Articles by Chuck Dale-Derks, P.E.

The greatest impact HVAC systems have on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions is from energy consumption, not the refrigerant fluid in the system.

Examining the missing science behind the measurements, means, and methods necessary to make IAQ relevant and beneficial to all stakeholders.

When making coffee at the office, can I lick my fingers to help separate the filters, like I do at home? No. I don’t believe my fellow employees would appreciate this approach. 

I have struggled with writing this article based upon what is being reported and what our industry leaders are recommending. It’s a fine balancing act, and I feel we may have too many plates spinning at once.

I just spent $3,700 for a dealer to inspect and repair my daughter’s 8-year-old passenger minivan. The value of the vehicle is about $4,200; however, a new replacement would have set me back $27,700 (less the trade-in value).

A Missouri college called late last fall with a problem. Its heating system, a central campus heating water boiler plant with two pumped loops and three distribution branches, had developed a leak in the loop to the library building across the quad.

One of the first things we do when beginning the engineering design for a project is to check the current building codes for the locality we are working in.

This K-12 building automation troubleshooting experience turned into a case of “show and tell” that nobody wants at their own school, so take notes on both the causes and the solutions.