No one wants to work in an office that’s poorly ventilated — especially in the sweltering summer heat. With employees slowly filtering back into offices, you want to make sure that there’s nothing inhibiting your HVAC system’s performance. Disruptions to your HVAC systems not only affect employee performance, but it also negatively impacts your company finances.
For the most part, we cannot control the raw cost of gas and electricity. These are going up throughout the country but there are solutions you can implement in commercial buildings to be more efficient.
Commercial HVAC Systems: How They Work
Commercial HVAC systems perform a significant amount of work. Fuel (think electricity, oil, gas, etc.) is usually burned when heating the office, while cooling systems and refrigerant serve to cool the air.
There are several components of an HVAC system — such as filters and evaporator coils — that can easily get dirty if not maintained properly.
The Importance of Proper HVAC Maintenance
If not running at peak performance, you may find yourself turning the AC (or the heat) up at inopportune moments — driving up energy costs. With a proper maintenance schedule, you can detect problems in your HVAC system early. From there, you can determine whether to clean any dirty parts or have them replaced. Optimizing your HVAC system’s performance will help reduce your energy bills.
Leaks: A Cause for Concern
Anything leaky is always a cause for concern, especially when it comes to your HVAC system. It may start from poor installation or general damage over time — but whichever the case may be, you want to jump on any leaking problems as soon as possible.
How to Detect Leaks:
- AC running but not providing cool air
- Likely a failing compressor
- Increased energy costs
The Benefits of Variant Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
Variant Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are a great alternative when it comes to cutting energy costs. Connecting outdoor to indoor units via refrigerant piping, VRF systems provide both heating and cooling functionalities for your building. VRF systems also don’t operate at 100% capacity at all times. This is accomplished by the system modulating capacity accordingly — regulating temperature only where areas need it.
Upgrading to a VRF system might be a great alternative for optimizing your facilities’ indoor air quality.
Commissioning Your HVAC System: Why It Matters
To commission an HVAC system is to ensure its proper functioning and operation. Commissioning your system will verify all parts have been accurately installed in the right positions and are in working order.
Risks of Not Commissioning Your HVAC System:
- Random hot and cold spots arise in your building.
- Increased employee frustration and discomfort.
- Wasted money on unnecessary repairs that can be prevented.
- Decreased performance and longevity of your HVAC equipment.
What Are Commercial HVAC System Analytics?
As the owner of a commercial space, it’s crucial to ensure your HVAC system is functioning efficiently and effectively. HVAC system analysis involves a thorough examination of the system’s mechanical and electrical components to identify any issues or deficiencies that may be impacting its overall performance.
Key Aspects of HVAC System Analysis:
- Identifying ideal temperatures by considering external conditions and occupant preferences
- Examining the efficiency of heating and cooling systems
- Assessing air flow and ventilation for areas of improvement
Load Calculation: Why It’s Crucial
Calculating load requirements is an essential step in the HVAC system analysis process, as it helps understand the cooling and heating demands of your property. By evaluating the load requirements accurately, you can determine the precise size of HVAC equipment needed for efficient operation.
What Does Load Calculation Involve?
- Thorough understanding of building characteristics such as orientation, insulation, and construction materials
- Professional HVAC system analysis to report on areas needing improvement
Assessing Ventilation Efficiency and Air Quality
Assessing the ventilation efficiency and air quality levels are crucial steps in accurately analyzing your property’s HVAC system. Poor ventilation not only leads to discomfort but can also result in various health hazards such as asthma and allergies.
What Is Involved in This Assessment?
- Measuring the flow and distribution of air throughout the property
- Identifying pollutants present in the property
- Offering recommendations for improvement to ensure optimal HVAC system performance
Common Causes of Poor HVAC Performance
Even with high-end heating and cooling systems, many commercial setups experience poor HVAC performance. This can cost more in the long-term as it can lead to inflated energy bills and operational expenses. Common causes of poor performance include:
- Inadequate maintenance
- Clogged air filters
- Thermostat issues
- Duct leaks
An HVAC system analysis by a professional technician can help identify these issues and provide a customized solution. Proper maintenance, timely repair, and regular inspection of the system can help prevent poor performance.
The Importance of Automated HVAC Analytics
To ensure efficient and cost-effective operation of commercial HVAC systems, facility managers should consider installing an analytics system to their control and monitoring systems. By integrating sensors and automation technology, HVAC systems become more responsive to changing environments, leading to increased energy savings and improved air quality.
Benefits of Automated Controls:
- Real-time data for HVAC system analysis
- Quick identification of areas for improvement
- Optimizing system performance for reduced energy costs and improved comfort
Top Cost-Saving Benefits of HVAC Analytics
To ensure efficient and cost-effective operation of commercial HVAC systems, facility managers should consider the overall savings and operating life cycle system analytics delivery. By integrating sensors and automation technology, HVAC systems become more responsive to changing environments, leading to increased energy savings and improved air quality.
Additional Benefits of HVAC Analytics:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Reduced repair and maintenance costs
- Extended equipment lifespan
- Predictive maintenance, helping prevent costly system shutdowns and interruptions
Why Businesses Should Act Now
Licensed commercial HVAC contractors like Unitemp can provide a complete overview of your current HVAC system and a cost analysis for installing a robust analytics system. We can train your facility manager on how to use the tools provided and be available 24/7 for maintenance or service issues.
Unitemp engineers are available to provide guidance on new HVAC technology that will extend the life of your system, conserve energy costs, and automate previous manual maintenance functions in your facility.
Contact Unitemp today for a free consultation on upgrading your mechanical system with the latest cost-saving technology and provide the ultimate solutions for optimizing indoor air quality.
Phone: 1.877.704.4822.