5 Issues of Poor HVAC Rooftop Unit Energy Performance

Is the commercial HVAC rooftop units on your building working efficiently? If you have not had it examined or performed any preventative maintenance, you could be spending too much on electricity. Without HVAC system maintenance, commercial HVAC systems quickly lose their energy efficiency. Also, in some cases, you could be spending as much as 40% more to cool the building.

5 Issues of Poor HVAC Rooftop Unit Energy Performance

Bad or Improperly Calibrated Sensors

Modern rooftop HVAC units use several sensors to work efficiently. Also, within the manufacturer’s recommended operating parameters. Typical HVAC rooftop units have one or more sensors such as occupancy sensors, CO2 sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors and temperature sensors. When these sensors are not calibrated accurately, they can lead to a degradation in the energy efficiency of up to 40 per cent. It is especially true in your sensors to operate an economizer. Regular calibration of sensors and replacement of defective sensors can help you achieve comfortable indoor air temperatures and improved performance.

Failure of the HVAC Economizer

The economizer on the HVAC system helps decrease cooling costs. By allowing cool outdoor air into the building to reduce CO2 levels, increase fresh air and better cooling efficiency. It depends on either a temperature sensor or an enthalpy sensor that detects humidity and temperature. Once the outdoor area cool enough, the HVAC dampeners open to allow that cool air into the building. A failure of the sensors, dampeners or economizer can result in the HVAC system using between 14% and 40% more energy than it needs to cool the building. Hence, regular maintenance and inspections can help keep the economizer optimized.

Incorrect Refrigerant Levels

Rooftop units require a refrigerant to facilitate heat transfer. As the hot air passes over the coils filled with refrigerant or a mixture of refrigerant and water, the coils absorb the extra heat, resulting in cooler air. When the refrigerant levels are either too high or too low, it can result in ineffective HVAC rooftop units operation, unusual system pressures and outflow temperatures outside the normal ranges. People may even notice an improvement in cooling energy bills of up to 11%. Regular professional HVAC inspections can help prevent irregular refrigerant levels.

Problems with Airflow

When the air is not passing through the HVAC rooftop unit as it should, it can result in low cooling performance and an energy increase of up to 11%. If you have poor airflow in the building, you will notice that air is flowing poorly at the register vents. And some rooms may appear hotter or more humid than others. Airflow can be restricted by dirty or frozen coils, hindered air filters and damaged or blocked dampeners. Having an HVAC professional regularly clean and inspect the rooftop unit can help prevent airflow problems. And keep your HVAC system working smoothly and efficiently.

Problems with the HVAC Thermostat

The thermostats in the building control the indoor air temperatures. When the air temperature is above the required setting, it activates the AC system. When it is at or below the required temperature, the system deactivates. Inappropriately set digital thermostats can result in extreme cooling or fan usage or a lack of cooling during periods of high occupancy. To guarantee that thermostats are working as intended, make sure they are set well as per your occupancy levels and the time of day.

Hence, these are the 5 issues of poor HVAC Rooftop Unit energy performance.

Improve Rooftop HVAC Performance with Regular Maintenance

Assuring that your commercial rooftop HVAC rooftop unit is optimized with regular HVAC system maintenance can help prevent energy-wasting problems and unequal cooling. Parth HVAC specialists can maintain a commercial HVAC system. If our technicians notice any issue with your HVAC system, we will bring them to your attention and recommend any required repairs.

For more information on our HVAC rooftop unit services and to schedule a maintenance service, contact us!