Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Fundamental Series Item : Lfioosing the Best HVAC System <br />file:///cl/windaws/TEMP/0,263 7,16287,C <br />operates but capabilities are also fixed by design. The size of the cooling and <br />coils are also fixed. <br />One manufacturer is responsible for the final unit. Manufacturer-matched con <br />have certified ratings and pertormance data and factory assembly allows imps <br />quality control and reliability. There are a number of manufacturers, so units s <br />available, but equipment life may be relatively short, usually 1p-15 years as ct <br />larger equipment which may have life expectancies of 2Q-25 years. Manufacti <br />instructions and multiple-unit arrangements simplify the installation through re <br />tasks. <br />System operation is simple. Generally, trained operators are not required and <br />mechanical and electrical space is required than with central systems. Howev <br />maintaining the units is more difficult because of the many pieces of equipme <br />location, which is usually in occupied spaces. <br />Initial cost is usually low but operating cost may be higher than for central sys' <br />will be the case when the unitary equipment efficiency is less than that of the <br />system components. Also, energy use may be greater because 'fixed unit size <br />require oversizing for some applications. For applications such as leased offic <br />energy use can be metered directly to each tenant. Units can be installed to c <br />one space at a time as a building is completed, remodeled, or as individual ar <br />leased and occupied. Another energy management opportunity with unitary s~ <br />that units serving unoccupied spaces can be turned off locally or from a cents <br />without affecting occupied spaces. <br />Summary <br />A solid understanding of the various types of commercial HVAC systems and their s• <br />important for the energy manager because the position often calls for being the owns <br />representative to work with others to ensure that the owner gets the environmental s <br />will best flt his needs. <br />Samuel C. Monger, CEM, CDSM, is the principal of the energy systems training firm, <br />Monger Worldwide Consulting. The author of numerous articles and books on perforr <br />testing and evaluation of HVAC/R systems, Monger is a nationally recognized energy <br />systems educator and. enerav enaineerina professional. <br />Copyright ©2000 by Business News Publishin Co. <br />