Business Energy Savings

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning system)

Simple steps to clean and adjust the settings of your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) can reduce your costs substantially, as can buying energy efficient equipment when you replace a component. However for more complex equipment upgrades and system design, professional help is usually necessary. The capital costs can be larger, though the payback and savings are still attractive.
If you are considering system-wide changes, be sure to complete your other energy efficiency steps first, as this will impact your HVAC needs and allow you to “Right-Size” the new system correctly.

Office Heating/ Air conditioning

No costs/ low costs options

• Make sure your heaters are working properly by following operating and maintenance manuals.
• Does some staff have personal heaters even though there is an office heating system? If so, this shows the heating system isn’t working well enough.
• Stop simultaneous heating and cooling. Set air conditioning and heating controls so they don't conflict with each other.
• Reduce heat loss. Close windows and exterior doors when you're using air conditioning or heating to avoid unnecessary heat loss.
• Set your heating system’s timers for business hours only.
• Turn off the air conditioner at least one hour before the end of the working day.
• If your system provides humidity control, set controls so it can float between 30% and 60% relative humidity.
• Make sure thermostats are correctly calibrated and are not placed in unusually cold or hot areas. Also check that the controls are within easy reach.
• Avoid placing thermostats near heat sources such as photocopiers, sunlight or heaters.
• Adjust temperature settings according to the season.

Some investment

• Keep your air conditioning system in good shape – regular maintenance can save up to 25% of annual maintenance costs.
• Use a combined thermostat/timer/occupancy sensor to control heating and air conditioning in areas that aren't used often, such as meeting or conference rooms.
• Programmable thermostats. These simple microprocessor-based products offer as much as a 50% rate of return on energy dollars. In addition, these devices will maintain system start-up and set-back schedules for optimum comfort. They can also eliminate unnecessary HVAC use during unoccupied hours.

Industrial heating and Cooling

No costs/ low costs options

• Get plants heating or cooling equipment commissioned to ensure it is right for the tasks required. Keep the documentation.
• Maintain temperature and control systems.
• Clean heat transfer surfaces.
• Insulate your heating and air conditioning pipes and ducts against heat loss and gain.
• Remove obstruction: Make sure radiators, convectors, air intakes, thermostats and air diffusers are not obstructed so that air can flow freely.
• Check your equipment’s steam pressure and temperature ranges are within the range of what the equipment was designed for.
• Fix doors and windows so they close tightly and automatic doors so they close quickly.
• Check seals on window and door frames, and block unused openings in walls or the roof.
• Run equipment at or near capacity whenever you can. Avoid running multiple units at reduced capacity.
• Check your steam traps regularly and make sure they are correctly sized to remove condensation.

Some investment

• Get plants heating or cooling equipment commissioned to ensure it is right for the tasks required. Keep the documentation.
• If your ceilings are unnecessarily high, put in a false ceiling to reduce heating costs; Add roof insulation if necessary.

Sources:

www.eecabusiness.govt.nz
www.contactenergy.co.nz
www.nzbcsd.org.nz
www.meridianenergy.co.nz