|
Heating & Cooling
Air conditioning energy usage can account for about 25% of a buildings overall energy usage. However, the cost of cooling energy can equal 50% of electrical utility expenses with the combination of peak temperatures and rates during the summer, especially in the hot Central Valley.
Heating expenses are much less significant for businesses due to the continuous heat generated by the occupants, activities, and lighting (heating costs are significant in residences where heat generation by the occupants is limited). The following technologies focus on cooling due to its far greater impact on business energy usage.
If your system is 10 to 15 years old or older, it is a good candidate for replacement, especially if it's maintenance and repair needs are increasing. HVAC systems use such a great amount of energy that we cannot overlook the no-cost and low-cost savings opportunities such as:
- Clean coils, repair leaking ductwork
- Check economizer operation
- Programmable controls-set back when vacant
- Set the thermostat to 78° F for cooling and to 85° F or off when your facility is vacant; use 68° F and 60° F for heating
- Change filters regularly
The building envelope plays a major role in air conditioning energy costs. Look at the following areas for savings opportunities:
- Window film on southern, eastern, and western exposures
- Repair or replace defective door and window seals
- Attic and wall insulation
- Cool roofing, especially if re-roofing
|
 Setback Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats control your HVAC system automatically using temperature and operating times that you program. They ensure that your system only cools or heats when you need it and makes sure it is off when your facility is vacant. They are the easiest HVAC upgrade and have an almost immediate payback.
Aside from the tremendous energy savings these units provide, they also offer convenience since you will no longer need to worry about turning your HVAC system off for the evening or weekend.
Look for units that have a "fan on" feature to cycle air continuously. Also look for the EnergyStar ® logo on the product.
|
Package Terminal Air Conditioner and Package Terminal Heat Pump
These units are common in the hospitality industry where each occupant room has its own unit. New units are much more efficient than older models. They are also much quieter. If your units are 10 years old or older and their maintenance and repair needs are increasing, they are good candidates for replacement.
|
 Advanced Evaporative Cooler
Although they are often called swamp coolers, evaporative coolers are most effective in hot and dry climates. Advanced systems are dramatically more energy-efficient than standard systems due to more effective heat transfer to the water. Evaporative coolers are especially useful for make up air in the food service industry.
There are two different types of evaporative cooler. Single-stage evaporative coolers are cheaper. However, they can only drop the temperature by at most 20°F. Two-stage evaporative coolers can reduce the outside temperature by as much as 50°F, but they are more expensive, usually in the range of a normal air-conditioning unit. As you can see from the picture, new models look similar to a standard air conditioning unit.
|
Variable Frequency Drive-HVAC
Electric Motors are designed to operate at constant speed. However, motor-driven equipment such as fans and pumps do not require full output all the time. These motor-driven machines must vary the output of a constant speed motor by using throttling devices such as dampers, inlet vanes, and valves. This motor control system is like driving a car by flooring the accelerator and controlling speed using the brakes!
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) change the characteristics of the electricity (voltage and frequency) to power the motor so that the motor speed changes to meet the desired machine output level. Because throttling motor output wastes energy, VFDs can save you a great deal on energy costs by increasing the overall machine operating efficiency.
Some other benefits of VFDs include:
- VFD speed reduction may extend the life of a machine and motor due to reduced stresses and fewer revolutions
- VFDs can significantly improve power factor and
- VFDs start motors gradually, reducing stress on drive components such as belts.
|
|
|
