HVAC mechanical systems present a variety of challenges to facilities managers and probably cost more than any other item in the facilities budget.
Representing a high percentage of capital costs and operating expenses in repairs, replacements and energy costs, an
HVAC system generates an estimated 25 percent of the total
energy use in commercial and institutional buildings.
Large energy‐using systems translate into significant annual savings or losses because they play a critical role in keeping occupants, data and production processes comfortable and productive.
Having Performance Issues
Responsible for system performance, Facility Managers struggle to deliver optimal efficiency with preventative maintenance and still balance the budget. Budget cuts and staff shortages force facility management departments to be more
creative in planning and prioritizing projects.
Deferring equipment service may be tempting as a short-term solution but leads to greater costs in the long run. Unavoidable
environmental issues like
air intake obstructions and debris buildup impacts
equipment’s airflow and restricts heat transfer.
Forced to run for longer cycle times at reduced capacity, operating costs will escalate, breakdowns will occur and equipment life expectancy will decrease.
Airborne Debris Clean‐Up,
Again, A dirty
condenser coil reduces cooling capacity (10-ton AC system only provides 7 tons of cooling) and uses much more energy than equipment with clean coils. In areas with vegetation and trees, repeated cleaning is necessary. Delicate fins and coils require time consuming hand brushing and messy corrosive chemicals that can damage system components and the environment over time. Costly cleaning is especially problematic when there are numerous sets of fins and coils located in hard to reach places or on roof tops without water access.
Let’s look at some numbers associated with dirty coils, which will increase with the number and size of units at each location.
- An average coil cleaning cost of £250 per roof top unit, at a facility with 5 units can add up to £2,500 if done 2x annually
- Average energy cost to run a 20 Ton Trane unit with dirty versus clean coils:
- KWH with clean coils 41,600
- KWH with dirty coils 64,800
- Savings/YR @ national average of £0.18/KWH = £4,176.00 (2022 average UK business rate)
Air intake filtration to prevent damage and blockage of the
condenser coils is a simple, cost‐effective method of reducing maintenance costs while optimising an HVAC system’s operating efficiency and lifespan. Contaminants like grass cuttings, insects, tree seedlings, dust and dirt are captured before they enter the system, and are quickly brushed clean with a broom.
Secure Without Screws
MagnaMount® is a unique new PreVent® mounting option that eliminates the need to drill into equipment. The plastic mount clip is backed by a strong neodymium “earth” magnet that sticks to the surface of metal enclosure cabinets, allowing them to be repositioned as needed. Installation of PreVent® has been reduced to minutes and requires no tools.
