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How Cold Should a Walk-In Cooler Be?

assortment of frozen foods

The Importance of a Walk-In Cooler

For a commercial or industrial kitchen, there are many important components that make it run smoothly. First is the staff! Having a staff that knows their job and the process is important. Then there is electricity, gas, water, and the appliances that use those things like the ovens, stoves, freezer, refrigerator, and the walk-in cooler

When any one of those things isn’t working correctly, the entire operation is affected. Short staff, others have to pick up the slack. Any of the utilities that are off will shut the process down completely. Meanwhile, if any of the appliances, especially ones like the walk-in cooler, malfunction, it can mean ruined or spoiled food. And that is a major cost as well as inconvenient. 

What is the difference between a walk-in cooler vs a refrigerator? 

The FDA Food Code requires a restaurant to keep perishable foods at 41°F or lower. This requires the refrigeration system to be set at 38°F or lower. It doesn’t matter to the FDA if it is in a refrigerator or a walk-in cooler, as they both serve the same purpose. The difference between the two is the space they use.

A walk-in cooler is going to be at least 6’x6’, requiring additional space around it for ventilation. You can walk into your own personal kitchen and see the difference in their sizes. In addition to the space difference between the two, your next concern when it comes to which is best for your commercial or industrial kitchen is your storage requirements. Things to consider when deciding which one you need are: 

  • What will be stored
  • Delivery frequency
  • Organization of food
  • Energy efficiency


What is the difference between a walk-in freezer vs a cooler? 

A walk-in freezer will keep things at a temperature of zero degrees or even colder. While the refrigerator or walk-in cooler must both keep food at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, a walk-in freezer is much colder and far more powerful. The side and rear panels are also thicker to maintain their below-freezing temperatures. 

What is a walk-in cooler’s temperature?

Because the FDA requires commercial and industrial kitchens to keep perishable foods at 41 degrees Fahrenheit, a walk-in cooler needs to be set colder. The average temperature is between the 35°F  and 38°F range. However, a temperature below 34°F will freeze food products like dairy and produce – foods that should not be frozen. It is important to make sure the temperature never drops below 35°F. 

How to Keep a Walk-In Cooler Cold

Keeping a regular routine of preventive maintenance will not only keep your walk-in cooler cold but extend its life expectancy too. Some things you need to do for your walk-in cooler include: 

1. The condensing unit 

There are three key parts of a walk-in cooler: the compressor, condensing coil, and condensing fan motor. The condensing unit is often on top of the walk-in cooler. It could be under it or in a remote location, but it is important to know where it is so you can keep it clean for optimum efficiency. 

Every 30 days, turn the power off to your walk-in cooler condensing unit and vacuum the debris and dust that accumulate there. Then use an air compressor or a shop-vac set in reverse and blow out any dirt and dust you couldn’t sweep off. 

2. The exterior and interior

Every 30 days, clean the interior and exterior surfaces of the walk-in cooler with a mild detergent and water solution. Then sanitize the interior with a mixture of bleach and water.

3. The evaporator fan assembly

This circulates the air inside the walk-in cooler, pushes out the heat, collects water, and drains that water out and away. The evaporator fan assembly needs a thorough cleaning and sanitizing annually. This requires disconnecting the walk-in cooler power, removing the drain pain, washing it, and sanitizing it before cleaning the other components of this assembly. 

4. The door seals

Annually, do an inspection of the walk-in cooler door seals and clean them with a mixture of bleach and water. Make sure they are pliable and seal tightly to the cabinet when the door shuts. As these seals age, they become brittle, and with a lot of use, they may tear. In both cases, they should be replaced. 

5. Temperature controls 

If you are constantly having to adjust the temperature, or if you notice sounds coming from the walk-in cooler, something is wrong. Call a professional service immediately before the contents spoil. 

6. Humidity 

The process of lowering the humidity in a walk-in-cooler is often related to temperature control.  The biggest problem with high humidity in a walk-in cooler is the door being left open for too long and too often. This allows the outside air to change the inside temperature along with the humidity level of your walk-in cooler. An additional issue this causes is the growth and spread of mold spores inside the walk-in cooler. 

What are walk-in cooler panels made from?

A walk-in cooler has side and back panels that are either curved or flat and form to or are set into the ceiling, door, and walls. These panels are made of insulation that is situated between the metal “skins” that are either aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel.

Does a walk-in cooler need a defrost timer?

If your walk-in cooler is correctly operating, there shouldn’t be any need for it to be defrosted. When the evaporator has frosted over, it should quickly melt as the compressor cycles with the continuous air blowing over at the box temperature. 

Does a walk-in cooler need a floor drain?

Again, like the defrosting question, if the walk-in cooler is working correctly, the condensing unit will drain any water as needed. There is no need for a floor drain. If the condensation unit isn’t working properly, you’ll need to call a professional technician to inspect the unit and make any needed repairs.  The routine cleaning suggested earlier should keep that from becoming clogged. 

interior of a walk-in cooler

The Last Question and a Serious Problem – Why is my walk-in cooler freezing up?

A walk-in cooler is like other appliances and the equipment in your commercial or industrial kitchen – it will age with time. When it does, malfunctions are going to happen from old parts and old wiring. A walk-in cooler that keeps freezing up is one of those problems. 

The first thing to do is let the ice melt off the evaporator and make sure the evaporation fan is running and correctly rotating. Then check the coil and drain line, clean and clear both as needed. After that, check all of the gauges and see that the temperatures are correct and the pressure, subcooling, and superheat are at normal settings, adjusting as needed. If none of this helps, it is time to call for professional service. Think you might need some help? Reach out to our team at Rocky HVAC for help with a walk-in cooler in Severn and Baltimore, MD by calling (410) 921-1277.

What is an HVAC Thermostat?

Programming a thermostat

Keeping Your Home Comfortable

Whether it is spring, fall, or dead of winter, we depend on our HVAC system to keep us comfortable, and the HVAC thermostat is a big part of that happening. What is HVAC thermostat? If you’re not sure what is HVAC thermostat is, basically, it is the brains that tells the HVAC system when to cut on to cool down or heat up.

There is a wide range of HVAC thermostats on the market today. From the simplest to the most extravagant, they’re designed to optimize the comfort in your home. The more elaborate the HVAC thermostat, the more energy efficient they can be, some can anticipate your comfort before you know you need it.

How do you know if a house thermostat is bad?

Even for the most novice homeowner, there are symptoms that will tell you how to tell if hvac thermostat is bad, you just need to know what they are:

  1. The thermostat won’t turn on: You replaced the batteries and checked the electrical connection, still the HVAC thermostat won’t turn on, you need to try replacing it with a new one. 
  2. The thermostat is unresponsive: When you make adjustments to the HVAC thermostat setting and it doesn’t react or the display doesn’t light up, you need to replace the unit. 
  3. The HVAC system doesn’t turn on: Even the HVAC thermostat can keep the whole HVAC system from operating when it sends disrupted signals to the system. 
  4. The HVAC system turns off and on consistently: This could be a calibration with the HVAC thermostat, meaning, it is time to replace the unit. 
  5. The HVAC system doesn’t turn off: Wiring problems with the HVAC thermostat can disrupt the signals it sends to the system, keeping it from turning off. Replacing the system is the fix. 
  6. Uneven temperature: If the temperature in each room isn’t what the thermostat is reading, the temperatures are inconsistent, you need to replace to HVAC thermostat.

When should I replace my home thermostat?

If you have determined your HVAC thermostat not working, then you need to replace it with a new HVAC thermostat. Otherwise, you should replace any old-style thermostat, even if it is working sufficiently, with a programmable HVAC thermostat. The money you invest in this upgrade will give you a ROI each month with lower utilities. Afterward, your programmable HVAC thermostat should be replaced every 10 years. 

How much does it cost to replace HVAC thermostat?

A programmable thermostat can be installed by anyone with basic electrical knowledge, the instructions that come with each unit typically provide step by step instructions. The programmable HVAC thermostats integrate to any HVAC system.  

A basic programmable HVAC thermostat can cost as little as $50 and up to $600. If you choose to have it installed by an electrician, you’ll probably pay by the hour, anywhere from $150 per hour and up. There are some electricians that offer a flat rate for installing HVAC thermostats. Shop around and ask, get references, and check their insurance and certification. 

Adjusting newly installed thermostat

What is the best HVAC thermostat?

When you start shopping for a new HVAC thermostat, you’ll find many different options. To help you navigate this, we offer the following HVAC thermostat picks: 

Voice Control by Ecobee HVAC Thermostat

This SmartThermostat by Ecobee is sleek and has Voice Control, a versatile device can control the cooling and heating in your home just by the sound of your voice. Not only does it have energy consumption features, but this HVAC thermostat with humidity control too.  

Google Nest Learning HVAC Thermostat 

A contemporary look of stainless steel, this Nest thermostat is a favorite because it will learn your habits! Even better, if your HVAC system is having a problem, the HVAC thermostat will alert you, as well as alert you to pipes bursting. 

Honeywell Home RTH7600D 

A k7-Day programmable touchscreen HVAC thermostat is simple and the even with programmability, it isn’t complicated. Set this up ahead of time with the weekends, weekdays, and weekends. With labeled buttons and sliders, you’ll know how to operate your thermostat easily!

HONEYWELL

No frills and offers consistent temperatures may be the better choice for many. It isn’t programmable but it is digital thermostat, and even better, affordable!   

Sensi Wi-Fi Smart HVAC Thermostat 

For less than $100 and with a traditional design, there are many homeowners that find this the winner for them.  If offers app-ability so you can control your thermostat remotely, and it is compatible with Alexa.

When it comes to your HVAC thermostat in Severn and Baltimore, MD, you don’t have to get the most expensive, but get the best that is affordable. The better quality, the better results in being energy efficient and giving you back the highest ROI possible. For your HVAC thermostat needs, choose Rocky HVAC. Call for your appointment today: (410) 921-1277.

Is Cleaning Air Ducts Worth It?

vent

Where are air ducts located?

Do your air ducts need cleaning in your home? Maryland has a beautiful scenery that makes living here wonderful. Many move here for the fresh air, only to find that the outdoor air isn’t much fresher, if any at all, then where they moved from. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tells us that the air inside our homes is healthier than the outdoor air. When did that happen, right?

Not all air ducts are created equal, and every HVAC system needs air ducts and return registers in order for the system to run correctly. For an HVAC unit to efficiently run, the air duct (the supply) and the return registers need proper placement. The typical areas where air ducts are located are: 

  • Installed in the outer walls.
  • Under windows.
  • Installed in the ceiling.
  • Installed in the floor.

Where air ducts for houses are installed will depend on the construction of your home and the HVAC system installed in your home. 

What does an air duct do?       

Air ducts are a major component to your homes HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The air ducts are the conduits that the HVAC system delivers or removes cooled or heated air in the different rooms. What it delivers in a room to cool or heat it, it takes it back to the HVAC system so that it can be cooled or heated again and sent back through the air ducts. 

Air Ducts can be made from any of these materials: 

  • Galvanized Steel: the most used material for air ducts because of the zinc coating that prevents rust or the need to paint them. They are usually lined or wrapped in a fiberglass blanket for insulation purposes.
  • Aluminum: a lightweight option that makes installing easy. 
  • Fiberglass Ducts: this sheet metal type of air ducts comes with internal and external linings and is used primarily in commercial structures as they have the ability to muffle the HVAC noise. 
  • Flexible Ducting: this tube-shaped air duct system is made from wire coil and then covered with a flexible plastic and wrapped in insulation. Popular choice when installing air cuts in hard-to-fit areas. 

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

For years, many people have made the correlation between air ducts and allergies, colds, and respiratory issues. Today, we have technology that has brought this topic up with more substantial proof than in the years past. We should all be able to feel and live healthy in our own homes, so the endeavor to make our indoor air clean and safe has come to realize that regular air duct cleaning does make a different. 

How do I know if my air ducts need cleaning?

There are three prominent indications that your homes air cuts are need of a professional cleaning: 

  • Mildew and mold growing inside the air ducts.
  • The infestation of insects and small pests nesting inside the air ducts.
  • Debris, dirt, and dust clogging the air ducts.

When your air ducts are dirty, the air that come through them is dirty and a poor quality, making your home’s environment poor and unhealthy. By keeping the  air ducts in your home clean, you will notice a drop in illness while everyone is breathing better and easier.  This is especially so for patients with pulmonary health conditions like asthma and COPD.  

Homes with dirty air ducts have more allergy symptoms, colds, coughs, and sore throats than homes that haves their air ducts routinely cleaned. With dirty air ducts, the air quality is lower, and allergens are circulated over and over throughout the home. 

Additionally, breathing the air from dirty air ducts can speed the aging process, make you feel tired constantly. With the air ducts blowing over the insect and rodent nesting, everyone in your home is breathing the bacteria and germs that blows over it all. 

Dirty air ducts can give your home an unpleasant odor from the built up mildew and mold inside the air ducts. While you may become accustomed to it living there, your guests are noticing it right away. 

Dirty air ducts are cutting down the efficiency of your HVAC system too. With all that dirt, debris, dust, and other nasty stuff, the air isn’t blowing through as it should, you’re adjusting the thermostat more, and that is making your energy bill increase. 

man peeking inside vent

Can mold grow in air conditioning ducts?

Absolutely! Air ducts and mold go hand in hand because of the two factors involved with air ducts: Moisture and warm temperatures. A humid and warm environment is the ideal conditions to form mold. Air ducts that aren’t cleaned regularly keep that moisture trapped inside, and that creates condensation. That condensation sits there and begins to mildew, mold begins growing and then you’re breathing it in when the air blows through the air ducts. 

If you’re noticing the air ducts banging noise, or a rattling noise, there is probably loose metal around or within the ducts knocking together. This happens as they age the seals begin to fail and the connections come loose.  Having a professional air duct cleaning service cone by a company that installs and services air ducts, they can inspect your air duct system and make any repairs or replacement needed as they are cleaning your air duct system. Call (410) 921-1277 with Rocky HVAC today for your air duct cleaning in Severn and Baltimore, MD.

How Do Commercial HVAC Systems Work?

commercial hvac system on roof

What is a commercial HVAC system?

Owners of commercial buildings have a lot of expenses, much like owning a home, but more expensive.  The structure is larger, there is more electrical, more plumbing, the roof, and the commercial HVAC is larger too. So it is important that when anything on a commercial structure needs repairing or replacing, to get the best possible while staying within budget. This is especially so when it comes to the commercial HVAC

The HVAC system in your home is powerful enough for your home but is a compact size. A commercial HVAC has to cool and heat a larger space, and therefore it is larger and takes more space than a residential HVAC unit. This is typically why they are the roof top of commercial structures with flat roofing system. 

A commercial HVAC system is robust so that it can keep large areas comfortable like businesses, restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc. The parts within a commercial HVAC system are more robust as well, like these following key parts:

  • Thermostat: The temperature of the structure is controlled by the thermostat that is connected to the HVAC system. The thermostat signals the HVAC system to produce cool or heat air based on the thermostat setting.
  • Furnace: The biggest part of a commercial HVAC system is the furnace and keeps the interior of the building heated as set by the thermostat.
  • Heat exchanger: Located inside the furnace is the heat exchanger and heats the air that the furnace pulls into the HVAC system. .
  • Refrigerant lines: These are the lines that turn refrigerant substances inside the HVAC system into liquid form.
  • Ductwork and vents: The commercial hvac ductwork and vents are much larger than the those of a residential HVAC system that transfers the cooled and heated air throughout the building. 

What is the difference between commercial and residential HVAC?

While a commercial hvac and residential hvac system both serve cooling and heating to the structure, their mechanism and parts are similar yet different. The six biggest differences between residential and commercial HVAC systems are:

1.The Size

As we mentioned already, the size of a residential HVAC unit isn’t as large as a commercial HVAC system because of the space it needs to cool or heat. The components in a commercial HVAC system that differs the most are: 

  • Blower
  • Compressor
  • Condenser fan
  • Damper
  • Evaporator

2.The Placement

Your residential HVAC system has one part in the backyard or the side with another part inside the house, like a closet. A commercial HVAC system is installed on the rooftop of the building for several reasons:

  • Space saving.
  • Noise level. 
  • Maintenance and repairs. 

3.The Intricacy

A commercial HVAC system is larger than a residential HVAC systems and it is required to be flexible to the various sizes of building,  the occupancy level, and if the need for cooling and heating is periodic or constantly needed. 

4.The Drainage

Every component of a commercial HVAC system is larger than a residential HVAC unit including the drainage. A residential HVAC unit drains into a pan while a Commercial HVAC system has several drainage pipes and pans. 

5. The Equipment

The commercial HVAC equipment is customized to provide effective cooling and heating and cooling and is more intensive with different levels of humidity and temperature setting.  

6. The Maintenance Cost

Commercial HVAC maintenance is more expensive because of the bigger size and robust parts than a residential HVAC system. A commercial HVAC is more complex with a different mechanism set and requires more training and experienced contractor. 

What are the different types of commercial HVAC systems?

Any business should follow the unspoken rules of keeping the business comfortable for the employees and customers. This requires choosing a commercial HVAC system that fits the needs of the building size. Three options for choose from are: 

  • Single Split Systems: Popular among owners of enterprise-level businesses. 
  • Multi Split Systems: Operationally, there are several features in common, with the single split systems and functionally with the HVAC system. 
  • VRF Systems:  Ideal to cool and heat medium to large spaces, available as a heat pump system or heat recovery system.
close up commercial HVAC fan

How do you size a commercial HVAC system?

An experienced commercial hvac installer will be the better person to advise you on this matter. However, so that you are informed, use the following steps: Take the square footage of the area you’re cooling and heating and multiply it by 25 then divide by 12,000 and subtract minus 0.5. This will give the required tonnage to cool and heat the space needed. 

As a business owner, the purchase of a commercial HVAC system is an expense you don’t want to pay for again any time soon. So, how long do commercial HVAC systems last? The average is fifteen to twenty years with certain factors considered: 

  • The installation of the commercial HVAC system
  • Routine commercial hvac maintenance and upkeep
  • The climate and environment

Need help with your commercial HVAC system in Severn and Baltimore, MD? Call (410) 921-1277 with Rocky HVAC today.

How Do I Maintain My HVAC Yearly?

HVAC system

Maintaining Your HVAC System

Your home is your biggest investment and within that investment are major components that are investments for your home. It only make sense to take care of all those component investments so that your biggest investment is in good condition. Components like the electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC maintenance

Yes, the HVAC system is something that can be easily taken for granted, including the HVAC maintenance. What many homeowners do not realize is that the HVAC maintenance is as important as taking care of faucets dripping and gutter cleaning. Why is hvac maintenance worth it, what are the hvac maintenance benefits? 

The HVAC system is what keeps your home comfortable, it keeps your family and guests comfortable. With a routine professional HVAC maintenance schedule, there are important benefits and hvac maintenance facts that you may be taking for granted: 

Minimized Breakdowns

Unexpected and “not in the budget” emergency repairs are stressful for every homeowner and an HVAC system breaking down can be one those stresses.  With routine HVAC maintenance by a professional, we can’t guarantee you’ll never have an unexpected emergency repair, but you’ll minimize the chances  of that happening. 

During each HVAC maintenance appointment, the technician checks for any possible issues before they become a costly problem. The technician will perform a cleaning and tune-up that will keep your HVAC system in optimal working condition.

Saves Money

When your HVAC system is operating efficiently, it takes less energy for cooling and heating your home. That lowers your monthly utility expenses, and in addition, saves you money from unexpected repair bills from a HVAC breakdowns.

Longer Lifespan

Replacing a HVAC system is not cheap, so whether your home has an existing HVAC system or you recently purchased one, you don’t want to have to buy another anytime soon, right? With routine professional HVAC maintenance appointments, it will keep your HVAC system running smooth and could even extend the lifespan beyond the expected 15 year average. 

Cleaner, Healthier Air

When your HVAC system is dirty, it is exposing your home and family to dirty, unhealthy air. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned once or twice a year will keep the air cleaner. Inside that duct work, are contaminants like dirt, dust, and pet dander collect. Each time the air conditioning or heat turns on, the air is blowing across all that and into the air your family is breathing. 

Knowledge and Peace of Mind

With a routine professional HVAC maintenance schedule, you’ll get to know your HVAC company and they will get to know your HVAC system and you. So when there is an emergency, they are familiar with how your system is set up will often know what’s wrong by your description over the phone. With a HVAC maintenance agreement, you can have confidence that your system has been check by a professional and everything is in proper working order. 

What is HVAC preventative maintenance?

We just listed the benefits of a professional HVAC maintenance program, but what exactly is preventive maintenance include? A professional preventive HVAC system maintenance agreement will ensure that every component of the system is at full operating capacity . Research has found that with routine HVAC maintenance checks, you get all the benefits we mentioned, plus, the manufacturer of your HVAC system will typically require such HVAC maintenance in order to keep the warranty valid. 

The HVAC maintenance technician will perform several tasks including: 

  • Check refrigerant levels. 
  • Inspect for gas, oil, and refrigerant leaks.
  • Clean condenser coils  ensuring the proper air flow.
  • Tighten electrical connections.
  • Lubricate moving parts.
  • Test thermostat is cycling properly.
  • Change or clean air filter.

Many HVAC contractors offer service contracts that include two visits a year, spring, and fall, to make sure the air condition is ready for summer and the heating is ready for the winter. 

How often does HVAC need maintenance?

Most HVAC system manufacturers and retailers recommend a minimum of once a year for a professional HVAC maintenance check. The older the unit gets, usually by the 10th year, this should be increased to twice year,  and adjusted accordingly if repairs become more frequent. 

What is involved in HVAC maintenance?

In addition to the professional side of HVAC maintenance that we have discussed here, there are also maintenance steps that the homeowners should take as well. The basic steps are: 

  • Change or clean the air filters every 30 days.
  • Keep the air vents clear of obstruction, including the intake part of the unit.
  • Clean the condensation drain line.
  • Keep the condenser and evaporator coils clean.
  • Check the air ducts from the attic for disconnects and tears.

How long does HVAC maintenance take?

For the professional HVAC maintenance appointments, depending on the size of the house and the number of units, which most average homes only have one, you can expect the visit to take up to one hour or less.  If there are any issues or problems found by the technician during these appointments, it could take longer. 

white hvac system

What does HVAC tune up include?

In addition to HVAC maintenance and cleaning, an HVAC tune up will include: 

  • Cleaning condenser coil
  • Calibrating the thermostat
  • IInspect oil and refrigerant levels
  • Check for oil and refrigerant leak
  • Examine and tighten all electrical parts
  • Check the blower motor and belt

These may seem small and insignificant, but collectively, they will keep your home and family comfortable with proper working HVAC system. Call (410) 921-1277 today for your HVAC maintenance in Severn and Baltimore, MD with the professionals at Rocky HVAC!

What Is The Best Commercial Freezer?

What is the Best Commercial Freezer?

If you are in the market for a new commercial freezer, it is relevant for you to know that you have plenty of options on the market. To discover more, please read over the following list.

  • The Kelvinator KCNF180QW
  • The Arctic Air AF23
  • The Arctic AUC48
  • The Atosa MBF-8002
  • The SABA two glass door reach-in freezer
  • The Maxx Col MXF31F

Your local, expert HVAC repairman will have a list of recommendations for you based upon the specifications you desire for your freezer replacement.

commercial freezer

What is the Difference Between a Commercial Freezer and a Regular Freezer?

Are you looking to understand more about the difference between a commercial freezer and a regular freezer? If so, please read on. Residential refrigerators and freezers are smaller and more suited for household use. This is in contrast to commercial refrigerators and freezers, which are larger and more versatile. A household or residential freezer will be specifically designed to hold food for a family, whereas a commercial freezer will be able to hold food fit for a commercial operation such as a restaurant.

Is a Freezer a Good Investment?

Are you pondering whether or not a freezer will win out in a cost-benefit analysis? To that end, let’s explore some of the benefits. When you buy food, you want to keep it fresh as long as possible so that you can stretch times between when you need to go to the grocery store. Food keeps much longer in a freezer than in a refrigerator, which means that when you go shopping and put food in the freezer, it will keep fresher for weeks and months on end. Inevitably, this means that when food bargains arrive at your supermarket, you can buy more food and keep it stored fresher.

Many Americans have made the decisive choice to invest in a freezer for their home or property. Thus, if so many people are making this choice, it’s bound to benefit you as well, especially since you never know when there may be a crisis of some kind on the horizon.

How Long Does a Commercial Freezer Last?

Commercial freezer replacement will be necessary when your current freezer is old and experiencing sincere problems. These problems include failing to keep the proper temperature and freezer door disrepair. Nonetheless, it is important to understand how long commercial freezers last. If your commercial freezer takes a lot of wear and tear without maintenance, it won’t last as long as a well-kept commercial freezer. Commercial refrigerators should last at least ten years. With good upkeep and repairs, a high-quality model can last as long as fifteen to twenty years.

Does a Freezer Use a Lot of Electricity?

If you are worried that your new freezer will use a lot of electricity? If you weren’t already aware, the larger your freezer is will determine how much electricity it uses. For example, according to an internet user, their seven cubic foot chest freezer that is located in their garage uses an average of 1.1-kilowatt hours of electricity each day. During the winter, a kWh costs fifteen to eighteen cents depending on the time of day. During October through May, it can cost $4.68 per month. As a disclaimer, this is based on a 2017 estimate in an unspecified area of the country. More specific electricity cost measurements will depend on many extenuating factors that are related to your freezer unit and your area of the county.

What Temperature Commercial Freezer

If you want to have your commercial freezer operating at an optimal food storage temperature, then you will want to set your commercial freezer at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep your food completely safe for consumption. This is possible due to the fact that bacteria will be prevented from growing at the frigid temperature. 

What’s a Commercial Freezer

Let’s get into what exactly a commercial freezer is. A simple definition of a commercial freezer includes the fact that commercial freezers are freezing machines used mainly by commercial business owners who are looking to freeze their products in order to increase the shelve life of their items.

Where to Buy Commercial Freezer

There are many different places for you to purchase commercial freezers. These locations include big box stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot. You may want to shop around for the best price and product. Please be sure to consider shopping at more local stores in your area to support the economy in your town or city.

commercial freezer

Commercial Freezers

Commercial freezers have a large list of advantages and should be kept in good working order so that you can enjoy the benefits of your investment for years to come.

When you need a new commercial freezer in Severn and Baltimore, MD, you can count on Rocky HVAC. Please reach out to us at (410) 921-1277 today.

Do Whole House Humidifiers Really Work?

Humidifier in the home

Adding humidity to your air

Before we define what a whole house humidifier is and does it work, we’ll define exactly what a humidifier is first. A humidifier is an appliance that adds moisture into the air and prevents dryness usually associated with winter when houses are closed  up and for the winter with the heat on. 

For many people, that dryness irritates their lips, nose, skin, and throat. A humidifier is used for to ease cold and flu symptoms as well. It has been proven that a humidifier is good for asthma, and because a family member with asthma isn’t likely to spend all their time in one room of the house, a whole house humidifier is more beneficial to that person as well as the entire family and the home. 

Where a vaporizer provides warm, moisture in the air, a humidifier provides both cool and warm air in the form of vapor mist. This enables you to regulate the humidity that can make conditions worse for an asthmatic person. When using only a single portable humidifier, using a fan with the unit will circulate and spread the moisture air throughout the room. A whole house humidifier will do this through the HVAC system, spreading the treated air through the house, performing similar to a humidifier like a fan. 

What is the best humidifier for whole house?

As we described,, a humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping relieve the dry lips, skin, and throat that are common in the winter. For persons with asthma and other respiratory symptoms, a whole house humidifier can make a home more comfortable. There are many on the market, here, we list three of the most popular: 

Best Overall Whole House Humidifier: AIRCARE 5 Gallon Evaporative Humidifier

A top brand, this whole house humidifier by AIRCARE is a five gallon evaporative humidifier has proven to be a solid investment with performance and value. A modern, sleek unit that outputs 12.8 gallons per day for a 4,000 square foot home. 

Best Budget Whole House Humidifier: AIRCARE Space-Saver Whole House Evaporative Humidifier

Another model by AIRCARE, this six gallon water tank unit is good for homes up to 2,700 square feet, making it the best value compared to other brands. With a maximum 70 hour runtime ad compact size explains its popularity. 

Best Design Whole House Humidifier: Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

From Levoit, this whole house humidifier displays the humidity level, assisting in your adjustment of the settings by the digital control panel or use the remote control for convenience. With a six liter tank, continuous use of 36 hours and smart auto mode adjustment to achieve a suitable level, makes this unit the best design. If the display bothers you, there is an optional timer available to turn it off at night. 

Are humidifiers bad for House?

For all the good that whole house humidifiers do, they also can cause problems, but when you know what those dangers are, you can take steps to minimize them.

  • Mold: A whole home humidifier is going to add moisture in the air through the ductwork.  That moisture its distributed throughout your house, condensing on the walls and windows. Just like the moisture from a plumbing leak, if the moisture is excessive, mold will grow and with that come health issues.  
  • Rot: Along with mold from excessive condensation comes rot when that moisture is left unattended. That rot on boards in the attic and basement will delaminate the floor and roof boards, cracks develop, the wood gets thicker, soft, and pulpy. 
  • Staining: That condensation on the windows will spread to the walls and stain. This isn’t a reason to forgo getting a whole house humidifier, but you need to take precautions to avoid this from happening. 

What can you do to avoid these problems?  Have your HVAC and whole house humidifier system professionally cleaned at the same time the air ducts are cleaned. During the winter, once every 30 days is recommended. 

Do whole house humidifiers cause mold?

Yes, as we mentioned above, a whole house humidifier can cause mold. However, if used properly, following manufacturer’s instructions, along with professionally cleaning HVAC system and the whole house humidifier. Not only will doing those things avoid the mold issue, it also will ensure you get the most form your whole house humidifier and extend the lifespan of the unit. house

black humidifier in a nursery

How hard is it to install a whole house humidifier?

A whole house humidifier provide protection for your family from the dry air of winter heating.  Installation is relatively simple, attaching to the main stack  so the unit draws the water needed from a nearby water pipe. There are whole house humidifiers that are installed in the return-air duct, adding moisture to the air before it is heated. 

Are humidifiers worth getting? Definitely!  If there is anyone in your home that suffers from asthma or other respiratory issues, or you suffer from dry lips, nose, skin, or throat during the winter, a whole house humidifier can make winter more comfortable. When cold and flu season kick into gear, these units are particularly effective. You can use your whole house humidifier without essential oil or with essential oil, whichever way works best for you. Call (410) 921-1277 today for your whole home humidifier installation in Severn and Baltimore, MD with Rocky HVAC.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

heat pump system

What is a heat pump? 

We have electric cars, solar panels, and windmills that generate electricity for our homes. More commercial structures are going with green roofing in a way to minimize the heat island urban effect. So, as we look for better ways to live our lives as comfortably but sustainably, more homeowners are contemplating a heat pump installation.

It is a newer system to cool and heat a home using the natural resource of the Earth’s heat. So, the name ‘heat pump’ is somewhat confusing. With a heat pump installation, your home will be cooled or heated from the never-ending supply of heat inside the Earth’s core. How? A heat pump doesn’t generate heat, instead it absorbs heat from inside the earth and  when it is in the heating mode, transfers that heat indoors.  

Likewise, a heat pump installation can provide your home with air conditioning too. When the heat pump system is in the cooling mode, it cools the air through an outdoor component and then send it indoors. In general, it is pumping the heat out of the Earth and transforming it as dictated by the thermostat setting. 

What is cheaper to run a heat pump or gas furnace?

The initial upfront cost and installation of a gas furnace is less expensive than a heat pump installation. Yet, if you are looking for a way to cool and heat your home, in addition to the furnace installation, you’ll still need to source a way to cool your home. 

With a heat pump installation, you’re getting both a way to cool and heat your home with one installation. When the utility bills come in each month afterward, you’ll see the savings that a heat pump installation provides.

With that being said, it is important to realize that your needs aren’t the same as your neighbor’s needs, nor is living in Maryland the same as living in Arizona. What we mean is that deciding the best method for cooling and heating your home, these two general recommendations can provide you some guidance in deciding if a heat pump installation is right for your home:

A heat pump, A mild climate: In areas where the winters are mild and temperatures average between 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat pump installation would be perfect. 

A cold climate, A furnace: In areas where the winter can be a bitter cold most days with below freezing temperatures, a furnace is the better choice because it doesn’t rely on the Earth’s temperature. When the ground is covered in snow for days, weeks, maybe a month or more, the Earth’s temperature isn’t going to be warm. 

Where should I place my heat pump? 

The location for a heat pump installation is key to the system working efficiently. It will keep the operating costs down, extend the lifespan of the heat pump and be less obtrusive to your neighbors. 

The outdoor unit of the heat pump is considerably more susceptible to the elements, just a like the outdoor component of an HVAC system. It isn’t anything that isn’t manageable to work with though. Things to take into consideration for the outdoor component of your heat pump installation is the climate, the local weather, and your immediate surroundings (busy city street, a bedroom community, or by the ocean). 

Factors that should be considered with an exterior component of a heat pump installation:  

  • Ventilation: For a heat pump to work efficiently, it needs an open area that gets fresh air constantly. It should not be installed in the attic, a closet, or the garage. It must have fresh air at all times and should not be any closer than three feet to a wall and no less than four inches above the ground. A concrete base is recommended that is a vibration-proof base. 
  • Maintenance: The outdoor unit of a heat pump installation should be placed where accessibility is easy for maintenance service. It should not be installed near any bushes, flowers, shrubs, trees, or any other large equipment. 
  • Surroundings: As mentioned above, keep plants and other growths away from the outdoor component of your heat pump installation, nothing closer than eighteen inches. Do not mow or weed eat next to the unit so that it doesn’t block the airflow. Avoid installing near dusty driveways and roads. Do not install close to bedroom windows (yours or your neighbors), a fence can be built around the unit as long as there is a three-foot space around the unit.
  • Weather: Do have your heat pump installation where it will be in direct sunlight. 
  • Sea Exposure: Coastal conditions, on the beach near an ocean or sea are vulnerable areas for heat pump installation. The salty air can cause frequent breakdowns from corrosion. There is coating available and your heat pump dealer can discuss that option with you. There is a ground-source style heat pump as well. 

The indoor unit of a heat pump installation is important as well. There are three options for the indoor component. Which is best depends on the layout of your home and your needs. 

  • The wall-mount is the most common with the ductless mini-splits. This style of mounting provides superb coverage with moving air efficiently, but it does take a considerable amount of space. 
  • The ceiling-mounted type of heat pump installation is typically found in hallways and provide great coverage with the air going in multiple directions but at lower airflow. Ceiling-mounted heat pump installation takes longer than a wall-mounted option. 
  • The floor-mounted heat pump installation is not popular and takes longer than the ceiling-mounted option. They are more expensive for installing, but if the ceiling and wall space is limited, it is an option. 

Is it worth installing a heat pump? 

A heat pump installation will be a system equivalent to a same size air conditioner. A heat  pump won’t lose  any power when it is heater mode, and when it comes to cooling your home, it provides  superior cooling. When a heat pump installation is replacing a 10 to 15 year old air conditioner, it will have less operating costs and cooler air in comparison. 

Electric heating wastes energy during  on winter nights that are short but chilly. A heat pump only uses electric power for transferring the heat, not creating it, and distributing it. With this process, a heat pump is up to four times more energy efficient over an electric furnace. 

What are the disadvantages of a heat pump?

As we have covered here, comparing a Heat pump vs central heating system, the heat pump has great benefits. Like anything though, a heat pump installation has some draw backs too: 

  • Upfront cost is high but has a long term ROI and reduces the footprint of carbon emissions.
  • Install is difficult, starting with required research of heat movement, local geology, and meeting specific cooling and heating requirements for your home. 
  • Sustainability is still concerning because of environmental impact of the fluids used for heat transfer.
  • Heat pump installation requires a significant amount of work and can be disruptive to your home and garden. 
  • Cold weather is not friendly on heat pumps. Because a heat pump requires electricity, it isn’t 100% carbon neutral, but they are compatible with solar application. 
heating system

On Heat Pump Installation

A popular question about anything that cost money to have done, heat pump installation isn’t any different. so, are heat pump installations hard? Can you install a heat pump yourself? The answers in order asked are not really and yes, with some assistance.  Yes, knowing How to heat pump installation is one advantage a contractor will have over you doing it yourself, but there are advantages, the big one being money saving. 

Some things to keep in mind when you do your own heat pump installation: You’ll need a professional to install the refrigerant.  To transfer the heat from the heat pump, it needs refrigerant. Refrigerant still needs to be purchased and installed by a licensed professional.  The other thing is the warranty of the heat pump unit. The manufacturer may not honor the warranty if the heat pump installation was not done by a certified, licensed, professional. Call (410) 921-1277 with Rocky HVAC today for your heat pump installation in Severn and Baltimore, MD.

How Do You Troubleshoot a Walk-In Freezer?

walk-in freezer repair

How Do You Troubleshoot a Walk-In Freezer?

Walk-in freezer repair can be critical if you are not able to find a solution through troubleshooting. Do you know how to troubleshoot a walk-in freezer? According to leading experts in the industry, the first thing that you should do is clean the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer condenser coils. Next, you should check the fan motor and its electrical circuit. Reclaim any excess refrigerant. If any of these steps seem out of your comfort zone, it is always important to call a certified, insured HVAC professional. 

Why is My Walk-In Freezer Icing Up?

There are a number of different reasons why your walk-in freezer is icing up. Please review the following reasons to discover more.

  • If your walk-in freezer door was left open too long, it will cause your freezer to ice up.
  • If a gasket failure has occurred, it has happened because your freezer has old or damaged gaskets.
  • The door could be faulty. Freezer doors have a propensity to develop faulty hinges and bad door closers. A bad door closer would prevent the door from closing all the way.
  • Insulation issues. The insulation panel of your freezer could be saturated with water or ice if your freezer door is over ten years old.

The best way to find out what problems are occurring with your walk-in freezer is to consult with a licensed HVAC professional. 

Can You Get Locked in a Walk-In Freezer?

Are you wondering if you can accidentally get locked in a walk-in freezer? The answer may surprise you. As much as getting locked in a walk-in freezer is the fodder for an excellent plot in a melodrama, it’s not probable. All legal refrigerators and freezers can be opened from the inside. If you do not know where the latch is on your walk-in freezer is from the inside, it will be important to consult your owner’s manual.

Why Can’t You Open a Freezer from the Inside?

As previously mentioned, it is entirely possible for you to open a freezer on the inside. However, in old consumer freezers that are many decades old, this may not be possible. This is because they have a mechanical “latch” or “handle” on the outside. Since these units were originally designed only to hold food, there was no handle on the inside of the door that would allow it to be opened from the inside. Thus, if a person were to put themselves inside one of these old latch refrigerators, they could easily become trapped inside the unit.

How Do You Open a Stuck Freezer Door?

Is your freezer door hard to open? This may be because when the freezer door is opened, warm air rushes inside. When the door closes, all the warm air rushes to the evaporated, which in turn causes a vacuum. There are a couple of ways for you to loosen doors that are hard to open. These ways include rubbing paraffin wax or petroleum jelly on the hinge side of the door. 

Walk-In Freezer Repair

There are many different HVAC companies across the country. If you live in an area of the country that only has a few options in terms of walk-in freezer repair, it will be important for you to be discerning. Which company specializes in the service that you require? Are they certified and insured? Does the company have good reviews? These are all important considerations.

Walk-In Freezer Repair Service

If you run a commercial business and your walk-in freezer is displaying the critical signs and symptoms of failure, it will be important for you to get service as soon as possible. In such instances, it will be important to report the service as an emergency walk-in freezer repair. A good HVAC company will put you on the schedule and come by your property as soon as possible.

How to Repair Walk-In Freezer Floor

Do you need your walk-in freezer floor to be repaired? The first step to take before the freezer floor can be repaired is to have it thoroughly cleaned so that the repairs will be efficient. You can use a stiff bristle brush to loosen dirt and dust from interior fan units. After the floors have been thoroughly cleaned, you can call a repair company for your walk-in freezer floor.

walk-in freezer repair

How to Repair a Walk-In Freezer Door

There are a number of different ways for a walk-in freezer door to be repaired. Those repairs will ultimately depend on the source of the issue. In order to get to the bottom of your freezer door conundrum, it is important for you to schedule an appointment with a reputable HVAC company.

If you need walk-in freezer repair in Severn and Baltimore, MD, you need Rocky HVAC. We can always be accessed with a quick phone call to (410) 921-1277. We look forward to hearing from you.

Do Home Air Purifiers Really Work?

home air purifier cleansing the air

Quality Products for Easy Living

Do you ever step outside for a breath of fresh air when you’re at home? Only to realize the air outside was fresher than the air in your home. Studies have found that the air inside our homes isn’t as healthy as we would like to believe. Which explains the increase in home air purifier sales!

Today, we fill our homes with furniture that has glue holding it together. We need a home air purifier for dust and other airborne allergens like bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, pet odors, and viruses. With times as they are now, with COVID-19, a homeowner should take every precaution possible to protect their family, and a home air purifier can help.

Where should I place my air purifier?

Single-room home air purifiers are portable and can be placed in any room where you spend most of your time.  With this portability, you can get the maximum benefits. You should position the unit three feet from furniture or walls so the air can circulate properly.

home air purifier

How long does it take an air purifier to clean a room?

Depending on the size of a room, most home air purifiers will clean a small room with thirty minutes and a larger room within two hours. The room size is a factor in how long it will take, as is the fan speed, and the purifying coverage of the home air purifier your purchase.

The box of the home air purifier you purchase should have the information on it. If you’re purchasing your home air purifier in a store, a salesperson could inform you, or you research the different brands and models of home air purifiers.

You want to choose a home air purifier that will fulfill the size of the room you intend to place it. If you choose a four speed unit, it can get the air cleaner faster than a two speed home air purifier.

To get the best out of the air purifier, we recommend running the unit at full speed for at least a couple of hours and switch back to lower speed to maintain the room quality standard.

“Do you leave air purifier on all day?” and “Should I sleep with air purifier on?” are two of the most commonly asked questions when a homeowner is shopping for a home air purifier. These are legitimate questions, and the answer is simple: a home air purifier should be left on 24/7/365.  Why?

Because airborne particles such as bacteria, dust, and pet dander do not stop while you sleep, nor do they take the day off. If you turn off the home air purifier, it has to start all over when you turn it back on. To keep the air clean in the room where you position the unit, leave the unit on.

If the energy useconcerns you, purchase a four speed home air purifier and turn it down to the lowest speed during the day. What may surprise you, a home air purifier uses no more energy than your home computer. If you want to turn something off to save on energy costs, turn your computer off.

Are air purifiers a waste of money?

No, a home air purifier is not a waste of money. If you spend money purchasing over-the-counter medications, doctor appointments, and prescription medication for allergies, breathing issues, or sinus infections, a home air purifier can minimize these expenses, maybe eliminate them.You can expect severalhome air purifier benefits like these:

1.    A home air purifier will ensure clean breathing air inside your home for your family. It is estimated by the EPA that the air in our homes is up to five times dirtier than the air outdoor.

2.    A home air purifier will remove odors like the fish you cooked on Sunday, the cat litter box, and even the popcorn your kids burned.

3.    Your pets release airborne allergens from their fur and pet dander and let’s not forget the odors pets generate! A home air purifier will help you combat these things by removing them before they settle and become trapped.

4.    Whether it is your husband’s cigars or the fireplace, a home air purifier will help neutralize that smoke odor before it settles in the drapes and furniture.

5.    A home air purifier will trap dust that finds its way into your home.

6.    Home air purifiers remove as much as ninety-nine percent of the airborne bacteria that is in your home. During cold and flu season, and in times like we’re living today with COVID 19, a home air purifier will cycle the air through internal filters repeatedly to remove those things.

7.    Nothing is a better friend in your home during allergy, cold, and flu season than a home air purifier. A true HEPA air purifier that uses UV bulbs will capture those airborne germs and neutralize them.

home air purifier

Closing Thoughts

A home air purifier and humidifier will serve two different purposes. While the home air purifier will reduce the allergens like dust, mold spores, and pet dander, the humidifier will keep the air moist, making any allergy or asthma symptoms less irritating.

There are several models of home air purifiers on the market. There are brands with a replaceable filter and there is a home air purifier with washable filters. The choice is yours, each claim to be better than others, but do your research before purchasing one to get what is right for you.

Rocky HVAC has got you covered with a reliable home air purifier in Severn and Baltimore, MD. Call (410) 921-1277 to learn more.