Regular maintenance and inspections are an important part of owning any kind of commercial building. The problem for many owners is that they wait until something goes wrong to have their HVAC system serviced. However, it is important that you be proactive about your system.
In fact, you could consider regular maintenance service as the best insurance policy you can have against a serious system failure. Keeping the system up and running will save you money because it will increase the system’s efficiency. Did you know that about 40 percent of your electric bill is from your HVAC system? By taking steps to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible, you could see a significant savings in your heating and cooling bill.
It is certainly very easy to keep putting off regular maintenance because it feels like you don’t have enough money. But what do you do when something serious goes wrong? You certainly won’t have the money then either. By preventing serious problems with just a little bit of money now, you are likely to prevent the need for expensive fixes and longer down times later on. In addition, you will extend the life of your heating and cooling system by making sure that regular maintenance service is performed on it.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
One of the best things you can possibly do for your commercial HVAC system is to create a maintenance schedule. This will help keep you on track for making sure that these standard maintenance tasks get completed. Contract with a reputable company for regular service at various times of the year so that these important service calls do not fall through the cracks. By having a maintenance plan in place, you can count on the company you hire to call you and remind you that service on your HVAC system is due.
Here are some tips to help you create a maintenance schedule you can live with:
• Make sure all filters in your system are changed about once a month. Put this on your maintenance schedule and include it in with the duties of your technician. This way you won’t forget to change the filters.
• Schedule regular checkups at least two times per year. The best times are during the fall and the spring. These are periods of change for the temperatures, so you will want to make sure your heating and cooling system is entirely ready to go.
• When the company you have hired to follow your maintenance schedule calls, don’t wait to schedule that appointment. It is too easy to let these service things go rather than to stay on top of them. You will likely divert major disasters later.
There is nothing worse than an HVAC system malfunctioning, so you should do everything you can to prevent that. Employing a maintenance schedule and actually following it is like creating your own insurance policy for your HVAC system. You help ensure that potential problems are caught early and avoid major disasters.
Let Spring Home Heating and Cooling take care of all your commercial HVAC service. They have more than a decade’s experience of creating comfort and peace of mind for home and business owners in the Toronto area. Spring Home will handle all of your regular service needs and be there when you need additional HVAC services like boiler repair. Their trusted sales reps will help you find the right HVAC system for your home as well. Call 905-479-3369.
Author: Irvan Sanjaya
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker
An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.
Just follow these 4 simple steps:
- Complete an HVAC training program.
- Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams.
- Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.
- Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.
1. Complete an HVAC training program.
Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.
2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.
Licensing in Colorado
Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it’s available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.
For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.
HVAC Certification
If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.
Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!
15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications
- Electrical – Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program
- Light Commercial Air Conditioning
- Air Conditioning
- Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures
- Electric Heat
- Gas Heat Certification
- Oil Heat
- Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat
- Heat Pump
- Carbon Monoxide
- System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures
- Fuel Oil Combustion
- Natural Gas Combustion Analysis
- Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis
- Light Commercial Refrigeration
Take advantage of what’s out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.
3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.
After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.
4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.
You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to “train in” to their organizations.
Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.
Sources
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx
- HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx
- United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm
IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, Colorado offers hands-on career training for automotive, HVAC, computer, drafting, medical and personal training with associate degree (occupational) programs. Contact the IntelliTec College – Colorado Springs campus – at 719-632-7626 or 2315 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
IntelliTec College offers accelerated career training programs in Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Pueblo. Request more information at: http://www.intelliteccollege.com/requestInfo.php or call 1-800-748-2282.
Author: Shivaun Martynes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric pressure cooker
When you are in the market for an air conditioner, such as window air conditioner, or central air conditioner, and especially split unit air conditioning systems, you will definitely want to know what kind of air conditioning refrigerant is used in your system. This in part to comply with the state regulations and in part to make sure you are not polluting the environment we all live in. We’ll first quickly review the history of air conditioner refrigerant and end by explaining why AC refrigerant 410A is dominating the marketplace today.
The ancient Rome
The ancient history of air conditioning refrigerant takes us to Rome, where elaborate waterways or aqueducts were constructed to bring fresh water to the cities. The Romans have successfully used water as refrigerant in their homes and social places. They led cold water through an elaborate system of water ducts in the walls of their homes, chilling the place down. As you can imagine, only the wealthiest citizens could afford water air conditioning. In part because of the complicated set up and in part because water in itself is not such a great air conditioning refrigerant liquid to begin with. But the Romans didn’t know that.
The modern history of air conditioning refrigerant
The modern history of air conditioning is founded on refrigerants other than water.
The quick cool
Remarkably, the modern history of air conditioning refrigerant starts with Benjamin Franklin in 1758 who, together with John Hadley used quick evaporation of alcohol and ether to cool down objects below the freezing temperature of water.
The cooling cycle
Sixty years later, Michael Faraday introduced a cycle of evaporation and compression of the ammonia liquid. Twenty years later, John Gorie used this compressor technology to create ice which was used to cool the air of his patients in a hospital in Apalachicola, Florida.
The first commercial applications
Willis Carrier of Syracuse, New York invented the first modern, electrical air conditioner. It was first designed to improve the humidity and the air temperature in a printing shop so printed material would always come out right no matter what the temperature outside.
The refrigerators that were used in these first commercial air conditioners were ammonia, methyl chloride, and propane, all combustible or toxic when leaked in the air.
The first non-toxic air conditioning refrigerant, Freon
Thomas Midgley, Jr. introduced the first non-toxic chlorofluorocarbon, CFC, gas, Freon. Today, Freon is a trademark of DuPont for any CFC, Hydrogenated CFC, HCFC, or hydrofluorocarbon, HFC blend. Such blends had adopted names such as Refrigerant R-11, Refrigerant R-12, etc. referring to their molecular compositions. The most commonly used of these was a HCFC Refrigerant R-22.
Introducing R-410A, the Puron
While Freon blends were much safer to the humans than the previously used refrigerants, they were claimed in the 1990s to be harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer. The sales of new Freon-based air conditioners are stopped as of 2010, and even the recycled Freon is being gradually phased out of use by 2020. In its place, the new blend, Puron, or R-410A is introduced. While the Puron is claimed to be ozone friendly, it certainly is not friendly on the air conditioning equipment. It requires much higher pressures to operate effectively, and thus requires stronger piping in the ducts and coils of the air conditioning equipment.
For additional information on how you can secure an environment-friendly refrigerant 410A air conditioner, you can check out the site whole house air conditioners. For specific information on the most energy efficient room air conditioners, see the site about mini split systems.
Author: Jason Stark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low Cost Prototype PCB
While HVAC Contractors are traditional contracting risks, they have become the focus of growing pollution related claims over the last several years. HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair can create pollution conditions such as poor indoor air quality and mold. Daily jobsite operations could disturb in-place asbestos, lead, or other contaminants. Materials and equipment brought to the jobsite may spill or leak while in transit or in use during contracting activities.
HVAC Contractors also have professional liability exposures which may not be obvious to the insured since contracting is the main focus. E&O claims could arise from: (1) jobsite modifications in which malfunctions may create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor, (2) supervision of subcontractors, and (3) actual design work performed, specifically when the contractor has a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects that he knows to be poorly developed.
The exposures described above are usually excluded from General Liability policies, so it is important for HVAC contractors to have comprehensive coverage that will protect them from potential claims and thus help secure the future of their businesses. Beacon Hill’s programs division, PartnerOne Environmental, has a number of products that can effectively address the coverage needs of this class of business:
Contractors Pollution Liability
Contractors Pollution Liability insurance (CPL) is coverage designed to protect from third party claims for damages caused by “Pollution Conditions” arising from the insured’s covered operations. This coverage is applicable to all types of tank contractors and is important because these pollution claims may not be covered via the General Liability form.
How does Contractors Pollution Liability coverage work?
· Generally designed to address the coverage gap created by the CGL pollution exclusions.
· Policies usually written to provide coverage for operations performed “by or on behalf” of the insured.
· Coverage is provided for the insured’s operations away from their own premises.
· Base policies can be written on either a Claims Made or an Occurrence basis.
· Mold coverage is usually offered as an endorsement to the CPL insurance policy or coverage part.
· Mold is usually on a Claims Made form.
· Mold coverage may have a sub limit of liability, as well as its own deductible.
Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O
The Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O policy provides coverage to general contractors, construction managers, and various trade contractors who could potentially have both Pollution and Professional claims; Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O provides coverage for Professional exposures for contractors. This coverage is important because these professional exposures are generally excluded from General Liability and monoline Contractors Pollution Liability policies.
Job site modifications made
HVAC contractors are often presented with installations that do not work exactly as planned. In these situations, contractors will often tweak the plan at the site to make the system work. Pollution conditions arising from these changes create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor.
Actual design work performed
Many firms provide true design services as part of their corporate profile. This can range from doing all of the design work for the project, doing some design work relative to an aspect of the HVAC system, or simply having a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects they know to be poorly thought out. The last element is the most difficult to control and manage for HVAC firms.
Supervision of subs
Proper selection and supervision of subcontractors is a professional exposure most contractors share that is generally excluded from CGL and basic CPL policies. Many HVAC contractors do not use subs at all, so this will not be an issue for them. For those that do however, the exposure can be significant
Bill Pritchard is the President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc., an insurance broker specializing in the placement of environmental insurance and other specialty coverages such as contractors pollution liability coverage and premesis pollution liability coverage for agents nationwide. Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. can be found online at: B-H-A.com.
Author: Bill Pritchard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric pressure cooker
The most common types of air conditioners are air conditioning window units. Everyone is familiar with these appliances from the way they protrude out of the walls of a house and often have plastic tubes where water from the air conditioner is exuded. Air conditioning window units come in many sizes and cooling capacities. The newer models are manufactured to run quietly.
Choosing the right air conditioning window units for yourself should not be based on trial and error. There are actually people who specialize in the science of thermodynamics who can give you a more or less precise specifications regarding the air conditioner that is appropriate for the room you intend to put it in.
Many things have to be evaluated and correlated for you to know how much cooling power your unit should have. First of all, the conditions of climate in your place are a principal determinant for this. Secondly, the extent to which your home has been weather-proofed will make it that much easier or harder for the air conditioning window units to regulate the temperature in the room. The heat coming from the bodies of people staying in the room is another consideration for determining the effective power of your air conditioner. The more people you expect to be staying in the room, the more efficient your unit should be. Finally, the average number of hours in a year you need to be keeping the air conditioner on will largely determine which unit you should get to just deliver the kind of heat regulation you need.
Another important consideration regarding air conditioning window units is the size of the aperture you have for it, or the available space on the wall in which you can comfortably fit the air conditioner. If you had the opening pre-built while the house was under construction, you will virtually incur no extra expense for it since making the aperture will just mean not putting up a wall in that particular space. However, if your house has no structure for accommodating air conditioning window units, you will have to have one made at some expense. This is the reason why people who are having their houses built canvass around for units with the right size and power for their needs. Then they make the dimensions of the aperture on the wall exactly in correspondence with those of the air conditioning window unit. Even if the gap in the wall is not exact for the unit you choose, it will still be a much simpler problem either to make it bigger or to fill it in to make the aperture smaller. Whatever the case, the window should exactly house the unit without any gaps through which drafts may enter the room.
Air conditioning window units are ideal for small buildings whether these be homes or small businesses locations. You may even buy a unit with a bigger cooling power than the room which it is in requires. In this way, by placing vents at the bottom of doors adjoining into other rooms, you can expect the cold air to enter those rooms as well. The vents need to be at the bottom of the doors because cold air sinks to the bottom and hot air floats to the top.
For more great information about air conditioning prices, and air conditioning window units visit our website today.
Author: David Patullo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low Cost Prototype PCB
While HVAC Contractors are traditional contracting risks, they have become the focus of growing pollution related claims over the last several years. HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair can create pollution conditions such as poor indoor air quality and mold. Daily jobsite operations could disturb in-place asbestos, lead, or other contaminants. Materials and equipment brought to the jobsite may spill or leak while in transit or in use during contracting activities.
HVAC Contractors also have professional liability exposures which may not be obvious to the insured since contracting is the main focus. E&O claims could arise from: (1) jobsite modifications in which malfunctions may create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor, (2) supervision of subcontractors, and (3) actual design work performed, specifically when the contractor has a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects that he knows to be poorly developed.
The exposures described above are usually excluded from General Liability policies, so it is important for HVAC contractors to have comprehensive coverage that will protect them from potential claims and thus help secure the future of their businesses. Beacon Hill’s programs division, PartnerOne Environmental, has a number of products that can effectively address the coverage needs of this class of business:
Contractors Pollution Liability
Contractors Pollution Liability insurance (CPL) is coverage designed to protect from third party claims for damages caused by “Pollution Conditions” arising from the insured’s covered operations. This coverage is applicable to all types of tank contractors and is important because these pollution claims may not be covered via the General Liability form.
How does Contractors Pollution Liability coverage work?
· Generally designed to address the coverage gap created by the CGL pollution exclusions.
· Policies usually written to provide coverage for operations performed “by or on behalf” of the insured.
· Coverage is provided for the insured’s operations away from their own premises.
· Base policies can be written on either a Claims Made or an Occurrence basis.
· Mold coverage is usually offered as an endorsement to the CPL insurance policy or coverage part.
· Mold is usually on a Claims Made form.
· Mold coverage may have a sub limit of liability, as well as its own deductible.
Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O
The Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O policy provides coverage to general contractors, construction managers, and various trade contractors who could potentially have both Pollution and Professional claims; Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O provides coverage for Professional exposures for contractors. This coverage is important because these professional exposures are generally excluded from General Liability and monoline Contractors Pollution Liability policies.
Job site modifications made
HVAC contractors are often presented with installations that do not work exactly as planned. In these situations, contractors will often tweak the plan at the site to make the system work. Pollution conditions arising from these changes create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor.
Actual design work performed
Many firms provide true design services as part of their corporate profile. This can range from doing all of the design work for the project, doing some design work relative to an aspect of the HVAC system, or simply having a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects they know to be poorly thought out. The last element is the most difficult to control and manage for HVAC firms.
Supervision of subs
Proper selection and supervision of subcontractors is a professional exposure most contractors share that is generally excluded from CGL and basic CPL policies. Many HVAC contractors do not use subs at all, so this will not be an issue for them. For those that do however, the exposure can be significant
Bill Pritchard is the President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc., an insurance broker specializing in the placement of environmental insurance and other specialty coverages such as contractors pollution liability coverage and premesis pollution liability coverage for agents nationwide. Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. can be found online at: B-H-A.com.
Author: Bill Pritchard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
PCB Manufacturer
Any boiler which is over ten years old will be costing you more money than a brand new boiler would be. However, many people do not have the immediate cash to have a whole new central heating installation carried out on their home. If this is the case it can be a good idea to have regular combi-boiler servicing carried out by a qualified professional.
There are two very good reasons why combi boilers are better than any other type; they take up less space and the heat water instantly.
In small houses every bit of space is vital and will be used to the full. If you can cut down on the amount of space that your boiler takes up then you will have more room for storage or living. Because a combi boiler heats up water on demand, there is no need for a large hot water tank.
When few people are living in the home, having instant hot water is much more energy efficient than having to heat up enough hot water for everyone to have a bath or shower, plus to wash the dishes and supply the washing machine with hot water.
If you do not have a regular boiler service carried out on your system, it is likely that it will be performing less efficiently than it was when you bought it 10 or 15 years ago. A new system will defiantly cost you less in terms of annual bills, but boiler servicing is still important even if you have a new system.
Unfortunately, there are always things that can go wrong with any boiler, and it is vital that the system in your home is safe and working well. Any leaks or mineral build-ups will result in damage being done to your boiler and repairs being needed. An annual service will give the pipes a clean out and give you notice if any damage has been done over the past twelve months
Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on Boiler Servicing. Visit http://www.eagaheat.com today.
Author: Mark Andrew Woodcock
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly
If you run your own business then you obviously have to make sure you are covered for all sorts of things. Firstly of all, you will want to make sure you are never liable for anything in the work place, which means having a very good insurance policy, but once people have this very obvious insurance policy in place, it is not uncommon for people to forget about other insurance policies which could protect their businesses.
One such policy is central heating insurance. It is an easy thing to overlook. You have a decent heating system, and that is all there is to it for most people, but remember that if it all goes wrong, it can cost you thousands of pounds to put it right. Even if you have a small problem, you can end up paying hundreds of pounds for the call out alone, and that disregards the potential cost even for small parts.
The best thing to do is to go on the internet and track down a great insurance policy for your heating system for your business. You will be best served by visiting the comparison sites online which will help you to assess a range of different quotes. By doing this you should be able to find the best priced and most comprehensive policy for your individual business. You obviously have to match quality with value, because the last thing you need in a professional set up is to be without heating for a prolonged period of time. This means finding an insurance company who is going to be able to react quickly and efficiently to any problems you might have.
Once you have this sorted out you are in a position to look at a few other things related to your electricity prices and energy bills. As a business electricity user you should be able to find some pretty good deals for your electricity, and it is again important to search for these online and use the price comparison guides. You will find some big sways in terms of the prices that are available, so make sure you know the ins and outs of your unit price for your current deal so that you can be sure to find a better deal.
Running a business is never easy, and failing to do things like insuring your boiler system is really unforgivable. It is all about protecting yourself from difficult costs further down the road. Many businesses are struggling out there these days, so it is important to consider just how debilitating it could be for your business to have to fork out thousands of pounds to replace a broken boiler and heating system. It is better to deal with the small outlay of insurance every month, safe in the knowledge that if anything does go wrong, you are covered.
Energychoices.co.uk is a great site which can help you with your business electricity prices as well as any general electricity issues. Visit the site now for more information.
Author: Jessica Modul
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Group deal, group purchase, group discount
One latest scientific theory is that living with the central heating system turned up full and double-glazed windows and doors is making us fat! And, if we want to lose weight, apparently its no more complicated than just opening a window!
According to a recent study, we are led to believe that the British are so used to wrapping up warm and cosy at home that they no longer feel the need to use up the same levels of energy as previous generations, to ward off cold. As a result, we tend to gain weight. This, when added to the time we now tend to spend indoors, either working from home or shopping on-line (instead of going out), can be creating a big problem. If the body is warm, it doesn’t need to produce its own energy and so may lose some of its ability to produce heat.
In fact, even when we do venture out, it usually tends to be in over-heated cars, or public transport, to heated shopping malls and office blocks, exacerbating the problem. The University College, London, research team claims that there is now an identifiable link between reduced exposure to seasonal cold and increases in obesity.
A spokesman commented, “when the body is cold, it produces brown fat, known as adipose tissue, which burns energy to produce heat. The reduction in the time our bodies spend under mild thermal stress means we’re burning less energy. This could affect our energy balance and, ultimately impact our body weight, leading to obesity”.
J R Wilson
http://www.eat-yourself-thin.co.uk
The University College London
Author: J R Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Blutetooth Smart Key finder for iPhone & Android
While HVAC Contractors are traditional contracting risks, they have become the focus of growing pollution related claims over the last several years. HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair can create pollution conditions such as poor indoor air quality and mold. Daily jobsite operations could disturb in-place asbestos, lead, or other contaminants. Materials and equipment brought to the jobsite may spill or leak while in transit or in use during contracting activities.
HVAC Contractors also have professional liability exposures which may not be obvious to the insured since contracting is the main focus. E&O claims could arise from: (1) jobsite modifications in which malfunctions may create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor, (2) supervision of subcontractors, and (3) actual design work performed, specifically when the contractor has a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects that he knows to be poorly developed.
The exposures described above are usually excluded from General Liability policies, so it is important for HVAC contractors to have comprehensive coverage that will protect them from potential claims and thus help secure the future of their businesses. Beacon Hill’s programs division, PartnerOne Environmental, has a number of products that can effectively address the coverage needs of this class of business:
Contractors Pollution Liability
Contractors Pollution Liability insurance (CPL) is coverage designed to protect from third party claims for damages caused by “Pollution Conditions” arising from the insured’s covered operations. This coverage is applicable to all types of tank contractors and is important because these pollution claims may not be covered via the General Liability form.
How does Contractors Pollution Liability coverage work?
· Generally designed to address the coverage gap created by the CGL pollution exclusions.
· Policies usually written to provide coverage for operations performed “by or on behalf” of the insured.
· Coverage is provided for the insured’s operations away from their own premises.
· Base policies can be written on either a Claims Made or an Occurrence basis.
· Mold coverage is usually offered as an endorsement to the CPL insurance policy or coverage part.
· Mold is usually on a Claims Made form.
· Mold coverage may have a sub limit of liability, as well as its own deductible.
Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O
The Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O policy provides coverage to general contractors, construction managers, and various trade contractors who could potentially have both Pollution and Professional claims; Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O provides coverage for Professional exposures for contractors. This coverage is important because these professional exposures are generally excluded from General Liability and monoline Contractors Pollution Liability policies.
Job site modifications made
HVAC contractors are often presented with installations that do not work exactly as planned. In these situations, contractors will often tweak the plan at the site to make the system work. Pollution conditions arising from these changes create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor.
Actual design work performed
Many firms provide true design services as part of their corporate profile. This can range from doing all of the design work for the project, doing some design work relative to an aspect of the HVAC system, or simply having a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects they know to be poorly thought out. The last element is the most difficult to control and manage for HVAC firms.
Supervision of subs
Proper selection and supervision of subcontractors is a professional exposure most contractors share that is generally excluded from CGL and basic CPL policies. Many HVAC contractors do not use subs at all, so this will not be an issue for them. For those that do however, the exposure can be significant
Bill Pritchard is the President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc., an insurance broker specializing in the placement of environmental insurance and other specialty coverages such as contractors pollution liability coverage and premesis pollution liability coverage for agents nationwide. Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. can be found online at: B-H-A.com.
Author: Bill Pritchard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger
