BEWARE OF POOR HVAC DECISIONS THIS SUMMER AS A RESULT OF ABNORMANNLY HIGH TEMPERATURE AND COMPANY’S GREED.

By Jules Williams

5/12/2024

When dealing with air conditioner repairs, especially in regions like Houston where temperatures are expected to reach triple digits for prolonged periods, consumers should be vigilant and well-informed to avoid unnecessary and costly repairs. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Adding Refrigerant Without Leak Testing

• Be Skeptical: If a repair technician suggests adding refrigerant without first performing a leak test, be cautious. This could indicate a temporary fix that doesn't address the root cause of the problem.
• Demand Proper Testing: Insist that the technician conducts a leak test before adding more refrigerant. Refrigerant levels typically don’t decrease unless there’s a leak, and adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is inefficient and environmentally harmful.

2. Replacing the Unit Due to Efficiency Concerns

• Get a Second Opinion: If a technician recommends replacing your air conditioning unit solely because it's not the most efficient model, consider getting a second opinion. Replacement might be a valid option, but only if the cost of repairs and the inefficiency of the existing unit justify the expense of a new one.
• Consider Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the age of your existing unit and compare the cost of repairs against the long-term savings a more efficient unit might provide. Also, consider potential energy rebates or tax credits for installing more efficient systems.

3. Replacing the Evaporator Coil Because of Water Leakage

• Understand the Issue: Water flowing from the primary drain doesn't necessarily mean the evaporator coil needs to be replaced. It could be a sign of a clogged drain line or a misaligned drain pan.
• Seek Detailed Diagnosis: Ask the technician to thoroughly investigate the cause of the water leakage. Often, clearing a clogged drain or repairing the pan can resolve the issue without needing a costly coil replacement.

 Tips

• Do Your Research: Understanding basic air conditioning system functions can help you communicate more effectively with technicians and make informed decisions.
• Choose Reputable Service Providers: Look for well-reviewed, licensed, and insured HVAC professionals. Personal recommendations and verified online reviews can guide you to reliable service providers.
• Beware of Seasonal Upselling: During peak seasons, some unscrupulous technicians might exploit the urgency created by high temperatures to upsell unnecessary services or equipment. Always question whether a suggested repair or replacement is essential.

Be aware of costs that seem high request written warranty

• Get Multiple Quotes: If a recommended repair seems excessively expensive, it’s wise to obtain quotes from several companies to ensure the pricing is competitive and fair.
• Consider Timing: If possible, schedule maintenance and checks during off-peak seasons to potentially benefit from lower prices and better attention to detail.

By keeping these points in mind, you can better protect yourself from overpaying for repairs and ensure that any work done on your air conditioner is necessary and efficiently executed.

Happy Mother's day MOMS

                                 HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL MOMS OUT THERE

DO IT YOURSELF SOLAR

 

DO IT YOURSELF PV SOLAR SYSTEM WITH BATTERY STORAGE.

By Jules Williams

Facilities Management.

5/11/2024

Setting up a do-it-yourself solar power system with a 10 KW capacity involves several logistical considerations to ensure efficiency and safety. Here's a breakdown of what would typically be involved in assembling and operating such a system:

1. Component Acquisition:

• Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: You'll need enough solar panels to generate 10 KW of power. The number and type of panels will depend on their efficiency and output.
• Controller and Voltage Regulator: These components manage the voltage and current coming from the panels to optimize charging the battery banks and prevent overcharging.
• Changeover Switch: This allows switching between 240V and 120V outputs,  to be able to transfer from solar system to utility power if solar power is not available, to meet the requirements of appliances or system requirements.
• Battery Banks: Two battery banks capable of storing enough power for 10 KW usage over 12 hours. The capacity and type of batteries (like lithium-ion or lead-acid) will impact cost, efficiency, and maintenance.
• Direct Current (DC) Cabling: Sufficient cabling to cover a 200 feet distance with adequate gauge to handle the current without significant power loss.

2. Site Assessment and Preparation:

• Evaluate the installation site for maximum sun exposure throughout the year.
• Consider potential shading from trees or buildings and plan the layout to minimize its impact.
• Ensure the mounting structure for the PV panels is stable and oriented for optimal sun exposure (typically south-facing in the northern hemisphere).

3. Installation and Wiring:

• Installation of panels on roofs, back yard or dedicated stands.
• Proper grounding of the system to avoid electrical hazards.
• Wiring of the panels to the controller and from the controller to the battery banks, ensuring all connections are secure and properly insulated.
• Installation of the changeover switch and connection to the internal power system.
• Implementation of safety measures, including circuit breakers and surge protection.

4. System Configuration and Testing:

• Configure the system settings according to manufacturer instructions for maximum efficiency.
• Perform initial testing to check voltage, current, and overall system performance.
• Adjust configurations as needed based on initial performance data.

5. Maintenance and Monitoring:

• Regular cleaning and inspection of panels to maintain optimal performance.
• Monitoring battery health and charge levels to ensure longevity and reliability.
• Check all electrical connections and components periodically for signs of wear or damage.

6. Legal and Compliance:

• Verify compliance with local codes and regulations concerning solar power systems, including permits and inspections.
• Ensure the system meets electrical safety standards.

7. Education and Support:

• Provide comprehensive manuals and training for customers to install and maintain their systems.
• Set up a support hotline or service for troubleshooting and technical assistance.

It is important that potential customers have a clear understanding of what installing a 10 KW DIY solar power system involves, enhancing their confidence in obtaining advisors who are trained and experienced to advise and assist  during the procurement, installation and operation  process to ensure clients understand the product and obtain knowledge of operation to successfully own and operate the system.

With AI becoming an unescapable reality, necessitating many more megawatts than ever demanded of power grills, also with environmental concerns of carbon accumulation, the need presents itself for do it your self-dedicated power systems. Battery technology has improved significantly over the years, and I am not referring to the production of battery banks designed to discourage self-installed systems.

I designed a 4 KW system complete with auto change over with battery backup, that provided power to a 6000 Square foot home throughout summer, with only 45% battery depletion overnight, using deep cycle batteries from battery stores.

Complicated equipment selection, and confusing designs are delaying the popularity of much capable and resilient solar systems. However, the progression of Large Language Modules like Chat GPT 4, and soon to be here Chat-GPT 5, will create added pressure on municipalities, cities, counties, and states to provide incentives for do it yourself home and business solar systems.

Role and requirement of a knowledgeable, experience Facilities Manager:

 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTRACTOR FACILITIES FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS:

By Jules Williams Birmingham

40 Years Facilities Management.

5/9/2024

 Comprehensive Facility Management.

A commercial facilities contractor in America typically manages the upkeep and functionality of commercial properties to ensure they operate efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Here are the main functions and responsibilities categorized by various aspects of facilities management:

Safety Requirements

• Fire Safety Systems: Install and maintain fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire suppression systems to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Alarm Systems: Implement and maintain burglar alarms and other security alarms to protect the property.
• Security Management: Oversee security personnel, surveillance systems, and other security measures to ensure the safety of the premises.

Electrical and Lighting Systems

• Electricity Maintenance: Ensure electrical systems meet the power needs safely and comply with electrical codes.
• Lighting: Maintain and upgrade lighting systems to provide adequate illumination while optimizing energy use.

Communication and Technology

• Internet and Telecommunications: Install and maintain internet connections and telecommunication lines to ensure robust connectivity.
• Telecommunication Infrastructure: Oversee the installation and upkeep of telephone systems and other communication infrastructure.

Environmental and Energy Systems

• Renewable Energy Solutions: Implement and maintain renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines where feasible.
• Utilities Management: Manage water, gas, and electrical services, ensuring they are functioning efficiently and cost-effectively.

Structural and Exterior Maintenance

• Building Repairs: Address structural issues, roofing, exterior walls, and foundational repairs.
• Landscape and Tree Maintenance: Maintain grounds, gardens, and trees to enhance the property's aesthetic and ensure environmental compliance.
• Furniture and Fixture Maintenance: Keep furniture and fixtures in good repair, including regular upkeep of blinds, screens, and upholstery.

Health and Sanitation

• Cleaning and Sanitation: Regular cleaning of the premises, including specialized cleaning as required (e.g., for medical facilities).
• Pest Control: Implement regular pest control measures to maintain a hygienic environment.
• Sewage and Garbage Disposal: Ensure effective sewage systems and garbage disposal practices are in place to maintain sanitation and comply with health regulations.

Plumbing and Water Systems

• Plumbing: Maintain plumbing systems, including pipes, drains, and sewage lines, ensuring they are leak-free and fully operational.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Insurance: Manage all necessary insurance coverages to protect the property and business from potential liabilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all aspects of the facility meet local, state, and federal regulations, including ADA compliance and environmental laws.

Additional Responsibilities

• Furniture Procurement and Maintenance: Select, procure, and maintain appropriate furniture that meets the functional and aesthetic needs of the facility.
• Blind and Screen Maintenance: Regularly maintain and repair window treatments such as blinds and screens to ensure they are functional and presentable.

These responsibilities require a commercial facilities contractor to have a broad range of skills and knowledge, from technical expertise in systems maintenance to regulatory knowledge and management capabilities. The goal is to create and maintain a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment for all occupants and visitors.

NEPOTISM AND FAVORITSM IN TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

NEPTOSIM / FAVORITSM

                                                            IN TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This is what Texas Public Schools staffing looks like. A family, friend and acquaintance affair.

Want to fight against Governor Abbots plans for diverting funds to Texas Private schools? First demand the Board of Trustees honor their fiduciary duties and direct school Superintendents to eradicate favoritism and nepotism in public schools.

 

AIR-CONDITIONING AFFECTS FACILITIES OPERATING BUDGET

 PUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATING ENERGY COST WILL CHALLENGE BUDGETS THIS SUMMER. 

 Comprehensive Report: Enhancing Air-Conditioning Efficiency and Maintenance in Public Schools emphasizing forecast for higher than usual temperatures in these parts. Introduction: Buildings and Facilities in Houston Texas, known as the air-conditioning capital of the world, faces significant challenges regarding energy consumption and maintenance costs, associated with air-conditioning systems in both commercial and residential buildings. Public schools, in particular, bear a substantial burden due to the large capacity units, number of units and high operating costs for air conditioning operation maintenance and repairs. 

This report aims to address the critical issues surrounding air-conditioning in public schools, commercial and residential buildings including energy consumption, maintenance, and the need for trained personnel in facility management.

 1. Air-Conditioning Processes: Air-conditioning systems in buildings play a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort by regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality. The primary components of an air-conditioning system include:

 • Cooling Unit: This unit, often located outside the building, contains the compressor, condenser, and evaporator coils responsible for cooling the refrigerant thereby removing heat from indoors and depositing it outdoors. 

 • Air Handling Unit (AHU): The AHU circulates cooled air throughout the building via ductwork, or directly into the desired space ensuring consistent temperature distribution.

 • Thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature settings and activates the cooling system as needed. Very important, since operating cost is based on KWH, run time is critical to operating cost.

 • Ventilation System: Proper ventilation ensures fresh air circulation and removes indoor pollutants, contributing to overall indoor air quality. The American Society for Heating Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers recommends 15 CFM per person to achieve ideal indoor air ventilation requirements. 2. Factors Affecting Energy Consumption: The energy consumption of air-conditioning systems is influenced by various factors, including:

 • System Efficiency: Older or poorly maintained systems may operate less efficiently, leading to higher energy consumption.

 • Building Design: Factors such as insulation, window placement, and building orientation impact the heat gain or loss, affecting the workload of the air-conditioning system. 

 • Occupancy Patterns: The number of occupants and their activities within a building influence cooling demand.

 • Thermostat Settings: Inappropriate thermostat settings or lack of temperature control can result in unnecessary energy usage. The Department of Energy states that every degree below recommended settings of the thermostat increases electrical consumption of air-conditioning units 3%. 3. Means for Energy Reduction: To reduce energy consumption associated with air conditioning systems, several strategies can be implemented: 

 • Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Systems: Investing in modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs over time. 

 • Implement Smart Controls: Utilize programmable thermostats and building automation systems to optimize temperature settings based on occupancy schedules and outdoor conditions.

 • Enhance Building Envelope: Improve insulation, seal windows and doors, and minimize air leaks to reduce heat gain or loss, thereby reducing the workload on the air conditioning system.

 • Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance checks and cleanings to ensure optimal system performance and identify potential issues before they escalate. 4. Need for Preventive Maintenance: Preventive maintenance is essential for prolonging the lifespan of air-conditioning systems and minimizing costly repairs. This includes: 

 • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of HVAC components, including coils, filters, and ductwork, to identify and address any issues promptly. 

 • Filter Replacement: Clean or replace air filters regularly to maintain airflow and prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can hinder system efficiency. 

 • Coil Cleaning: Clean evaporator and condenser coils to remove dirt and debris, improving heat transfer and system efficiency.

 • System Calibration: Ensure thermostats and controls are calibrated correctly to maintain accurate temperature settings and prevent overworking the system. 5. Importance of Trained Personnel: Effective facility management requires knowledgeable personnel with expertise in HVAC systems and building operations. The example of an individual transitioning from a bakery worker to a facilities director highlights the need for proper training and experience in this field. Employing personnel with the following qualifications is essential:

 • Technical Expertise: Trained technicians capable of diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems efficiently. 

 • Energy Management Skills: Personnel equipped with knowledge of energy-efficient practices and technologies to minimize energy consumption.

 • Facility Management Experience: Experienced professionals capable of overseeing maintenance operations, budgeting, and long-term planning for facility improvements. Summary: Addressing the challenges associated with air-conditioning in public schools and other commercial and residential facilities, requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on energy reduction, preventive maintenance, and the employment of trained personnel in facility management roles. By implementing energy-efficient strategies and investing in proper maintenance and personnel training, public schools and facilities will alleviate the financial strain associated with air-conditioning while ensuring optimal indoor comfort for students, staff, visitors, and aid in extending the lives of vital equipment and material. This report provides a roadmap for improving air-conditioning efficiency and maintenance practices, ultimately contributing to cost savings, environmental sustainability, and enhanced indoor air quality.

AGE DISCRIIMATION IN AMERICAS'WORKFORCE #tagagediscriminationinamericasworkforce

 

Report on Seniors' Struggles with Employment in the United States

Introduction: In the United States, seniors face significant challenges in finding and retaining employment despite the presence of age discrimination laws. Employers often cite presumptuous reasons such as physical limitations, the threat of illnesses, and life expectancy concerns to justify their reluctance to hire older workers. Additionally, the implementation of spot exams by employers further exacerbates the issue, reinforcing discriminatory practices. Furthermore, legislative efforts to address this issue, such as proposals to increase the retirement age, fail to adequately address the underlying problems faced by seniors in the workforce. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the plight of seniors in the US job market, highlighting the obstacles they encounter and proposing potential solutions to mitigate their struggles.

1.    Age Discrimination in the Workplace: Despite the existence of laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, which prohibits discrimination against individuals aged 40 and older, ageism remains prevalent in the US labor market. Seniors often face systemic bias during the hiring process, with employers harboring misconceptions about their abilities, productivity, and adaptability.

2. Presumptuous Reasons for Non-Employment: Employers frequently resort to presumptuous reasons to justify their reluctance to hire seniors. These reasons may include concerns about physical limitations, the perceived threat of illnesses, and assumptions about seniors' life expectancies. Such discriminatory practices not only deprive seniors of employment opportunities but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmatization.

3. Spot Exams and Confirmation Bias: The use of spot exams by employers to assess the suitability of seniors for employment further exacerbates discriminatory practices. These exams often rely on biased criteria that disproportionately disadvantage older workers, leading to the perpetuation of age-based discrimination in the workforce. Moreover, confirmation bias may reinforce employers' preconceived notions about seniors' abilities, resulting in unjustified decisions to exclude them from employment.

4. Legislative Efforts and Retirement Age Proposals: While legislative measures such as increasing the retirement age from 60 to proposed 70 years aim to address the challenges posed by an aging workforce, they fail to adequately address the root causes of seniors' struggles in finding employment. Merely extending the retirement age without addressing age discrimination and promoting inclusivity in the workforce overlooks the systemic barriers faced by seniors.

5. Economic Impact and Cost of Living Adjustments: Seniors' difficulties in finding employment have significant economic implications, as they struggle to meet their financial needs and maintain their standard of living. Despite cost of living allowance adjustments, seniors are disproportionately affected by inflation, exacerbating their financial insecurity and exacerbating their reliance on social welfare programs.

6. Recommendations: To address the plight of seniors in the US job market, several measures can be taken:

• Strengthen enforcement of existing age discrimination laws and hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices.
• Provide incentives for employers to hire and retain older workers, such as tax credits or training subsidies.
• Implement mandatory diversity and inclusion training programs for employers to combat ageism and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.
• Establish support programs and resources tailored to seniors seeking employment, including job training, skills development, and career counseling services.
• Conduct research and data analysis to better understand the contributions and capabilities of older workers, debunking stereotypes and promoting positive perceptions of seniors in the workforce.

Summary: The challenges faced by seniors in the US job market are multifaceted and require comprehensive solutions that address both systemic barriers and individual needs. By combating age discrimination, promoting inclusivity, and providing support for seniors seeking employment, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable workforce for all generations. #tagagediscriminationinamericasworkforce#tagfacilitiesmanagementandaitechnologies#tagplightofseniorsandemployment#tagseniordescriminationinemployment#tagseniorsaffectedbycostoflivinglivingadjustment3tagemployersuseexamstoburdenseniorsforemployment#tagseniorsfacediscrimationfromemployerswhenseekingemployment #tagagediscriminationinamericasworkforce#tagfacilitiesmanagementandaitechnologies#tagplightofseniorsandemployment#tagseniordescriminationinemployment#tagseniorsaffectedbycostoflivinglivingadjustment3tagemployersuseexamstoburdenseniorsforemployment#tagseniorsfacediscrimationfromemployerswhenseekingemployment

By Jules Williams

 

5/4/2024.