Energy

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) systems typically account for up to 40 per cent of commercial business energy bills. While significant savings can be made when constructing a new building through clever design and installation of efficient equipment, there are many simple steps that can be taken to create savings from existing systems including:

1. adjust the thermostats to suit the season
2. operate the system only when and where needed
3. eliminate air re-heating if this is practiced
4. allow relative humidity to vary naturally
5. minimise the amount of make-up and exhaust air (but ensure minimum required air changes)
6. minimise the amount of air delivered to a conditioned space
7. recover energy where feasible
8. maintain and regularly tune all HVAC equipment
9. use passive solar design techniques to heat and cool air-conditioned space
10. ensure hot and cold air ducts are well insulated and do not leak
11. inspect HVAC controls for proper operation
12. inspect heating elements, controls, and fans
13. consider the use of radiant heaters to 'spot heat' work areas in large factories and warehouses
14. reduce the use of radiant and electric strip heaters and portable heaters
15. regardless of the system employed the control of warehouse and factory heating is crucial in maximising energy efficiency
16. ensure thermostats are located to minimise temperature error settings
17. ensure heat exchanger fins are not damaged or disfigured
18. ensure air conditioning systems are correctly maintained
19. minimise air conditioning in unoccupied operations
20. clean duct work
21. consider using demand limiting to minimise energy delivery costs
22. consider peak load shifting
23. seal openings in the building envelope
24. isolate large motors from the air stream
25. recalibrate Fan-Coil Unit Control Valves.

The resources below further explore how HVAC efficiency works, where its worked and how you can implement it in your organisation.

Fact sheets

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (Australian Greenhouse Office)
• HVAC Tips (Sustainability Victoria)
• Energy Saving Manual, Section 9- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (Department of Energy Utilities and Sustainability)

Case studies

• Air Conditioning Schedules and Training - Arnotts (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Centralised Plant, Rotary Heat Exchangers and improving Fresh Air Cycles - Bankstown District Sports Club (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Stations - Canterbury Bankstown Leagues Club (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Solar Water Heating and Ocean connected Heat Pump - North Sydney Council Swimming Pool (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Fresh Air Cooling and Off-peak Air Flushing - AGL Headquarters (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Centralised Fresh Air Cooling and improving Climate Controls - Bomaderry Bowling Club (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Variable Speed Drives, Condenser Bypass and Direct Digital Controls - Grace Hotel (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Timer Systems - NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Timers, Maintenance and improving Door Sealing - P&O Australia (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Electronic Thermostatic Expansion Valve, Staff Control, Chiller Sequencing and Ice Storage - Penrith Rugby League Club (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)
• Economy Cycle - Star City Casino (DEUS, Govt. of NSW)

Library and technical publications

Energy audit tools including:

• Ventilation Systems (Australian Greenhouse Office, Commonwealth)
• Air Conditioning Systems Australian Greenhouse Office, Commonwealth)