FAQs
Heating and Cooling
What is SEER? How does it apply to the energy efficiency of air conditioners?
SEER is the "seasonal energy efficiency ratio". The efficiency of central air conditioning units is regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, every air conditioning unit is assigned an efficiency rating or SEER. The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in British thermal units or Btu) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in watt-hours) during the same period. The larger the SEER rating the unit is assigned, the more energy efficient the unit will be to operate.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is the acronym used to refer to heating ventilation and air conditioning systems and refers to the climate system in a building. HVAC can reference the industry at large or one particular system. It can be pronounced either "H-V-A-C" or "H-VAK". An R may be added (HVACR) to represent Refrigeration.
In regards to boilers, what is a CSD-1?
CSD is an acronym for Controls and Safety Devices. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has established the code CSD-1 as the rule of minimum compliance under Michigan Law, R 408.4001 - Dept. of Consumer and Industry Services - Bureau of Construction Codes - Board of Boiler Rules. This is the minimum standard for the boiler use, construction, operation, inspection, repair, maintenance, components, valve manufacturing and safety. A state license is required for inspection, installation, alteration, and repair.
Presently, commercial boilers with fuel input ratings of 12,500,000 Btu/hr or less require the CSD-1 annual inspection. Please call us at 517-484-9944 to clarify your boiler inspection requirements.
Green/Sustainable
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council to establish a rating system for green and sustainable building practices. It was developed to encourage and accelerate high performance, sustainable buildings of all types.
What is Sustainability?
According to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) GreenGuide, sustainability is providing for the needs of the present without detracting from the ability to fulfill the needs of the future.
What is a Green/High-Performance Building?
It is a building that achieves high performance over the full life cycle in the following areas:
- Minimal energy consumption
- Minimal atmospheric emissions
- Minimal discharge of harmful wastes
- Minimal negative impacts of site ecosystems
- Maximum quality of the indoor environment
Wastewater Services
How often should valves be exercised?
A minimum of every 6 months is recommended. Frequently, we hear of stories where valves are installed and 15 years later it needs to be closed for a service project only to find that the valve is frozen or fails. This can be a costly error. As preventive maintenance schedules are established include the valves so they are operated routinely and will perform when needed.
Should VFD's (Variable Frequency Drives) be installed for lift station pumps?
The correct answer is maybe! Small wet wells with frequent pump starts should consider installing VFD's. However, with many lift stations they are not necessary and merely add to the construction and service cost. When in doubt consult one of T.H. Eifert's wastewater specialist to evaluate your needs.
What are dry pit submersible pumps and how do they differ from other pumps?
Dry submersible pumps have a water or oil jacket. They are designed to run dry or underwater. In a wastewater application, the sewage can serve as the water jacket to keep the pump cool and running smoothly.
What is pump cavitation?
Cavitation is the vacuum created when the discharge capacity of the pump exceeds the replacement in the suction line. This causes bubbling and vibrations that can damage the pump if allowed to continue over an extended period of time.
Plumbing Service
What is a Cross-Connection Control Device or Backflow Preventer?
A Cross-Connection Control Device or Backflow Preventer is a device designed to prevent backflow or backsiphonage of contaminated water into the drinking water supply. A cross connection is a link between a possible source of pollution and a potable water supply. A pollutant may enter the potable water system when a) the pressure of the pollution source exceeds the pressure of the potable water source or b) when a sudden loss of pressure occurs in the water system and "backsiphonage" occurs.
Water customers are required to maintain their water systems in a manner free of cross-connections. If a backflow incident should occur resulting in contamination of the public water supply, the responsible owner or occupant could be held liable for damages. Fire suppressant systems, lawn irrigation systems, boiler feed water, cooling towers and water softeners are just a few of the locations where Michigan Plumbing Code can require a cross-connection control device.
The State of Michigan Plumbing Codes and the Department of Environmental Quality have regulations for use of backflow preventers for commercial and industrial facilities.
Testing of cross-connection prevention devices or commonly called backflow preventers, must be completed annually by a Michigan state certified tester.
