A high-performing HVAC system is critical to the sustainability efforts of every industry and the nation as a whole. The U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that carbon emissions from building services, such as heating and cooling, made up 40 percent of the total U.S. emission levels in 2007. Further, 8 percent of all CO2 emissions comes from these types of services.

Commercial and industrial sectors in particular rely on HVAC systems to properly regulate and manage the flow of clean air throughout warehouses, factories, storage centers, refrigerators and the like. Because commercial buildings help contribute to overall energy consumption, the focus on efficiency is crucial.

To lower utility costs and energy use, commercial HVAC systems work best when maintained properly and under a high level of care. The EIA noted that buildings are responsible for 70 percent of electricity use in the U.S. HVAC units can drain electricity unnecessarily due to a series of malfunction issues, thus troubling efforts to reduce consumption and promoting sustainability.

Maintain coils
The U.S. Department of Energy suggested that by updating current energy regulations by 30 percent, building owners could potentially save $4 billion collectively, with more than $30 billion in savings by 2030.

One of the best ways to reconcile a company’s efficiency costs with global energy trends is to improve the durability and lifetime of HVAC coils within a larger system. However, many companies tend to ignore or mismanage the maintenance of coils to the detriment of the HVAC system. Similarly, by cleaning coils in an incorrect manner, coils can actually be further damaged and render the entire structure weaker for it.

That’s why Rahn Industries places an emphasis on setting standard coil cleaning guidelines for the betterment of a company’s HVAC unit. Rather than using abrasive tools, like sandpaper or steel wool, to clean out a coil, a simple cleaning solution made from 95 percent water should be used.

Additionally, harsh chemicals like chlorine should not be used, but rather pH-neutral agents should be applied. Crews can make the mistake of wiping down coils only to find they are contributing further damage by using corrosives, which wear down and eat away at the structure of a coil.

Rahn suggests cleaning coils with appropriately pressured water at least twice a year to prevent breakdown from buildup, condensation and corrosion. Doing so could enhance workplace productivity and save money in the long run.