Sustainability


Fault finding for efficiency


can increase energy consumption and carbon emissions by an eye-watering 100%. According to the Committee on Climate Change, heating buildings in the UK accounts for one fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions. Small wonder, then, that companies looking to curb costs are examining the efficiency of their HVAC equipment to identify where savings could be made. While it is unlikely that many will be in a position to immediately replace ageing or inefficient systems, addressing faults can make a significant contribution towards lowering energy bills without impacting on room temperature or comfort. A number of causes can be the catalyst for inefficiencies in HVAC equipment, from faulty systems to improper maintenance, poor temperature monitoring and refrigerant gas leaks. Whatever the cause, the result can be expensive – especially if left unaddressed for any length of time. One highly effective weapon in the fight against energy inefficiency and its associated costs is technology. The latest generation of devices such as leak detectors will give managers an early warning that all is not well and allow them to take prompt action, reducing the risk of problems which could prove not only costly but potentially extremely dangerous.


H Early warning system


The dangers of F-gas leaks – both to the workforce and the environment – are well documented. A company in the south of England was recently fined thousands of pounds after admitting allowing sulphur hexafluoride to escape during equipment installation. On the occasion in question nobody was hurt. However, the side-effects of contact with refrigerant gas can be severe. Prolonged exposure can lead to irritation of the throat, eyes and skin,


www.heatingandventilating.net


eating and hot water account for around 60% of a business’s total energy use, while air conditioning


frostbite, chemical burns and even lung and brain damage – a scary thought when you consider that in around 60% of cases, gas escapes before anyone notices. In addition to these dangers, a


refrigerant gas leak means that the HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, using more electricity as a consequence. The impact on the environment can also


be far-reaching. The Carbon Trust estimates a leak of 1kg of refrigerant gas can have the same impact as a van driving 10,000 miles. EU F-gas regulations now demand


regular equipment checks and, in the majority of cases, the installation of a gas detection system. The latest generation of such devices are able to identify a wide range of toxic and non-toxic gases including HFCs and CFCs, alerting the workforce and enabling damage to be minimised. The most sophisticated on the market – the Stonegate DL1024, for example – can accommodate up to 24 remote refrigerant sensors, which are arranged in three zones of eight channels with four relay outputs for signalling an alarm, one for each zone. LED lights indicate the presence and status of each sensor while any sensed leak sends an audio/visual alarm to alert staff immediately.


Turn it down


According to the Carbon Trust, turning down a building’s thermostat by just 1°C can reduce a company’s annual heating bill by up to eight per cent. As far as air conditioning systems are


concerned, the trust recommends guarding against running systems at a temperature of below 24°C. A situation which has heating and cooling systems working against one another is a waste of money and resources, with a ‘deadband’ between temperatures highly recommended. Again, technology provides a solution to


the problem of energy wastage. Equipment can be fitted with a highly visible digital


October 2017 29


Stonegate Instruments compact digital thermometer (above) and a refrigerant gas alarm (below)


Stonegate MD, Shaun Evers


Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, explains how the latest technology can improve energy efficiency in HVAC systems and deliver both environmental and financial savings


thermometer to alert people to unplanned rises and dips in temperature which may indicate an equipment fault. There are a series of straightforward


procedures which can reduce the amount of cooled air from escaping. Adding insulation to walls and windows will help keep the conditioned air within a building, while pipes, ducts and outlets can also be wrapped in insulation material to prevent cool air from escaping. Making regular checks to ensure that units and vents are free from debris such as dirt, dust and leaves will preserve the air flow and keep systems functioning efficiently. Furniture should not be positioned so that it blocks the ducts and vents. Change air filters regularly and power down computers and other equipment when it is not in use, to reduce the build-up of heat. While HVAC systems are undoubtedly


responsible for energy use, technology has enabled companies to identify and rectify potential dangers and inefficiencies earlier than previously, leading to significant savings in energy use and consequently costs and emissions.


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