Consider All

When you are looking to purchase a system or are evaluating your current system you must think every aspect of your buildings functioning: you must have a whole building perspective. When we say “whole building perspective,” we mean every system. You must consider your building’s architecture, the effects of daylight, and how your lighting system will affect your HVAC and other systems. When selecting your HVAC system or building automation system, talk to an HVAC professional who can help you understand all aspects of your building and how these systems can complement each other.

Design Goals

Another aspect of an HVAC system’s efficiency to be considered is the design goals of your system. Do you simply want to meet energy code requirements or do you want to have a system that will exceed energy goals requirements? When you set your design or performance goals, you must think about the building envelope and building systems. You also must look at the nuances of your building and system and set your priorities for the aspects of the HVAC system that is the most important to you.

Proper System Size

When it comes to the size of a commercial HVAC system, bigger is not always better. You must have an HVAC system that fits both the size and needs of your building. An example of the detriments that come with a system that is too big is that cooling systems that are too large will not dehumidify the building properly leaving your building feeling clammy in particular spaces. When purchasing a system, get a system that will fully accommodates your buildings needs.

Planning For Expansion

When it comes to planning for expansion of your building, it is easy to assume that you should purchase a larger HVAC system, but this is not the case. Your system will not be running at it’s most efficient at the present time and may be obsolete when your expansion is complete. Instead, consider investing in a system that is right for your current space and can function in tandem with a modular unit.

Part-Loading

When choosing an HVAC system you must consider part-loading. Commercial HVAC systems are designed for heating or cooling occurrences that have only have a slight chance of occurring: around 1- 2 percent chance happening. With that being said, when selecting an efficient system you must understand that most systems run at their peak efficiency when running at full capacity. Most systems are “oversized” for the purpose of safety, for those rare occasions where a HVAC system would have to run at full capacity.

Peak-Period

HVAC systems are designed to accommodate peak running periods, by instead of running when needed, running during non-peak times such as from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Energy companies generally will charge less for energy used during non-peak times and so, to have the most efficient HVAC system, you must set your controls and have a system with properly functioning controls so you can run your HVAC system during these most cost-effective times.

Commissioning

To ensure the efficient functioning of your system you must have your system tested or commissioned. Commissioning will ensure that each part of your system is functioning at it’s most optimal. Sometimes the efficiency of a system will be made or broken by equipment installed or connected properly. To have the most efficient HVAC system, and as a result the most cost effective system, you must have your system commissioned and periodically tested to ensure it’s functioning. An aspect of commissioning is to train those who are responsible for the running of the HVAC system in the ways in which the system should be functioning and to know when the system isn’t running properly.

Maintenance Program

To ensure your HVAC system’s efficiency you should establish a maintenance program. A maintenance program will involve your periodic examination of your system as well as, an appointment with an HVAC company professional. As mentioned in previous blogs, preventative maintenance is key to the proper functioning of any system and it’s longevity. Though you feel that spending money on preventative maintenance is a waste of funds, we can as professionals say that our customers that are enrolled in preventative maintenance plans spend less in the long run: Problems that could have been easily and inexpensively fixed by a periodic appointment, are instead expensive and involve large-scale repairs.