HEATING AND COOLING
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are one of the largest users of energy in any commercial setting. Through the EnergyRight Solutions for Business Program, TVA offers a number of services to commercial and business customers that will help them assess their system’s efficiency and opportunities for cost savings.
CHILLED WATER SYSTEMS
Many large commercial buildings have chilled-water systems, which have separate central chillers and air handlers connected by pipes and pumps. It’s important to note that focusing on the efficiency of the chiller alone will not necessarily lead to the greatest savings, for these reasons:
- Chiller efficiencies do not account for the system’s pumps and fans, and they apply only to single chillers, while most plants use multiple chillers.
- Full-load efficiency data may not be helpful because chillers rarely run at full load, and integrated part-load data is provided at too few operating points to give an accurate indication of performance.
- The best way to produce energy savings is to take an integrated approach to the operation of the entire chiller system. Improved plant operation and maintenance combined with efficiency retrofits can achieve the best energy and demand savings.
UNITARY SYSTEMS
Unitary cooling equipment is found in about 70 percent of U.S. commercial buildings. The system may be a factory-assembled heat pump or air conditioner of the type commonly used in buildings up to three stories such as retail stores, smaller office buildings and schools. Some operating considerations for unitary systems are:
- They don’t last as long as chillers (about 15 years compared to 20-plus) and are less efficient.
- Efficiency and comfort can be maximized by comprehensive testing, adjusting, and balancing the unit and controls.
- Converting a building from a unitary to a chiller system is not usually feasible. However, replacing an old unit such as a packaged rooftop air conditioner with a new system such as an air-to-air heat pump might be advisable.
- Regular maintenance is important. See HVAC Tips.
VAV SYSTEM
A variable air volume (VAV) system is designed to operate more efficiently than a constant air volume system by regulating the amount of cooling targeted toward any specific room or area. A room whose windows face the sun for most of the day has a higher cooling load than a room in the shade. When a VAV box constricts a valve to let less air through, it decreases the amount of energy consumed by the fans that direct air around the building.
SUCCESS STORY
A TVA incentive helped the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort recover from major flooding in May 2010. Read more.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Two types of financial incentive are available to help reduce your project’s cost and accelerate your payback, the Standard Rebate and the Custom Incentive.
HVAC TIPS
Read helpful hints for How to save money on heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
NEED A CONTRACTOR?
Click here to choose a contractor from the Preferred Partners Network list, you gain peace of mind knowing that the work will done by a trained professional who has been pre-screened and selected based on TVA’s detailed membership requirements.
NEED HELP?
Call 866-233-0450 or see How to Get Started