HVAC
Category: Energy Demand, Energy Efficiency
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioner) systems are energy intensive and make up nearly a third of a building’s energy demands. Investing in HVAC upgrades increases the system’s overall efficiency thus cutting energy use and emissions while generating savings from reduced operational maintenance and energy bills. Upgrades can be capital intensive, but the resulting energy savings can provide high financial returns with little risk.
Benefits
- Straightforward solution that can be done in house.
- Saves money and cuts emissions
- Improved temperature control and productivity
- Reduces operational maintenance
Challenges
- Large initial capital
- Project study takes time away from facility workers
- Not a very visible solution
Impacts
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GHG Impact
Large
More InfoUpgrading multiple buildings at one time can lead to substantial carbon mitigation due to the large energy demand that a building’s HVAC system requires.
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Economic Impact
Net Savings
More InfoVaries due to campus climate, cost of electricity, age of HVAC
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Feasibility
Some Challenges
More InfoEasy sell to stakeholders due to the reduction on energy bills.
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Timeline
1-2 years
More InfoAn initial study of baseline energy consumption and quality of HVAC system can take time.
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Maintenance
Moderate
More InfoHVAC upgrades decrease the amount of maintenance that was required for older systems.
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Publicity
That's interesting
More InfoNearly invisible. Building users may comment on improved temp consistency.
