HVAC Systems - How To Calculate Electricity Bill In UAE

Your organization's HVAC system incurs significant expenses. In 2019, American commercial properties, ranging from charming boutiques to massive office skyscrapers, averaged an energy expenditure of $7,759. As per the New York state government, 37% of this cost is attributed to heating and cooling. Whether your expenditure exceeds or falls below this average, reducing these costs is undoubtedly a priority. However, adopting a more efficient system can be both costly and disruptive.

Outlined below are five practical steps to decrease HVAC expenses without the need to replace your existing system.

1. HVAC Energy Management System

Initiate the process by examining your current system and energy consumption. Hiring a professional energy auditor is an option for evaluating your commercial indoor air quality and receiving expert recommendations. Alternatively, you can conduct the assessment yourself using guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, which, while designed for residential assessments, are applicable to commercial properties. Have your accountant scrutinize energy-related figures, identifying patterns in heating or cooling costs and current maintenance expenses. Simultaneously, your facilities manager should visually inspect the facility for potential issues such as uninsulated pipes and ducts, damaged components, clogged filters, and malfunctioning thermostats. The objective is to establish a baseline for future enhancements.

2. HVAC Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the simplest and most effective approach to reducing HVAC costs. Even those without in-house personnel can benefit by hiring a service professional, as the savings often outweigh the expenses. According to the state government of Victoria, neglecting regular maintenance can increase energy consumption by up to 30%. Consider a scenario where this maximum potential inefficiency of 30% exists. HomeGuide estimates HVAC tune-ups to cost between $70 and $200 per call. If quarterly tune-ups were performed, the annual expense for your business would range from $280 to $800. Compare this with the potential cost of up to $2,400 for a poorly maintained HVAC system (based on an $8,000 annual bill). Even if your energy bill is substantially lower, quarterly professional maintenance is likely to result in net savings.

3. Government grants for HVAC systems

In a previous article, we highlighted that the government has allocated nearly half a trillion dollars for COVID-related air quality improvements. This funding has a limited window of opportunity, so prompt application through your state, tribal, or local government is essential. Competitive grants are also available through the EPA's landing page.

Tax credits provide an additional avenue. The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a list of "Tax Incentives for Energy-Efficiency Upgrades in Commercial Buildings." Furthermore, additional credits may be accessible through your state government.

Small businesses and nonprofits may also find private funding opportunities. For example, the National Grid periodically releases grants aimed at enhancing local infrastructure, some of which can be utilized for HVAC improvements.

4. HVAC energy saving

Not every HVAC enhancement needs to be an extensive project. Numerous technologies can boost your building's energy efficiency without undergoing a complete overhaul. Here is a non-exhaustive list of such improvements:

Window Treatments: Surprisingly, reducing HVAC costs can be as straightforward as using shades, blinds, and curtains to block sunlight when cooling is required. Certain types of curtains also serve to insulate windows, aiding in heat retention during colder periods.

Ceiling Fans: Installing ceiling fans can enhance overall HVAC system efficiency, whether for heating or cooling. Opt for fans with reversible settings, creating downdrafts in summer and updrafts in winter.

Smart Thermostats: Employ the capabilities of smart thermostats to delegate energy efficiency tasks to computers. These devices learn your temperature preferences, allow remote control via your phone, and can be programmed to activate the HVAC system automatically at specific points in your daily routine.

Sealant & Insulation: While insulating the HVAC system is crucial, insulating your building's attic and basement, if applicable, is equally important. Ensure windows and doors are well-fitted, caulked, and weather-stripped.

A word of caution regarding building sealing: while it improves energy efficiency, it can also trap pollutants and gases inside. Increasing air-tightness must be coupled with other improvements to ensure a proper flow of fresh air.

ERVs & Economizers: Devices like enthalpy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and economizers enhance efficiency. ERVs transfer moisture and temperature between indoor and outdoor air, preserving the system's heating or cooling efforts. Alternatively, Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) transfer heat without moisture. Economizers optimize outdoor air intake based on external temperature, but may not be ideal for warm and humid climates.

Demand Control Ventilation (DCV): DCV adjusts ventilation based on room occupancy, redistributing carbon dioxide from unoccupied spaces. A well-calibrated DCV system is beneficial, but poor calibration may compete with economizers or elevate carbon dioxide levels.

Solar Panels: Generate your own energy to counter high costs. For businesses with ample roof space, solar panels can be a cost-effective, long-term solution.

5. HVAC filters

The EPA's Clean Air in Buildings Challenge recommends upgrading to "properly sized MERV-13 air filters or the highest rated MERV filters that the HVAC system can accommodate." However, blindly adopting MERV-13 filters can hinder airflow, worsening air quality and straining the HVAC system. Find the highest MERV-rated filter allowing maximum airflow.

Incorrect filter grades can damage components such as condenser coils, heat exchangers, and tubing. To effectively reduce viral particles without upgrading to MERV-13, complement your existing filter grade with active air purification. Active commercial air purifiers, like those featuring ActivePure Technology, operate within the room, neutralizing viruses. These devices have been proven to reduce up to 99.99% of common viruses, bacteria, and mold spores, including the COVID-19 virus.

ActivePure is available in portable units for immediate use and in induct units compatible with existing HVAC systems. The latter can be installed by in-house personnel in under an hour, offering a budget-friendly HVAC improvement.

If you've found these five steps beneficial and aim for even greater savings, explore our recommendations for upgrading your BOMA building class.