Kele Blog

Custom Environmental Control Solutions: Isolation Room Edition

Posted on by Kele Inc

Isolation rooms. Talk about intricate HVAC systems!

Custom environmental control solutions take a wide range of knowledge and skills due to a multitude of factors that go into each and every one. And when it comes to isolation rooms, it is no different. So much is dependent on the safety and health of everyone who enters and spends time in such a space! So what exactly makes up an isolation room? Let’s take a deep dive into what goes into the makeup and upkeep of isolation rooms in healthcare facilities.

What type of isolation room are you building and solving for?

The three major isolation room types that you’ll be charged with building or bringing up to code in a healthcare facility setting are typically: standard rooms and positive and negative pressure rooms. All have differing levels of regulations, requirements, and restrictions. Some of which are:
• Standard rooms: typically do not require specialized systems but do help with airflow control, ventilation, and the prevention of disease via transmission through air
• Positive pressure rooms: typically need HEPA filters, outdoor air systems that meet local and federal guidelines and requirements, and can share air systems with the buildings where applicable
• Negative pressure rooms: typically need their own exhaust and supply system, HEPA filtration, emergency power, and emergency stops

But finding out what type of isolation room is needed and its ACH is the first step in tackling each!

ACH?

Due to the criticalness of its function, one of the key areas to first focus on should be ACH or air changes per hour. When this number is skewed, there is an increase in risk regarding cross-contamination for patients, staff, and everyone in between. So how do you calculate such an important aspect?

Calculating ACH

In order to calculate ACH, you must multiply the incoming/supply air flow rate (Q) in units of cubic feet per minute (CFM) by 60 minutes per hour, and then divide that number by the volume of the room.

CDC guidelines state that “…an airflow rate of 6-12 ACH (6 ACH for existing structures, 12 ACH for new construction or renovation)…” must exist for all isolation rooms within healthcare facilities.

Well, what else is needed for isolation rooms?

Once ACH is calculated and built out, there are several other things that must be attended to: temperature control, pressure control, and any other extra controls that certain isolation rooms may require. Extra controls could be added measures such as UV disinfection for ducts and filters or emergency shutdown controls due to any type of sensors that could be installed for monitoring purposes.

All of these considerations must go into the entire makeup of a successful isolation room. It is not just one thing that makes an isolation room safe and successful but rather multiple variables working together correctly.

If you have an upcoming healthcare facility project or retrofit call Kele today and we’ll help walk you through it from start to finish so you can be sure you’re covered no matter what! You can also problem-solve with us via our chat option online at kele.com—we’re here to help!

Kele, Inc. Announces Leadership Change

Posted on by Kele Inc

Appointment of Danny Lyons to CEO of Kele, Inc.
Existing CEO Richard Campbell will remain as Executive Chairman
Appointment of Rob Benson to President of Kele Commercial

MEMPHIS, TN – April 12, 2023 – Kele, Inc., (“Kele” or the “Company”) a portfolio company of The Stephens Group, LLC, today announced recent leadership changes to position the business for continued success. Effective immediately, the Board has appointed Danny Lyons to CEO. Mr. Lyons will assume the responsibilities of outgoing President and CEO, Richard Campbell, who will remain with the Company as Executive Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Campbell will remain actively involved in the Company’s M&A strategy, key stakeholder relationships, and corporate strategy.

The Stephens Group is grateful for Mr. Campbell’s leadership over the last six years. He has helped grow the business both organically and inorganically, built out a high-quality executive leadership team, executed various strategic initiatives, and entered new markets. Grant Jones, Managing Director at The Stephens Group, said, “Richard has been an excellent partner to The Stephens Group and we are both pleased and proud of how Richard has helped Kele push to the next level.”

“It has been a great privilege to lead the Kele team over the past six years and I’m proud of what we have accomplished in that time. I look forward to my role as Executive Chairman as we continue to build value in the Kele platform,” said Mr. Campbell.

Danny Lyons has been appointed CEO from CFO. Mr. Lyons has served as the CFO of Kele for over four years and previously served as Kele’s corporate controller for three years between 2014 and 2017. In addition to maintaining overall financial discipline, Lyons has focused on M&A integration, leading distribution and manufacturing operations from 2020-2023, and paving the way for strategic growth. He has led the efforts for an aggressive acquisition plan and executed and integrated four acquisitions since rejoining in 2018.

“We couldn’t be happier to appoint Danny as CEO of Kele. He has been an integral part of the Kele story and a key contributor to Kele’s recent growth and success,” said Mr. Jones. “Danny not only brings a tremendous balance of financial experience and strategic skill, he also understands the markets in which Kele operates and where the Company is headed.”

“I am honored to succeed Richard and lead Kele. Kele is a unique business with a 40-year history of delivering exceptional value to its customers in the commercial and industrial automation markets. I look forward to working with The Stephens Group and Kele team as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives and further our mission of simplifying the supply chain through unparalleled technical support, industry-leading technology, and world-class logistics,” said Lyons.

Lyons began his career as an auditor for BDO USA before moving to KPMG. He worked with multiple private equity-owned clients, which paved the way for his first stint at Kele. Lyons is a Memphis native. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi.

The Company is also pleased to announce a leadership reorganization of the Kele Commercial and Kele Industrial business units. Effective immediately, Rob Benson will be promoted to President of Kele Commercial, reporting directly to Danny Lyons and managing the P&L for all aspects of the building automation business. Mr. Benson’s most recent role was Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Lyons added, “Rob’s 35+ years of industry experience and his success driving growth at Kele make him well-suited for this expanded leadership role.”

Mike DeLacluyse will remain President of Kele Industrial reporting directly to Danny Lyons. Under Mike’s leadership, Kele’s industrial business has grown rapidly, both organically and through acquisition.

About Kele, Inc.
Kele, Inc. is a leading distributor of Commercial and Industrial Automation products and controls solutions globally. Kele serves the $275+ billion Commercial and Industrial Automation markets with more than 300 brands and 3+ million parts in stock, including sensors, transmitters, switches, gauges, valves, actuators, relays, and more. Value-added services include custom panel assembly, specialized sourcing, and technical support. Strategically headquartered in America’s logistics hub, Memphis, Tenn., and with regional locations organized under the Kele Companies umbrella in Boston, Seattle, Portland, Ore., Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, Austin, Texas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Okla., Chicago, and Milwaukee, Kele provides building automation and industrial customers with fast and reliable services. Kele is a portfolio company of The Stephens Group, LLC of Little Rock, Ark. To learn more about Kele, visit kele.com.

About The Stephens Group, LLC
The Stephens Group, LLC is a private investment firm that partners with talented management teams to help build valuable businesses. Backed by the resources of the Witt Stephens, Jr. and Elizabeth Campbell families, the firm combines the operational expertise of a private equity firm with the flexibility provided by long-term capital. With nearly $2 billion of private equity assets under management, the firm has a long history of providing informed, sophisticated expertise and working with owners and managers to help them successfully achieve their strategic visions and build long-term value. Since 2006, The Stephens Group has invested in over 50 companies, targeting investments in industries across the U.S., including industrial and commercial products and services, specialty distribution, technology infrastructure, and vertical software.

CONTACT:
Allie Laborde
Principal, Business Development
The Stephens Group, LLC
pressreleases@stephensgroup.com
501.377.3401

UV Disinfection Funding

Posted on by Kele Inc

It’s finally time to dive into UV disinfection funding. Wait…did you miss last month’s blog about the importance and helpfulness of UV disinfection solutions?

Then STOP! Do not pass go and collect $200…yet. Read up on UV disinfection here and then come back! Alright—you’re all caught up now? Fantastic! Now, where was I?

Ah yes…the importance of UV disinfection funding. Because you know what’s important when it comes to HVAC? Saving money when and where you’re able. So let’s discover how you can save money when working with UV disinfection solutions.

Why has funding been made available?

The industry is constantly innovating and growing. As technology surges ahead, we are discovering that there are multitudinous ways to create healthy clean air in facilities. UV disinfection solutions are an area with some of the more recent technological advancements made in regard to upgrading HVAC systems for the better. And with technological advancement comes funding to aid in implementing new components.

The Center for Green Schools published a report* that speaks to the UV funding that has been made available in the wake of COVID-19 in the form of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III or ARP-ESSER) for schools and universities. Here are a few key findings straight from their report:

*This report contains datasets with information from school districts across all 50 states and Washington D.C.*

  • About half of the school districts they interviewed and analyzed are committing a portion of funds to installing UV lights for disease mitigation, upgrading/improving HVAC systems, repairing systems where needed to reduce health risks, and replacing windows, doors, and roofs as needed.
  • They discovered that schools are using around $5.5 billion to improve air filtration, which is the second-highest category of spending.
  • Of the over 2,000 school districts that planned to spend on facilities improvements, large school districts planned to spend the lowest percentage (an average of 22%) and small districts planned to spend the highest percentage (an average of 30%) of their total allocation.

What funding is available to me?

Federal funding is being made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the American Rescue Plan to name just a few of the larger UV funding platforms. (For more information head to Better Air In Building’s Federal Funding Page.) All of these funding initiatives are charged with helping maintain or lower costs and create energy efficiency.

As our industry continues to move into the future with the intention of best serving our customers, UV disinfection is a beneficial option that can and will work in many different scenarios. For additional resources about keeping your building or facility clean with UV, read about up-to-date standards and practices on the CDC’s site.

And for help choosing the right UV parts and components for your facility or building that are eligible for funding, Kele is here to get you what you need. Head on over to kele.com to shop from our current UV solutions and enjoy up to 75% off select parts and components. Kele’s got you covered!

Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM)

Posted on by Kele Inc

Contributed to by Functional Devices

 

These days in HVAC, saving money is the name of game. Whether you’re saving costs by retrofitting rather than replacing, or investing now to save money on costly repairs later, the end goal is all the same. Now I know your next thought is something along the lines of, “What the heck does all that have to do with electronically commutated motors?” Everything! So buckle up and get ready to dive into how ECMs can save YOU money.

Common Motors in HVACR

The top three motors that are typically used in HVAC and refrigeration are electronically commutated motors (ECMs), permanent split capacitor motors (PSCM), and shaded pole motors (SPM).

Now it is important to note that all three motors work in similar ways. They all have electromagnetic fields in common but how those fields are created and controlled differ greatly. And it’s how they differ that makes ECMs stand out!

What makes ECMs different?

Unlike PSCMs and SPMs, ECMs have a controller that can energize each convolution of a fixed ring of electromagnets, more commonly known as a stator, creating an electrical current through said generation of power. And each one can speed up and slow itself down to reduce the energy output of the motor as needed. Meaning, the microprocessor can wield control of the magnetic fields being created and therefore allow you to have better oversight into the electrical currents, minimizing energy losses that are typically seen in those more traditional motors.

ECM equals energy savings!

In applications where ECMs are used, you can have an efficiency range of 60 to 75 percent or more compared to a PSCs range of 30 to 50 percent or an SPMs range of 15 to 25 percent. And it’s all thanks to the increase in motor control in an ECM. They pack a big punch for such a small motor size!

And with these motors being specified for use in newer, efficient buildings that means energy efficiency programs are providing incentives to increase and grow their presence. The capabilities of ECMs are as endless as the energy savings that go with them! To find out more about ECMs and implement them in your next project or retrofit, call Kele today or visit us at kele.com.

Want to do a deeper dive into which components you can use hand in hand with an ECM? Check out this YouTube video below from Functional Devices that speaks to just that!

UV Solutions for HVAC Systems

Posted on by Kele Inc

Is your building or facility plagued by mold, viruses, bacteria, or other microscopic organisms? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. There are at least 45 million buildings in the United States alone that have unhealthy levels of mold and other microorganisms at any given time.

With people more susceptible to allergens from poor indoor air quality (IAQ) these days, it is imperative that air pollution is dealt with immediately. And while you may not have much control over outdoor air quality, you can ensure that your building or facility’s IAQ is healthy.

But it’s just mildew, right?

As of 2021, the World Health Organization estimates that around 3.8 million deaths are due to poor IAQ each year. In fact, exposure to air pollutants dramatically increases our risk of falling prey to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

Combat poor IAQ.

So what exactly can stand up to such tiny but mighty organisms? The answer: Ultraviolet disinfection (sometimes known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation or UVGI). UV light has been shown to kill mold, viruses, and bacteria from as early as 100 years ago. Because it is so effective in the sterilization of certain organisms, it’s used today in hospitals, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and more.

What are the benefits of Ultraviolet Germicidal Disinfection?

  • Maintenance & Energy Savings
    • Decrease pressure drop up to 10%
    • Increase heat transfer efficiency up to 14.5%
    • Decrease HVAC/R energy use up to 25%
    • Decrease microbial growth up to 90%
    • Increase in cost-savings for maintenance
  • Fights Mold, Germs, Allergens, & Odors
  • Improve Indoor Air Quality
  • Cleaner Central Air System
  • Chemical-Free Disinfection
  • Safe & Effective

Like any other HVAC part or component, having a working system is worth the cost associated (because no one wants to have to deal with taking duct work apart to try and find the mold and mildew and scrub it clean). What exactly are those costs? There are four general costs associated with germicidal HVAC lights:

However, there are solutions and additional funding available to help with these costs. Tune into next month’s eNews where we break down the UV funding available and how it works.

But in the meantime, here’s how you can SAVE IMMEDIATELY with Kele. Check out these featured UV products on sale (up to 75% off!) while supplies last at kele.com or call today.

Shop our Disinfection Solutions Here

2023 AHR Expo

Posted on by Kele Inc

Innovation. Diversity. Trust. Partnership.

All words that describe what the 2023 AHR Expo was all about this year.

At the beginning of February, the HVAC and BAS industries came together in Atlanta for the annual AHR Expo. And boy did they put on a show! The Expo highlighted 1,779 exhibitors with an estimated 45,000 attendees. Education panels were in full swing, with the top three attended sessions being:

  • Seminar 15: The Evolution of Thermal Energy Storage for Cooling Applications: The Past, Current, and Future
  • Seminar 11: Optimizing Thermal Energy Storage Integrated with HVAC
  • Seminar 25: Decarbonizing Campuses Utilizing Heat Pumps and Thermal Energy Storage

With over 100 technical sessions, the Society showed they have the industry’s wants and needs in mind. Attendees were hungry to learn more about the conference theme “Securing Our Future” and build the partnerships to do just that.

So what’s the 411?

After three years of ambiguity and uncertainty, the industry as a whole is able to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. With COVID woes finally behind us for the most part, reclaiming our position industry-wide is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. This work is just the beginning, however. There are still several hurdles that must be navigated.

Current ASHRAE President Farooq Mehboob was quoted saying, “It is imperative that we continue to hunger for and seek information about our market, our changing world, and our technological advances. Embracing change will infuse a new dynamism in our industry at all levels, bringing new knowledge, technology, and tools in a timely fashion, helping
us to successfully navigate the rapidly changing world.”

What types of hurdles are holding us up?

After catching up and trading stories and experiences, it is evident that we are all facing new and old challenges. Fuel prices are still at their highest for some. Others are suffering from element shortages like copper, lithium, electronic components, and refrigerants just to name a few. And while the global supply chain has improved, freight restrictions and transport challenges remain, demonstrating that the system in its entirety has yet to fully stabilize. Mehboob also said, “The challenge doesn’t stop here. As an industry, we must remain focused and maintain our position of leadership and preparedness. Our success continues to be based on problem-solving, creativity, innovation, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. Our success stems from seeing an opportunity for improvement based on new knowledge and technology.”

How is the industry growing despite these challenges?

The industry is working and creating partnerships to bring innovation and technology to new heights. Topics and agendas that everyone seemed to be the most interested in were those that centered around indoor air quality (IAQ), decarbonization, best energy practices, and how our industry is continuing to support new standards and provide new and updated equipment to meet said standards.

Our industry is focused on the future. How we can continue to move towards better practices for all by building sustainability through solutions. With all the improvement and new technologies surrounding communication devices, network/wireless, and Bluetooth capabilities (three cheers for being able to program and configure equipment with our smartphones), it’s evident that a new, greener, more sustainable future in HVAC and BAS is attainable and within grasp.

We’ll catch you at the next AHR Expo! Can’t wait until then to see us? No worries—call us today for all your HVAC and BAS needs or shop now on kele.com. Kele’s got you covered!

Energize Connecticut Rebates Are Here to Help

Posted on by Kele Inc

Connecticut…are you feeling energized? Well, you should be! New England is leading the charge when it comes to energy efficiency and you’re making statewide waves as a whole already. Energize Connecticut is ready and willing to help each and every one of you continue to excel at being energy efficient.

What the heck is Energize Connecticut?

We’re so glad you asked! (And for those who know, here’s a quick recap.)

Energize CT is all about helping CT make smarter and easier energy choices. It’s essentially an energy conservation program that is state-run and offers a wide range of services to help lower your energy consumption which in turn will help reduce what you spend! (Learn more about sponsors and the program here.)

And the best part? Eligibility for applications ranges from new equipment to replacing end-of-life equipment and even upgrades that result in savings. There’s also eligibility for savings with regard to equipment such as chillers, boilers, VSDs, VFDs, thermostats, economizers, and more. (To learn more about qualifying HVAC and BAS equipment click here.)

You can also:

  • Get financing for energy upgrades to the home
  • Earn large discounts and receive rebates when you buy specific equipment
  • Get incentives for greener energy usage (yep, we’re talking solar power!)
  • Earn subsidized rates on energy-efficient services

We know, it’s A LOT!

Let CCI help you get started on your energy-saving journey today.

The industry is moving towards being greener and more energy efficient each and every day. And Connecticut is working at being an incredible example of what can happen when we all work together to make positive strides toward change. Take advantage of the Energize CT program and let CCI help you navigate the entire process from start to finish. We’re here to help YOU by supporting you with our value-added initiatives and more. Call us today and let us help you find the parts that qualify for maximum money savings and energy savings!

Smart Tech: Invest Now, Save Later

Posted on by Kele Inc

In an industry where we are working to become smarter, greener, and stay ahead of the curve, smart technologies are what we should be investing in to help buildings everywhere stay safer, healthier, and economize. (All of which will save you a headache or two down the road!)

What type of smart tech am I talking about? Parts and components for products such as:

  • UV Lighting: These are perfect for disinfecting those hard-to-reach places.
  • Smart Thermostats: These can allow for monitoring IAQ and smart scheduling of systems and reporting.
  • Communicating Room Sensors: These can be anything from “smart” gas transmitters to “smart” pressure transmitters.
  • BACnet Router: Use BACnet to connect networks and allow for better communication between systems so that data can be shared and managed with various equipment working together seamlessly.

The education and enablement of such smart technologies are being championed by some of the biggest names out there. ASHRAE, the AHR Expo, EPA, and OSHA (and Kele 😉) are all big proponents of investing now to save later.

There are a wide variety of other smart tech options that the industry is leveraging as it grows and evolves, and they all help in some way, shape, or form when it comes to an HVAC or BAS system. Education around smart tech will help transform our industry into a more efficient, cost-saving, and green business. Not only are we as a whole working towards helping you help your customers, but we’re working towards helping the global environment which benefits us all!

Haven’t jumped into the fray of smart tech yet? Get started with some of our favorite smart products below or head on over to kele.com and start browsing. Need help? Chat with us online at kele.com or call today—Kele’s got you covered!

VT8350U5000B
Fan Coil Room Controller
Schiender Electric

TUV-BTXL-218D
Germicidal Lamp
Fresh-Aire UV

AQ GAS
PC Software & USB Cable Kit
E Instruments International

3100D-5-FM-1-1
Smart Differential Pressure Transmitter
Dwyer Instruments

A70H-RS
Rain & Snow Sensor
Comptus

RIBTW24B-BCAO
Enclosed BACnet Network Relay
Functional Devices

Addressing IAQ Danger After Winter Weather

Posted on by Kele Inc

Winter has been no joke this year with constant bouts of snow and freezing temperatures. While some have been affected more by snow and others by freezing rain, one thing is for certain, everyone has dealt with some type of issue from the winter weather.

The aftermath of such weather resulted in rolling blackouts, burst pipes, boil water notices, flooding, and more. And while staying warm and dry and fixing burst pipes were on many minds, indoor air quality (IAQ) probably wasn’t.

With an issue like flooding, a building’s IAQ and overall health are at risk. Whether the flooding is born from burst pipes or melting snow, the dangers amassed can be significant. As water sits, microorganisms can grow and become airborne and from there enter into HVAC systems. The longer the water damage from flooding is left untreated, the greater the risk becomes to IAQ and an HVAC system overall. Mold, mildew, allergens, bacteria and viruses, and other containments are just a handful of the dangers that can wreak havoc on a building’s IAQ.

But flooding isn’t the only risk to a building or facility’s IAQ! There are many different pollutant sources such as:

  • Excess moisture (such as too much humidity)
  • Broken or ineffective HVAC or BAS systems
    • Outdoor sources
    • Pesticides
    • Outdoor air pollution
    • Risky invisible gases (i.e., Radon)
  • Indoor materials and/or furnishings
  • Newly installed flooring, cabinetry, or furniture made of certain products
    • Deteriorating materials (i.e., insulations)
    • Fuel-burning combustion products (i.e., furnaces)

So how do you treat a building that is sick due to poor IAQ? You’ll first want to ensure that your building or facility is in compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2, which are the standards recognized for ventilation system design and acceptable IAQ. (They were even revised and expanded for 2022 to ensure the highest level of safety for buildings and their occupants!)

Ok, so you’re up to standard. What’s next? Here are a few easy steps to take to improve that not-so-great IAQ:

  • Clean any areas that could be contributing to unsafe air
  • Change out system filters regularly
  • Use air cleaning/purifying devices
  • Regularly monitor your systems to catch pollutants early
  • Increase ventilation as needed to accommodate building occupancy

Once an HVAC system is sick, it can be difficult to fix. Everyone’s worst nightmare is having to take apart ductwork to clean the mold and mildew out. (Not to mention anything else you might find along the way!) It could take weeks to traverse a large building’s entire system to find where and what needs to be cleaned, repaired, and more.

Stay up to date and ahead of the game by practicing the 3 M’s of HVAC (monitoring, maintenance, and management), and help keep your building’s IAQ healthy!

Need help navigating a sick building or facility? Chat now with us about needed parts on kele.com or call today. Kele’s got you and your sick building covered!

Dampers. This season’s MVP.

Posted on by Kele Inc

Well, folks, if your weather is anything like ours is in Memphis right now—both fall and winter arrived seemingly at the same time and are now competing to see who’s here to stay. We know winter will win out in the end but in the meantime, trying to regulate buildings based on the swinging temps is exhausting. With it being the season of giving thanks, all we have to say is thank goodness for dampers!

Get that damper to the right zone!

Why are we so thankful for dampers? Because they are this season’s MVP when it comes to zone control. Dampers are positioned in ductwork to regulate airflow and direct it to the areas that need it. When partnered with correct zoning, a building is set up for success; it truly is the MVP when it comes to getting clean air where it needs to be and helping a building’s system stay regulated temperature-wise!

Image courtesy of ASHRAE

What all goes into making a damper?

Dampers are more than just plates and valves that control airflow. Most dampers are made up of a variety of components such as frames, blades and blade pins, axles, bearings, motors, and much more. And all those components go into making many different types of dampers for a wide array of applications.

What are the different types of dampers?

On average, dampers can be split into two categories where they are deemed either automatic or manual. From here it gets a little more complicated. Types range from fire, smoke, fire and smoke, multi-blade and single-blade, round, barometric, balancing, bypass, and more. Below you can see an example of a fire damper.

Image courtesy of NFPA-Fire Damper

Why do so many damper types exist?

Buildings of course! Every building and BAS has different needs based on a number of things such as facility type, capacity, facility needs, and more. Getting the right one is a must to best serve your customer’s building/facility.

To learn more about dampers and the standard for zoning, air ventilation procedure, and more read up on ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and ASHRAE Guideline 36-2018.

And to get the right damper for your next job so you can be the MVP for your customer, call or click here to browse dampers on kele.com now. Kele’s got you covered!