FAQ
Itqan MEP Engineering Services
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about Itqan's engineering services, air conditioning systems, and electrical works in the Kingdom.
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General Section & System Selection
System selection depends on project size, usage, and budget. For large commercial and industrial projects, central systems such as Chillers or Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems (VRF) are the ideal choice. For residential projects or small offices, ducted split (concealed) or cassette AC units are more suitable. Our engineering team conducts cooling load calculations to provide the most appropriate recommendation for energy efficiency.
depends AHU relies on chilling water and pumping it through a piping network to Air Handling Units (AHUs) or Fan Coil Units (FCUs), making it ideal for massive buildings, hospitals, and towers. As for VRF It relies on pumping refrigerant gas directly from a single outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, providing precise individual room temperature control and high energy efficiency for medium-sized buildings.
Regular preventive maintenance helps prevent sudden breakdowns, reduce electricity consumption, improve indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of expensive equipment such as compressors and chillers.
Our engineers rely on precise software and calculations in accordance with global ASHRAE standards, taking several factors into consideration such as building orientation, type of thermal insulation, glass areas, climatic temperatures in the Kingdom, and the expected number of occupants inside the facility to ensure the selection of the optimal equipment size.
Solutions include installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on pumps and fans, upgrading to smart thermostats, adhering to chemical cleaning schedules for cooling coils, precisely adjusting chilled water temperatures, and repairing any air leaks in the ducts.
Technical Problems and Maintenance
Unpleasant odors often occur due to the accumulation of mold, bacteria, or stagnant moisture on the cooling coils or in the condensation drain pan. Another common reason is a dry water drainage pipe (P-trap), which allows sewage gases to rise up through the air ducts. This requires professional cleaning and sterilization of the ducts and vents.
This is often due to clogged air filters obstructing airflow, a shortage of refrigerant gas due to a leak, a thermostat malfunction, or the accumulation of dirt on the outdoor units.
The most prominent reason is the clogging of the drain line due to the accumulation of dust or algae. The leak may also be due to the freezing of the cooling coils followed by their rapid melting in a way that exceeds the capacity of the drain pan.
Often, this is caused by a loose compressor base, debris friction against the fan blades inside the outdoor unit, or pressure irregularities in the refrigerant lines, requiring a quick inspection to prevent internal part damage.
First, check the main electrical circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker has tripped due to an overload. If the power supply is intact, check the disconnect switch for the outdoor unit. If the fault persists, the cause is often a damaged or malfunctioning thermostat, or the compressor's thermal overload protection tripping.