Achieving HVAC energy efficiency offers many economic and environmental benefits. Heating and cooling can take up about half of the energy a building uses. That’s why efficiency is critical for managing sustainability and costs. The Department of Energy states that energy used in homes accounts for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as those created by vehicles.
Read on to learn about HVAC energy efficiency and top tips on achieving it.
What is an HVAC?
HVAC is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. It refers to the technology and systems used to control indoor spaces’ temperature, humidity, and air quality. HVAC systems are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to provide a comfortable and healthy environment.
They include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ventilation fans, and ductwork to distribute and circulate air throughout the building. HVAC systems are important for maintaining optimal environmental conditions.
HVAC Energy Efficiency Definition
An efficient HVAC system needs less energy to produce quality heating and cooling temperatures.
The Department of Energy’s eeCompass guide states that efficient equipment can reduce energy use by 50% for heating and cooling systems and approximately 10% for gas furnace heating systems.
HVAC Energy-Efficient Design
Though maintenance and use of HVAC systems play an essential role in achieving HVAC energy efficiency, design is the first step. The goal is to maintain potential heat losses and maximize energy resources.
Technological advancements in this area include eliminating the need for chemical refrigerants to develop a heat pump, manufacturing efficient heat exchangers, and improving heat transfer processes.
Use of Custom Parts and High-Performance Materials
Performance can be improved by incorporating high-performance materials like EPP foam into HVAC systems. This material’s extraordinary characteristics, like its thermal insulation properties and lightweight nature, make it energy-efficient and reduce manufacturing and construction time.
EPP foam can be added to heaters, ventilation or refrigeration systems, air-conditioners, filters, pumps, and motors. Its capacity to minimize thermal bridges and eliminate the need for extra steel frames are some of its primary benefits.
Maintenance
Maintenance and repair operations for HVAC systems include ductwork, furnace, and other components. These operations must be undertaken to ensure the system remains efficient.
