The Solution
It can be easy to save money and energy at your school by making simple changes in the way you manage your HVAC system. 1. Strategically plant shade trees that help keep cool air-conditioning units (in warm climates) and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by surrounding asphalt. 2. Post "KEEP DOORS CLOSED" signs in service corridors, gyms, pools, kitchens, and hallways. 3. Turn off fans in unoccupied rooms. 4. Close classroom blinds or drapes to conserve heat in the winter and keep rooms cool in the summer as a way of conserving hot or cold air.
5. Make sure HVAC temperature sensors are calibrated each year. 6. Evaluate whether your HVAC is properly sized and matches your load requirements. 7. Properly maintain HVAC equipment using skilled professionals.
8. Install programmable thermostats. Set thermostats to 68° or less during the daytime, and 55° at night. These temperature settings could reduce your heating costs by up to 20%. During the summer set your thermostats to 78° during the day. 9. Make sure school buildings are weatherized properly (i.e., no leaks in windows and proper weather stripping and caulking). 10. Check air filters regularly and replace when needed.
Programs available to help increase HVAC efficiency: Air Care Plus AirCare Plus is designed to optimize the performance of commercial rooftop or split HVAC systems that range in size from three to 60 tons. The program's goal is to lower energy bills and reduce equipment failure. Under the program certified AirCare Plus technicians will screen your HVAC unit to identify and fix problems with the thermostat, airflow, charge and economizer. For more information: 866.222.7344; info@aircare-plus.com
Ice Storage- Shift n' Save
This program, which is available to Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers, pays incentives for schools to permanently shift their HVAC-related energy use to off-peak times, when energy rates are lower. Under the program, technology is installed to create ice storage during the night that's used to cool the building the next day.
Big Ass Fans
Big Ass Fans are highly efficient ceiling fans that produce an even airflow. They're made for large spaces, and to distribute hot and cold air evenly throughout an area. Big Ass fans provide 25+ times the airflow of a standard industrial ceiling fan. For example, in a building with a 30-foot ceiling height on a winter day, it's not uncommon for the temperature to differ 20ºF from ceiling to floor. Big Ass Fans gently drive that hot ceiling-level air down to the floor, reducing heating bills by 25% or more.
Pacific Energy Center (PEC)
PEC HVAC programs provide information, design tools, advice, and support to assist in creating resource-efficient buildings that are also comfortable for occupants.
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