Balanced Comfort Blog
Title 24 Performance or Prescriptive? California Building Energy Code
Title 24: Performance vs. Prescriptive Approach to Compliance Title 24 of the Building Standards Code in California is an energy efficiency standard which is used to make sure that buildings are efficient with their energy use. It is used not only for the design and construction of new buildings but also for new additions or alterations…
Title 24 Compliance HVAC Requirements
Making sense of Title 24 and the Building Energy Efficiency Standards can feel like splitting hairs when it comes to your current or upcoming project – especially when you are juggling multiple systems that require code compliance! But as a California architect, general contractor, MEP contractor, or project developer you may be wondering, “How does…
Sprinkler Pre-Action Systems Explained
Sprinkler Pre-Action Systems When it comes to fire protection systems for buildings, there are three basic models. Firstly, there is the common, traditional wet-pipe model, which most buildings have these days. With this model, water is constantly under pressure within the piping, ready to deploy at any time. Secondly, there is the less common dry-pipe sprinkler…
Why a Manual N for Commercial Load Calculations?
The Manual N for commercial load calculation is designed to instruct contractors and others on how to meet the complicated new heating and air conditioning requirements for commercial buildings. This manual treats in detail all that you will need to know, including the latest developments in the commercial construction industry such as the use of new materials,…
What Are Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems?
Deluge fire sprinkler systems are generally used in industrial type hazard areas which will require water to be applied over a large hazard area during a fire emergency. In a deluge sprinkler system, water is held back in a separate supply zone, and is not sitting within the piping itself that connects with the sprinklers. Nor is…
Can the AC Spread COVID-19?
We are currently living in uncertain times under the pandemic of COVID-19, and many people are worried about the ways the virus can spread, including breathing it in, touching your face, and lasting on surfaces. In April of 2020, a study was published by the Center for Disease Control that showed that COVID-19 was spread through the…
It’s Important to Check Out Your Exhaust Fans
The exhaust fans in your home are one method of removing moisture and indoor pollutants. Often times these fans are ignored which may cause an abundance of moisture in bathrooms and kitchens. Too much moisture may allow mildew and other moisture borne issues to thrive. You may believe the exhaust fans in your home don’t…
How much does clean air cost?
How much does clean air cost? Here in Fresno we have the worst air in the country and it should cost a whole bunch, but it doesn’t. When you go to the store are you overwhelmed by the number of filter choices? Plenty of colors, sizes, prices and ratings make things confusing and difficult. So which one…
How Heat Moves – 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
How Heat Moves The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics The 2nd law of thermodynamics tells us that heat, energy, and pressure move from high to low. This is important to understand because when it’s hot outside like it often gets in Fresno, that heat outside wants to attack the cooler air indoors. If your home has…
How does HEPA compare to MERV Ratings?
Air filtration is one of the best ways you can make sure your indoor air stays clean. However, knowing the best way to go can be confusing, because there are two main types of filters that air filtration systems use: MERV and HEPA. To help demystify the subject, we’ve created a quick guide on these…