All posts by KES Facilities

Common Commercial Dishwasher & Glasswasher Issues & How to Resolve Them

KES Facilities
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020

If your business has a commercial dishwasher or glasswasher then you’re all-too-aware of the benefits of having one. You can bulk wash items on a quick cycle and get them dried and reused almost instantly – even during the same shift. So when dishwasher issues arise and your dishes or glasses aren’t squeaky clean, or worse, then it becomes a very big problem indeed.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues that our technicians encounter on a daily basis, and how you can fix them. For some of the electronic faults, there are simple and quick fixes that you can undertake yourself. But unfortunately, for many other issues, professional assistance is the only realistic way to eradicate the problem.

The Most Common Dishwasher & Glasswasher Issues

These are five of the most common commercial dishwasher and glasswasher issues, ranging all the way from unusual smells and sounds to limescale build-up and leaking water. If you’re ever in doubt or come across an issue too complex to address, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert KES Facilities team.

Unusual Noises

This is a quick way to ruin your day. You know exactly what your washer sounds like, so when you hear an unusual sound, it’s an immediate warning that you can’t ignore.

Any sound of whirring, banging, or clanking is reason enough to stop the cycle and cut the power to your washer. If you’re lucky, there could be something lodged in the waste pipe, or a buildup that needs to be cleaned.

But if you’re less fortunate, you might discover that the rotating motor has moved out of place, or has started to rust. If you’re confident and have the skills, then dismantle the appropriate parts and install a new rotating motor.

Another reason for unusual sounds is the brushes getting worn out and brittle, to the point where they no longer clean your items. This repair isn’t quite as straightforward.

Poor Draining Issues

Among dishwasher issues, this one is extremely common, and can tie in with any fault noises and sounds. First of all, check for any food particles blocking the pipes. However, if you hear any unusual sounds specifically emanating from the pumps (towards the end of the wash cycle), then it’s highly likely that the issue exists in the drain pumps themselves.

Water pumps are the unsung heroes within any washer assembly. They control the flow of water, drawing water in and expelling wastewater during the wash cycle. But these mechanical parts are constantly working and moving, so wear-and-tear is completely natural.

Noisy pumps, puddles at the end of the wash, and ineffective draining are likely to be caused by old and faulty drain pumps. Replacing them is normally the solution and is a relatively simple fix. If you’re lucky, it could be the pump bearings themselves that need to be replaced, and they’re usually cheaper to source and install. But on a bad day, it could be the selector switches or the timer that’s causing the issue.

For even more complicated issues, a professional technician will need to inspect solenoids and impellers.

Dishes Aren’t Clean

So we’ve talked about unusual sounds and poor draining – but dishes and glasses coming out still dirty is another pretty obvious indicator that something isn’t right. There could be several reasons for this but, normally, it’s to do with a dirty machine that just needs to be washed.

The first simple task to carry out is to inspect the filter. As you guessed, these devices capture any excess food or waste and therefore need regular maintenance. If there’s buildup to the point where they become ineffective, then your dishes and glasses won’t come out clean.

Regular cleaning also helps to keep the rinse jets effective. They’ll be able to target your glasses and dishes in the way they were designed to – when they’re obstructed by waste, their high-pressure jets won’t be as effective.

The same goes for the rinse arms, which can easily become obstructed. On other occasions, there can be a limescale buildup or some wear-and-tear on these arms as well. However, if after attempting all of this the dishes are still coming out dirty, you’ll need a professional to take a look at the dosing pump, wash pump, or the rinse cycle itself.

It’s also worth looking into having an inline water softener fitted to prevent limescale buildup inside the unit. These are particularly effective in rinse tanks, wash tanks, wash pumps and drain pumps.

Faulty Electrics & No Power

It’s a big ‘oh no’ if your machine also refuses to start up in the first place. Check the power source – is everything connected as it should be? Double-check your fuse, and make sure that the washer door is closed correctly.

If none of these fixes work, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to address the electronic repairs yourself – it’s in the interest of your own safety. There could be any number of electronic faults from faulty motor relays to dodgy drive motors, or broken switches and complete control board failure. This is when you need to know what you’re doing, otherwise you’ll only make things worse.

Overfilling, Underfilling & Leaking Water

Noticing water in places where it shouldn’t be is one of the more common glasswasher and dishwasher issues. There could be any number of reasons why your washer is underfilling and overfilling, and it may take a considerable time for you to identify the fault.

Our KES technicians, on the other hand, have the experience to quickly identify the issue and resolve it for you – often on the spot. Again, there could be an issue with the timer, or the float could be trapped. There could be issues with the water inlet valve, the filters, or the control board itself.

When it comes to leaking water and faulty filling, the quickest and most pain-free way to fix the issue is to get in touch with the professionals.

Dishwasher & Glasswasher Maintenance with KES Facilities

As you can see, dishwashers and glasswashers are complicated machines, and repairs can be simple, but more often than not, it takes experience and training to know what the issue is and how to fix it as quickly as possible.

Contact our friendly Yorkshire-based team today to see how we can get your washer back up and running. Or, if you’re worried about future breakdowns, then we’ll set up a maintenance schedule and regularly service your machine for you.

Keep your machine in expert hands and you’ll be able to enjoy business as normal.

 

What Air Conditioning Do I Require for My Premises?

KES Facilities
Tuesday, September 1st, 2020

If you’re discovering that your business is becoming an uncomfortably warm place to work or that stale air is becoming an issue, then investing in commercial air conditioning is absolutely the right move. You’ll have fresher air, happier staff, safer working conditions, and greater control over the temperature that you work in.

It sounds easy on paper, doesn’t it? But once you begin your research on commercial air conditioning, you’ll quickly discover that there’s more to the upgrade than meets the eye. Which system do you choose? What are the differences between them? How are the units installed? And how many units should you be looking to purchase anyway?

Let’s explain each of the factors you need to consider when identifying which commercial air conditioning unit your premises needs. But, if you want to make your life as easy as possible, then simply leave the job to our expert KES Facilities technicians, who know exactly how to get the best system for your business in place.

Air Conditioning Aspects to Consider

There are so many different things to consider when you’re investing in commercial air conditioning, and some of the calculations can quickly become complicated. Be sure to choose the right system which, ideally, is suited to your budget, futureproof, quiet, and compact.

Here are the top things that you should be considering.

Size

Yes, you might be surprised that we think size is such an important aspect, but this needs to be considered before temperature, capability, or even price. Do your premises have the appropriate space for a single split system? Is it too small for multi-split? Where are the units going to go? And how are they going to be linked between rooms?

Remember that with many types of commercial air conditioning units, you’ll have a unit inside as well as outside. If you’re clever with your design, you can minimise the number of units you’re storing outdoors.

Still confused about the different types of commercial air conditioning available? We already explained the differences between single split systems, multi-split systems, and all the other popular types of commercial air conditioning here.

Efficiency

Commercial air conditioning isn’t cheap and if you opt for an inefficient, inappropriate system, then you’ll sadly watch your energy bills skyrocket as well.

Choose a system that’s efficient within your building. Some air conditioning models are particularly green and incorporate heat recovery technology. Instead of releasing waste heat to the atmosphere, it can be recycled and used to target specific areas. Similarly, other smart systems will recapture and cool air instead of constantly pulling in from air from the atmosphere, helping to keep your costs low.

Noise

Another thing you’ll need to consider is the noise that your air conditioning units produce. The idea behind air conditioning is to control the temperature, keep staff members comfortable, improve air quality, and importantly, increase productivity. But if your machine makes a racket every time it’s in use, then you’ll have inadvertently introduced a new distraction for your employees.

Be sure to ask about the expected noise – certain systems are significantly quieter than others.

Futureproofing, Customisation, & Maintenance

This is a factor that, unfortunately, many people forget. It’s easy to get distracted and install a new top-of-the-range system that does exactly what it needs to do right now. But what happens when you’re looking to expand? If there’s something you want to change, can it be added and customised at a later date?

Make sure that when your new system is selected and installed, there’s plenty of space for manoeuvrability later on. Give yourself breathing space to make changes at a later date and upgrade the system where necessary.

This rings true for maintenance as well – key parts of your system need to be accessible and easy to repair. A poor design will make simple repairs much more time consuming and costly than they need to be.

Knowing How to Get the Best Unit for Your Premises

And if you were feeling overwhelmed already, we haven’t even gotten into the nitty-gritty details of selecting the most appropriate air conditioning unit.

Air conditioning systems have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. This indicates how much heat the system is expected to remove from any room. The BTU is based on the size of the room in square feet and the height of the ceiling – for each area, there’s an appropriate BTU that will be expected to keep the room cool and circulate the air efficiently.

How many people will be in the room? Is there any natural air pressure? What about air static? How many individual units will be required? These are all important considerations that need to be made before installing commercial air conditioning units.

Knowing Which Air Conditioning Units to Choose

That’s why the majority of people leave the task to our experienced KES team. We work on all kinds of commercial air conditioning jobs throughout Yorkshire and there’s no air conditioning demand or requirement that we haven’t seen before.

Our team are able to quickly measure your space, identify the most appropriate type of air conditioning, and design the most efficient system for your premises. We install every type of unit, and we’ll customise the internal coils, coolants, and internal fans to make sure that your system is legal, safe, and easy to service.

Contact us today to find out how Yorkshire’s most professional team can help plan, install, and maintain the best air conditioning system for your business.

How to Get a Gas Safety Certificate

KES Facilities
Monday, July 13th, 2020

Managing the technical appliances on your commercial property requires patience and organisation. You need to know what equipment you have, which items are connected to the gas supply, the steps you need to take in the event of an appliance breakdown, and how frequently each appliance should be serviced. As well as all of that, you also need to ensure that the equipment on your property adheres to local regulations and that you have the appropriate certificates to prove it.

Few certificates are more important than your gas safety certificate. Although these certificates are relatively painless to obtain, they become a nightmare if they’re ever lost. In this article we’ll explain how KES Facilities can help you get your gas safety certificate, maintain it annually, and why you could be breaking the law if you’re operating without one.

Why Do I Need a Gas Safety Certificate?

Believe us, you’re not the only one to have asked this question. If you own or operate a commercial property that uses gas appliances, you are required by law to have a valid gas safety certificate. Failing to obtain one or allowing your current certificate to lose validity is a criminal offence.

As with many other certificates, the gas safety certificate is required to ensure the highest level of safety in the workplace. Every year, a handful of British workers are killed by faulty gas appliances, leaking flues, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use Regulations 1998 ensures that owners obtain the appropriate gas safety certificate to confirm that the appliances on site are safe for use.

You may be tempted to take your chances and ignore the regulations: don’t put yourself and others at risk. The penalties and fines are not insignificant and, in the worst-case scenario, your negligence could be paid for with somebody else’s life and manslaughter charges.

What Are the Stages of Getting a Gas Safety Certificate?

It’s easy to organise getting your gas safety certificate with KES Facilities. Our team of engineers are Gas Safe registered and fully qualified to inspect and test your commercial gas appliances.

Beware – only Gas Safe registered engineers are permitted to issue gas safety certificates. If you receive a quote that seems too good to be true, it’s probably coming from a company whose engineers aren’t Gas Safe registered.

Tell Us About Your Appliances

First, you’ll need to provide us with a list of all the gas-fired boilers, heaters, and appliances on your commercial property. That way we can provide you with a quote, letting you know how much your gas safety certificate is going to cost in total.

Allow Our Engineers to Carry Out the Tests

Shortly after the price has been confirmed, our engineers will arrive on your property ready to carry out all of the required tests. Our team will carry out a visual test, a functionality test, a pressure test, an operations test, and any other relevant tests required to prove that every appliance is fit for purpose. Every appliance will be individually tested with the same methodology.

Since your appliances will need to be isolated while they undergo testing, it’s a good idea to organise the tests around some pre-planned commercial downtime.

Get A Certificate with Your New Appliance

So you know how to get a gas safety certificate for appliances on your commercial property – but you can also get a certificate when a new piece of apparatus is installed as well.

Once our KES Facilities engineers have finished installing your new gas-fired appliance, we’ll leave you with a report that explains what tests and checks we performed. This record of safety checks and inspections serves as your gas safety certificate and proves that the item is fit for purpose and that there are no dangerous gas leaks.

Is There Anything Else That I Need to Do?

It’s as simple as that – once you’ve organised the testing required for the certificate, the rest is up to us. All you have to do is keep on top of your records and renew your gas safety certificate annually (at a minimum).

Gas Safety Certificates with KES Facilities

With competitive prices, professional engineers, and quick response times throughout Yorkshire, our KES Facilities team will be able to get your gas safety certificate issued in no time at all.

Contact our team with a list of your appliances and we’ll get a quote back to you as soon as we can. There’s no job too big or small for our team of experts.

What Are the Different Types of Boilers?

KES Facilities
Thursday, June 25th, 2020

In the same way that there are different types of boiler fuels and designs, there are also different types of boilers. Although the science behind these boilers largely remains the same, slight variations in design mean that certain models are far better suited to specific tasks than others.

So it goes without saying that different types of boilers are suited to different business applications. It’s important that the boiler you purchase meets your daily requirements while also keeping costs low. Let’s take a look at a few different types of boilers, summarising their designs and applications. If you’re in any doubt, our KES Facilities engineers are here to help answer your questions, install your new commercial boiler, and set-up your essential maintenance schedule too.

Boiler Basics

Do you remember your basic physics from school? Do you remember learning about heat transfer, combustion, and boiling points? It’s OK if you don’t! After all, why would you need to remember all of those confusing processes when they’re not a significant part of your day-to-day life?

So before we get into the finer details of the different types of boilers, remember that the basic principle behind boilers is to provide heating. Normally, boilers burn fuel to create steam or heated water. That medium is then transferred throughout a building (in radiators or otherwise) to conduct heat to different areas of the property.

Simple enough? Good – let’s take a look at the many different ways this is achieved.

The Different Types of Boilers

Fire-Tube Boilers

Fire-tube boilers stick to this basic design very closely – their design is old and, these days, is considered basic. A water-filled chamber contains several tubes that intersect it. When heated gas is directed along the length of these tubes, the walls of the tubes heat up and conduct that energy into the stored water so that it reaches boiling point. This produces steam which is captured at the top.

These boilers are most efficient when there is a regular demand for steam, and most suitable for low-pressure applications. They come in both dryback and wetback design.

Watertube Boilers

Now let’s imagine the inverse of a fire-tube boiler! Instead of heated gas within the tubes, with watertube boilers, well…you get the idea – water is stored within the tubes and the gas is outside. The tubes again run the length of the boiler.

Since water is heated in smaller quantities, this makes for a quick heat transfer. High-pressure demands, systems with varying requirements, and industrial-scale processes all benefit from watertube boiler arrangements.

Typically, watertube boilers are the go-to set-up for comfort heating applications. These boilers are easier to inspect and maintain, and are far more common today than conventional fire-tube boilers.

Electric Steam Boilers

Another type of boiler commonly used for commercial applications these days is the electric steam boiler. These simple systems are used for smaller, low-demand applications in laundries, factories, and even hospitals.

Once again, the focus is on heating water and producing steam, but this time through electrical resistance. With this boiler there is no fuel, nor is there combustion. Electric steam boilers are considered the most ‘green’ boiler with low noise, compactness, and a generally small makeup. Another benefit is that these systems are simple, and inspecting and removing parts is straightforward.

That being said, these advantages come at a cost – literally: electric steam boilers are some of the most expensive boilers on the market. It is not uncommon to see electric steam boilers being used in conjunction with other types of boilers.

Other Types of Boilers

We could go on and on, but these are the three main types of boilers that you can expect to find for use on commercial sites. Condensing boilers are also efficient, but these operate on a much smaller scale. Flextube boilers are growing in popularity, and these too are easy to inspect and maintain. Combi boilers, conventional boilers, and even system boilers are also used throughout the United Kingdom, but mainly in a residential setting.

KES Facilities and Your Boiler Needs

As you can see, just about anything to do with boilers requires skill and experience. Our talented technicians are trained on all of the boilers we’ve mentioned in today’s article, and they know exactly how to install, service, repair, and maintain that boiler for you.

As part of the installation process, we always strive to ensure that you’re getting the type of boiler best suited to your business application. Call us today for advice, ask us any questions you have, and ease any doubts about the suitability of the boiler you have in mind.

We’re on-call throughout Yorkshire and ready to help whenever you need us.

Common Commercial Boiler Issues & How to Solve Them

KES Facilities
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

When your commercial boiler is running as it should, you’ll barely even give it a second thought. Unfortunately, that peace of mind turns into a nightmare when your boiler decides it doesn’t want to play ball. Boiler issues will make any tasks within your commercial building that require hot water quickly become impossible.

That’s why today, we’re going to discuss some of the most common commercial boiler issues and how you can solve them. For the simplest of issues that only need a quick inspection all the way to serious faults that require urgent attention, this post will set you in good stead. Whatever the problem is, there’s nobody better to contact than our KES Facilities team: we’ll get your boiler inspected, repaired, or replaced in no time.

The Most Common Commercial Boiler Issues

Can you see your breath while you’re reading this? Are there unusual sounds coming from the boiler? Or is it a more trivial issue like a fault code or flickering light? These are the most common commercial boiler issues, ranging from significant problems all the way to ones that are fixed-in-a-moment.

Low Heat or No Heat

This is probably the most obvious issue with your commercial boiler. When there’s no heating, you’ve got a problem that needs to be addressed quickly.

There are several different faults that can lead to low heat, an uneven distribution of heat, or no heat at all. If you’re lucky, your burners are dirty and there’s a blockage preventing heat from spreading. This is easily fixed by cleaning the burners and removing dust or debris, but can also cause a serious fire hazard until it’s properly cleaned.

Make sure that you also have an active maintenance schedule: this issue is one of the first things our KES technicians check. Otherwise, there could be a broken thermostat, a faulty pump, stuttering ignition, or sludge somewhere in the system. These are more serious issues and will need a callout to inspect and repair.

Unusual Sounds

If you have to ask yourself whether that sound really came from your commercial boiler, then something’s not quite right. Gurgling, fizzing, bubbling, whistling, and even banging are all sounds that you should be aware of.

These sounds might be caused by something as minor as low pressure. But there could also be air in the system, or a limescale and mineral build-up. These are serious issues and need to be repaired immediately by an expert. The longer you delay the callout, the longer your boiler overworks and the more likely it is that other parts break as well.

Faulty Pilot Light

Has the spark gone out… literally? Your pilot light – the small, strong gas-lit flame below the boiler – should always be lit. When it goes out, there’s normally an issue with the gas supply to your commercial boiler.

And no matter how DIY-proficient you may be, please don’t start tapping into your gas supply without detailed knowledge of its structure. You’ll also need to have your commercial boiler inspected and certified every year by a Gas Safe engineer, which can minimise the risk of an issue with the gas supply. Call our KES team and we’ll get a fully-qualified engineer out to inspect your gas supply right away.

Constant Boiler Lockout

Many of the faults we’ve already mentioned can lead to constant boiler lockout. Ready, set…click? If your boiler goes through the start-up motions then suddenly switches off, then something is very wrong.

There should be an error light (normally red) or a fault code displayed. A quick reset could solve your problem, but if the issue keeps occurring, then research your fault code.

If the recommended repair or action is beyond your ability, then our experts will know exactly what to do. Broken pumps, faulty thermocouples, and even blocked valves can be fixed on the spot.

Commercial Boiler Fan Issues

The reset button won’t, however, fix any fan faults. Faults with the fan are mechanical issues and need to be physically inspected before any faults can be formally identified.

If the fan is running too slow or failing to run at all, then there could be something wrong with the connection or wiring. Excessive vibration can dislodge parts of the frame, or there could again be a build-up of debris. Water leakages are more alarming and can cause extensive damage throughout your boiler apparatus.

Commercial Boiler Care with KES Facilities

Prevention is the best form of defence when it comes to commercial boilers. If for some reason you don’t already have a boiler maintenance schedule, then contact our friendly team today.

Regular inspections allow us to keep on top of your boiler’s health and solve any potential issues before they arise. And, where one-off repairs are required, then we’ll get your boiler back up-and-running in no time at all. We’re local to you – contact our team today to find out how we can help.

Common Commercial Air Conditioning Problems & How to Solve Them

KES Facilities
Monday, May 4th, 2020

Air conditioning units are the silent saviour inside so many commercial properties. When they’re operating correctly they’ll keep you, your team, and your customers at a comfortable temperature. Fresh, clean air is circulated throughout the building, and the best part is that you won’t even notice it.

Unfortunately, these same units become extremely noticeable when they’re not operating correctly. It’s easy to take air conditioning for granted, so when there’s a fault, it needs to be fixed quickly. In today’s article, we’re going to discuss some of the most common commercial air conditioning problems, and how to solve them. Whatever the issue, our talented KES Facilities technicians are always nearby and ready to help.

The Most Common Commercial Air Conditioning Problems

At best, your air conditioning problems will be a distraction. At worst, it could be failing to circulate air correctly and breaking the law in the process. There could even be fire hazards that you need to be aware of. These are the 7 most common commercial air conditioning issues, and how to solve them.

Incorrect Temperature Displayed

It’s crucial that your thermostat sensor detects the correct room temperature. That way, your air conditioning system will know how to regulate the temperature in the room. Detecting the wrong temperature will lead to inefficient operation and unnecessarily high energy bills.

If you suspect the thermostat is displaying the wrong temperature, the sensor could be malfunctioning. A new battery may do, but it could also need replacing. On some occasions, it’s a simple fix with a quick calibration. Otherwise, your thermostat and sensor are getting old and will need to be replaced. Remember: every mechanical part has a lifespan.

Lots of Noise

Most things – mechanical or otherwise – make a call for help when they’re in distress. Your commercial air conditioning system is no different, so don’t ignore any unusual noises.

Anything from a pop or hiss to – at worst – a bang, must be investigated immediately. Continuing to run your system when there’s obviously an issue could destroy much of the equipment.

The reason for this fault could be anything from a broken fan to leaks or debris. Power-down your unit and call our KES Facilities team as soon as you can so that we can investigate the issue.

Leaking Gas or Water

Fluids are an integral part of your commercial air conditioning system, and there’s a chance they can get into the wrong area. Leaking or dripping water will be irritating to begin with, but eventually, there will be no coolant left and your system won’t be able to provide cold air. Leaking gas is a much more serious issue.

Like air conditioning noise, leaks can be a complex repair. Our technicians will be able to quickly locate the source of the leak and ensure that your system returns to normal.

F-Gas Compliance

This isn’t a problem you’ll come across in the day-to-day running of your air conditioning unit. Instead, this is an administrative issue that keeps your system legal.

From January 2021, the UK “will regulate fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-Gas) and ozone-depleting substances.” As you may have already guessed, some older air conditioning units use F-Gas components as part of their coolant. Make sure that your air conditioning unit is up-to-date, modern, and free from any harmful (and illegal) substances.

Our engineers at KES Facilities have lots of experience with F-Gas regulations and compliance. If you need further advice, get in touch.

Dirty Air Conditioning Filter Problems

We’ve discussed a few complicated air conditioning problems in a row, but this one’s a little easier. Your air conditioning filter should be changed regularly to prevent it from becoming dirty. You’ll be able to sense poor air quality, and there may even be a bad smell from the blocked filter.

If you’ve become a little lazy with your monthly maintenance schedule and your filter hasn’t been changed for a while, you’ll also notice inconsistent and restricted airflow. In the worst case, your filter could be so blocked that it causes your system to overheat.

Be sure to change the filter regularly. That means that in the summer months, you need to remove and replace your filter monthly. Your system will thank you for it.

Electronics That Constantly Trip

Again, this air conditioning issue would be filed under the ‘irritating’ category rather than ‘explosively dangerous.’ If your system regularly trips, it’s doing so for a reason. Please don’t ignore this obvious sign of a problem.

The main cause of an air conditioning unit that constantly trips is something blocking the airflow. The blower then works overtime, the system overheats, and it trips. There may also be ventilation issues and blown fuses that need replaced.

Power-down your system and locate the blockage. If it’s difficult to locate, then get in touch with our KES Facilities team.

Potential Removal and Decommission

When all is said and done, your air conditioning unit may be too old and broken to justify repairing. Everything has a lifespan, and you need to remove your existing unit and install a new one. There’s nobody better to call than our engineers.

Contact KES Facilities Today

You should now be aware of the most common air conditioning faults and how to resolve them. If you’re ever unsure, then leave your repair to our team of professionals. From the simple fixes all the way to full decommissioning and installation, we’re able to help.

The best way to keep your system running efficiently and consistently is to make sure that it’s regularly inspected and maintained. Why not schedule regular check-ups with our KES team? We’re easy to contact and close to your area.

What is a Heat Recovery System & How Does it Work?

KES Facilities
Friday, March 27th, 2020

In today’s article, we take a look at heat recovery systems and why they’re well worth your investment. With growing sustainability demands and rising energy costs, installing an effective heat recovery system could be a very wise move. With KES Facilities, it’s simple from start to finish.

What is a Heat Recovery System?

In its purest form, heat recovery refers to any process that reclaims some percentage of waste energy. A heat recovery system is a commercial installation that captures waste energy and recycles it back into the system. These systems also filter the air throughout a building and replenish extracted air with clean, filtered air.

Heat recovery systems consist of a heat recovery ventilation unit and a network of valves installed throughout a building.

The Laws of Thermodynamics mean there will almost always be heat released during any heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) process. Those same laws also mean that many HVAC systems are inefficient, and that no system is 100% efficient.

But that doesn’t matter. If a heat recovery system is capable of recovering any energy lost in the form of heat, then it’s still beneficial. Moreover, many modern heat recovery systems are so efficient that they’re absolutely worth your investment.

Why is it Useful?

You might be debating whether or not heat recovery systems are worth your investment. The answer is that, although there’s an initial up-front cost, the efficiency of these systems almost always makes them worth your while.

The main attraction of a heat recovery system is the reduction in total operating costs. Some systems are so efficient that they can recover up to 95% of the energy lost through HVAC processes in your building. That leads to a huge energy saving, a warmer building, and a significant reduction in your monthly expenses.

Another benefit is the improvement in air quality. Not only do heat recovery systems recycle energy, they also act as a filter for the air in your building. Air quality is improved since pollen, moisture and dust are removed from the system.

Any unpleasant smells, mould, dust, and the build-up of toxic gases can all eventually lead to structural problems for your business and respiratory issues for you. Heat recovery systems purify and clean that air.

Finally, heat recovery systems are super sustainable and improve your carbon footprint. With more and more government regulations being put in place, it’s a challenge being as sustainable as possible. There are strict targets for the UK’s carbon emissions, and installing an efficient heat recovery system means that you’ll be helping to meet those targets instead of contributing to the problem.

How Does a Heat Recovery System Work?

So now you know what a heat recovery system is and why it can be beneficial – how does it work?

The star of the show is the ventilation unit. This is normally installed in the roof or attic of your commercial property. This ventilation unit, with a powerful internal filter, is the link between the atmosphere, and every ventilated room within the building. You decide which rooms will benefit from a heat recovery system by installing air valves on a net of ducts throughout your property.

The combination of valves, ducts, and the ventilation unit creates a cycle of air being pulled in from the atmosphere and released to the atmosphere. Fresh air is pulled in, and undesirable air is removed and released.

Significantly, the ventilation unit captures the heat from the extracted air pipe and feeds that heat into the fresh air pipe. These two pipes are housed within the same unit, but they are not physically connected. Their close proximity allows the new, clean, atmospheric air to benefit from existing heat that would otherwise go to waste.

That new air that is warm and clean is then circulated throughout the building via many different pipes and air ducts spread throughout a commercial property.

KES Facilities and Heat Recovery Systems

At KES Facilities, our talented team have all the training and experience they need to install, service, and repair your heat recovery system.

Our expert technicians will be with you from the beginning until the end of the job. When you begin your enquiry with us, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about heat recovery systems, and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your system design. Our technicians know their stuff, and they’ll make sure that the system you install is the right one for you.

But if on the other hand you’re looking to set up a maintenance program or you’re concerned about a repair to your system, we can help there as well. We’re local to your Yorkshire business, and since we carry a large supply of stocks, we can normally even repair your unit on the day.

We’re specialists in the following heat recovery systems:

  • Mitsubishi Heavy
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Daikin
  • Vent Axia
  • System Air
  • Fujitsui
  • Toshiba

Get in touch with our team to find out everything you need to know about heat recovery systems and how we can help today.

A Guide To Commercial Kitchen Gas Safety Certificates

KES Facilities
Friday, February 28th, 2020

Owning, managing, and operating a commercial kitchen successfully is no mean feat. There are so many different things you need to keep on top of, all of the time. Staff, menus, facilities, stock, space, equipment, and of course, safety certificates. Forget about them, and you might as well forget about managing a commercial kitchen.

One of the most important safety certificates in any kitchen is the kitchen gas safety certificate. Let’s look at what that certificate involves, and why you might need one. Whether you’re looking for a certificate renewal or an initial inspection, our KES Facilities engineers are here to help.

What is a Commercial Kitchen Gas Safety Certificate?

It sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? But commercial kitchen gas safety certificates are extremely important for safe, regulated use of industrial kitchen equipment.

Since many of these essential items can become potentially hazardous when they’re not maintained or used correctly, they need to be regularly inspected. Leaks, faults, and functionality all need to meet strict criteria that has been established by authorities within the industry.

Additionally, these certificates can only be issued by fully registered and qualified commercial gas engineers. Commercial gas engineers have the training, knowledge, and experience to identify where gas is being used safely – and where it isn’t.

The inspections cover all gas installation and appliances in a commercial kitchen, focusing specifically on the facilities and the equipment within it. Essentially, any commercial kitchen will need to obtain the relevant gas safety certificates, including any of the following:

  • Cafes
  • Restaurants
  • Pubs
  • Staff kitchens
  • Takeaway restaurants and food chains
  • Food production factories

Why Do You Need One?

If you’re reading this article, wondering whether or not you need a commercial kitchen gas safety certificate, then the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’. As someone responsible for a commercial kitchen which has a gas supply and equipment that operates with it, you need a gas safety certificate.

If you or any of your staff members operate this equipment without the appropriate gas safety certificate, then you’ll be breaking the law. And, if the worst should happen and there’s an accident, your insurance won’t pay out without seeing your gas safety certificate first.

It’s worth your time to make sure that you complete a gas safety inspection annually.

What Gas Safety Certificates Are Available?

In the United Kingdom, there are only a few common commercial kitchen gas safety certificates that the majority of kitchens will use.

CP42 – Commercial Gas Safety Inspection (Non-Domestic)

The CP42 gas safety certificate is the most common certificate that our engineers will issue after the relevant inspection. As well as inspecting your equipment and any machinery that has a gas supply to it, our engineers complete a thorough examination of your pipework, gas interlock system, and even the extraction in your kitchen.

CP12 – Landlord Gas Safety Certificate

This one’s slightly different to the CP42 certificate, but it’s still one that our engineers have plenty of experience in awarding. The CP12 still focuses on safe gas use within a property, but is instead specific to landlords that are renting out their property, or rooms within their property.

The majority of homes in the United Kingdom will use gas for heating and hot water. But it’s also widely used for cooking. If you rent a hotel, holiday home, B&B, or even an AirBnB, then you may need to commission a CP12 gas inspection to make sure everything’s safe to use.

Other Commercial Gas Safety Certificates

But there are other gas safety certificates to consider as well. In certain circumstances, you may have to organise a CP16 – Gas Testing and Purging gas inspection. Other certificates include CP17 – Gas Installation Safety Report, and CP15 – Gas Commissioning/Servicing Record.

Commercial Kitchen Gas Safety with KES Facilities

No matter what type of commercial kitchen gas safety certificate you need, you can find out everything you need to know about arranging an inspection by getting in touch with our friendly KES Facilities team.

We’re local to you – no matter where you are in Yorkshire – and we can help you get your CP42 and CP12 certificates quickly and efficiently. That means that if your annual inspection is looming and you’re organising it last minute, we’ll still be able to help.

Our Gas Safe registered commercial catering engineers are fully qualified, professional, and safe inspectors. Our team will work with you to make sure that your commercial kitchen is safe, and that you’re up-to-date with all of the current regulations.

What Are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems?

KES Facilities
Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

You might scoff at the idea of air conditioning in the United Kingdom when you look outside on a dreary winter’s day. But the reality is that AC (air conditioning) is extremely important on commercial properties. Even in winter, commercial buildings need fresh, high-quality, cool air for cramped and stuffy work spaces. When the heatwaves of summer begin, that air conditioning system needs to be performing perfectly.

That being the case, your business will have already started researching the different types of AC configurations on the market. Where do you begin? There are many different types of AC setups because there’s a huge range of AC requirements. Certain coolants and materials, such as F-Gas, are also now being strictly regulated and you need to carefully control their usage.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of the most common types of air conditioning systems and explain why they vary so much. No matter which AC system your business needs, KES Facilities can help.

The Different Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

There are several different types of AC systems due to the range of commercial AC requirements on properties. Different buildings have different ventilation configurations and climate conditions. Weather demands, varying coolant materials, a range of fuels, and contrasting AC budgets all ensure that no two designs are the same.

That being the case, there are several different AC systems to suit different requirements. Whether you’re upgrading an old AC system or installing a completely new setup, these are three of the most common types of commercial air conditioning systems you should know about.

Single-Split System

This is one of the most popular types of air conditioning systems. That’s mostly because it’s the best option for small commercial properties, but it’s also surprisingly affordable. If your building is a small shop, café, or even a small office, a single-split AC system allows you to individually control the temperature within each room.

They’re also incredibly convenient for maintenance and repairs. When one unit breaks down, the rest of the units will still operate without any negative effects. Unlike central systems, the single-split units aren’t interconnected.

This does mean, however, that each AC unit needs an outdoor unit as well. That can quickly use up a lot of space, and another system may be a better match for your spatial configuration.

Multi-Split System

This air conditioning system works in a very similar way to the single-split system. There are ducts throughout the building, and cool air is circulated among them. Refrigerants and evaporators ensure that the temperature of the air reflects the temperature setting as indicated on the control dial.

However, with a multi-split system, you can connect several indoor units to one individual outdoor unit. This is a significant saving on space, made possible by the inverting technology. It’s also a more efficient AC arrangement. Instead of operating the energy-sapping compressor every time there’s a temperature change, small adjustments are made as and when they’re required to keep the temperature constant.

But, it’s not a completely perfect AC solution. Since there are multiple indoor units attached to one outdoor unit, installation costs are higher, the work is more complicated, and generally takes more time to complete.

VRF/VRV System

There are two names for this AC system, but they describe the same thing. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) are one and the same, except that VRV is the term patented by the manufacturer Daikin.

This AC configuration is best suited to medium and large-scale spaces. If your commercial space has tall ceilings and expansive, open-plan areas, then the Heat Pump system will do a good job of heating or cooling it. On the other hand, Heat Recovery will heat and cool the area simultaneously, but this is much more suited to a group of smaller rooms.

Installation is quick, and the technology is extremely reliable. Since air is recycled, it’s also an efficient system and can be adjusted to suit most large commercial properties. As you might expect, it’s the most expensive of the three systems.

The Other Types of AC Systems

There are more types of AC systems, but they’re far less common than the three we’ve discussed. Variable Air Volume (VAV) and Constant Air Volume (CAV) are both single duct air systems you might consider. Ceiling fans and industrial box fans are also an option, but they’re far better suited to warehouse spaces.

Air Conditioning Systems with KES Facilities

You have a lot to think about when installing or upgrading your new AC system, such as:

  • AC system equipment placement and space
  • Ventilation
  • Building configuration
  • Climate
  • Spatial requirement
  • Business demands
  • Humidity
  • Operating cost
  • Maintenance cost
  • AC equipment reliability and flexibility
  • Coolants and fuels

That’s a lot to consider when identifying the requirements of your AC system. Why not leave it to the experts instead?

At KES Facilities, we keep all of this in mind, meaning we don’t miss any critical information. We guarantee to provide your commercial property with the AC system that best meets your spatial requirements, business demand, and budget.

The technology behind air conditioning systems is constantly moving forward. Different systems excel in different spaces, and we know the best product to recommend. Our talented technicians work throughout Yorkshire. They’re highly trained, professional, and able to install, maintain and repair any air condition system.

Get in touch with our friendly Yorkshire team today by calling 0113 347 1234.

What Are the Temperatures for Safe Commercial Refrigeration?

KES Facilities
Thursday, January 9th, 2020

Any business owner or worker in the food and drinks industry knows how critical storage temperature is. It’s crucial for manufacturers and suppliers to the industry too: you need to store particular foods, drinks and products at specific temperatures. Food service industry regulations demand safe commercial refrigeration for a reason.

Let’s explore some of the temperatures for safe commercial refrigeration. We’ll review a few of the most popular types of refrigerators and freezers, the reasons for industry regulations, and how temperature regulations differ between countries. If you’re unsure about any refrigeration temperatures, KES Facilities are always here to help.

Different Types of Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers

Although there are several different types of commercial refrigerators and freezers, they have a few things in common. First of all, none of them look like the refrigerators in your home! But they’re also designed for meticulous temperature control, bulk storage, and ease of access.

Walk-In Refrigerators

This one’s in the name! These refrigerators are some of the largest ones on the market. It’s a good idea to store boxed goods, juices, and liquids inside walk-in refrigerators. If your business has a quick product turn-around and stock moves fast, then this type of refrigerator is worth the investment.

Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers

On the other hand, reach-in refrigerators are better suited to back-of-house storage. There can be multiple sections and the doors are normally either glass or solid. These allow you to organise your stock and quickly locate the products you need. Since the door is open for less time, they tend to be more energy efficient as well.

Display Refrigerators

These types of refrigerators are designed with a much more unique intent. When used correctly, they should make fresh produce look much more attractive. They can be either serve-over-counter, or counter-top display. Whether or not they have a glass partition that keeps them protected, customers will be able to see and select exactly what they want.

Why Are There Legal Temperatures for Safe Refrigeration?

The temperature at which you store your food or drink can have a huge influence on the condition of your stock. Moisture level, nutrition level, taste, appearance and, most importantly, hygiene are all determined by the temperature of your refrigerator or freezer.

That temperature is so crucial, in fact, that refrigeration temperatures are regulated. The Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995 (or the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006) state that certain foods must be refrigerated below 8°C in the United Kingdom. It’s recommended that most refrigerators operate between 2°C and 5°C.

Freezers are slightly different. There are no defined temperatures, but freezers are expected to have a temperature of -18°C.

The following foods must be stored at a regulated temperature:

  • dairy products
  • cooked products
  • cured fish (which is not shelf-stable)
  • cured meat (which is not shelf-stable)
  • prepared ready-to-eat foods
  • uncooked pastry and dough products

These regulations have been established to reduce the chance of harmful bacteria growing and spreading within food. Food spoilage is a common problem due to poor refrigeration, and food poisoning can be a direct result of refrigeration at the wrong temperature. Other more serious illnesses such as E.coli can also spread as a result.

The general requirement of the Food Hygiene Regulations in the United Kingdom is as follows:

“Raw materials, ingredients, intermediate products and finished products likely to support the reproduction of pathogenic micro-organisms or the formation of toxins are not to be kept at temperatures that might result in a risk to health. The cold chain is not to be interrupted. However, limited periods outside temperature control are permitted, to accommodate the practicalities of handling during preparation, transport, storage, display and service of food, provided that it does not result in a risk to health…”

Do Temperatures Change Depending on the Country?

Everything we’ve mentioned so far applies to food regulations in the United Kingdom. The temperatures for food storage in refrigerators and freezers around the world vary. In certain locations, there are no regulations at all. In the majority of places, however, the refrigeration temperature of food is strictly controlled.

Safe Commercial Refrigeration Tips

Sometimes, the correct storage temperature isn’t obvious. That being said, there are a few handy tips you can follow to ensure that you’re storing food in the safest way possible.

Foods that need to be refrigerated should be stored at the earliest opportunity. The “two-hour rule” is usually a good routine to follow. If a food normally requires refrigeration (such as seafood, meat, or poultry), then try not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.

The information label on your food will normally let you know the best storage method. When you do store that food, make sure that the air inside your refrigerator has space to circulate: overcrowd it and it won’t stay fresh.

For any food that’s beginning to rot or ‘go-off’, it’s always a good idea to dispose of it immediately. This reduces the likelihood of bacteria growing and spreading. Clean your hands whenever possible, and separate raw foods from cooked foods.

Stick to those tips, and you’ll be in a pretty good position for limiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

If you’re having problems with your current commercial refrigerator, or are looking to install a new system in your commercial kitchen, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.