ENERGY SAVING EQUIPMENT
Smart detectors drive energy savings
As energy costs continue to rise, energy reduction in commercial and large residential buildings is becoming increasingly important. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, highlights how gas detection technology can help realise energy savings.
H
eating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a vital role in creating safe and healthy buildings – they control temperature, improve air
quality, reduce humidity, and enhance the overall comfort of the indoor environment. Unfortunately, they also account for up to 40% of a building’s energy usage. According to the Carbon Trust, most businesses
can reduce their energy consumption by up to 15% by implementing a combination of energy saving solutions. While there are a number of such solutions to consider, one which applies specifically to HVAC systems, and which can make a significant difference to a building’s energy consumption, is the installation of gas detection technology. The reason this technology is invaluable in the quest
to reduce energy consumption is because refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC systems. When a leak occurs, the system becomes inefficient and needs to work harder to maintain heating or cooling capacity. This increases electricity consumption and accordingly, monthly energy bills. According to several studies, a leaking air conditioning unit consumes almost 20% more electricity than a fully functioning one. In fact, it has been suggested that a small continuous leak, left unrepaired for three months, could use an extra 10kWh in electricity once the leak becomes critical. Considering the rapid rise in energy prices, this can quickly add up to several thousand pounds.
Trusting in technology An HVAC gas leak can result from mechanical damage, equipment failure or poor maintenance. Regardless of the
12 January 2023 •
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cause, detecting such a leak can be challenging because refrigerant gas is both odourless and colourless – it is estimated that 60% of gas escapes before anyone notices. Although there are several things that can be done in the case of a suspected leak, nothing can replace the accuracy and efficiency of using specially designed technology for this task. In fact, designers and manufacturers of electronic equipment for the refrigeration and HVAC industries have worked diligently over the past few years to improve the effectiveness of refrigerant, toxic and combustible gas sensors, with modern sensors boasting greater intelligence and capabilities to combat risks posed by toxic and non- toxic gases. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, the latest
generation of sensors and systems are smart, self- contained single fixed gas sensors which are particularly suited to detecting gases associated with HVAC units. Many of these sensors have a proven return on investment of just two years, and that is without taking into consideration the cost of repairs to an existing faulty system. Sensor equipment with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, as well as audio/visual alarms to alert staff, are also available. HVAC systems remain one of the largest energy consumers in many buildings, making them prime targets for improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. Even though systems can vary, by concentrating on common energy wasters such as refrigerant gas leaks, energy savings can be maximised, and energy efficiency improved.
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