;
          • Reduce downtime in the event of overhaul or breakdown;
          • Prevent and also plan costly corrective maintenance interventions;
          • Make it possible to decide on corrective maintenance under good conditions;
          • Avoid abnormal consumption of energy, lubricant, spare parts, etc.
          • Improving the working conditions of production staff;
          • Reduce the maintenance budget;
          • Eliminate the causes of serious accidents;

          What is the difference between preventive and corrective maintenance?

          To summarize, we can say that corrective maintenance solves problems while preventive maintenance seeks to avoid them. Thus, corrective maintenance, sometimes divided between palliative maintenance and curative maintenance, is carried out when a breakdown occurs on a machine or equipment. Preventive maintenance seeks, by means of checks and routine tasks, to verify that an item is functioning correctly and to identify any faults in its operation before it breaks down.

          Preventive maintenance

          What are the different types of preventive maintenance?

          There are 3 types of preventive maintenance:

          • Systematic maintenance
          • Condition monitoring
          • Predictive maintenance

                    1. Systematic preventive maintenance

          Preventive maintenance is carried out according to a schedule established according to the time or the number of units of use (produced). Therefore, even if time is the most common unit, other units can be used such as: the quantity of products manufactured, the length of products manufactured, the distance travelled, the mass of products manufactured, the number of cycles carried out, etc. This frequency of intervention is determined by commissioning or after a complete or partial overhaul.

          This method requires knowing:

          • The behavior of the equipment
          • The modes of degradation
          • The average time for good operation between 2 failures

          Cases of application:

          • Equipment subject to current legislation (regulated safety): lifting devices, fire extinguishers, pressure tanks, conveyors, elevators, goods lifts, etc.
          • Equipment whose breakdown risks causing serious accidents: all equipment ensuring the public transport of people, planes, trains, etc.
          • Equipment with a high cost of failure: elements of an automated production line, processes operating continuously (chemical or metallurgical industries).

          Equipment whose operating expenses become abnormally high during their service life: excessive energy consumption, lighting by used lamps, improper ignition and carburetion (thermal engines), etc.

                2. Condition – based preventive maintenance

          Preventive maintenance is subject to a type of predetermined event (self – diagnosis, sensor information, wear measurement, etc.). Condition – based maintenance is therefore maintenance that depends on experience and involves information gathered in real time. It is also called predictive maintenance (non – standard term).

          Conditional preventive maintenance is characterized by the highlighting of weak points. Therefor, depending on the case, it is desirable to put them under surveillance and, from there, to decide on an intervention when a certain threshold is reached. But the controls remain systematic and are part of the non – destructive control methods. All materials are affected. This conditional preventive maintenance is done by relevant measurements on the equipment in operation.

          The parameters measured may relate to:

          • Oil level and quality
          • Temperatures and pressures
          • Tension and intensity of electrical equipment
          • Vibrations and mechanical play

          Some methods, such as vibration analysis or oil analysis, are very rich in terms of the information collected. Their understanding allows informed decisions to be made, which is the basis of conditional preventive maintenance.

                     3. Predictive maintenance

          Predictive maintenance consists of anticipating future failures on equipment, an object, a system, etc. Concretely, it is a question of anticipating a breakdown or a malfunction thanks to the accumulation of a set of data. Booming in recent years, predictive maintenance has several advantages. It avoids, for example, the immobilization of a broken down production system (with the resulting financial repercussions).

          So, predictive maintenance makes it possible above all to anticipate breakdowns and offers the possibility of intervening while avoiding a much more expensive repair. With predictive technology, maintenance costs are reduced by 10 to 40% and the number of breakdowns halved. The savings generated result from several consequences:

          • Reduced breakdowns and therefore equipment downtime
          • Extending their lifespan
          • Improving the reliability of equipment and therefore optimizing production
          • Better spare parts inventory management
          • A reduction in maintenance costs

          Preventive maintenance operations

          Inspections

          Monitoring activities consisting of periodically noting anomalies and carrying out simple adjustments that do not require specific tools or stoppage of the production tool or equipment.

          Visits

          Monitoring operations which, as part of systematic preventive maintenance, take place according to a determined frequency. These interventions correspond to a list of operations defined beforehand which can lead to the dismantling of components and immobilization of equipment. A visit may result in corrective maintenance action.

          Controls

          Compliance checks against pre-established data followed by judgment. Control can:

          • Include an information activity
          • Include a decision: acceptance, rejection, adjournment
          • Lead, like visits, to corrective maintenance operations

          Monitoring operations (checks, visits, inspections) are necessary to control the evolution of the real state of the asset. They are carried out continuously or at intervals that may or may not be predetermined, calculated over time or the number of used units.

          Conclusion

          Start getting the most out of your assets and save money by pursuing a preventive maintenance strategy. Although the adoption of preventive maintenance measures requires budgeting for regular service activities, in an industrial setting, it’s usually worth it, especially since when an industrial operation is shut down for unscheduled repairs, it can quickly lead to production stalling or even loss of revenue.

          Are you interested in our services? Want to know more from our specialist? Leave us your contact below and we will contact you.

            * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

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            Ventilating, airing, purifying. What’s the difference?

            How do you ensure that the indoor air in your home is healthy? Is it better to ventilate, air or purify the air? And what is the difference between these different approaches?

            Ventilating, airing and purifying

            The house is a place where daily activities are as numerous as they are varied. We cook, wash, sleep, breathe there. It’s where we live! However, we tend to forget that all these activities pollute our home’s indoor air. Scientific studies even show that the air we breathe at home is, in some cases, up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The result? We develop allergies, are tired, and suffer from many other complaints. That’s why it’s important to adequately replenish the air in our homes. Okay, but how do we do that? Is it better to ventilate our homes, air them or purify the air? And what is the difference between these methods?

            By no means the same thing!

            The verbs to “ventilate”, “air” and “purify” are not synonymous when it comes to the replenishing your home’s indoor air. They do describe three ways of refreshing the air, but there are subtle differences:

            • Ventilating: Ventilation of a residence is acontinuous process that takes place day and night. Using a ventilation system, stale indoor air is extracted from the home and replaced with fresh, healthy air. Ventilating your home allows you to get rid of allergens, moisture and microbes that are present in the air.
            • Airing: airing is a temporary measure that consists of creating an air current inside your house. When you open your windows and/or doors, the stale air is extracted and carries with it the harmful substances it contains.
            • Purifying: to purify your home’s indoor air, you will need an air purifier. This electrical appliance removes bad odours and harmful substances, often causing allergies, from the room in which it is installed. Using Streamer technology, ions are propelled into the stale air and transform the harmful substances into proteins, which are then removed by oxidation.

            Which is the best technique?

            When we find that a room lacks oxygen or smells musty, we usually open a window, thinking that the air will be properly replenished. However, this is far from being the case, particularly in new builds and recently renovated homes where the level of insulation is extremely high. To remedy this problem and ensure effective replenishment of the indoor air, the most effective solution is therefore to ventilate your home correctly. To do this, a ventilation system is essential! All of Daikin’s ventilation systems also use heat recovery, so that the fresh air that enters the home is always warm, unlike the air that enters through an open door or window. So there’s no need to turn up the heat when you’re airing a room and worry about your next energy bill.

            Do you want to be sure you are breathing the purest air there is? That’s why it’s advisable to combine your ventilation system with an air purifier. This device optimizes well – being and purifies large volumes of air without emitting any noise. Daikin even offers devices combining air purification and humidification ensuring you are breathing air at the ideal humidity level.

            When should you air your home?

            In principle, installing a ventilation system and/or an air purifier will relieve you of the need to air your home, but an additional supply of fresh air may still be useful in some cases:

            • When you have just used paint, glue or other chemicals in your home.
            • Every morning, after you get up.
            • When you organize parties with lots of people present.

            In these few cases, airing your home for a quarter of an hour is more than enough. Leaving your doors and windows open any longer could cool your home’s walls, which would require more time to heat them up again (and will also cost you more money). Don’t forget to turn off the heating either when you air your home, to help save the environment and money on your energy bill.

             

            Via: Daikin

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