Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildings

When it comes to building or renovating a commercial building, minimizing energy costs for your customer without sacrificing comfort is vital. That’s where introducing energy-efficient HVAC systems for commercial builds comes into play. These systems help businesses reduce their environmental impact while optimizing performance and lowering utility bills.

Whether you are looking to upgrade a current setup or start fresh with a new commercial HVAC installation, the right HVAC systems for commercial buildings can make all the difference for your projects.

Understanding Energy-Efficient HVAC Technologies

As energy costs continue to rise and sustainability grows as a top priority, commercial properties can benefit immensely from investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems. 

Modern HVAC technologies allow appliances to consume less energy while providing reliable comfort.

Key Energy-Efficient HVAC Technologies

Three common technologies that can enhance building performance and reduce long-term maintenance costs are high-efficiency chillers, variable speed drives and advanced heat recovery systems.

High-Efficiency Chillers 

There are two main options of high-efficiency chillers: a condenser water system and air-cooled chillers. 

Condenser Water System

In a condenser water system, an electric centrifugal chiller absorbs and rejects heat into the condenser water utilizing refrigerants. The condenser water then circulates in a loop to the cooling towers where fans push air across the water to remove absorbed heat.

This option requires extensive infrastructure like chillers, pumps, pipes, air handlers, cooling towers and water treatment systems, but they are extremely efficient for cooling large spaces like office buildings, manufacturing plants and shopping centers.

Air-Cooled Chillers 

Air-cooled chillers operate similarly to car radiators. These systems use fans to blow outdoor air across refrigerant coils outside the building to disperse and dissipate heat. Air cooling is more direct compared to condenser water systems, removing the need for condenser water, cooling towers, water treatment systems and testing. 

This system is less efficient in extreme weather and large buildings, but they have lower infrastructure and operating costs for small to mid-sized offices. Less infrastructure means less maintenance and energy consumption, but it will all be dependent on the building’s size and needs. ¹

The Department of Energy calculated that a 175-ton air-cooled chiller meeting the required 10.96 EER efficiency level could offer a building $127,331 in lifetime cost savings compared to a less-efficient model.

Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)

VSDs adjust the speed of motors in an HVAC system based on demand, providing only the necessary power to meet the required conditions. This eliminates the need for a system to operate at full capacity all of the time, resulting in significant energy savings. 

Businesses can benefit from a more flexible and adaptable HVAC system by installing VSDs. This addition leads to better energy management and reduced wear-and-tear on equipment. VSDs can also help reduce noise and vibration in HVAC systems, improving indoor air quality and comfort for guests. 

Advanced Heat Recovery Systems

This system is designed to recycle and repurpose wasted heat generated by HVAC systems. Instead of letting excess heat escape out of the building, these systems capture it and transfer it to areas of the building that need heat. 

Advanced heat recovery systems reduce the need for separate heating systems, leading to lower energy usage and greater efficiency. You can integrate these systems into commercial HVAC setups to maintain optimal indoor temperatures while using less energy. These systems are particularly effective in buildings that have high ventilation needs like industrial buildings.

Advantages of Energy-Efficient HVAC Technologies

Adopting energy-efficient HVAC technologies brings numerous benefits to commercial buildings, including cost savings, system longevity and improved comfort. 

Cost Savings and ROI

One of the most significant benefits of introducing an energy-efficient HVAC system is the cost savings it will bring. According to a study by the Department of Energy, commercial buildings can save up to 40% on energy costs by upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Over time, these savings add up, delivering a strong return on investment for commercial property owners. With extra rebates and incentives for efficiency upgrades, businesses can often offset installation costs. In fact, companies can earn a maximum of $1.00 per square foot for a building that shows 50% energy savings.

System Longevity and Reliability

With advanced technologies, upgraded HVAC systems experience less strain during operation. This means fewer breakdowns, lower repair costs and reduced downtime. Reliable systems ensure businesses maintain optimal indoor conditions around the clock and all year long, improving overall operational efficiency.

Improved Comfort and Air Quality

With better control over temperature and humidity, energy-efficient HVAC systems provide a more stable and comfortable environment for occupants, whether it’s employees or customers. Many modern systems also include advanced filtration options that improve air quality by removing allergens and harmful pollutants. 

Studies from the EPA even show that improved air quality can lead to better productivity and better health outcomes for occupants, which can result in higher employee satisfaction and lower absenteeism rates. 

Implementing Energy-Efficient Solutions

Source: Pexels

If you’ve decided to make the switch to a more energy-efficient system, learning how to properly integrate the new system into the building is essential for success. 

Conducting Energy Audits and Assessments

Before upgrading right away, conduct an energy audit to help you identify areas where energy is lost and where the best improvements can be made. 

Energy audits provide valuable data that can help guide decisions on what system you’ll select, what size you’ll need and where it should be placed. By hiring professionals who specialize in energy assessments, organizations can ensure they are choosing the best solution for their unique needs and maximizing the potential for energy savings.

Integrating with Building Management Systems (BMS)

For the best optimization, commercial buildings should integrate their energy-efficient HVAC systems with their Building Management System (BMS). BMS technology entails centralized control of all building systems, including security, lighting and HVAC. 

Implementing smart controls helps a building automatically adjust settings to optimize energy use, track system performance and alert building managers to issues before they become costly problems. 

Complete integration means energy-efficient systems can perform at their peak with optimal energy savings and air quality. 

Maintenance and Optimization Tips

Once an energy-efficient HVAC system is in place, it’s essential for property owners to properly maintain them to ensure long-term performance and savings.

Best Practices for Ongoing Maintenance

The Department of Energy estimates that organizations can save up to 20% annually on energy bills just by operations and maintenance best practices. 

Regular inspections, filter cleanings, checking refrigerant levels and lubricating any moving parts can all extend the system’s life and prevent costly repairs.

Optimization Strategies

Optimization strategies keep the system working at its best level. This includes steps like adjusting settings based on the changing seasons, re-calibrating sensors frequently or replacing outdated components. 

Businesses should reliably monitor energy consumption to get notified when inefficiencies pop up so they can fine-tune the system for optimal performance. 

Go Energy Efficient With FAMCO

Energy-efficient commercial HVAC systems are more than a trend — they are a necessity for modern buildings. By investing in these systems, businesses can benefit immensely with cost savings, reducing their carbon footprint and improving the overall comfort of their building. 

At FAMCO, we offer a wide range of high-quality HVAC system vents, parts and accessories that can help you implement the best systems for your next commercial project. Explore our product page today to discover the best exhaust solutions designed to meet energy-efficient standards. 

We are constantly looking for feedback from professionals about the challenges they face on a daily basis. Visit our dedicated contractor page to learn more about our commitment to partnership.