A commercial property manager must wear a lot of hats. From tenant relations to structural maintenance, they must stay on top of every aspect of building operations. Furthermore, with commercial building codes tightening by the day, they must also make sure the structure is adhering to sustainability initiatives.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is via elite HVAC efficiency. By taking a holistic approach, property managers can help commercial buildings reduce their carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing operational costs and improving tenant comfort. Keep reading for some of the best strategies for improving HVAC efficiency in commercial buildings.
Leverage Technology
Technology is facilitating efficient HVAC performance in modern commercial buildings.
Smart thermostats allow for precise temperature control and scheduling. This reduces energy waste during times when the building is not operational. It allows for more efficient zone heating and cooling.
Remote monitoring provides real-time data of energy usage, system performance, and alerts for maintenance, allowing building managers to stay one step ahead of operational inefficiency. Data logging and analysis can help track energy consumption patterns and identify trends that will help optimize HVAC system performance.
Upgrade the Insulation
One of the best ways to improve HVAC efficiency is to reduce reliance on it. The harder the HVAC system has to work, the more likely it is to experience usage-related degradation.
As such, aim to keep the building interior at a stable temperature in the most extreme weather conditions by installing comprehensive thermal insulation. High-quality insulation will improve the R-value of the building envelope. A higher R-value figure indicates that less air will transfer through structural walls. This will reduce the amount of time that HVAC kicks on, regulating energy consumption and curbing utility costs.
Check the Condition of the Windows
The windows are one of the most notorious culprits of unwanted air transfer in a building. As the windows age, small cracks in window-to-wall transitions or even in the glass panes themselves can provide the path of least resistance through which conditioned air leaves the building.
Therefore, perform regular window inspections, sealing gaps as necessary, to ensure that small issues do not proliferate into big energy pits. For commercial structures that employ a significant amount of window area, it may be worthwhile to upgrade to hurricane-grade storm windows to provide additional fortification in the face of extreme weather.
Utilize Natural Ventilation
Passive design concepts help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. When using passive design to improve HVAC efficiency, a primary consideration will be in finding ways to use natural ventilation for bulk cooling of the structure. This typically means orienting the short axis of the building parallel to prevailing wind patterns. By adding architectural louvers to these wind-facing walls, the building is set to receive as much natural air circulation as possible with no threat of moisture or debris infiltration.
During particularly hot days, ambient air may not do much in the way of cooling the building interior. Therefore, it is a great idea to add wall mounted fans in large, open spaces to optimize airflow and reduce HVAC strain.
Install Sun Mitigation Features
As sprawling commercial spaces can require thousands of kWh for proper illumination, most buildings prefer to leverage expansive windows, glass walls, and skylights for as much natural daylighting as possible. While this reduces energy used for lighting, it can result in a subsequent uptick in A/C consumption if not properly mitigated.
Promote natural light transmission into the structure with none of the associated heat gain through strategic design. Prioritize low-E glass that blocks thermal radiation while allowing light to pass. Use adequate window treatments, such as blinds and roller shades. Consider decorative screen panels and architectural sun shades for the building’s exterior to provide a dose of shading to the most UV-exposed areas of the structure.
Add Dampers
Dampers are a crucial component of optimal HVAC efficiency in commercial settings. They help guarantee the correct flow of air through ductwork.
Backdraft dampers–also known as gravity dampers–are used to ensure the one-way flow of conditioned air. They keep air moving through the ductwork and prevent ambient air from “backing” into the HVAC system. In addition to keeping unwanted air out of HVAC ducts, they are commonly found in the vents of restrooms and kitchens.
The next level up from backdraft dampers is control dampers. While backdraft dampers are a simple one-way street, control dampers help regulate the flow of air through the ductwork, giving property managers greater control over temperatures. They are a critical component of ensuring consistent airflow through the ductwork and an even temperature throughout the structure. This can do wonders for keeping the HVAC system from working overtime to heat or cool remote recesses of the building.
HVAC Efficiency 101: The Best Tips for Commercial Property Managers
An efficient HVAC system can help a commercial property manager improve occupant comfort, reduce operational costs, and stay ahead of environmental codes. From improved technology integration to effective use of dampers, consider any of the tips listed above for improved HVAC efficiency. For more of the latest commercial real estate trends in the Rio Grande Valley, explore the resources at CHRE for ideas and inspiration today!
Leave A Comment