HVAC HVAC: COST CUTTING MEASURES
Simon Worsdall, Commercial Heating Manager at JLA Group, shares top tips on exerting maximum output from your business’ equipment whilst remaining energy efficient.
As energy prices rise, becoming more efficient and reducing the amount of energy we use has become a priority for every organisation. It’s all about efficiency, finding a balance between minimal energy use for maximum output of the appliances used day-to-day.
Heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) systems are used by almost every business that has a premises. They can take a significant portion of energy to run, and with colder weather ahead, it’s a good time to review the efficiency of systems. Even small changes can reduce the energy cost of heating and other requirements of a HVAC system.
A more efficient HVAC system HVAC systems are crucial for good air quality, temperature regulation, and energy efficiency in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. Just like any piece of technology or equipment, there are always ways these systems can be made more efficient. Over a longer period, this can lead to considerable cost savings, meaning an organisation can allocate more funds and time to other, more critical areas.
“Another popular misconception is that more expensive HVAC systems are simply more efficient than others.”
An efficient system can also lead to immediate benefits for the people working on your premises. It could lead to a more consistent temperature through a building, reduce the noise it makes, maintain greater control over humidity and improve airflow from every vent.
This can also lead to a reduced environmental impact. More efficient systems use less gas and electricity and burn less fuel than older systems. This is an increasing priority for workers, the general public and companies, particularly those with a supply chain. When deciding on what suppliers and partners to work with, and with sustainability being a key focus for many businesses right now, the eco-friendly nature of an organisation is more often becoming a deciding factor.
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Equipment installed in your business needs to be set up to control the heating or ventilation correctly in order to be most effective for the environment it is in. It’s important to remember that different factors come into play when making a HVAC system energy efficient, from the type of system you have to how it’s maintained.
Addressing popular misconceptions There are many misconceptions around HVAC systems and its energy use. For example, a less experienced operator may decide to leave heating on at a continuous low heat or use a timer to turn the system on and off as a way to save on cost. The reality is the effectiveness of these methods completely depends on the nature of the building and HVAC system itself.
It’s generally agreed that continuous cycling – turning the heating system off and on - is not recommended if you have a constant or extended usage. Increased cycling of the HVAC equipment, especially in heat pumps, can significantly reduce their lifespan and will result in increasing the amount of costly repairs. Understanding your system’s controls and how they can be best programmed is the key to unlocking a more efficient HVAC system that uses less energy, is more effective and has a greater lifespan.
Another popular misconception is that more expensive HVAC systems are simply more efficient than others. Whilst it’s true that HVAC technology continues to develop and improve, the reality is that the latest system on the market may not be suitable to your premises. Efficiency of a system generally depends on the building it’s being installed into and how it is being operated.
Before laying out the expense of installing a new boiler or system, check if small improvements can be made to the hardware or programming of the software, having this done by an experienced technician can lead to considerable improvements.
Making HVAC more effective Before making changes to a HVAC system, it’s best to start from the bottom and first assessing the fabric of the buildings where a system is installed. This can be done through a professional site assessment and may lead to other improvements, such as more effective window and wall insulation, before moving onto the HVAC system.
When installing the equipment, it is essential that the controls are programmed correctly in accordance with the type of building you are using, focusing on the design of the equipment for the space and how this can operate at minimal cost and maximum effectiveness.
Regular maintenance is also essential. Conducting regular checks ensures the optimal running of the system and
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