In the Fall issue of Retrofit, page 62, I explained that HVAC systems likely are the largest energy consumer in your home or building. I also discussed the best way to reduce your heating and cooling loads by improving your insulation and windows. However, everyone does not have the capital to make those kinds of building improvements, especially in this current economic climate. So what are the quickest and easiest things you can do right now with little to no cash?
Perform an Audit
An audit is different for every building. For some, it can be as simple as testing each system and ensuring equipment turns on when it is needed and off when it is not. To ensure a complete audit, you should hire a commissioning agent, or CxA, or an energy auditor.
A CxA can perform retro-commissioning, in which the two main goals are to identify items needing repair and return systems to the operating specifications originally designed. Retro-commissioning can be done for almost any building system–HVAC, lighting, building envelope, etc. HVAC systems are typically targeted because of their high energy use and tendency to have potential unidentified issues. The outcome of retro-commissioning generally is reduced energy consumption, improved indoor environmental quality, or IEQ, and increased equipment lifespan.
A CxA will review original design documents and as-built drawings to develop a commissioning plan. He or she will work with the individuals responsible for the various systems, such as the operations and maintenance staff and outside contractors, to test the HVAC system. A CxA also will develop operations and maintenance manuals and schedules to ensure proper operation into the future. To find a CxA or download the AABC Commissioning Group’s (an organization of the Associated Air Balance Council) Commissioning Guideline and sample checklists, visit www.commissioning.org.
Commissioning Guidelines
- ACG Commissioning Guideline 2005, $50 hardcopy (or free download), www.commissioning.org
- ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005: The Commissioning Process, $59, www.ashrae.org/bookstore
- ASHRAE Guideline 1.1-2007: HVAC&R Technical Requirements for The Commissioning Process, $69, www.ashrae.org/bookstore
- NECA 90-2004: Recommended Practices for Commissioning Building Electrical Systems, $40, www.necanet.org
- ISPE Engineering Guide Volume 5: Commissioning and Qualification, $415, www.ispe.org
As with many trades, it is often desirable to hire a professional that is independently certified. See the list below for certifying organizations.
Commissioning Agent Certification Agencies
- AABC Commissioning Group, www.commissioning.org
- Building Commissioning Association, www.bcxa.org
- Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, www.ieee.org
- International Society For Pharmaceutical Engineering, www.ispe.org
- National Environmental Balancing Bureau, www.nebb.org
- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association/Testing Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, www.smacna.org
- University of Wisconsin, cx.engr.wisc.edu
- ASHRAE is unifying most of the above into the new Commissioning Process Management Professional, www.ashrae.org/certification