How Efficient Freight Forwarding Can Save Time and Money Efficiency and reliability are crucial in the fast-paced HVAC world (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, HVAC businesses must navigate a complex web of supply chains, manage tight schedules, and ensure the timely delivery of equipment and materials. One Read more
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How Efficient Freight Forwarding Can Save Time and Money
Efficiency and reliability are crucial in the fast-paced HVAC world (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, HVAC businesses must navigate a complex web of supply chains, manage tight schedules, and ensure the timely delivery of equipment and materials. One critical aspect that can significantly impact these operations is logistics. Efficient freight forwarding, mainly through global freight forwarding solutions by Foresmart, can play a pivotal role in saving time and money for HVAC businesses.
The Role of Freight Forwarding in HVAC Logistics
Freight is the commercial transport of cargo from one region to another utilizing various modes, including water, air, road, and rail. This method involves a lot of planning, coordination, and control to facilitate product delivery in the required location and quality. To HVAC businesses—where large, massive, and at times delicate equipment is transported—the role of freight forwarding cannot be overstated.
HVAC projects usually contain several items produced by different manufacturers. Builders also purchase materials in bulk to save on costs. These components may include air conditioners, heaters, vents, and many other parts that can be tiny in size. Moreover, it is imperative to have a proper plan for obtaining all these items from various suppliers at the project site. That is where efficient freight forwarding comes in handy. Therefore, HVAC companies can coordinate with a credible freight forwarding firm to ensure that all needed parts are shipped simultaneously so that delays due to late or missing shipment parts can be avoided.
Cost Savings through Consolidation and Optimization
Another notable method through which efficient freight forwarding lowers costs for HVAC companies is combination and improvement. Ad hoc logisticians have less experience coordinating various small shipments into a single large shipment than freight forwarders do. This process, called consolidation, makes economic sense to the shipping company because it is cheaper to handle consolidated shipments than handle many small shipments that are likely to come in. Besides, freight forwarders can choose the correct route and carriers, which would help reduce transportation costs.
Typically, these cost savings are considerable for HVAC businesses. When purchasing HVAC equipment or parts, transporting them separately can easily add up, especially if you are importing from another country. Freight forwarders can also significantly reduce the extreme cost of shipping by combining shipments and reviewing all the possible routes that HVAC companies can use, thus increasing company revenue.
Last, effective freight forwarding brings the added benefit of dealing with customs procedures and paperwork complexities. HVAC businesses require importing parts from international manufacturers, meaning the companies must deal with many formalities and documentation. These regulations are also known to freight forwarders, and they can also check that all paperwork is done correctly and on time. Such expertise also reduces the possibility of costly and time-consuming customs holdups, which can prove expensive to any company.
Enhancing Project Management and Scheduling
The most valuable commodity in the HVAC industry is time; hence, the companies in this industry must ensure that they manage their projects accordingly. For instance, the absence of some critical parts for the project can result in time extension and additional charges that will be anathema to clients. Effective freight management prevents HVAC companies from suffering from such problems due to the ability to maintain consistent and reliable delivery schedules.
Freight forwarders have satellite tracking and communication with the shipment to track it in real time. This transparency means that HVAC companies can keep their clients informed about the progress of their orders and adjust project timelines accordingly. Freight forwarders are in a position to come up with workarounds should any sudden occurrences happen; for instance, they can easily change the route or search for another mode of transportation to ensure that the cargo gets to the intended destination.
In addition, increased use of freight forwarders can also help HVAC businesses manage their inventory more efficiently. By procuring sub-components within a few days or weeks before they are needed, firms minimize the need for large inventories and the likelihood of having excess or inadequate inventory. This just-in-time inventory approach impacts cash flows positively and decreases the costs that are incurred when holding stocks.
Leveraging Expertise for Improved Supply Chain Efficiency
Freight forwarders encompass more than just shipping companies whose primary function is transporting goods from one location to another; they also provide additional services that could benefit HVAC companies regarding supply chain management. These services may involve packaging and labeling services, warehousing and distribution, and supply chain consulting services. By utilizing these services, HVAC companies can eliminate every stage in the procurement and delivery process.
Freight forwarders can also offer other important information about market trends and shipping activities. They ensure that they have updates on the existing trends in trade relations, the cost of shipping, and the performance of the carrier companies. This knowledge ensures that HVAC businesses have the proper understanding of their logistics strategies for their operations, as they are able to change with market situations.
For instance, if the specific shipping lane is congested, the particular carrier is slow, or the carrier is out of a freight forwarder’s preferred list, the forwarder can suggest a better lane or carrier for delivery purposes. This helps to manage HVAC projects effectively and achieve the desired outcomes within the set timeline and cost constraints.
Conclusion
This is especially true because the HVAC industry is one of the most competitive, and it is crucial to meet the market’s demands to provide efficient logistics services. Outsourcing to an experienced and capable freight forwarding company can help HVAC businesses gain the knowledge, tools, and strategies to optimize procurement and transportation functions for better efficiency, costs, and schedules.
Another aspect of the supply chain management process in HVAC companies is that freight forwarders assist them in downsizing redundancies in the supply chain, increasing efficiency, and implementing superior supply chain solutions to meet their clients’ needs. By opting for the global freight forwarding solutions by Foresmart, HVAC businesses can attain improved operational efficiency, cost control, and enhanced customer satisfaction that sets them up for sustainable business growth in the long run.
Fashions and fads come and go, but buildings and architecture leave a legacy. Architecture both reflects and shapes the society it serves. As a discipline, it provides a functional framework for fashionable structures that convey contemporary building trends and materials. As an art, architecture speaks to the prevailing preferences, problems and cultural norms and values Read more
Fashions and fads come and go, but buildings and architecture leave a legacy. Architecture both reflects and shapes the society it serves.
As a discipline, it provides a functional framework for fashionable structures that convey contemporary building trends and materials. As an art, architecture speaks to the prevailing preferences, problems and cultural norms and values of society at the time.
Nowadays, the most pressing problem of today’s society – the need to address climate change and protect the natural environment – has become the dominant factor driving decisions in the art and science of modern architecture and building.
This mega-trend is dictating choices in structural design, material manufacturing and building performance through 2024 and beyond. Eva-Last, leaders in advanced composite building materials, unpacks how this legacy will impact current building trends and architecture:
Green Building & Sustainability as a Mega-Trend
Without a doubt, green building and sustainability is the dominant force influencing international urban development.
Green building is now the most prevalent movement happening in the built environment. The entire construction industry is looking to service an increasingly urbanized population, while reducing its enormous environmental impact. And never has the call for sustainable development been more urgent!
Statistics show that the construction sector contributes a whopping 7-8% towards global carbon emissions. And as government policies and building regulations force compliance to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets, every segment of the construction sector – from materials manufacturers, design professionals to developers, property owners and project managers – are seeking ways to enhance their built environment without harming the natural one.
Progressive architects, designers and builders are favoring more sustainable green building designs over previously popular styles or traditional building materials.
Savvy building materials manufacturers, such as Eva-Last, are engineering new resource-efficient, eco-friendly and enhanced building components that can contribute towards a net zero carbon site, while energy-efficiency ratings and certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are set to become the norm.
Energy-efficiency
The need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to power our everyday activities (and reduce pollution that causes climate change) has seen an emphasis on energy-efficiency and passive design principles across structures, and our appliances.
This encompasses everything that affects the energy required for lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation and indoor air quality.
Careful consideration of the aspect or orientation of the building on site and its natural environment improves its performance parameters around energy-efficiency, facilitating heating and cooling using natural light and airflow. This in turn, reduces the need for insulation, ventilation, shading or added lighting.
In addition, the use of materials with natural thermal regulation properties such as bamboo which outperforms concrete, or steel, further improves the energy-efficiency of the build. Materials like Eva-Last’s VistaClad cladding profiles provide both an insulation barrier but also allow for building ventilation through design, simply by cladding the building’s façade, while decorative shading or protection from glaring sunlight can be achieved using Lifespan’s lightweight architectural beams for pergolas or screening to further enhance energy-efficiency.
Eco-friendly materials
Responsibly sourced renewable and eco-friendly building materials are being specified with their carbon footprint in mind.
Everything from solar systems to rainwater harvesting, low-flow taps and drought-resistant landscaping, energy-efficient lighting to technically advanced products that conserve scarce natural resources are finding their way into modern buildings.
Resource-efficient, easily replenishable raw material inputs are replacing limited natural resources like wood with advanced composite products.
Eva-Last’s beautiful bamboo composites combine fast-growing bamboo with recycled plastic. Their range of composite decking, cladding, balusters and beams look like timber without contributing to deforestation. In addition, their recycled plastic content introduces superior wear characteristics and durability while simultaneously eliminating the mountains of plastic waste polluting our oceans and landfills.
Biophilic Design
This integrates nature into architecture to enhance wellbeing and sustainability. By incorporating natural elements such as greenery and natural light, biophilic design fosters a sense of calm and connection to the environment that improves productivity and health. It’s evident in our preference for natural tones, textures and organic materials such as wood or stone, as well as our penchant for patterns of plantscapes and flora and the inclusion of landscaping and water features in our surroundings.
Eva-Last’s latest composite decking range Pioneer connects people to plants by recreating the natural tones and textures of endangered wood species using photorealistic digital print technology. The embossed, patterned surface texture provides the most natural-looking finish in composite products yet.
Lightweight materials
Buildings are going up and getting taller due to limited space. This has spurred demand for new strong, durable but lightweight materials other than steel or concrete.
Eva-Last consistently introduces enhanced performance properties into their building products – the hollow aluminum core of Lifespan’s lightweight architectural beams, or the glass-fiber reinforced (GFR) core of Pioneer and Apex Plus decking, allowing for increased spans, are examples of ingenious innovations specifically developed for these types of applications.
Remodel or Renew
High interest rates, labor costs and excessive material requirements, coupled with limited space and urban decay is driving the need to remodel or renew rather than build from scratch. Existing buildings such as abandoned factories, vacant offices or old outdoor structures are being given a facelift with attractive cladding, outdoor decks and patios and shady pergolas or rooftop lounges. These existing spaces are being repurposed into stylish accessory-dwelling units (ADU’s) suitable for guesthouses, multi-generational living (such as garden flats) or extended living areas.
Conclusion
Since architecture and building leave a legacy for future generations, be sure to select a product that is built to last.
Eva-Last’s extensive range of bamboo composite products are specifically designed to enhance the environment while minimizing any negative impacts. Engineered to outperform traditional building materials, the collection boasts attractive low maintenance benefits combined with sterling sustainability credentials.
To delve deeper into the latest trends in building and architecture and explore the intricacies of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, join Eva-Last at the AIA24 Conference of Architecture and Design taking place in Washington D.C. from June 5-8.
By Paula Glover Rain showers can add an extra layer of complexity to outdoor work, especially for those in the skilled trades. During the spring and fall, when the weather becomes more unpredictable, it’s crucial for workers, managers, and small business owners in construction, grading, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and related fields to prioritize safety in Read more
By Paula Glover
Rain showers can add an extra layer of complexity to outdoor work, especially for those in the skilled trades. During the spring and fall, when the weather becomes more unpredictable, it’s crucial for workers, managers, and small business owners in construction, grading, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and related fields to prioritize safety in wet conditions. From choosing the right raingear to staying weather-aware, here are five essential tips to keep your team safe and productive on rainy workdays.
1. Choose Durable Raingear Designed for Work
When it comes to working in the rain, having the right gear can make all the difference. Waterproof workwear goes a long way toward keeping you dry and comfortable on a soggy jobsite.
Look for rain jackets and pants made from durable materials with sealed seams and waterproof layers to prevent water penetration. Ideally, raingear should not only repel rain but also provide breathability to prevent overheating and moisture buildup inside the garment when you’re working up a sweat.
For added safety in dim, rainy conditions, consider investing in high-visibility rainwear to enhance your visibility in low-light conditions and reduce the risk of accidents on the job site.
In spring and fall, when temperatures and conditions vary widely throughout the workday, it’s important to look for rain gear that offers the added flexibility of removable layers and built-in features like roll-out hoods. For example, RefrigiWear offers a 3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket in black or high-visibility yellow that delivers comfortable protection for working outside on rainy days. The lightweight, 100% waterproof outer jacket features a roll-in hood for versatility. Meanwhile, the inner puffer-style jacket provides warmth and insulation and can stand alone.
Whether it’s a light drizzle or a heavy downpour, having the right raingear can make the difference between a productive workday and a complete washout.
2. Protect Your Feet
Don’t skimp on protecting your feet in wet work conditions. Wet surfaces increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, so it’s essential to invest in comfortable and supportive waterproof work boots or safety shoes.
Look for waterproof work shoes and boots with non-slip soles that provide traction on slippery surfaces. These shoes should also offer adequate support and cushioning to reduce fatigue and prevent foot-related injuries during long hours on the job.
When you’re trying to outwork wet weather, you can’t ignore the risk of trench foot, a painful condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. Waterproof footwear not only keeps your feet dry but also helps regulate temperature, minimizing the risk of trench foot, cold stress, frostbite or worse weather-related injuries. Prioritizing foot protection means prioritizing stability, comfort, and safety while working in rainy weather.
3. Protect Your Hands
When it comes to handling tools and equipment in rainy weather, a secure grip is everything. Wet conditions can compromise your grip strength and increase the risk of accidents. To mitigate these risks, invest in waterproof gloves designed specifically for working in wet conditions.
Waterproof gloves are made with specialized materials and grip patterns that help you hold equipment and tools securely, even in the rain. Whether you’re handling power tools, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require extreme attention to detail, waterproof work gloves provide the dexterity and protection you need to get the job done.
Waterproof gloves enhance safety and productivity on the job site by keeping your hands dry and enhancing your grip. Proper hand protection is vital to maintaining workplace safety in rainy weather – when you’ve got a grip on the right gear, working in the rain becomes a breeze.
4. Always Stay Weather-Aware
Just because you’ve got the gear to stay dry while working in a downpour doesn’t mean you should. Being weather-aware is key to staying safe when working outdoors, especially during popup thundershowers.
Monitor your local weather forecasts regularly and be prepared to adjust your work schedule accordingly. Rain showers can intensify quickly, bringing the risk of lightning strikes, flash floods, and strong winds. By keeping an eye on weather reports and conditions in your area, you can make informed decisions to protect yourself and your team from severe weather.
In addition to monitoring forecasts, pay attention to environmental cues that indicate changes in weather patterns. Darkening skies, distant thunder, and gusty winds are all signs of impending rain showers. If lightning is detected or flash flood warnings are issued for your area, it’s important to seek shelter immediately and suspend outdoor activities until conditions improve.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can minimize the risk of weather-related accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the job site. After all, while OSHA may not have specific standards for workplace safety in the rain, they do require employers to provide an overall safe workplace.
5. Keep Your Raingear & Supplies Handy
For workers who are constantly on the move, remember that packable rain gear is a practical solution for staying dry and comfortable in a variety of wet conditions. These lightweight and compact garments can be easily zipped into a pouch and tucked into a toolbox or backpack so you’re always prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Whether you’re caught in a passing shower or facing prolonged rainfall, packable rain gear provides instant protection without weighing you down. Look for options like the RefrigiWear Midweight Rainwear Set, a packable rain suit designed for convenience and functionality. With features such as an adjustable hood, elastic cuffs and reinforced seams, this rain suit offers reliable protection against the elements while allowing breathability and freedom of movement.
It’s also a good idea to keep a couple of waterproof tarps or plastic sheets stowed with your raingear. When showers spring up, you’ll be able to quickly cover any vulnerable supplies or equipment and minimize any damage to valuable materials.
When Rain Pours Down, It’s Time to Gear Up
Working safely in the rain requires careful preparation, awareness of changing conditions, and the proper protective gear. By investing in quality waterproof workwear, prioritizing foot protection and grip, staying weather-aware, and embracing packable rain gear, workers, managers, and business owners can mitigate risks and ensure a safe and productive work environment.
About Paula Glover
Paula Glover is the Marketing Communications Director for RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of insulated workwear, safety apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE) for extreme cold work environments. Learn more at pro.refrigiwear.com.
Heating the Faithful: A Success Story of Comfort and Efficiency St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Ind., took a significant step towards heating modernization by installing three state-of-the-art Weil-McLain Stainless Steel Vertical (SVF) 725 boiler units. G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling, the installation contractor, played a pivotal role in the hydronic heating replacement project. St. Paul Catholic Church Read more
Heating the Faithful: A Success Story of Comfort and Efficiency
St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Ind., took a significant step towards heating modernization by installing three state-of-the-art Weil-McLain Stainless Steel Vertical (SVF) 725 boiler units. G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling, the installation contractor, played a pivotal role in the hydronic heating replacement project.
St. Paul Catholic Church, spanning roughly 18,000 square feet with seating for 950 parishioners, sought a heating solution that not only accommodated the current space but also had the capacity for future expansions, including the installation of a storage tank hot water heater. The challenge for Father Douglas Mayer of St. Paul was to balance efficiency, comfort and the unique requirements of the church, particularly regarding humidity control for three pipe organs. The primary pipe organ resides in the main church, while two antique wood organs grace a secondary chapel and choir room.
The three existing boilers had reached the end of their service life and required ongoing maintenance, prompting the church to seek a high-efficiency upgrade. Gary Jorgensen Jr. of Valparaiso-based G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling recommended the Weil-McLain SVF boilers, emphasizing their capacity to handle the load, improve occupancy comfort, decrease energy costs and maintain ideal humidity conditions for the delicate wood organs. The Weil-McLain SVF boiler line, ranging from 500 to 3000 MBH models, boasts industry-leading thermal efficiency of up to 98%.
The SVF boiler units were installed in October 2023 and set up as modulating, allowing for seamless load management and turndown capabilities. This feature is designed to adapt to varying occupancy levels, transitioning from periods when the building is unoccupied, and ramping up for church events when the chapel is full. This method is also designed to minimize wear and tear on the system, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Installation Challenges and Efficiencies
The installation process faced challenges, particularly due to a narrow staircase leading to the boiler room. However, the compact design of the SVF units facilitated easy transportation and positioning, overcoming accessibility issues.
“The slim design of the SVF boilers helped us more easily maneuver up the four-foot stairway that led to the boiler room where the units were installed,” said Jorgensen.
An auto lift and a battery-powered stairlift were ingeniously employed to navigate the narrow pathway, ensuring a smooth installation.
“The confined access to our second-floor utility room demanded a unit that was both compact and maneuverable, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by the installation team at G.L. Jorgensen and the seamless installation of these units in such a constrained environment,” remarked Mayer.
During the installation process, Jorgensen Jr. was particularly struck by the user-friendly interface of the SVF boiler system. Despite it being their first SVF installation, the team found the system remarkably intuitive, as Jorgensen himself attested: “The SVF touchscreen makes setup and installation of the system very simple.”
This sentiment underscores the versatility and efficiency of the SVF line, which boasts features such as a stainless-steel vertical fire tube and shell heat exchanger, alongside intuitive controls and time-saving installation attributes. Furthermore, the incorporation of Unity™ 2 and Nuro® control systems enhance the overall functionality and communication capabilities across Weil-McLain’s high-efficiency boiler line.
Energy Savings Abound
The project has yielded remarkable benefits thus far. Following a complete heating season, Father Mayer has already begun to observe notable energy savings.
“We’ve seen remarkable utility cost savings since implementing these Weil-McLain units, leading to substantial reductions in our energy expenses,” said Mayer. “It’s been truly gratifying to witness thousands of therms saved compared to previous heating seasons, reaffirming the efficiency and impact of our decision.”
The installation of Weil-McLain SVF 725 boilers at St. Paul Catholic Church not only addressed the immediate heating needs of the church but also positions them for future hot water requirements. St. Paul is experiencing improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs and enhanced comfort for its community members.
“These units have proven their dependability, ensuring that the church remains comfortable for me and all its occupants, especially during our Sunday services,” added Mayer. “We are quite pleased with the results from these high efficiency units.”
For more information on the Weil-McLain SVF boiler line and its applications, please contact Weil-McLain or visit www.weil-mclain.com.
Now that we’re in the middle of heating season, we bet you’re making more and more service calls for malfunctioning or under-performing furnaces. During these calls, it’s important to make sure that the furnace pressure switch is functioning as intended. The furnace pressure switch opens and closes to prevent harmful combustion gases from entering the Read more
Now that we’re in the middle of heating season, we bet you’re making more and more service calls for malfunctioning or under-performing furnaces. During these calls, it’s important to make sure that the furnace pressure switch is functioning as intended.
The furnace pressure switch opens and closes to prevent harmful combustion gases from entering the living space and to prevent furnace fires and potential explosions. An elastomeric diaphragm within the switch remains open when the furnace is off. When the furnace is turned on and functioning correctly, the diaphragm senses the pressure created by the draft inducer motor. This completes an electrical circuit that allows the furnace to ignite for the heating cycle. If it senses negative pressure the switch shuts down because the furnace is not operating properly and could create an unsafe environment for residents and technicians.
When examining a pressure switch, start by using a CO detector to check for harmful gases to ensure you can work safely. Then, run the furnace through its cycle. If you hear a flapping sound when the furnace is on, that may indicate that the diaphragm or the pressure switch is old and could need replacing. Also, check to make sure that the furnace is properly vented.
If the furnace tries to cycle but stops during start-up and then shuts down, it may be because of a faulty pressure switch. In this case, check for a clogged hose port, corrosion or debris blocking the switch. A bad spring could also be the culprit. All of these should be examined.
To test a pressure switch, an ideal tool is the Fieldpiece SDMN6 Manometer Dual Port w/ Pressure Switch Tester. This versatile manometer allows a tech to use the ports to quickly connect to the switch while it’s still in place, verify that it’s operating correctly and even calibrate it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
When a pressure switch is at fault and requires a replacement, a good piece of advice is to keep a supply of universal pressure switches in the truck. This quickly helps get a furnace back to operating properly and eliminates delays during a call. When replacing a faulty switch with a universal switch, notify the property owner. They may request that an OEM part be used instead.
The pressure switch is an important piece of every heating system and knowing how to examine, test, calibrate and replace them is a critical job for techs and the Fieldpiece SDMN6 is the best tool for the job. See it and more tools like it at Fieldpiece.com.
Content provided by Fieldpiece Instruments