What You Need To Know About New Efficiency Requirements For Rooftop Units

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia know, staying abreast of changing HVAC codes and standards is a challenge for any business. However, as the public drive for decreasing carbon footprint forges on, new 2018 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mandates for efficiency in commercial rooftop units continue to evolve to reduce HVAC energy use, which is responsible for 50% of all energy utilized in commercial and residential buildings across the country.

How Will Upcoming Efficiency Regulations Effect Your Commercial ­­Business?

Awareness and understanding of government, trade association, and local utility regulations are essential to your business. Announced back in 2015, HVAC commercial contractors are aware the time for DOE compliance guidelines to go into effect has come and gone, effective January 1st, though many commercial businesses find themselves surprised by the new standards. What are the new rooftop regulatory efficiency requirements, and how will they affect your commercial business? 

• New Efficiency Requirements will Effect a Number of Industries.

  Including retail stores, educational facilities, hospitals, and more, including commercial heating and air conditioning rooftop units (RTUs) and systems for low-rise buildings.
  
  

• The New Efficiency Requirements are Being Introduced in Two Phases.

  Phase one is in effect now. Phase one requires commercial rooftop units to improve efficiency by 10%  Phase two will come into play in 2023, when all RTUs and warm-air furnaces must be 30% more efficient than current standards.
  
  

• Performance Ratings will Shift from SEER to IEER Ratings.

  Instead of the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) previously used to evaluate performance, new IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings will now be used. What’s the difference? IIER will measure how a unit performs over the course of the season, rather than solely the coldest and hottest days of the year.
  
  

• Specific Performance Requirements Vary by State.

  Making it essential to verify with state-specific DOE requirements to ensure compliance.
  
  

• New Technology is Popping Up to Meet these Increased Efficiency Requirements.

  Ask commercial HVAC contractors in NJ about new multi-speed blower and condensing fan technology, larger coil heat exchangers, modulated compression, modified controls, and other technology that can help new rooftop systems meet - and surpass – upcoming efficiency requirements. Though such higher efficiency systems will cost more on initial purchase, their lower operating cost will make up for the added expense in energy savings over time.
  
  

• New Performance Requirements will Drastically Cut Energy Use.

  Over the next 30 years, the new performance requirements are expected to reduce HVAC energy use by 1.7 trillion kWh, leaving an average of $7,000 in the pockets of building owners nationwide over the lifespan of their commercial rooftop systems.

Looking for a commercial HVAC repair service that can help you ensure compliance and avoid legal issues? H&H Commercial Services has experience across a range of industries and is up-to-date on the latest industry regulations affecting your business. Don’t wait. Reduce energy costs and ensure compliance with the help of H&H Commercial Services today. 

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/need-know-new-efficiency-requirements-rooftop-units/

Is Your Business A Commercial Energy Hog?

Commercial businesses consume energy in much the same fashion as homes, guzzling electricity to power heating and cooling, lighting, electronics and appliances. Already consuming 41% of the power produced in the U.S. according to 2014 figures from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 2014 statistics, energy consumption in these sectors is expected to rise 13% in the U.S. the next 20-years, while globally it will inflate a staggering 44%, taxing the earth’s natural resources. Is your business doing its part to staunch the flow, or carelessly contributing the world’s ‘carbon footprint’ problem?

Is Your Business a Commercial Energy Hog?

Commercial HVAC contractors in Philadelphia get a lot of questions from customers concerning the ‘normalcy’ of their energy expenditures and ways to reduce energy use. Though the usage of the commercial sector varies slightly by industry, whether your business is a medical, office, hotel, retail, sports, educational, religious, or governmental establishment, the biggest energy user of the commercial sector by far is heating and cooling, adding up to over half of your monthly and annual energy expenditures> Nearly all of this energy is provided by electricity (53%) and natural gas (39%), which powers 92% of the energy needs of U.S. businesses.

 

Top Energy Consumers in Commercial Buildings

The U.S. Energy Information Administration 2012 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption reveals what’s consuming the most commercial energy, including:

• Space heating 25%
• “Other” 13%
• Ventilation 10%
• Refrigeration 10%
• Lighting 10%
• Commercial cooling 9%
• Computers/office equipment 8%
• Water heating 7%
• Cooking 7%

 

Industries Consuming the Most Energy

As taken from the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Report:

• Offices: 19%
• Retail/Malls: 18%
• Education: 8%
• Healthcare: 8%
• Storage/Warehouses: 7%
• Hotels/Lodging: 7%
• Food Service: 6%
• Food Sales: 5%
• Public Assembly: 5%
• Service: 4%
• Church/Worship: 2%
• Public Order/Safety: 2%

 

How Concerned Should You Be About Your Business’ Kilowatt Consumption?

Though the global need for energy is rising, America’s energy expenditures could be far worse. Federal and state appliance efficiency standards, in-effect since the 80s, have realized dramatic improvements, particularly with former energy gluttons including HVAC, water heaters, and refrigerators, as have improvements in the lighting arena including more affordable LED lighting options. Minimum efficiency standards have also reduced the use of energy consumed by commercial equipment considerably.
  

Tips for Reducing Energy Costs & Leaving a Smaller Carbon Footprint

Been a while since you scheduled necessary commercial heating and air conditioning repair and maintenance? Your heating and cooling needs may be costing your business and the environment even more than these statistics suggest. Learn more about ways to reduce the consumption of your business’ largest energy consumer with these HVAC tips for reducing energy costs. In addition, when upgrading appliances or your facilities, be on the lookout for these logos:

• Energy Star

  Energy Star labels not only energy efficient products – but energy efficient buildings. Does yours qualify?

• LEED

  The most widely-used green building rating system worldwide.

Looking for new ways to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your annual energy expenditures? Schedule commercial HVAC repair and service and learn more about commercial energy audits from the industry experts at H&H Commercial Services today.  

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/business-commercial-energy-hog/