July 2021

HVAC Efficiency: What It Is, Why It Matters and How to Get Started

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning make up a very large minority of energy usage in the United States. As such, making HVAC systems more streamlined is the goal of many organizations seeking to increase U.S. energy productivity. Since HVAC energy usage has serious global impacts, increasing efficiency is crucial to minimizing detrimental effects. Below, learn about every stage of the HVAC process, including design of equipment, installation, maintenance and system use.

What is HVAC Efficiency?

HVAC usage in a single entity (e.g. commercial building or home) can vary widely from one place to another. Heating and cooling efficiency is the most effective way that people can decrease their overall energy consumption. HVAC equipment that is currently available has different degrees of possible efficiency. However, this is only the beginning. Experts consider the spectrum of efficiency rates, factoring in differences in equipment, quality of installation and maintenance, as well as personal use. Based on all of these factors, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and many professional organizations conclude that much can be done to improve the HVAC efficiency of virtually any single system.

Global Impacts of HVAC Energy Usage

Energy consumption through heating, ventilation and air conditioning represents a significant portion of nationwide energy usage. The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that HVAC equipment accounts for 40 percent of energy usage in commercial buildings. According to DOE, energy used by homes creates twice as much greenhouse gas emissions – recognized to contribute to climate change – compared to cars.

Efficiency in HVAC Design

Efficiency applies to design of HVAC equipment, as well as use. Experts suggest taking a holistic approach to decreasing energy consumption, by examining all the ways that each part of the HVAC system uses energy and looking for ways to improve it. Demand-controlled ventilation is key to reducing the cooling or heating load so that buildings are not cooled or heated regardless of the needs of the building’s inhabitants. Designers should aim to use renewable energy sources whenever possible. Since heating and cooling tends to produce a lot of waste, HVAC system designers ought to take advantage of natural conditions or by-products to more effectively heat and cool. For example, the system may be built to use heat exhaust to warm air or utilize natural moisture to cool air.

Resourceful Use of HVAC Equipment

Assuming that the heating and cooling equipment is designed with the greatest efficiency in mind, the most significant impact on effectiveness comes from the installation, maintenance and use of the system. All equipment for the HVAC system must be expertly installed to ensure that the maximum amount of cooled or heated air will reach all specified areas of the building. Once installed, the equipment should be maintained regularly and repaired, as needed. This includes appliances such as furnaces and air conditioners, but also auxiliary equipment like ductwork, which can be a significant source of wasted energy. DOE recommends that people in all buildings use programmable thermostats efficiently to minimize energy consumption. It also suggests that building managers and homeowners take a proactive stance toward a decrease in energy consumption.

When Americans plan to reduce their energy usage, they are more likely to succeed. HVAC efficiency allows people to use their HVAC equipment to cool or heat buildings without wasting energy unnecessarily. Given the contribution of HVAC energy consumption to global greenhouse gases, improvements to these systems through design, installation, maintenance and use are vital to any environmental conservation plan.

Author Bio:

Patricia Bonacorda has vast experience in the Plumbing and HVAC community. She is the president of Spartan Plumbing. Spartan is a licensed, bonded, and insured business that provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning in the DC metro area.

Source: https://www.ase.org/blog/hvac-efficiency-what-it-why-it-matters-and-how-get-started

WATER                                REST                                 SHADE

Remember those three words.

As we approach the hottest and most humid months of the year, please take into consideration a couple of things unique to you:

1. How physically fit are you?
2. Do you have any underlying medical issues?
3. Are you on medication that may make you less tolerant of high temperatures?
4. How physically demanding are the tasks you are performing.

No matter if you are performing your job here at MSD, working in your yard at home, on the ball field or maybe even out on the lake, it is important to stay hydrated.

Drink a lot of water!

Do not just take a drink of water when you feel thirsty. The general rule of activity in high temp conditions is around 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

*If your on-leisure time, its best to avoid excess alcoholic beverages and caffeine. *

Water or sports drinks with electrolytes will keep you going!

Take your breaks!

Do not work through your break time. You need those breaks to cool your body temperature down and to drink that water.

Find some Shade!

I understand finding shade on a jobsite may not be possible; it may be that you will have to come up with a plan with your supervisor if you are at higher risk for heat-related illness.

That could be as simple as working in a different area at the peak of temperatures or using something approved to shield you from the sun’s direct path.

If you are working out in the yard, wear a hat.

If you are on the ballfield, take an umbrella and maybe a spray bottle to mist when the heat is intense.

If your out on the lake, hammer down and get some wind through your hair (if you still have any), or jump in the water and cool off.

The Safety Department of MSD hope you will have one of the best summers ever!

DRINK WATER!

Phil Smith

Sara Sowers

I just wanted to shoot you an email regarding how amazing Sara has been to work with.

She is one of the busiest people in the company, yet she always finds a window and a way to help me out. She has gone with me to survey customer sites and to meetings and has been absolutely clutch in both capacities. Her responsiveness and follow-through are top-notch and her willingness to work with me and keep me in the loop on everything has been exemplary.

I just want to make sure she is getting the recognition she deserves for the job she is doing. I cannot say enough good things about her.

Submitted by: Eric Eversole

Scott Janowiecki

Ireceived a telephone call from a woman who had a flat tire on the ramp from Woodman to Springfield Street today and one of our guys changed her tire. After discussing with the team Scott Janowiecki helped her! Scott thank you so much for representing our team in a professional and helpful manner. The woman wanted us to pass along her gratitude.

Submitted by: Evelyn Biza

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — By now, it’s well known that circulating outdoor air in buildings is safer than recirculating indoor air. That point was driven home by the pandemic. Problem is, it’s just not cost-effective.

That may soon change. Purdue University engineers have proposed a system that combines new membrane technology with the latest HVAC systems to make 100% outdoor air systems more energy-efficient and economically feasible – especially in warm, humid climates. They say their system could save up to 66% in energy costs for large buildings that choose to use the safer outdoor air.

Previous research at Purdue has shown that HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) are a key factor in spreading airborne diseases like COVID in indoor environments like office buildings, restaurants and airplanes.

“Most people don’t realize the complexity of a modern HVAC system,” said James E. Braun, the Herrick Professor of Engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Buildings at Purdue. “There’s a specific sweet spot for humidity in an indoor environment — between 40% and 60%. Any drier than that, and people aren’t comfortable; any more humid, and you’re at risk for mold and other problems.”

You can read more by clicking here and visiting Purdue’s website.