Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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Mini Ducted Air Conditioner – A Boon for All

Adaptability is a prerequisite for survival – lack of adaptability can lead to losses for both humans as well as non human things i.e. the man made things too become obsolete if they fail to be adaptive enough for upgrades or if they don’t have any scope for accepting new components. Over the recent years the changes in the conventional methods have been astounding and that have definitely proved to be a boon for the existing installed air conditioning systems.

There is no denying the fact that people ended up paying hefty amounts to get their old air conditioning system upgraded to new ones. With the passage of time and need for something that could save people money yet be up-to-date led to the advancement and development of the concept of small duct high velocity air conditioning system. It unquestionably is the perfect solution to the worries that revolved around saving money and having the systems up-to-date. The mini ducted air conditioner or small duct air conditioner is a major breakthrough in the cooling methodologies all across.

The various technological developments have always provided a boost to the existing mechanisms not to forget making lives easier for all. Having your home or office fully air conditioned was a dream till the time the concept of small duct high velocity air conditioning systems came into our lives and after that the complete scenario has changed. Now the process is neither time consuming nor is it expensive – isn’t it what we all ask for. Not only has the concept evolved but additionally the various models and mechanisms have got people rid of the misery they suffered from.

2 ton air conditioner – a concept people trust

A wise decision always pays you good – it doesn’t end at merely being aware of the fact that new generations have been introduced. You have to be cautious about what you choose in line with your needs – not everything is suitable for you. For instance it is a blind choice that many make because of the benefits attached however it does not mean that it is right for you. Let us take a walk through the benefits of this particular model:

· Environment friendly since it follows the gas furnace mechanism

· Right balance between room comfort, humidity control and air quality

· Minimal operational sound so don’t be worried about the noise it creates

· Helps in cutting down electricity bills

· It is weather resistant and comes in attractive models

The list can go on but in the end, the decision stays to be yours only so think wisely and stay cool.

Source by Rohit Bisht

Why Use Fire Rated Downlights?

Why does a standard recessed downlight pose a fire risk?

Most premises have fire rated ceilings. Believe it or not, even old house ceilings are fire rated all be it with a single sheet of plasterboard, but this would still give a form of protection. This is the amount of time that a ceiling can hold back the fire before it spreads to the floor above. A fairly typical fire rating for a ceiling is 60 minutes. Of course, when you cut a hole in a ceiling to fit recessed lighting you immediately compromise that ceiling’s integrity. The gaps within the light fitting will now be the ceiling’s weakest point. Flames, smoke and heat will find that gap and pour through it, spreading the fire to the floor above.

Must a ceiling’s integrity be restored after lighting is fitted, or is it optional?

The answer put simply is yes! The Building Regulations 1991 Approved Document B Fire Safety 2000 Edition Section 11.2 (applicable in England and Wales) says: ‘If a fire separating element is to be effective, then every joint or imperfection or opening to allow services to pass through the element, should be adequately protected by sealing or fire-stopping so that the resistance of the element is not impaired.

What do the wiring regulations say?

The IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition BS 7671: 2001 Section 527-02-01 says: ‘Where a wiring system passes through elements of building construction such as floors, walls, roofs, ceilings, partitions or cavity barriers, the openings remaining after the passage of the wiring system shall be sealed according to the degree of fire resistance required of the element concerned (if any)’. In other parts of the UK The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, Amendment 5, 1999, Technical Standard Part D or The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, Technical Booklet E would apply.

How can a ceiling’s rating be restored?

Ideally every luminaire in a recessed light fitting should be fitted with a fire protection cover to BS476: Pt.23.

How can a downlight restore a ceiling’s fire rating?

A fire rated downlight prevents both flames and heat being transmitted through the luminaire up into the ceiling void. Usually these downlighters have a 60 minute rating, which will be in keeping with a typical ceiling fire rating, although the best can last up to two hours.

Please be sure to check your local regulations when fitting downlights.

Source by Elliot Wise

A Few Reasons Which Make a Swimming Pool an Added Boon

Swimming as a sport is gaining momentum and so are the notion of having a pool. The ones who love being in water or called water babies can spend hours sitting in the swimming pool. Any structure which can hold water for enabling swimming and other activities related to water.

The pools are of varied styles and it will be interesting to have a view of them. They can be for indoor or outdoor purposes and are not restricted to any particular form. Some of them are cited below:

Types of Pools

• Private – These are smaller in size from the public pools and are generally above the ground, in gardens or backyards.

• Kids – Pools that can be bloated as per the requirement and are transportable

• These are not intended for swimming, however, to enjoy being in the water.

• For Public use – They are massive ones than compared to others and can be accessed by anybody, can be found in any place of public interest. It could vary from one to more in number, can be indoor as well as outdoor.

• Special – Intended for having competitions and races and are usually heated and indoor so that they can be used throughout the year with proper lighting and temperature facilities

• Designed for other purposes- There are ones designed for remedial and therapeutic purposes.

Importance of Pools

• It is a splendid option for a group to mingle and at the same time stay fit.

• Working out in pools offer great strength and convenience to the body.

• It is used extensively to teach scuba diving and other water sports.

• It adds extra beauty and charm to the location.

• Having a pool greatly enhances the value of the property.

Limitation of Pools

• Timely maintenance is a must for the pools or else they can prove hazardous to health.

• If not cleaned well can lead to a lot of diseases, it is important to keep checking the ph. levels and effective use of the chemical in order to avoid bacteria getting in the pool.

• It is miles need for a pool to have suitable protection standards and beneficial lifeguards in place else there are high chances of drowning which could be even dangerous to one’s life.

Undoubtedly, the Swimming pools are a great sight for any location and make it look a class apart, increases the value of the property but at the same time, it is important to be cautious about its sanitation and other safety measures so that one can enjoy and be fit but not at the cost of one’s life.

Source by Achal Mehrotra

7 Essential Tips for Commercial Roofing Maintenance and Protection

Commercial roofing is a critical but often overlooked part of successful business operations. A building’s roof shields it from the elements, helps to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, and protects the people and assets inside. Proper maintenance and regular inspections ensure that this important covering continues to do its job without having an adverse impact on profits.

Check for Problems After Extreme Weather

Surface damage caused by weathering or environmental hazards is usually most visible after heavy rain, high wind, or snowfall. Visual signs, such as standing water or bubbled materials, often signify trouble. Flashing, the material that protects the seam between the structure’s walls and its cover, should be inspected for loose or missing sections.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Biannual inspections are the best way to keep commercial roofing in optimal condition. A professional examination is recommended, although some building owners check for damage and then call their contractors for an in-depth diagnosis. In best practice, inspections are scheduled in early spring and late fall, just after the harshest seasons.

Stay Alert to Signs of Water Damage

Neglected repairs eventually manifest inside the building. Stained ceiling tiles and discolored walls may indicate deteriorated or damaged decking material, while bulges or cracks could signify more extensive damage. Discolored or rotting window frames also suggest moisture or water damage that may be roof-related, as do signs of mold on the inside or outside of the structure.

Keep Gutter Systems Clean and Clear

The gutter system carries water away from the building. Clogged gutters or drainpipes often prevent proper drainage, causing rain and moisture to accumulate in certain areas. Systems should be cleaned twice per year, although storms and high winds sometimes necessitate more frequent cleanings.

Elevate or Remove Nearby Trees

Overhanging trees pose several hazards. Dead or storm-damaged branches may fall, puncturing or scratching the roof. Trees also drop leaves, pine cones, sap, and other debris onto the surfaces beneath them, often contributing to deterioration. Property owners should regularly remove dead branches threatening their buildings and keep healthy limbs trimmed so that they do not touch the structure.

Ward off Summer Sun

Harmful UV rays may decrease the lifespan of traditional commercial roofing, and hot sunny days typically increase energy costs. Cool Roofs are cost-friendly solutions. Coatings and single-ply membranes offer protection to flat coverings, and pitched types benefit from light-colored tiles or coated metal. These products can decrease rooftop temperatures by 50 to 60 degrees during summer.

Invest in a Commercial Roofing Maintenance Plan

Many contractors offer maintenance packages to extend the life of a structure’s cover. These programs typically include regular inspections, as well as other preventive care services such as resealing. A maintenance plan provides peace of mind, and it makes it easy to detect problems early, minimizing unexpected expenses in the future.

The life expectancy of commercial roofing materials ranges from 25 to 40 years, or more. Proper maintenance, timely repairs, and the right preventive care are the most cost-effective ways to maximize the performance of a structure’s covering.

Source by Antoinette Ayana

Water Vacuum Cleaners – Advantages And Disadvantages

Water vacuum cleaners are by far the most revolutionary and most efficient type of all vacuum cleaning units. With a filtering efficiency rate of 100%, this home cleaning appliance puts to shame the vacuum cleaners made before it. But no matter how expensive and high-tech some water vacuum units are, like everything, it still has its strong points and faults.

The water vacuum cleaner uses water pressure to effectively filter the floor, furniture, air and other parts of the house as well. It not only removes bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in our homes, it cleanses the air of bad odor as well. Water vacuum cleaners have been proven to help people with allergy problems a great deal by eliminating allergens where they live in the household.

Many water vacuum cleaners come with other amazing add-ons. Some has air treatments including aromatizing, humidifying and dehumidifying features. Steam cleaning and stain washing in furniture and hardwood floors are common attributes of such vacuums. They are versatile and can clean just about any surface. All these it can do while using a considerably low amount of energy.

However, experts argue over how effective water vacuum cleaners really are. One fault of these type of vacuum cleaners is that the water it uses must be constantly replaced. Because the filtering of dust mainly relies on water pressure, the water occasionally gets filthy and thus the system starts to work ineffectively. A series of studies have shown that opening the filter compartment while replacing water allows some of the bacteria accumulated to be scattered in the air again. This shatters the whole point of the 100% filtering efficiency rate. Some has also suggested that HEPA filters are more successful in cleansing the air.

The need for clean water also appears to be impractical, since most water cleaners operate on large amounts of purified water. This is rather costly and unreasonable, especially for home use. These water units are also big, heavy and bulky so in result it needs a large storage compartment. It is not ideal for use in small homes, and cannot effectively work in small areas. Because they are heavy, only the adults can operate the vacuum with ease.

Lastly, the vacuum cleaner is expensive itself. Unlike air vacuum units, they usually come at about 200 to 350 dollars. High-tech models can cost as high as $2500. This makes it over the top for most American families. In effect, water cleansing units are suitable only for large facilities and institutions that safeguard cleanliness, such as hospitals and quarantine centers.

All in all, the choice to avail water vacuum cleaners is really up to one’s taste and lifestyle. If you are considering getting one for your household, just make sure that you get your model from a trusted brand.

Source by Julia Mcclure

30% Of Energy Used In A Commercial Building Is Wasted Because Of Inefficiences

This statistic as published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is staggering. The energy wasted is due to inefficiencies primarily in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems (MEP). If your business is in manufacturing the energy wasted can be significantly more due to the waste heat generated which is often exhausted to the atmosphere. Facilities that operate 24/7/365 such as resort hotels, hospitals, municipalities, institutions, etc., can have a tremendous energy spend as well.

That is why a 15-Step, staged Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Process is recommended to maximize results. Similar to the approach as recommended by the EPA’s Energy Star Program which accounts for the interactions of all the energy flows in a facility. Each stage includes changes that will affect the upgrades performed in subsequent stages, thus setting the overall process up for the greatest energy and cost savings possible. Perfect examples are how the lighting affects the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC&R) load and how natural light affects the lighting and HVAC&R systems. How improper ventilation affects work productivity, heating, cooling and motor efficiency.

How Air Infiltration affects the HVAC systems.

The 15-step Program is tailored for the client that has an energy intensive facility and is seeking cost-effective solutions as to how to reduce their energy spend and wants to take action. A client can expect 10-40% in energy reduction after the strategies are implemented. Keep in mind this is year after year savings.

How do you as a business owner or a non-profit address the issue without breaking the bank. There are many cost-effective energy waste reduction strategies that can be implemented. In some cases, there are no-cost energy conservation measures (ECM) and low-cost energy efficiency measures (EEM) that can be implemented immediately that will reduce your energy use. In other cases, there are modifications, upgrades, operational and optimization strategies that will improve the efficiency of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems (MEP) and the building envelope.

Every commercial building can use a re-commissioning process to unlock the energy saving potential. Commissioning is essentially a tune up of the major energy consuming systems. E.G. HVAC system, refrigeration, electrical, water heating and other mechanical equipment. However, energy intensive industries will benefit most. Whereas, the mechanical systems rarely shut down because of clientele, production or necessity.

As a business or entity, if you identify as a high energy user, one can benefit from comprehensive energy reduction. Find a professional that is qualified and passionate about energy waste reduction and committed to achieve the best results for their clients.

Source by Dave Borgaro

How to Avoid Side Effects of Air Conditioners

Air conditioners are indeed our saviour in the months where there is absolutely no respite from the heat. Now, air conditioners aren’t the innocent lambs you think they are! There are many side effects of air conditioners on health as well as on the environment. Most of the side effects are because people don’t know how to use or maintain them in the first place. So what are the side effects? Let’s discuss them.

Five Side Effects of Air Conditioners on Health:

According to Global News, these are the top five side effects of air conditioners on the human body:

  • Constant Fatigue
    Research shows that people who work in air-conditioned environments may experience chronic headaches and fatigue which leaves them vulnerable to contracting cold, flu and other illnesses.

  • Dry Skin
    Air conditioner sucks out moisture from the surrounding including the skin if you are spending long hours in an air-conditioned environment. If you are not pampering your skin with the right moisturisers, your skin will soon start feeling dry.

  • Exacerbates Effects of Chronic Illness
    ACs are known for increasing the symptoms of low blood pressure, arthritis, and neuritis. So if you are already suffering from illness, an air-conditioned environment will only enhance it making you more vulnerable.

  • Inability to Deal With Heat
    Going suddenly from a cool environment to outdoor hot environment can actually induce stress. This will make you intolerant to heat or hot temperatures during summer.

  • Breathing Problems
    This is one of the common side effects of cold air conditioning. Effects of air conditioning on lungs are fatal. Air conditioners are also known to circulate air-borne diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal infectious disease that produces high fever and pneumonia.

There are many ways to which one can avoid side effects of air conditioners. Even though we may not fully avoid it, but we can definitely reduce these side-effects by taking necessary precautions. Some of the measures are mentioned below:

How to Avoid Side Effects of Air Conditioners

  • Restraint – ACs are not meant to run for hours and hours. It is like having a hole in your wallet. As mentioned earlier, the temperature of the AC should be a degree or two below the room temperature. So keep your AC at 22-21 degrees max, let it run for two hours and then switch it off. The use of air conditioners has increased HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) release by 20-30 percent which has set back ozone layer recovery by a whopping 25 years.

  • Clean the AC Filter Regularly – Dirty filters can allow allergens, pesticides and other particulate matter to enter your home, posing threats to the indoor air quality. Exposure to those pollutants can trigger a host of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and eye, nose and, throat irritation.

  • Yearly Maintenance Check – Most of the time, dust from the room and use of powders etc., can jam up the AC. This obviously poses respiratory concerns. Personally, I have woken up in the middle of the night sneezing like a maniac! Therefore having allergies during summer can be worsened if your AC is not maintained properly.

  • Adequate Ventilation – Allowing fresh air to come in can help reduce indoor contaminants. Cold air is heavy and dense and can make breathing difficult. Having ventilated spaces allows normal and better breathing. An AC can be kept on for 2-3 hours and when not in use, make sure to open your windows to let the fresh air come in. The body is more suited to fresh air outside than the air in a heavy air-conditioned room.

  • Air Cleanser – Having air cleaning units can drastically reduce the germs and pollutants that come from outside.

  • Water Power – Drinking adequate amount of water can help reduce the symptoms of flaky dry skin. I personally wake up in the morning with itchy eyes. Even the sides of the nostrils and nose bridge are prone to drying out. This is because the AC sucks out moisture from your skin. applying olive oil or a moisturiser is recommended. Also, having a humidifier installed professionally can help solve this problem.

  • Go Out, Inhale Fresh Air – Getting accustomed to air conditioners makes the outside temperatures seem even hotter. We tend to eat calorie dense food when it is cold. The summer months are meant for a leaner diet. The AC can lull you into a beautiful sleep but it just makes you lethargic. Nowadays, even gyms are installed with 5-6 ACs which completely defeat the purpose of sweating it out! Remember No Sweat, No Pain, No Gain. Spending some time out allows the body to adjust to the temperatures and remain active.

  • Get Your Car AC Checked – Process of cooling hot air requires a lot of condensation and this can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Researchers at the Louisiana State Medical Center found eight types of mould living inside 22 out of 25 cars tested. Air fresheners can mask the bad odour but the mould still persists.

  • Reduce Over Dependence on ACs – The only way to deal with rising temperatures is to adapt to it. Summer months are meant to be hot. But our bodies have the power of adaptability. Think about this, if farmers in the dry drought-ridden deserts of Rajasthan can live without fans, is it really difficult to stay without an air conditioner just for a few hours?

  • Move to a Cold Country – I’m joking, but you could surely go for a long vacation in a comparatively cooler place which will not only give you a break from your hectic, boring daily life but will also do wonders to your body and mind. Temperatures are just going to rise and we can’t keep hiding in AC rooms all our life.

The side effects of air conditioners can be controlled by using it smartly. It’s sort of crazy how far people go to not feel hot. Being overly dependent on anything is never good for health. I would suggest, embrace the heat and all the sweat that comes with it. Stay hydrated; include a lot of yoghurt, fruit juices, and vegetables in your diet. There are easier ways to cool down honestly.

Source by Divya Goenka

Pipe Insulation for Copper Piping and PEX Piping

Pipe insulation is a great option for plumbing and heating projects whether you are using copper piping or PEX piping. To choose which type of pipe you want to use, you should first learn about the materials that the two pipes are made from.

Copper, an element found in nature, is reddish in color and metallic. It is a rather soft and malleable metal. You may hear about the high thermal or electrical conductivity of copper. That is another way of saying it is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Silver is the most electrically conductive metal, but copper is a close second. There are a wide range of copper tubing types available: Type L Copper Tubing, Type K Copper Tubing, and Refrigeration Soft Copper Tubing. These Copper Tubes are sold in copper tubing coils.

PEX piping is longer-lasting, less expensive and easier to install than copper piping. It also has a much lower expansion rate, which reduces noise as your system heats up, and makes it less likely to burst if the pipes freeze. When planning a project for either a plumbing or heating application, you can choose between PEX and copper;if you choose PEX, you will then have even more choices to make, including a fitting system. There are now more than 20 different brands of PEX piping for plumbing systems on the market. A few example brands are Rifeng, AquaPEX, HydroPEX, Viega, Watts, Zurn, etc. Typically, red PEX piping is used for hot water while blue PEX piping is used for cold water. Examples of PEX piping for heating are ThermaPEX, Rifeng, and Uponor hePEX.

After choosing between copper piping and PEX piping, you should then consider installing pipe insulation. This is a great option for either type. A good rule of thumb is to treat your PEX Pipe installation the same way you would copper pipe.

Both PEX and copper pipe lose a significant amount of heat to the air. As hot water passes through, the conductivity of the material pulls heat away from the water and then the air pulls that heat from the pipe. Energy is also wasted when frost forms on cold water plumbing, chilled water and air-conditioning lines. Whether your project involves your heating system, hot water plumbing or cold water plumbing, pipe insulation is a great, affordable way to utilize heat that is being wasted and reduce your energy bills. Not only does pipe insulation help lower your energy bills, but it starts at just a few dollars for a 6′ length, depending on the diameter needed.

There are two popular types of insulation, Therma-cel and Insul-lock, designed to limit heat loss, condensation and frost formation. Therma-cel is a flexible, polyolefin, thermal insulation. Therma-cel Pipe Insulation also slows heat loss on hot water plumbing. This insulation may be used with copper or PEX pipe. Insul-lock is another type insulation that works the same way but is pre-slit and self-adhesive, making it extremely easy to install. It is non-porous and non-fibrous to resist mold growth and guarantees a strong, durable seal without the risk of messy adhesives.

Good luck with your piping project. Hopefully, you have learned more about the differences between copper piping and PEX piping and the benefits of installing pipe insulation.

Source by Lauren O’Toole

Plumber – Different Services Offered

A plumber is a very important person who plays a very crucial role in the smooth running of a home or business premises. The supply of clean water and the proper disposal of waste from a building is the responsibility of the plumber.

Users of a building require water every so often and will therefore use water appliances like sinks, toilets and water fountains. The waste then has to be disposed through the sewage system. The water supply and disposal systems require installation, repairing and maintenance and this is ably done by a plumber. There are a variety of services that can be provided by a plumber.

Drain Cleaning

Blocked drains are a very common plumbing problem and they occur due to a variety of reasons. Foreign objects can get into the drainage due to children flushing large objects like toys down the toilet. Leaves are also a common cause of blocked drains when they accumulate in the drainage pipes.

Hair, grease and fatty substances can also block drains and the services of a plumber will be required. There are different methods used to clean drains including the use of the hydrojeter and drain snake. To identify the location of blockage in a pipe, a plumber can make use of drain cameras which are lowered into the pipes. The plumber can then view the condition of the pipes from a monitor and apply the required method to clean the drains.

Pipe Relining

Pipes have to be repaired from time to time as they can have cracks in them. Cracks can be created by roots of trees which access the pipes in order to get to the water. Pipes can also get misaligned due to the shifting of the ground. These pipes would need to be repaired or replaced and pipe relining is an efficient method of repairing pipes. The method does not require the digging up of trenches to access the pipes.

Rather, the plumber inserts a liner into the pipes that is made of a strong material such as epoxy. The pipes that are repaired using this method are safe from infestation from tree roots since there are no joints. The repair work only takes a few hours whereas normal repair of pipes can take several days which can be very inconveniencing.

Gas Fitting

There are plumbers that are skilled in gas fitting which involves the installation, repair, modification and servicing of equipment which supply or use gas. Gas systems require a licensed gas fitter to work on them since gas can be hazardous.

A gas leak can cause explosions while liquid gas that burns inefficiently can produce carbon monoxide. Properly installed gas produces carbon dioxide and vapor which are both harmless. Carbon monoxide on the other hand causes health complications when inhaled for a prolonged time.

A gas fitter installs appliances such as burners, regulators, valves and gas meters. There are different types of gas appliances which vary in how complex they are and in the level of pressure that is needed in order to operate the appliances. A plumber that is trained in gas fitting should be able to identify where the gas equipment should be installed. He should also test the pipes that are to hold the gas.

Source by James Hasapis

Facility Maintenance Management Software

Facilities form the non-core services of a corporation or any organization. Non-core services can include managing administration function, property management, and managing contract services such as cleaning and security. A major portion of the assets of an organization is in the form of infrastructure, like buildings and equipment. Hence, the maintenance of physical assets is a major function of facilities management.

The role of facilities management is to help businesses concentrate in their core competent areas. Facilities management takes on the role of providing routine, non-value-added services which are essential and important for the effective running of an organization.

Facilities management in its widest sense can be applied to any industries. The industries range from public services such as schools, universities and parks, to private services such as manufacturing. Anything that can be outsourced to a third party can be termed as facilities.

Since most of functions of facilities are routine, the role and capacity of IT is precisely suited for that function. IT provides end-to-end solutions for an enterprise. ERP and EAM systems take on the role of MRP systems to streamline operations and help reduce costs.

Physical assets such as buildings, equipment and IT installations require regular maintenance; therefore, the role of IT in providing maintenance solutions is a major part of the portfolio of ERP providers. Maintenance is a major function of facilities. According to a study, properly planned and maintained services can lead to a 20 percent reduction in the operating cost of a firm.

The level and scope of functionality varies in the maintenance management system, according to the type of industries and physical assets. Therefore, except for standard functions like maintenance audits and down-time calculators, most of the software functionalities should be customized.

These are many software vendors available, each of whom has an internet presence. The futuristic vision of maintenance management systems is already implemented by some vendors who provide on-demand remote maintenance services, thereby reducing the costs of installing of maintenance systems further.

Source by Eddie Tobey