How Your HVAC System Impacts Your Building Sustainability
November 3, 2022
Outdated and improperly used HVAC Systems are a huge energy suck – creating a strain on your bottom line, and the environment.
The International Energy Agency released a study in 2018 called “The Future of Cooling,” which predicted energy demands for space cooling will triple by the year 2050. And improper HVAC usage already accounts for up to 50 percent of the world’s energy overconsumption, according to a study by the Journal of Clean Energy Technology. The study indicates that efficiency can only occur when HVAC equipment works as specified by the manufacturer or energy usage rises to much higher levels.
Having the right system in place may help your building reach its sustainability goals while also shaving money off your energy bill.
One way to optimize energy use is installing AC Drives or DC Drives from ABB. These drives decrease your energy use by running your motors based on present needs, as opposed to letting them run at full speed and using throttles, dampers, or gears to reduce output.
ABB even has a calculator, EnergySave, that allows you to see how much money and energy you can save by installing one of their Drives.
Installing an HVAC system with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR label can help your building obtain LEED certification – a signifier awarded to buildings that use green energy. These systems reduce natural resource consumption, leading to a lower energy bill and smaller carbon footprint.
Although most Central HVAC Systems can last up to 15 or 20 years, HVAC technology is constantly improving, and industry professionals can drastically reduce your cooling costs by upgrading your building with a modern system. The United States Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC System every 10 years for peak efficiency.
Additionally, according to ASHRAE, simple HVAC system maintenance goes a long way for conservation, especially in the summer and winter months. Keep up with the service recommended by your system’s manufacturer and ensure that your facilities team or mechanical contractor annually follows OEM recommendations like cleaning filters, coils and fans will maximize airflow, reducing overall energy consumption.
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Ally O'Reilly
Ally O'Reilly is a Marketing Coordinator for the Hoffman Family of Companies. She enjoys learning about the ways the HVAC industry is growing and changing!
