ENERGY SAVING
Unlock energy savings with AHU and FCU upgrades
Refurbishing and upgrading mechanical ventilation systems can enhance performance, reduce their impact on the planet, save energy, and enhance the indoor environment for occupants. Alpesh Trivedi, Carrier Service sales director, UKI & Nordics, explains more.
I
t’s estimated that around 80% of the buildings we have today will still be in use by 2050. To meet the UK real estate sector’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
levels, 87% of the improved performance must come from these existing buildings. With more than 750,000 medium-to-large-scale existing HVAC units, including air handling units (AHUs), and fan coil units (FCUs), requiring technology upgrades in the UK, achieving effi ciency and decarbonisation targets has never been more pressing.
Air Handling Units play a crucial role in mechanical ventilation
across commercial buildings. AHUs effi ciently draw fresh air from the outside, purify it through fi lters, and use coils to heat or cool the air, ensuring optimal indoor temperatures. However, like any mechanical equipment, the eff ectiveness and effi ciency of AHUs decreases over time. Refurbishing and upgrading AHUs, rather than replacing them, presents building owners with a compelling solution.
Refurbishment and upgrades The decision to refurbish and upgrade existing AHUs rather
than replace them hinges on several factors, including cost, operational disruption, and environmental responsibility. Refurbishment provides a cost-eff ective alternative to full-
scale replacements, which is particularly valuable for businesses operating under tight budgets or phased capital expenditure plans. It allows resources to be allocated more strategically. Additionally, refurbishment typically involves fewer logistical challenges, such as road closures or site access for new equipment deliveries. For buildings that require continuous operation, such as hospitals, offi ces, and schools, minimising downtime is often a priority. On-site AHU refurbishment ensures minimal disruption, allowing daily operations and occupant comfort to continue uninterrupted. The fi nancial benefi ts of refurbishment are also signifi cant.
Research in the fi eld suggests that restoring and upgrading components can extend an AHU’s lifespan by 10 years or more, delaying the need for future replacements and ensuring long- term cost savings. When combined with a regular maintenance schedule, refurbishment becomes an integral part of a sustainable life cycle asset management strategy.
Energy savings Along with extending operational longevity, refurbishing AHUs
can enhance the overall performance of an HVAC system.
CIAT's ClimaCIAT AirTech AHU.
18 January 2025 •
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