Though HVAC performance has long been a focus of building managers and energy-minded technicians, a new report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology indicated improper installations are the main cause of equipment failures, leading to energy loss.
The NIST conducted a three-year study and found a host of problems that cause HVAC units to essentially be ineffective from the time of installation. While one piece of faulty equipment can certainly be detrimental, it does not solely contribute to the overall failure of a unit until the original malfunction begins affecting other aspects of the system. The NIST concluded that HVAC failures are the result of several additive features. For instance, over- or undersized equipment can cause leaks, which can affect ducts and filters, thus leading to declining levels of air quality, and so on.
Further, incorrect refrigerants, low airflow and heat pump issues were also large factors contributing to failure. The NIST also found that roughly half of all HVAC units are operating at 80 percent or less than their original efficiencies.
When compounding several faults at once, the effects are severely damaging to HVAC performance, with indoor air quality and humidity controls being compromised. When located in an especially corrosive environment, coils can be damaged to the point of rendering the entire system a failure. In this case, replacement parts will be necessary, but with a greater focus on proper installation to prevent issues from reappearing.
Energy efficiency
By stopping energy loss before it starts, the overall quality of air inside commercial and industrial buildings will be improved. In addition, sustainability efforts will have a far-reaching impact on both national and global energy consumption.
The International Energy Agency estimated the global energy-efficiency market to be worth more than $310 billion a year, with that number expected to rise. As countries begin to place a larger emphasis on energy investments, utility costs should decline while overall building efficiency should increase.
The global effort toward sustainability is likely to expand in the coming decades as more and more research and technology becomes available.
“Energy efficiency is moving from a niche interest to an established market segment with increasing interest from institutional lenders and investors,” said Maria van der Hoeven, executive director of the IEA. “As energy efficiency is essential to meeting our climate goals while supporting economic growth, the increasing use of finance is a welcome development. To fully expand this market, initiatives to continue to reduce barriers will need to strengthen.”
As a large percentage of energy consumption comes from the commercial building sector, efforts to limit HVAC failures are all the more pressing. Those in the HVAC industry will see a rise in the demand for more efficient materials and services, including coil cleaning and replacement.
At Rahn Industries, the utmost care and quality are undertaken to produce industry-leading HVAC services for the commercial and industrial sector. A particular emphasis is placed on revamping once-damaged coils to function at a higher capacity. Through the use of coating services, Rahn applies a durable, resistant layer of coatings to coils within an HVAC system. This process reduces levels of corrosion and allows coils to work at maximum efficiency, which eliminates energy waste.
If coils are fully damaged, Rahn Industries produces replacement coils, which can be installed quickly, revitalizing an HVAC unit’s performance capabilities. Whether it’s chilled water coils, evaporator coils or any other type of malfunctioning part of an HVAC, Rahn works with top-of-the-line products that rely on the newest technology.
Rahn Industries has a full lineup of spray and immersion (dip)/ Bake protective coatings to meet your needs.
For HVAC services, contact Rahn today.