HVAC 101: Part I

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Introduction

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) refers to the equipment, distribution network and terminals that provide heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning to a building. HVAC accounts for 40 percent to 60 percent of the energy used in commercial and institutional buildings, and 12 percent to 15 percent in industrial facilities. This represents an opportunity for substantial energy savings using proven technologies and design concepts. A recent study estimates that California commercial businesses alone have the potential to save 46 percent of their energy costs through cooling and ventilation energy efficiency efforts by 2011.

Technology Options

HVAC systems are typically replaced or upgraded when they have reached the end of their useful life. Because HVAC systems are expensive, it may not be cost-effective to replace them on the basis of improved performance or estimated annual energy savings alone. To optimize the purchase and selection of these systems, perform an energy analysis and review the purchasing tips provided below.

When early retirement of the HVAC system is not an option, there are two general guidelines for improving the energy performance of existing HVAC systems:

	Make the system as efficient as possible. Control the system as efficiently as possible.

Check in next week for Part II of this dialogue....

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