Smart tips on HVAC energy saving

Smart tips on HVAC energy saving

New technologically advanced air conditioning systems can play a major part in helping facilities management professionals

/building operators to achieve considerable savings in the face of ever-increasing energy bills in commercial/public buildings.

Adopting more eco-sensitive practices and technologies can pay dividends
in reducing energy-related expenditure and calling for the advice of an energy expert is a good place to start. Many utility companies provide free or low cost evaluations that can advise on how to reduce energy consumption and costs, which typically involves an on-site visit and the subsequent provision of a detailed report covering current energy usage, actual energy needs and ways to save.

Modern highly engineered heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can help facilities managers to realise significant gains in energy efficiencies. The significance of this cannot be overstressed as a building’s HVAC setup accounts for the vast majority of its monthly energy usage.

Split air conditioning systems in particular offer exceptional energy efficiencies, among other benefits. These systems, as the name suggests, ‘split’ into two (or more units when required) – an outdoor condenser and an indoor fan coil unit. Since there is no ductwork involved the split system can be installed easily in almost any building. Split system indoor units are very quiet, making them ideal for a variety of settings, libraries, classrooms, boardrooms, offices and even bedrooms at homes. They can be stylish, modern indoor units can double up as a picture frame, or have subtle LED lighting, available in discreet ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or floor-standing options. Most split air conditioning units provide heating as their primary use and cooling as a secondary, providing the building occupants with year-round comfort. They are extremely energy efficient to run and distribute powerful yet targeted air-flow evenly for maximum comfort.

Reputable manufacturers are committed to creating energy efficient split air conditioning systems. Recent introductions to the market are the latest inverter Single Split and Multi Split solutions, which incorporate new features to ensure superior cooling and heating capabilities, as well as impressive energy savings. Equipped with a temperature and pressure control sensor (advanced technology originally developed for variable refrigerant volume [VRF] solutions) the new split models are enabled to deliver enhanced functionality and greater efficiency.

The average split system uses several temperature sensors built into the indoor and outdoor units which detect changes in (indoor and outdoor) temperature and adjust heating/cooling output accordingly, although not always accurately. However, the latest sensor technology directly controls refrigerant pressure in accordance with a room’s temperature; as such the company’s new split systems adjust the temperature output more quickly and accurately than many other split type solutions. This, in turn, lowers energy wastage and delivers a consistent temperature.

Facilities managers can be reassured that the new Inverter Single and Multi Split models reach the set temperature up to 30 per cent faster in cooling and 44 per cent in heating than their predecessors while delivering world-class energy efficiency – using up to 40 per cent less electricity than a conventional system air conditioner.

Furthermore, air conditioning systems used in commercial/public buildings must be inspected at least every five years by an energy assessor to ensure the HVAC system is operating at its most efficient. The inspection will include a visual assessment of the HVAC system and an examination of the equipment and controls. A full report will be supplied detailing the efficiency of the system, possible improvements to be made and even ways to reduce your air conditioning system load.

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