Top HVAC retrofit solutions for energy and cost savings

 

Retrofit insights

• Retrofitting an HVAC system provides a cost-effective, less disruptive alternative to full replacements while improving efficiency and sustainability. 

• Modern HVAC retrofits like duct sealing, demand control ventilation and air economizers can reduce energy use and enhance indoor air quality without extensive system overhauls. 

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Upgrading a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can provide opportunities for property owners to reduce energy costs, decrease maintenance responsibilities, improve efficiency and increase indoor air quality. HVAC specialists might consider retrofitting, repairing or replacing a system, and they may find plenty of reasons to prefer retrofits.  

Retrofit versus repair or replace

In many instances, HVAC professionals should consider retrofitting HVAC equipment into an existing system, rather than focusing exclusively on repairs or a full replacement. A replacement of the entire system usually costs more and the process can lead to significant downtime. Constant repairs may keep the system running, but they often compromise on temperature control, efficiency and sustainability. Retrofits provide a middle path that doesn’t require extensive downtime for the project or keep the system in a perpetual crisis of potential failure.  

The current environment for HVAC system retrofits offers plenty of variety and customization for each space. HVAC professionals should consider these options when recommending the latest technology in efficient, sustainable and cost-cutting upgrades to their clients. 

Ductwork sealing

Ductwork sealing can significantly increase the efficiency and output of heating and cooling systems, without requiring a full replacement. Over time, ductwork can settle, creating kinks or obvious gaps through which conditioned air can escape. Sealing the gaps and spaces improves the overall airflow while ensuring that the heated or cooled air reaches the correct spaces. In many cases, replacing the ductwork can similarly increase the system efficiency, providing a comprehensive improvement for the entire operation. 

 Demand control ventilation 

Demand control ventilation can decrease the amount of money that a building spends on ventilation during periods of low occupancy, which saves energy for high-demand periods. This system relies on devices like carbon dioxide sensors to determine the occupancy of a specific space. The demand control ventilation system can automatically adjust ventilation for the area, ensuring that the building maintains better indoor air quality at the most important times. 

 Air economizers

Air economizers can take advantage of ideal outdoor temperatures to reach target indoor heating and cooling settings, without using as much energy. At times when the outside temperature is closer to the desired temperature inside than the actual indoor air, air economizers focus on drawing in outdoor air to cycle through each room, instead of cycling colder or warmer air to be conditioned by the system. This equipment can cut down significantly on energy consumption without having to shut down the system for long periods. 

Energy recovery ventilation

Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) provide a balance between continuously cycling stale indoor air and providing a fresh supply of air during each operation of the commercial HVAC system. ERVs use a heat exchanger and crossing streams of supply and exhaust air to extract heat and humidity from the air and deliver it to the right place. With an ERV, HVAC systems use less energy to warm or cool air, making the entire system more effective and efficient. 

 Variable-frequency drives 

In many older HVAC systems, the fan operates at one speed, pushing past dampers that are always set to the same position. The latest technology involves the use of variable air volume boxes and variable-frequency drives that adjust the air volume and the speed of the fan circulating air throughout the building. variable-frequency drives can adapt the revolutions of the fan motor, which increases the amount of cubic feet per minute of air passing through the ductwork. These minute adjustments, given at the point of demand, can reduce the overall energy consumption of the system. 

Building automation

Automating building operations provides a crucial component in the overall efficiency of any HVAC system retrofit. Putting building lighting, security, plumbing and HVAC into an integrated system can simplify the customization process of each space for owners and operators based on occupant needs. Automation allows control from remote locations and for adjustments to temperature, lighting or security from a single device. An updated system can eliminate wasted energy by automating efficient settings, leading to regular cost savings. 

Smart temperature and humidity controls

Smart controls fill an important role in the modern HVAC system. Property owners and occupants do not always know how to create the best settings for the ideal temperature and moisture control of each space. Smart controls can incorporate prior usage data and user preferences into settings to meet the needs of a space and change when necessary. Smart HVAC can also provide real-time usage reports, which helps establish new goals for reducing energy consumption or carbon emissions. 

Advanced filtration

High levels of filtration are not always considered efficient, but new approaches can bridge the divide. In the past, the highest levels of filtration often decreased performance by changing the way that airflow could pass through the filter. More recent types of filtrations can minimize the accumulation of debris, allergens, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. Using a combination of filters with a moderate MERV rating, plus UV lamps or antimicrobial air filters, can dramatically improve indoor air quality without losing system efficiency or increasing the maintenance burden. 

Retrofitting an HVAC system can provide the same benefits as a full replacement without the same time or money concerns. Retrofits that focus on efficiency, performance and sustainability can help owners to achieve their goals for function and comfort while working toward lowering their energy dependence or carbon emissions. 

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