As such, commercial buildings and government facilities can greatly benefit from these components.
High-performance HVAC systems can yield immense benefits. While at first glance, they might not be classified as “ordinary” commercial-grade HVAC setups, they are highly similar. These machines all operate in much the same way, no matter where they are installed. As such, commercial buildings and government facilities can greatly benefit from these components. Energy efficiency matters more than ever before these days. It’s time to make that count for something!
What Does High Performance Mean?
First of all, let’s define the meaning of “high performance” in this specific context. As you might have gathered, high-performance HVAC machinery is meant to be as efficient as possible. However, finding that balance, that so-called “sweet spot,” is a daunting task. That’s because of what the HVAC actually does: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. One function could cancel out the other, creating frustration and additional budgetary strain for your government-affiliated office. The good news is that today’s ultra-efficient HVAC machines decrease energy consumption and dramatically increase energy efficiency.
Consider Your Building’s Dimensions
So with that in mind, start by considering the dimensions of your building. In other words, what are the layout, floor plan, and spatial arrangement of your assets? Consider where the windows are. Likewise, think about the different furniture and office equipment that could obstruct airflow or push more warm air into the rooms where they are located. In the muggy heat of summertime in our area, that could feel borderline intolerable. What about the tactic known as daylighting? Is that a common practice in your facility? It could be.
Size Up Your HVAC System
Our next piece of advice leans more towards HVAC design principles than anything else. What do we mean by that? Size up your HVAC system. As we have discussed before, going for the bigger unit isn’t always the smartest strategy. Oversized HVAC systems might not run at optimal levels, which would defeat the purpose of it being high performance.
Conversely, HVAC units that are too small for your building will not meet your expectations. That’s because they have to work twice as hard to achieve the same results as a medium-sized system. This situation causes energy costs to skyrocket.
Part-Load Systems Could Fit the Bill
There is still a glimmer of hope. Part-load systems could be potentially appealing solutions that you might not have heard of before. When a system is fully loaded, that means it’s intended to run at maximum capacity. Although this sounds like a good thing, that isn’t always the case. On the other hand, part-load systems can be configured to run at lower capacities and lower speeds, depending on what you need them to do.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals navigate the post-COVID-19 environment. We can develop a cost-effective, customized program for your building that will mitigate the potential health risks of COVID-19. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of reopening your building safely, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or [email protected]. Our PM contract customers receive priority treatment with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!