HVAC systems in commercial buildings account for 40 percent of worldwide energy consumption, according to Navigant Research. Because commercial buildings are larger in size and contain more products, inventory, machinery and workers, the necessity to properly regulate the in- and outgoing flow of air is vital to every economic sector.

Food storage industries rely on specific temperature gauges to ensure the quality and safety of their goods. Similarly, wastewater and chemical plants must operate under certain conditions so that the process of treating and disposing harmful contaminants remains in line with federal regulations and standard company protocol.

With the rise of new energy sources, like wind, solar and natural gas, more companies are switching to energy-efficient commercial HVAC systems to cut down on high utility costs and help keep productivity levels at a maximum level. In fact, Navigant Research suggests that total worldwide revenue from new energy-efficient HVAC systems will surpass $33 billion in the next six years.

The potential for business savings is great for companies that make the switch. For companies worrying about the upfront costs of improving their HVAC system, the solution may be less expensive than realized. By simply replacing individual parts of the larger system, the indoor air quality of a building can improve dramatically – not to mention, the overall performance and capability of an HVAC system will advance beyond standard heating or cooling. The goal is not only to create a more efficient system but also to put a company-wide focus on sustainability.

Updating a unit
Fitting an HVAC system with a new evaporator coil can greatly enhance the efficiency of the machine itself. This is because many hvac coils can become worn or ineffective if there is a blockage or debris in the filters. In this case, proper airflow is not making its way through the system and the evaporator coil is unable to cool the air to an appropriate temperature. Cleaning foams, sprays and hoses may not do enough to improve the performance of your system.

Likewise, in the event heating channels are matted with dust and dirt, some companies may settle for cleaning filters or wiping down coils. Rather, the larger problem could be the fact that condenser coils are not operating at maximum productivity. Replacing old coils with updated models is key.

Pike Research data from Lime Energy Co. suggests an HVAC system costs $1.70 per square foot for a grocery store and $2.45 per square foot for a restaurant. Other industries also face similar high costs from HVAC systems. By switching to more energy-efficient methods, companies can save on these costs.