Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Technology overview

Heating,
ventilation and
air conditioning
Saving energy without compromising comfort

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Preface

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Reducing energy use makes perfect business sense; it saves money,
enhances corporate reputation and helps everyone in the fight against
climate change.
The Carbon Trust provides easiest effective advice to help businesses
take action to reduce carbon emissions, and the easiest way to do this is
to use energy more efficiently.
This overview of heating, ventilation and air conditioning introduces
the main energy saving opportunities for businesses and demonstrates
how simple actions save energy, cut costs and increase profit margins.

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

3

Introduction

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems control the temperature, humidity and quality of
air in buildings to a set of chosen conditions. To achieve this, the systems need to transfer heat and moisture
into and out of the air as well as control the level of air pollutants, either by directly removing them or by
diluting them to acceptable levels.
Heating systems increase the temperature in a space
to compensate for heat losses between the internal
space and outside. Ventilation systems supply air
to the space and extract polluted air from it. Cooling
is needed to bring the temperature down in spaces
where heat gains have arisen from people, equipment
or the sun and are causing discomfort.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems vary
widely in terms of size and the functions they perform.
Some systems are large and central to the building
services – these were probably designed when the
building was originally commissioned and use
ventilation to deliver heating and cooling. Other
systems may provide heating through boilers and
radiators, with some limited ventilation to provide
fresh air or cooling to certain parts of the building such
as meeting rooms. In some cases, individual comfort
cooling units have been added to a building to
overcome a specific overheating problem that had not
been thought of at the time of the original design.

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So if heating, ventilation and air conditioning can be
separate systems, why consider them holistically?
The answer lies in the interaction of these services
with each other and with the building. By considering
HVAC systems as individual elements rather than as
an interacting system, it would be easy to overlook a
major area of energy wastage – that one component
might impact on another. For example, it would be
wasteful to increase heating inside a building while
the cooling system is fighting to reduce temperatures.
It is therefore useful to look at how the elements of an
HVAC system interact with each other and fine tune
each part to save energy and money.

Did you know?
The true definition of an ‘air conditioning
system’ is one which has the ability to control
temperature, humidity and air quality within
precise limits, yet the term is often applied to
systems which simply cool the space. These
cool air systems are more correctly referred
to as ‘comfort cooling’.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Energy consumption
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning can account for the majority of money spent by an organisation
on energy. Even small adjustments to these systems can significantly improve the working environment
and at the same time, save money.
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How much energy do HVAC
systems use?
There are five important factors that determine the
energy use of an HVAC system:
• The design, layout and operation of the building – this
affects how the external environment impacts on
internal temperatures and humidity;
• The required indoor temperature and air quality –
more extreme temperatures, greater precision and
more refined air quality consume more energy;
• The heat generated internally by lighting, equipment
and people – all of these have an impact on how
warm your building is;
• The design and efficiency of the HVAC plant –
provides heat, cooling and moisture control exactly
where it is needed in the building;
• The operating times of the HVAC equipment and
ability of the controls – these limit operation to exactly
when it is needed.

Making savings
• Reducing the need – The design and specification
of buildings and HVAC systems have a big impact
on energy use and hence, energy spend. Sometimes
natural ventilation provides the best solution to HVAC
needs – see page 7 to find out more.
• Changing staff behaviour – The way occupants
use a building and its HVAC systems plays a big
role in how a building performs. See page 9 for
tips on how staff can learn to control their
environment efficiently.
• Understanding and using controls – Most HVAC
systems are fitted with controls. Learning how to set
and regulate these can provide substantial savings
and enhance comfort conditions for building
occupants. See page 11 for more information.

• Hardware opportunities – If you are considering
upgrading or refurbishing your HVAC systems, there
are some good opportunities for energy saving.
Page 16 shows how new, efficient equipment can
often pay back its costs very quickly.
Total carbon emissions from energy use in public
and commercial buildings 2008
Other Catering
6%
6%

Lighting
21%

Cooling and
ventilation
7%
Hot water
6%

• Maintaining existing systems – Regular
maintenance is vital for maximising energy savings and
avoiding costly breakdowns, as explained on page 14.
Heating
46%

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Computing
8%

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

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Technology overview
Identify your HVAC system
HVAC system components
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HVAC systems vary widely in terms of the individual
components that make them up and how they are set
up within a building. Most systems contain some
common basic components:
• Boilers 1 produce hot water (or sometimes steam) for
distribute to the working space. This is done either by
heating coils 2 which heat air as part of the ventilation
system, or through hot water pipes to radiators 3
• Cooling equipment 4 chills water for pumping to
cooling coils 5 . Treated air is then blown over the
chilled water coils into the space to be cooled 6
through the ventilation system. As part of the
refrigeration cycle in the chiller, heat must also be
rejected from the system via a cooling tower or
condenser 7
• Pumps are used throughout the system to circulate
the chilled and hot water to the required areas
throughout the building
• Stale air is extracted, usually using a fan, via separate
ducts and expelled outside 8

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• Controls are used to make components work
together efficiently. They turn equipment on or off
and adjust chillers and boilers, air and water flow
rates, temperatures and pressures. A controller
incorporating one or more temperature sensors 9
inside the workspace sends a signal to the heating
or cooling coils to activate
• If there is a demand for heating or cooling then the
controls may also send a signal to the chiller and boiler
to operate as required. There are often other control
panels on the chiller or boiler too, allowing users to
have greater control.

Heat expelled
7

Boiler
1

Chiller
4

Panel

HVAC
controller

Hot water

Sensor
HVAC control panel
9

Inlet vent

Heating
coils
2

Cooling
coils
5

Incoming
air (fan)

Fresh air in

HVAC system types
There are many different approaches to using HVAC
systems and buildings will typically use combinations
and variations of a few standard approaches. HVAC
systems are generally described according to how they
use air, water or both to distribute heating and cooling
energy to the space.
To find out more about different types of system and
their savings opportunities, ask your site engineer,
maintenance technician or call the Carbon Trust. There
should also be a building log book providing details
about the HVAC system. This can be supplied by
the building’s facilities manager.

Working area
6

Radiator
3

Air extract
(fan)
Extract vent
Exhaust air
8

The more you understand your
system, the better prepared you
will be to make savings

Stale air out

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Identify your business needs

What conditions should be maintained?

Why do air conditions need to be controlled?

Start by determining what temperature and air quality
standards the HVAC system should provide.

Temperature, humidity and air quality are controlled for a
number of reasons:
• To provide comfort for building occupants
• To enable a process to be undertaken
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• To avoid deterioration of stored products and materials.
Temperature, humidity and air quality may vary greatly
and fluctuate at different rates. It is therefore important
to always identify core business requirements and use
this to inform any proposed improvements to an
HVAC system.
Most businesses will have a variety of reasons
for controlling the condition and quality of the air
in their buildings and these should be prioritised.
For instance, in a refrigerated cold store, it is probably
more important to preserve the food than to maintain
the comfort of workers. This is not to say that workers
should be ignored – they should be provided with
suitable clothing to keep them comfortable
while working.

If staff members occasionally work
late and alter controls, don’t forget
to reset them or install a timer to
automatically restore normal settings
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HVAC for processes
For processes and stored materials, it is important
to concentrate on what is really required:
• Does the process or material deteriorate outside
a particular temperature range?
• Is it moisture or air quality condition that makes the
difference or is it a combination of both these factors?
For instance, it may be that deterioration of a stored
product is caused by mould growth or corrosion which
is actually caused by excess moisture on its surface.
This requires control of the product temperature and of
moisture in the air so that condensation does not form.
HVAC for staff comfort
When providing comfort for building occupants,
it is important to understand how comfort is achieved
and the many ways that people perceive it. The
combination of air temperature, surrounding surface
temperatures, humidity, clothing, body fat, nerve
sensitivity and metabolic rate is different for every
person – so comfort is difficult to achieve with one
fixed set of conditions. Rather than set the conditions
at specific levels, it is more beneficial to set bands
which allow greater flexibility.

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Did you know?
• Heating costs can increase by 30% or more
if the boiler is poorly operated or maintained
• Heating typically accounts for about half
of the energy used in offices
• Heating costs rise by about 8% for each
1ºC of overheating.

Low-cost measures for immediate savings
• Learn how to set thermostats, how to control your
HVAC system to provide the conditions actually
needed and to only operate as and when necessary
• Find out about the building log book which should
explain the services in simple terms
• Ask the landlord or managing agent where the
controls are and how to use them
• If any controls are labelled ‘do not touch’, explore why.
There may be a valid reason but it may just be for the
convenience of the maintenance person
• Investigate whether ‘optimum start’ and ‘optimum off’
timers which can adjust the start and finish times for
different weather conditions could be appropriate for
your system.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Reduce the need

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The types of HVAC systems and how they are used have a big impact on the amount of energy
consumed and the levels of comfort provided for staff and/or customers. Even in a building that has
full air conditioning and cooling, it may not be necessary for them to be switched on all of the time.
Using natural ‘free energy’ to heat, cool and ventilate a building can help save substantial sums
of money and give building occupants greater control over their environment.
Opportunities for energy saving
Passive heating, ventilation and cooling
This is the control of heat from the sun along with
ventilation in order to benefit a building and avoid
discomfort. To maximise energy savings, it pays
to organise a system so that nature provides the
majority of fresh air and temperature requirements.
Expensive ‘artificial’ and mechanical systems can
then operate to fine tune the desired temperature
and environmental conditions.
As simple as it sounds, natural ventilation relies on air
flow through openings of a room or building, preferably
from opposite sides. It also applies to rising hot air being
replaced with cooler air sucked in through windows or
vents from a lower level.
Making the most of natural ventilation is a simple and
cost-effective way of achieving big savings.

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When cooling is required inside a building, and if it
is cooler outside than in, simply open doors, vents and
windows. This will increase airflow, reduce heat and
perhaps provide all the ventilation that is needed.
Be aware, however, that opening windows in air
conditioned buildings may increase the energy used
by the system.
Some businesses use what is known as a ‘mixed mode’
system, which uses a combination of both natural and
mechanical systems. The building uses natural
ventilation, heating and cooling where possible, with
mechanical systems being used only when needed.
There are various advantages to such a system:
• The building becomes more adaptable to a wide
range of requirements
• The occupants have more control over
their environment
• Businesses can cut down on energy spend and
carbon emissions.

Myth
Turning air conditioning thermostats
down as low as they can go cools
the building more quickly.
Reality
The temperature drops at the same rate but then
overshoots, making it uncomfortable for the staff
and using more energy than necessary. If controls
are not coordinated, the temperature could even go
low enough for the heating system to be switched
on. Both systems then operate at the same time.
Remedy
Set thermostats correctly and educate staff to dispel
this myth. As a last resort, protect thermostats to
prevent tampering where possible.

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

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Reduce overheating

Daylight blinds

Night cooling

Before installing cooling equipment, always identify
where the excess heat is coming from – sunlight,
equipment, lighting and refrigeration are often the
main sources.

Daylight blinds enable natural light to enter the space
by re-directing it onto the ceiling, thereby alleviating any
discomfort felt by the occupants from direct daylight.
Many daylight blinds also have perforated blades to
retain the employee’s view out of the window. For
more information please refer to the Carbon Trust’s
How to Implement Solar Shading (CTL065) guide.

Night cooling is an established technique where cool
night air is passed through the building to remove heat
that has accumulated during the day. When the
building fabric is cooled, it will absorb more heat the
following day, meaning lower internal temperatures.
The movement of cool night air may be natural or
fan-assisted. This free cooling of the building reduces
energy consumption otherwise used by mechanical
cooling and ventilation, leading to cost savings.

Consider shading windows on the outside or replacing
window panes with special heat reflective glass to
prevent heat build-up. Alternatively, internal blinds can
be angled to redirect useful light onto the ceiling while
cutting out much of the sun’s heat.
Energy using equipment, lighting and refrigeration are
also major heat emitters in a building. As a general rule
of thumb, the more energy efficient equipment is, the
less heat it produces. So installing low-energy lighting
and keeping equipment operating at peak efficiency
reduces cooling costs.

The benefits of daylight blinds
Reduces brightness
at the window

Ensures light distribution
deep into the interior

­­Consider zoning to match building

occupancy and reduce costs

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Many buildings have problematic areas with different
time and temperature requirements where only one
overall heating or cooling control system exists. A
solution is to ‘zone’ the building, installing separate
time and temperature controls for individual areas.
Zoned areas can provide better conditions as
occupants in each area will have greater control over
their immediate environment. It will also be more cost
efficient, as HVAC can then be turned down or off in
unused zones. For more information please refer to the
Carbon Trust’s How to implement heating zone
controls (CTL148) guide.

Protects from
heat and glare
Provides a view
outside for staff
Direct sunlight
Diffuse overhead light

Maintains the natural
daylight spectrum

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

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Good housekeeping and staff comfort
Understanding the needs of building occupants and informing them how to operate systems effectively
can pay dividends.
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Opportunities for energy saving

Adjust your system

A common sense approach to ­­­comfort
and temperatures

At times it makes sense to use the outside
temperature to adjust the conditions inside your
building. However, when the heating, ventilation or air
conditioning systems are on, it is possible to save up
to one third on heating or cooling costs by reducing the
amount of outside air that enters a building. It is always
better to adjust the system rather than open a door or
window and let heated or cooled air out. For example,
when the heating is on too high, staff open windows
to make the space more comfortable. Try adjusting
the thermostats instead.

There are many factors which effect how warm people
feel, including:
• Air temperature
• Solar radiation
• Air speed
• Humidity
• Activities performed

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• Clothing

Turn off and power down

All these factors should be taken into consideration
when attempting to create a comfortable environment
for people to work in. Ensure workspaces are shielded
from draughts and direct sunlight. These are no-cost
solutions that save money and help maintain comfort.

Try limiting the time that equipment is switched
on and use ‘power-down’ facilities on copiers, faxes,
printers and computers during the day where possible,
as these heat the workspace. Dim or switch off
lighting if there is sufficient daylight and use as little
as possible at night.

Did you know?
Comfort cooling by traditional air conditioning
systems is very expensive. In the right
circumstances low energy alternatives such as
evaporative cooling systems can cut energy
consumption by up to three quarters.
For more information on how to cut your air
conditioning costs please refer to our dedicated
Air Conditioning Advice pages

Train staff on how to operate air
conditioning units and heating controls
Staff should receive guidance on recommended
operating temperatures and how to set heating or
cooling units correctly. Louvres (movable slats to guide
the cool or heated air) are a feature on most air
conditioning units and staff should be able to operate
these to maintain a comfortable temperature. Display
instructions on individual units and ensure that remote
controls have accessible and obvious storage spaces.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Ensure controls are in place and HVAC
systems operate at times and levels
to reflect demand

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HVAC loads will vary at different times and in different
parts of a building throughout the day. Well-set time
controls should ensure that systems only operate when
and where required, in order to match core business
hours. It is also worth regularly checking settings. Many
systems are set incorrectly because someone has
made a short-term adjustment and then forgotten about
it. For more information, please see the Carbon Trust
Technology Guide on Heating Controls (CTG065).

­Involve staff – run an awareness campaign
Engaging employees is crucial in eliminating energy
waste. Motivate staff – encourage them to review their
own working practices and suggest ways to make their
tasks more energy efficient. Before staff can begin to
save energy, they must be made aware of areas of
potential waste in their own workplaces and the
important part they play in controlling the temperatures
they work in.

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The Carbon Trust has promotional
materials which help encourage
people to be energy efficient

Further information
For further information on raising awareness
in your business see the Carbon Trust’s pack,
Creating an Awareness Campaign (CTG056).

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

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Understanding and using controls
An efficient HVAC system provides just the right temperature and environmental conditions while using
the minimum amount of energy. Once the ideal comfort conditions for a building have been identified,
good controls can help maintain these conditions.
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Opportunities for energy saving
There are two main types of control:
• Time controls ensure systems only operate when and
where the building is occupied
• Temperature controls ensure systems provide the
correct required temperatures.

Set time controls to match occupancy
Check controls are appropriately set and displaying
the correct time and date. Adjust if necessary to
ensure heating and cooling only operate when and
where required. Optimum start and stop controls
can be used to minimise the out of hours operation of
heating and cooling plant.

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Maintain appropriate local temperatures
based on outside conditions
If it is cold outside, building occupants will typically be
wearing warmer clothing, so ensure temperatures are
set accordingly. The reverse applies in summer if cooling
is in operation. People will dress for warmer weather so
do not freeze them with expensive overcooling.

Don’t overheat buildings
The optimum operating temperature range for a building
will depend on the type of activities being performed.
Recommended heating temperatures for particular
buildings, activities, and processes are provided
in the following table.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Sector

Building/room type

Temperature (ºC)

Offices/service companies

Computer rooms

19-21

Banks, building societies, post offices

19-21

Offices

21-23

Restaurants/dining rooms

22-24

Bars

20-22

Hotels

19-21

Schools/further and higher education

Educational buildings

19-21

Industrial/factories

Heavy work

11-14

Light work

16-19

Sedentary work

19-21

Bedheads/wards

22-24

Circulation spaces/wards

19-24

Consulting/treatment rooms

22-24

Nurses’ stations

19-22

Operating theatres

17-19

General building areas

19-21

Law courts

19-21

Libraries

19-21

Exhibition halls

19-21

Laundries

16-19

Churches

19-21

Museums and art galleries

19-21

Prisons

19-21

Retail

Retail buildings

19-24

Sports and leisure

Changing rooms

20-25

Sports halls

15

Pool halls

28-30*

Hospitality

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Hospitals and healthcare

Public buildings

Source: Adapted from Environmental Design CIBSE Guide A, 2006 *Depending on pool water temperature

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

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Don’t let heating and cooling operate
at the same time

• Consider upgrading or refurbishing controls if current
controls are not providing comfortable conditions

Set controls to give a wide gap between the
temperatures at which heating and cooling systems turn
on. Set a gap of around 4 – 5 ºC between the heating
and cooling thermostat set points to create a
comfortable ‘dead band’. This will help to keep
occupants happy and increase cost savings. Unless this
is implemented, both systems may operate
simultaneously and waste energy and money.

• Consider installing modern seven day time
switches which can be programmed for different
daily schedules

For more information please refer to the Carbon Trust
Technology Guide on Heating Controls (CTG065).

• Consider interlocked control of the HVAC system
to prevent fans, heating and cooling operating when
not required
• Match ventilation flow rates to demand and control
operating times using temperature, humidity and
CO2 sensors

Further information
Investing in heating controls can save
thousands of pounds and many will pay
back their investment in just a couple of years.
Energy efficiency financing is also available
from the Carbon Trust to cover the costs of
purchasing and installing them – call 0800 085 2005
or visit www.energyefficiencyfinancing.co.uk
for more information.

Do not rely on your maintenance technician: fine tune
your controls to suit your business.

• Consider weather compensation and optimum start
controls to adjust heating and cooling in line with the
changeable UK climate

The Carbon Trust’s Technology Guide on heating
controls details further solutions for HVAC systems.
These include:

Call our advice line on 0800 085 2005, or consult a
qualified heating technician to discuss options available.

• Set temperature controls to the correct temperature
and then leave alone

Diagram of ‘dead band’ control indicating recommended temperatures

• Fit thermostats in the right place (away from
draughts and heat sources – including direct sunlight)
and set correctly
• Consider fitting Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV)
to radiators to provide more localised control

0ºC

5ºC

10ºC

15ºC

Heating is on until
temperature reaches 19ºC

20ºC

25ºC

35ºC

Cooling is on when
temperature exceeds 24ºC

Heating and Cooling
both off between 19ºC and 24ºC
— a ‘dead band’ of 5 degrees

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30ºC

40ºC

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Maintaining existing systems
Maintenance matters. The right approach, implemented properly, will keep your HVAC systems running
efficiently, minimise the risk of breakdown and make the most of your energy savings.
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Maintenance and energy management go hand in hand
– both have the common objectives of:
• Ensuring a building and its services continue
to function reliably, efficiently and effectively.
• Ensuring the health, safety and comfort of occupants.
• Protecting and enhancing the value of investment
in a building and its equipment.
Checking that HVAC systems are working as intended
will help to prevent them from using energy ineffectively
and also lower the risk of breakdown and spiralling
costs. In this way, regular maintenance of equipment
and controls makes good business sense.

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Opportunities for energy saving
Regular maintenance for
optimum performance
HVAC components must be kept free of dirt and other
obstructions in order for them to operate efficiently.
The overall system should be serviced annually either
by a maintenance technician or a professional contractor.
Routine maintenance should be regularly undertaken
to identify potential problems at an early stage.

Maintain boilers
Have boilers serviced regularly by a reputable firm.
Gas-fired boilers should be serviced once a year; oil
boilers twice a year. A regularly serviced boiler can save
as much as 10% on annual heating costs.

Did you know?
Energy consumption can increase by up to
30% if regular maintenance is not undertaken.
Don’t be afraid to ask if you think your system
isn’t operating correctly. If staff complain about
problem areas in your building, act on it
immediately. Always contact your maintenance
technician with any concerns.

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Check condensers
Condensers are usually located on the outside
of buildings and reject heat that has been removed
from inside the building by the cooling system. Ensure
condensing and evaporating devices are clean and well
maintained. Check condensers are not obstructed, for
example by equipment or vegetation.
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Check air conditioning and comfort
cooling plant
Ensure cooling plant is regularly maintained to
avoid operating at reduced levels of efficiency. Replace
insulation on refrigerant pipework as poor condition will
affect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through
the system and thus consume more energy in
maintaining the required temperature. Pay specific
attention to pipework located outside a building. Check
for refrigerant charge and leakage. If your refrigeration
plant contains more than 3 kg of refrigerant then the
F-Gas regulations state that you must have a schedule
of regular inspection for gas leaks.

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Clean fans, filters and air ducts to improve
efficiency by up to 60%
There is no point in having an efficiently running system
if the conditioned air gets stopped by a solid wall before
reaching the work space. Blockages in HVAC systems
are common and increase running costs, so make sure
that the filters are regularly checked. Consider fitting
pressure gauges to indicate when replacement of filters
is required.

Insulate to accumulate
Boilers, hot water tanks, pipes and valves should be
insulated to prevent heat escaping. Payback can usually
be expected within a few months of installation with
continued savings in subsequent years. For more
information please refer to the Carbon Trust’s How to
implement thermal insulation to HVAC services
(CTL145) guide.

Stay safe
Heat exchangers and cooling tower water treatment
processes should be spotless. This saves energy and
prevents health problems such as Legionella.

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Looking at hardware opportunities
When refurbishing or putting in a new HVAC system, it pays to specify the most efficient system possible.
Remember that day-to-day running costs may soon outweigh the capital costs of installation and so the
more efficient the system, the less expensive it will be to run.
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Always:
• Select the most appropriate HVAC system for
your requirements.
• Prioritise energy efficiency in the design and
installation stages.
• Implement and maintain good system controls.
• Set up and maintain the HVAC system effectively
(this may be through a maintenance contractor).

Remember:
The solutions outlined here don’t just apply
to refurbishment and new build – they should be
discussed when renting a building or moving premises.
Some managers insist on a rent review to discuss these
issues with the landlord. After all, you bear the costs of
your landlord’s inefficient equipment so it’s up to you to
choose carefully. Always seek expert guidance before
investing in a new or upgraded system.

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Is close control of
humidity needed?

Energy Efficiency Financing

Yes

No
Does the building have
to be sealed against
noise or pollution?

Investing in energy efficient equipment makes
sound business and environmental sense,
especially with the easy, affordable and
flexible Energy Efficiency Financing scheme
brought to you by Carbon Trust
Implementation and Siemens Financial
Services. To find out more visit
www.energyefficiencyfinancing.co.uk

Yes

No
Are there high
internal heat gains?

Yes

No
Will it be acceptable for
the occupied space to
exceed 28ºC for a few hours
on a few days each year?

No

Yes

Investigate
whether
comfort cooling
is needed
(without
humidification)

Try
passive cooling

Options
• Natural ventilation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Mixed mode
(a combination of the above)
• Night cooling

Investigate
whether full air
conditioning
(comfort cooling
plus
humidification)
is needed

Energy efficient mechanical options
•
•
•
•

Chilled ceilings or beams
Displacement ventilation
Fan-coil units
Mixed mode
(any combination of the above
and natural ventilation)

Cost, complexity and maintenance all increase when mechanical cooling is installed

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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Upgrading or installing component
parts of an HVAC system
Once inefficient components have been identified and
need to be replaced, avoid simply exchanging like with
like. Ensure that the replacement is of the highest
possible efficiency.

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• Replace conventional boilers with condensing boilers
where possible
• Motors are used extensively throughout many HVAC
systems so it pays to replace standard motors with
new high efficiency ones. It may also be worth
investing in Variable Speed Drives for motors to
reduce speeds and save energy
• Many HVAC systems also have a variety of pumps
and fans – consider direct drive pumps and fans which
are more efficient than those that are belt driven
• Consider the opportunity for Heat Recovery and
recirculation to recover a portion of the heat generated
in your building or process and re-use it to warm fresh
air as it enters the building. See our Heat recovery
guide at www.carbontrust.co.uk/heatrecovery

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• Consider a Building Energy Management System
(BMS or BEMS). A BEMS based on a network of
controllers offers closer control and monitoring of
building services performance, including heating
ventilation and air conditioning. This is shown on a
computer screen in real time and allows the
performance of plant to be monitored and settings
to be changed quickly and easily. BEMS can reduce
total energy costs by 10% or more so they are well
worth considering.

As part of the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA)
scheme, an Energy Technology List has been produced.
The list details all energy-saving technologies and
products that qualify for the ECA scheme and should
be used as a guide when purchasing new HVAC
system components. See the box on the right for
more information.

Upgrading or installing an entire system
The choice of a passive or a mechanical cooling
approach can be determined by a series of relatively
straightforward questions about a building and its
internal environment. The flow chart on the previous
page presents a summary of these questions and
indicates whether comfort cooling or full air
conditioning is required.
When replacing HVAC systems, some managers
choose like-for-like equipment, believing this will
minimise disruption to the business. Planning
upgrades carefully and keeping the system maintained
at its peak will mean that emergency decisions and
inefficient purchases can be avoided. For more
information please refer to the Carbon Trust’s How to
implement Building Energy Management Systems
(CTL149) guide.

17

Case study
What other organisations are doing?
A spectacle lens coating business discovered
that the room where the lenses were coated had
a much higher energy usage compared with the
rest of the site. With the help of a Carbon Trust
loan they installed a gas water heating system,
new air conditioning and insulation and are set
to save almost £5,000 a year as a result.

Tax incentives
Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) are a
straightforward way for a business to improve its
cash flow through accelerated tax relief. The ECA
scheme for energy-saving technologies
encourages businesses to invest in energysaving plant or machinery specified on the
Energy Technology List (ETL) which is managed
by the Carbon Trust on behalf of Government.
The ECA scheme provides businesses with 100%
first year tax relief on their qualifying capital
expenditure. The ETL specifies the energy-saving
technologies that are included in the ECA
scheme. The scheme allows businesses to write
off the whole cost of the equipment against
taxable profits in the year of purchase.
For further information please visit
www.carbontrust.co.uk/eca or call the
Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

18

Next steps
There are many easy low and no-cost options to help save money and improve the operation
of your HVAC systems and your building.
Menu

Step 1. Understand your energy use

Step 3. Prioritise your actions

Look at your HVAC system components and check the
condition and operation of all pieces of equipment.
Monitor the consumption of the building over, say, one
week to obtain a base figure against which energy
efficiency improvements can be measured.

Draw up an action plan detailing a schedule
of improvements that need to be made and when,
along with who will be responsible for them.

Step 2. Identify your opportunities
Compile an energy checklist. Walk round your building
and complete the checklist at different times of day
(including after hours) to identify where energy savings
can be made. An example checklist is on page 19.

help

Step 4. Seek specialist help
It may be possible to implement some energy saving
measures in-house but others may require specialist
assistance. Discuss the more complex or expensive
options with a qualified technician. Call the Carbon Trust
Advice Line on 0800 085 2005 for further advice.

Step 5. Make the changes and measure
the savings
Implement your energy saving actions and measure
against original consumption figures. This will assist
future management decisions regarding your
energy priorities.

Step 6. Continue to manage your business
for energy efficiency
Enforce policies, systems and procedures to ensure that
your business operates efficiently and that savings are
maintained in the future.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Appendices
Action checklist
HVAC

Menu

19

Action checklist
Start saving energy today. The principles of reducing energy
costs are essentially the same for all HVAC systems:
✔

Action
Reduce the need. Turn off unnecessary equipment during the day
and especially out of hours to reduce heat build-up in the space.
Set higher switch-on temperatures for cooling and lower
temperatures for heating. Set a gap or ‘dead band’ between
heating and air conditioning control temperatures of about
5ºC. This improves occupants’ comfort, cuts operating costs
and reduces wear and tear on both systems.
Turn HVAC systems off out of hours, unless the building is
‘night-cooling’. Consider installing automatic controls to
ensure equipment stays off.
Look into areas that appear too hot or cold and consider
localised thermostatic controls.
Look out for draughts especially around poorly-fitting
windows and doors. Install draught proofing to reduce
heat losses and increase staff comfort.
Check insulation levels and increase wherever practical
to reduce the need for heating.
Walk around your site at different times of the day and
during different seasons to see how and when heaters
and coolers are working. Check time and temperature settings.
Take advantage of free-cooling. Where external temperatures
are colder than the required internal temperature, you can
ventilate the building with fresh air. ‘Night cooling’ is useful
for cooling the building efficiently in summer.

Start saving energy today. The principles
of reducing energy costs are essentially
the same for all HVAC systems.

Download

help

19

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

20

Go online to get more
The Carbon Trust provides a range of tools, services and information
to help you implement energy and carbon saving measures, no matter what your level of experience.
Menu

Call us on 0800 085 2005 – Our experts offer independent, authoritative
advice. Lines open 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Website – Visit us at www.carbontrust.co.uk for our full range
of advice and services.


www.carbontrust.co.uk
Carbon

Footprint Calculator – Our online calculator will help you calculate

your organisation’s carbon emissions.

Energy

Saving Plan – The Carbon Trust Advice Line can work with you
to highlight areas for review within your organisation and can then provide you with
a structured Energy Saving Plan. Call today on 0800 085 2005 and ask one of our
advisors how an Energy Saving Plan could help your organisation cut carbon
emissions and save money.

Cut

Carbon, Cut Costs – This tool gives you an introduction to energy

saving and helps you create a personalised action plan for your site, estimating the
cost and carbon savings you could make in your workplace.

 www.carbontrust.co.uk/onlinetraining


www.carbontrust.co.uk/carboncalculator
Publications – We have a library of publications detailing energy saving
techniques for a range of sectors and technologies.

Case Studies – Our case studies show that it’s often easier and less expensive
than you might think to bring about real change.


www.carbontrust.co.uk/casestudies


www.carbontrust.co.uk/publications
Events and Workshops – We offer a variety of events
and workshops ranging from a high level introduction to our services through
to detailed technical energy efficiency training.


www.carbontrust.co.uk/events
help
*

Subject to terms and conditions.

Energy Efficiency Financing – Investing in energy efficient equipment
makes sound business and environmental sense, especially with the easy, affordable
and flexible Energy Efficiency Financing scheme brought to you by Carbon Trust
Implementation and Siemens Financial Services.

 www.energyefficiencyfinancing.co.uk

The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company with the mission to accelerate the move to a low
carbon economy. We provide specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut
carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. By stimulating
low carbon action we contribute to key UK goals of lower carbon emissions, the development
of low carbon businesses, increased energy security and associated jobs.
We help to cut carbon emissions now by:
• providing specialist advice and finance to help organisations cut carbon
• setting standards for carbon reduction.
We reduce potential future carbon emissions by:
• opening markets for low carbon technologies
• leading industry collaborations to commercialise technologies
• investing in early-stage low carbon companies.

www.carbontrust.co.uk
0800 085 2005

The Carbon Trust receives funding from Government including the Department of Energy and Climate
Change, the Department for Transport, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government
and Invest Northern Ireland.
Whilst reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information contained within this publication
is correct, the authors, the Carbon Trust, its agents, contractors and sub-contractors give no warranty
and make no representation as to its accuracy and accept no liability for any errors or omissions.
Any trademarks, service marks or logos used in this publication, and copyright in it, are the property
of the Carbon Trust. Nothing in this publication shall be construed as granting any licence or right to use
or reproduce any of the trademarks, service marks, logos, copyright or any proprietary information
in any way without the Carbon Trust’s prior written permission. The Carbon Trust enforces infringements
of its intellectual property rights to the full extent permitted by law.
The Carbon Trust is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales under Company
number 4190230 with its Registered Office at: 6th Floor, 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BF.
Published in the UK: October 2011. CTV046
© The Carbon Trust 2011. All rights reserved.

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