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Choosing the right HVAC system for your building may not be an easy task, complicated by the fact that there is no “right” answer. There are many types of HVAC systems and all have unique attributes. It is important to consider the application, use, and project’s goals to determine which characteristics, and ultimately which system, … Continue reading “What’s the right HVAC system for your building?”

In an engineering firm, professionalism is key to earning the trust of clients. Professional engineers are hired because of a distinct skillset earned through years of education and experience. Professional engineering firms provide skills and consulting services, and clients trust them for advice and guidance. Often, professional engineers are advising clients on decisions that cost … Continue reading “Standing Out as a Professional”

Understanding the costs of conducting business is critical to the profitability of that business. One aspect that is often overlooked is the maintenance and replacement of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. These systems are easy to overlook because the expenses to maintain them seem optional. If you skip a month or year you may … Continue reading “Planning for MEP System Capital and Operating Expenses”

Why hire an engineer? Are they necessary? The answer is, not so simple at times. Law stipulates that a professional must design certain projects — healthcare facilities, high-hazard buildings, and buildings that have an occupancy of more than 100 people, to name a few. Aside from specific project types, an engineer is not required by … Continue reading “Why Hire an Engineer?”

Energy codes have advanced to the point where small breaches in envelope integrity can lead to claims of HVAC size insufficiency. Each version of energy codes reduces building energy use below the level of its predecessor. This has been accomplished through improved building envelopes, increased HVAC efficiency, reduced lighting power densities, and lower internal equipment … Continue reading “The Importance of Building Envelope Testing”

The recently completed Old Forester Distillery is a testament to the need for collaboration throughout the design and construction process. This project combines historical construction, customer experience, sophisticated industrial processes, sustainable design, and high hazard materials into one aesthetic package. There may not be another facility that combines the amount of technology, uses, processes, equipment, … Continue reading “Old Forester Distillery – The Importance of Collaboration”

Ben Gries took over the reins at Kerr-Greulich as President in January of 2017. With a year under his belt leading the now 35-year old company, Ben took a little time away from his busy schedule to answer some questions about the industry and his mentor and colleague, Don Greulich.   Q: What is the … Continue reading “A Q&A with Ben Gries, President, Kerr-Greulich Engineers, Inc.”

As engineers, we must make assumptions and estimations as part of the design process. Unfortunately, we don’t always get to explain or discuss our assumptions with the people who are most affected by them. ASHRAE has laid out a few guidelines to help us keep similar assumptions throughout the industry. The Fundamentals Handbook published by … Continue reading “Design Summary Data and what it means to building owners and occupants”

Fire Protection Engineers use egress models to simulate occupants exiting a building during emergencies. The results are analyzed to determine the time required to evacuate buildings. This software allows engineers to evaluate building evacuation strategies and provides animated 3D results.