Jobsite Climate Control: Frequently Asked Questions

We have conducted over 100,000 site visits and had countless conversations with clients about job site climate control. While each project is different, project managers, superintendents, and everyone in between seem to have many of the same questions. We’ve summarized these questions and their basic answers below. Of course, if you have another question – ask! We’d love to find an answer.

1. What is desiccant dehumidification? 
2. Can I control humidity with a heat-only approach?
3. Can I avoid treating the space or just using a few small portable units?
4. How many floors or levels high can temporary equipment treat?
5. How is climate control equipment powered?  Is it gas or electric?
6. Do you set up the equipment or are we responsible?
7. How often does my team need to adjust the equipment?
8. What is the range of your sensors when connected to a gateway?
9. Can I use your sensors inside and outside?
10. How do I access data on climate conditions and equipment status?
11. What are the common pitfalls in job site climate control, and how can they be avoided?
12. How much does a climate control solution cost?

1. What is desiccant dehumidification? 

Desiccant dehumidification uses materials such as silica gel to absorb moisture from the air, effectively reducing relative humidity. It's ideal for maintaining optimal conditions in various environments.

2. Can I control humidity with a heat-only approach?

A heat-only approach can raise temperatures but may not effectively control humidity, as warm air holds more moisture. For optimal humidity management, we recommend using a combination of heating and dehumidification. Our climate control solutions provide both, ensuring balanced conditions for your project.

3. Can I avoid treating the space or just using a few small portable units?

A: Maybe. It depends on your location, materials, schedule, and other factors. Most projects benefit from an engineered climate control solution either because it helps accelerate the schedule, supports warranties, and protects materials, or promotes productivity and safety. If you must meet a specification in any form, climate control is likely a must-do. Portable units might work in small spaces but are inefficient and ineffective for mid to large projects. Best to implement a system that is designed to do what you need it to do for the space you are doing it in.

4. How many floors or levels high can temporary equipment treat?

A: We have done as many as 64 stories. There are several strategies to employ depending on the building. Moving equipment and sensors up as work progresses is a common approach. Not all levels need the same conditions at the same time.

5. How is climate control equipment powered?  Is it gas or electric?

A:  Natural gas, electricity, and propane are the most common. Our fleet includes a variety of options including some tri-fuel units that provide the ultimate fuel flexibility. Some clients are interested in an all-electric solution which we can accommodate. For deep energy savings, we recommend adding smart control to automatically modulate equipment based on real-time conditions.

6. Do you set up the equipment or are we responsible?

A:  We offer a turnkey solution from A-Z, which includes set up, tear down, and maintenance labor throughout the project's life. We are delivering a solution, not simply dropping off equipment.

7. How often does my team need to adjust the equipment?

A: Once the equipment is set up and your team has received proper training on its operation, adjustments should be minimal. Typically, your team will only need to turn the equipment on or off based on your operating hours. If a smart controller is installed, we will help you configure settings to automatically turn equipment on/off based on your specifications and sensor data. This ensures optimal performance with minimal manual intervention.

8. What is the range of your sensors when connected to a gateway?

A:  There is an estimated two miles of connectivity range depending on the build-out of the project and the location of the sensors.

9. Can I use your sensors inside and outside?

A: The standard packaging for the sensors is for indoor use and applications.  We have weather-resistant but not waterproof enclosures for most sensors.  The communication gateways come in both indoor and outdoor installation configurations.

10. How do I access data on climate conditions and equipment status?

A: Users access sensor and equipment data, reports, and dashboards on the ExactAire.com desktop and mobile apps.  Real-time notifications and alerts are delivered via email and SMS text. User log into the app with their own credentials, and non-users may see data on a live dashboard provided via a share link.

11. What are the common pitfalls in job site climate control, and how can they be avoided?

A: Common pitfalls (link to pitfalls section) include poor humidity and temperature control, causing mold growth and material failures. Proper planning, equipment selection, and monitoring can prevent these issues.

12. How much does a climate control solution cost?

A: The cost depends on many factors. A true solution requires a solid understanding of your specifications, duration of use, scope of work, technology mix, logistical and operational requirements, and your budget and tolerance of risk. The cost of climate control for one project is likely to be different for the next. Engage a service provider as early as possible, so you and our team can make a well-informed decision and implement the best option for your project and client.

Contact us if you have any questions not answered here or if you would like to schedule a site visit.