Providing Energy Savings and Cost Reductions Using HVAC to Meet Demand

Red Rose Forest, a small business, successfully decarbonized its industrial unit by implementing their energy efficiency improvements. As a result, they saved as much as £3,900 ($5930) and 19 tonnes of carbon every year.

The technology used controls the combi-boiler heating by dividing the building into three zones. Each zone can be adjusted depending on the environment. With this smart system, unoccupied areas now do not need to be heated and winter months no longer need 24 hour temperature control.

And it doesn’t stop there. Red Rose Forest’s lighting system has also been overhauled, reducing electricity consumption by 14,000kWh every year, which will save more than 7.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Quality of light in the building has improved considerably due to the high frequency T5 fluorescent bulbs.

Single-glazed windows have been double-glazed and the thermal insulation in the roof space has been padded out to optimise heat retention. Green makeovers can do wonders for environmental performance and energy bills by assuring energy improvements under a guaranteed savings policy, so businesses don’t have to make hefty investments, and they certainly won’t lose out.

With energy prices rising every year—and set to increase further—there’s never been a better time for businesses to assess their energy consumption and efficiency. These improvements can help companies stay competitive during a difficult, global recession and protect against rising overhead costs that eat into profits.

Taking Control of Your Own Savings and Cost Reductions

There are many simple steps businesses can make towards considerably reducing HVAC expenses in the office. Purely by improving your energy efficiency, you can save yourself from mammoth overhead costs.

Heating and hot water is a major contributor to your energy prices; usually as much as 60%! Lowering your set points by as little as 1°C (2.12°F) could reduce your yearly bill by 8%. Turning the thermostat down to the minimum level for employee comfort will help make considerable savings. Encourage those who’re used to extremely toasty conditions to bring in fleeces or jumpers and promote the environmental benefits of turning down the heating.

Inefficient Equipment

Replacing tired, old boilers for new, more efficient models is a clever investment. The initial price may be high, but your business will ultimately reap the benefits.

Ventilation

Fresh air is essential for employees. A stuffy office immediately drags down productivity, but unnecessary ventilation can cost you a lot of money. In commercial buildings, ventilation accounts for as much as 30% of heat loss.

Air Conditioning

With so much IT equipment in offices, the levels of heat can get extremely uncomfortable for employees. Air conditioning may be a must in your building, but it’s expensive and bad for the environment.

Make sure your air conditioning doesn’t operate below 24°C (75.2°F) and ensure that the heating/cooling systems aren’t clashing. Create a temperature deadband between your heating and air conditioning set temperatures.

This post was produced by the team at ENER-G Controls, a HVAC controls international company—they like to produce invaluable insights on helping businesses achieve a better bottom line.