No matter your particular industry, everyone wants to be comfortable. You might even require a certain indoor temperature for the stability of your products or machinery. HVAC can be one of the biggest energy consumers in your facility, so it makes sense to investigate ways to lower energy use or just be more efficient.
Scientists and engineers continue to study new and different ways to improve the HVAC landscape. While these can be complex, they also come with the promise of massive savings. Here are just five trends in the HVAC industry that can improve the efficiency of your facility.
1. Smart Controls
Just as more people are using smart thermostats in their homes that can tell when someone is in or out of the room, there are also commercial HVAC controls that now have more advanced sensors. These controls have more options for automation that include building occupancy as well as the particular use of a space.
In the past, these were just “set and forget” systems that were incredibly inefficient. While these sensors have become more advanced, it is vital that they are installed properly if they are going to function the way they were intended.
2. Variable Speed Controls
HVAC equipment spends a majority of its time operating at partial load, even though it is designed to operate at peak load, which is the maximum expected cooling or heating load. Because of this, there have been more advances in variable speed controls.
When a peak load is much higher than what is generally needed, you’ll find that a building has an oversized system. The availability of variable speed controls can ensure that equipment sizes are more appropriate for a building’s needs, which produces less waste and higher HVAC efficiency.
3. Integration
There is a growing trend in integrating HVAC controls with other essential building controls, such as advanced lighting. Lighting, shade, and ventilation can help with internal air quality, which also increases HVAC efficiency.
4. Geothermal Systems
Instead of using the traditional fuel sources such as oil or gas, a geothermal heat pump is fueled by the earth’s thermal energy, which remains constant year-round. While there is a higher cost to install one of these systems, you will have less mechanical equipment to deal with and maintain. As far as operating costs, this is a system that will pay for itself through lower HVAC costs.
5. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
Traditional AC systems are split systems, but a VRF system is different. These systems constantly monitor and modulate the refrigerant temperature of various zones (rooms or floors), and will work only at the needed rate, which consumes less energy than a traditional system.
While these systems have higher upfront costs, they have lower maintenance and ongoing energy costs. These are most appropriate and useful in buildings with multiple zones such as hotels, offices, and hospitals.
If you run a large facility, you probably know that some simple steps can make your building more efficient: changing HVAC filters on schedule and replacing old light bulbs with LEDs, for example. But even this is a lot to manage in addition to regular and emergency maintenance. Having a trusted facilities maintenance partner can help your company improve overall HVAC efficiency and boost bottom line results.
Our pre-screened technicians are ready to assist you today. ABSFM offers a wide range of services to the Restaurant and Facilities Industry. Contact us today and let ABSFM be THE source for all your facility maintenance and repair needs.