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Energy Reduction
Mechanical systems have seen an improvement in energy efficiency due to new technologies, increasing energy costs, and changes in the mechanical design code. Mechanical equipment typically is most effective when new. Equipment efficiency can degrade over its life, depending on service history and other factors. Evaluation of aging mechanical systems is crucial to maintain system performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor air quality.
Mechanical systems of the past potentially could have been over - or
under-sized depending on building function, mechanical equipment, size of mechanical room, and cost of fossil fuels. An evaluation of the mechanical system will allow Purcell Green to work with the building owner to determine if any equipment needs to be upgraded, if incorporating renewable resources is an option, or if the mechanical system layout is the most efficient use of energy. Reviewing these items with the owner will allow for the potential to reduce energy consumption while improving indoor environmental quality.
REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION:
| Evaluate Mechanical System Performance and Potential Equipment Upgrades |
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Systems reach peak performance before reaching their longevity. In the meantime, component maintenance is important and can assist in keeping the system performing as needed. |
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Building use changes resulting in appropriate mechanical systems or equipment size. |
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| Evaluate Building System Controls |
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Building system controls assist in mechanical system operation. Reviewing the controls can determine if system equipment is operating to its peak potential and correctly.
A building’s function can change from the original design intent of the building. If the building layout has been modified by making floor plan adjustments or a change in the number of occupants, there is room to evaluate the system controls. Controls also assist in automatic turn-on and turn-off of the system to reduce energy consumption when the building is not in operation.
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| Provide Additional Heating Zone Controls and Individual Heating Comfort Controls |
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Mechanical systems are designed to be controlled by zones. This allows the system to perform efficiently and focus the mechanical system’s energy output. A zone can vary in size depending on the function of the building. By evaluating existing zones, it can be determined if certain zones need to be reduced in size and provide additional controls to increase mechanical system efficiency. Also, if individual offices have been added to the floor plan, an evaluation of providing single zone controls for those areas will be done. In a large room with a small office, it is more practical to heat the office rather than the entire room.
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