I am sure everyone is familiar with the story, “The Three Little Pigs.” Although it may be meant for children, it helps teach a very valuable lesson; that hard work and determination pay off. This is especially true in regards to HVAC Systems. Please read our spin on the story, “The Three Little Contractors,” to learn how.
The Three Little Contractors
Once upon a time there were three little contractors. Their boss told them to do some research and come up with a solution to pan overflows, dirty drain pans, and algae growth in pans.
The first little contractor decided to use some handy-dandy tablets. They were cheaper than anything else on the shelf and had a guarantee to stop build up, be long lasting, and prevent overflows. In return, all he would have to do is check the pan every once an a while. This solution was cheaper for him, saving money for other things.
The second little contractor decided to install a float switch in the condensate pan. He figured it was more expensive than tablets, but he wouldn’t have to check the pan as often. He knew the float switch would do the work for him, and automatically shut down the unit if the water reached a certain level. This solution was more costly, but required less work of him and more time to relax.
The third little contractor decided his solution was an EPA-registered, timed-release product called Algae Guard. Algae Guard slowly releases its ingredients, which attach to the dirt, grime, and grease in the pan (instead of just dissolving away). Algae Guard washes the debris down the drain, preventing overflows and keeping the pan free from mold, mildew, and fungus. Additionally, it only had to be placed in the pan every 3 or 6 months, depending on the size of the unit. This solution was a higher quality and a little more expensive, but required less work of him and was proven to be more effective.
Months passed and the boss decided to inspect the contractors work. The boss visited the first contractor’s worksite. The tablets that the contractor had placed in the pan were no where to be seen. The boss was not pleased that he had paid out some money and had nothing to show for it. The pan looked as it had when he last seen it. He told the first contractor that he was very disappointed because no thought had been put into solving the problem, opting with just the cheapest/easiest thing.
Before the boss could get to the second contractor’s site, he had already received several complaint calls. The second contractor’s unit had completely shut down and the business had to send home all of its employees because the building was unbearably hot. The boss then looked at the condensate pan and was even more displeased! While the float switch had done its job, the main problem hadn’t been solved. The mold, mildew and fungus were still in the pan, and now the drain was clogged. He fussed at the second contractor for his sheer laziness and lack of care.
The boss was anxious to see the third contractor’s site. Surely he had come up with a better solution. When the boss arrived he was very pleased. The pan was free from any overflows, and had no mold, mildew or algae in the pan. The boss exclaimed to the third contractor, “How did you manage to solve those issues!?”. The contractor replied, “I simply paid a tiny bit more money and placed this timed-release product in the pan, then it did all the work for me.” The boss was so ecstatic he gave the third contractor a raise for his research, determination, and hard work.
Don’t let the BIG BAD WOLFUNGUS get the best of you. Which contractor will you be?
Kristen Burgess, Client Services Rep., and Shandi Maddox, Marketing Assistant of Controlled Release Technologies, Inc., a research, development and manufacturing firm based in Shelby, North Carolina. CRT is an IFMA CSP, an EnergyStar Partner and manufacturer of independently-certified Green products for HVAC maintenance. Since 1986, CRT has been creating leading edge HVAC maintenance products that have become industry standards, used in thousands of commercial buildings world-wide. CRT employees are members of BOMA, ASHRAE, ASHE and the American Chemical Society. www.cleanac.com
Filed under: Pans, Basins and Metal Surfaces, Tips from "The Girls" | Tagged: controlled release technologies, HVAC equipment and maintenance costs, HVAC equipment sustainability, Eliminate HVAC Odors, maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system, HVAC cleaning, HVAC systm maintenance cleaning, HVAC Condensate Drain Pan Treatment, HVAC Preventive Maintenance, HVAC Products, HVAC Tune Up | 1 Comment »
