HVAC System Design: Green Practice for Commercial Buildings

Energy waste is a huge problem in the United States. In fact, only about 34 percent of all energy produced gets used by consumers and businesses.

Much of this is unavoidable and related to the ways energy gets used. For instance, most of the fuel burned while driving a car or operating an oven is lost as heat energy. However, a lot of energy waste results from poor infrastructure or planning.

If your business is interested in doing its part to have a greener HVAC system design, keep reading. Besides environmental benefits, there is another big reason to consider upgrades: it will save you money.

This article includes some basic advice on creating a more sustainable HVAC system design. It will help you reduce energy consumption and your monthly utility bills.

Air Balance

Balancing the air in your commercial HVAC system is one of the easiest ways to increase energy efficiency. This involves conducting leakage tests and adjusting the pressure levels accordingly.

This not only helps your system run more smoothly, but it increases indoor air quality as well. A qualified HVAC technician can conduct these tests and recommend improvements.

Change Commercial Air Filters

Dirty air filters become clogged, which makes your HVAC system have to work harder than it needs to circulate air throughout the building. Cleaning them is an easy way to increase efficiency.

Clean filters also help protect various components that interact with air in your system. These include evaporator and condenser coils, as well as vents.
Changing filters on a regular basis is an easy way to increase efficiency and help your system last longer. It also will produce cleaner air throughout your office.

Regular Maintenance

Commercial HVAC systems are complex, with many components doing a variety of jobs. When one fails to perform as it should, the functionality of the entire system diminishes. This means it has to work harder and use more energy than it needs to.

Energy efficiency is a very good reason to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Also, it helps avoid abrupt breakdowns by catching minor problems before they become major ones.

Install Upgraded Components

There have been many major innovations in HVAC system design during the last few decades to increase energy efficiency. Zoning systems and programmable thermostats are two good examples.

Economizers are another illustration. These are a type of external damper with sensors to compare indoor humidity and temperature to that outside. If ambient air is the temperature needed to adjust indoor air, then the economizer uses it.

This keeps the system from having to manufacture the heater or cooled air itself. Such upgrades can significantly improve the efficiency of your system.

Learn More About HVAC System Design

Now that you understand the role HVAC system design plays in creating more energy-efficient buildings, you can implement these strategies in your business. A licensed commercial technician can further advise you on how to create more sustainable HVAC systems.
Sun Mechanical Systems has over 60 years of combined experience in commercial HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We work with clients to put in place green energy policies while optimizing workplace comfort and air quality. Reach out to us today to learn more.

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