Renewable Energy Resources for HVAC

HVAC is an absolute necessity in almost every building in San Jose. Whether it is for heating, cooling, or ventilating, energy is required for the systems to do the job effectively, efficiently, and comfortably. But, there's not one system that will do the job for every facility.

Traditionally, electricity is generated from fossil fuels - coal, natural gas, and petroleum. As the demand for energy increases, the supply for it is decreasing and depleting rapidly all over the world. Plus, this energy is also responsible for the green house gases that have adverse effect on the environment and are the cause for the global warming that is melting glaciers and causing tsunamis.

All this has led to increased environmental awareness and the need to source energy for electricity from alternate sources and renewable sources such as wind, sun, biomass fossils. According to the reports, renewable energy is one of the most vital recently discovered resources. A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), quotes, "Renewable energy resources—such as wind and solar energy are constantly replenished and will never run out."

Renewable Energy for HVAC

For HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration), solar and geo-thermal energy is most suited for heating and cooling in the residential scenarios. While a majority of energy in the United States comes from fossil fuels, there is also tremendous growth in alternative and renewable energy technologies.

Solar Energy

A solar energy system produces electricity from the sun’s rays. This electricity is then used to power a building’s HVAC system. This system is made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The solar modules in the system harvest the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. This is how you can use solar energy to run your HVAC units, lights, other electrical devices.

Basically, there are two types of solar power systems. These are stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The stand-alone systems are designed in such as way that they operate independently and do not need an electric utility grid and supply certain DC or AC loads. In many such solar power systems, energy storage needs to be done through batteries.

The other type, the grid-connected power systems need an electric utility grid. These systems are designed in such a way that they are interconnected with the grid and operate parallel to the grid. These systems also use photovoltaic cells to generate energy from the sun’s rays and this energy is stored in a grid as AC power. The electricity from this grid is supplied into the building or the household.

Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal HVAC is said to bring a household or building in harmony with the earth beneath. It takes advantage of subterranean temperatures to generate heat in winter and cool air in summer.

The temperature at the bottom of the earth's crust is constant, typically over 1000°F. In some locations, the temperatures are so high and so close to the earth’s surface that they result in hot springs, geysers, and volcanic activity. Such places have high potential opportunity for geothermal electricity generation. Through geothermal plants, the steam is tapped and used to operate turbines which generate electricity.

A geothermal system typically consists of an indoor handling unit and a system of pipes that is buried in the earth. These pipes are called an earth loop and connected to a pump to reinjection well from where the steam is tapped. The constant temperatures provide the “free” energy.

In winter, the fluid that circulates through the system’s earth loop or well absorbs the heat stored and carries it indoors. The indoor unit then compresses this heat to a higher temperature and t releases it into the building, working as a heater. In summer, the geothermal system pulls out the heat from the building and transports it through the earth loop/pump to reinjection well. Here it deposits this heat into the cooler earth/aquifer. Geothermal systems do not need periodic maintenance. Once installed properly, the buried loop lasts for generations. However, filter changes and annual coil cleaning are required.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expecting that some states in the US will switch to natural gas for electricity generation, according to senior agency officials on a media briefing. There are attractive discounts also available for new constructions and upgradation projects.

Save Energy - Go Green

It is a known fact that HVAC units are the biggest energy hogs. A report from the Rocky Mountain Institute quotes, “Air conditioning accounts for nearly 50% of the energy use in the United States during peak summer months, and air conditioning is responsible for nearly 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.”

The rising cost of energy, the residential and corporate boom has increased the energy requirements; it has also led to an increased awareness towards energy consumption and environmental issues. The government and environmentalists are pushing towards “green HVAC” systems. Building owners and contractors are being offered attractive incentive programs to build and maintain the construction and eco-friendly measures and substances.

If you are an existing owner or a tenant with an already installed and working HVAC system, you too contribute towards the going green revolution. You can adopt simple ways to reduce your energy consumption and your share of the carbon footprint.

Here are some ways you could make your existing HVAC system eco-friendly or ‘green’

1. Keep the air filters clean and replace them every three months.
2. Check out the duct work. Poor ducting can cause around 20% loss in the system efficiency.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Pre-programmed temperature settings for different times of the day can ensure zero energy wastage as energy will not be spent on cooling or heating an empty building. Reports say that adding a programmable thermostat help you save $180 in annual energy savings.
4. If you are going for a new air conditioner, select an ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC system. These are based on efficient technology in comparison with traditional systems. They can help you save as much as 50% of your energy costs and are environmentally friendly too. There are attractive tax credit offers also available for such type of upgrades.
5. In summer, consider investing in insulated, thermal-backed drapes. Install these drapes on your windows. They will help in keeping the indoors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
6. Consider installing an attic ventilator. Such a ventilator draws cool air upwards throughout the house. This type of air distribution can provide the same level of comfort as an air conditioner. The energy consumed is much lower than an air conditioner. Attic ventilation can also help reduce your winter heating bills too.
7. Set the temperature on your thermostat at 77 degrees Fahrenheit on your air conditioner. For each degree set below 75 degrees, you use three to five percent more energy. For most comfort, set your thermostat to 77 degrees.
8. Ceiling fans consume lesser electricity than furnaces or air conditioners. You can keep the temperature settings at 77 degrees and use the ceiling fan for air circulation. This will result in at least 30% savings in energy costs.  
9. Consider upgrading your roof to a reflective one. A reflective roof prevents the heat from the sun’s rays from transferring inside the home or building. It can reduce the roof surface temperature by up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Ensure that your heating vents are not blocked by the furniture or the drapes in the room. Make sure that the dampers are open. Make a habit of vacuuming out dust and pet hair from the warm air registers and cold air returns. This will make the HVAC systems run more efficiently.

Air Balancing Keeps HVAC Systems Running Smoothly

To achieve optimal operation of air conditioning and heating systems, three major steps play a key role. They are Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB). Here, we will focus on "air balance." Air balance is a process by which the performance of a simple or complex HVAC system can be measured. It is an important part, but often overlooked, in ensuring that the building or living area is optimized for both efficiency and personal comfort.

Why is Air Balancing Important?

• If air is not properly balanced, many problems arise. One such problem is condensation. The indoors can have drafts and cold spots, making the air unpleasant.
• Improper air balance will also cost money as it applies extra stress on heating and cooling equipment. There are risks of your HVAC system getting damaged along with health and safety concerns as well.
• When air is not correctly balanced, energy is wasted and contaminants are allowed to enter the room, as condensation takes place.
• This can result in food and health safety issues as the residents are prone to inhale carbon dioxide

The Concept of Air Balancing

We all understand that air always tries and equalizes pressure. If we bring inside the same amount of air that we expel, there will be neutral air balance. If we bring in more air than the amount we expel, there is positive air balance. On the other hand, if we expel more air than we bring in, there is negative air balance.

Negative air balance is common in old buildings and buildings that have been extended or re-purposed. In such cases, the air is being drawn in from even the smallest gaps, not only from open doors and windows. The air that flows inside is untreated and has a different temperature compared to the air within. This causes problems in the HVAC efficiency, and the condensation prepares a breeding ground for contaminants.

Key Benefits

There is no doubt that when the HVAC system is under additional stress, there is more energy consumed. When the air indoors is not balanced, the air conditioner needs to work harder to keep this temperature. There is a spike in your energy costs. Improper balance can damage the HVAC system and the condensation that forms may prove to be costly. Here are some key advantages of air balancing,

• Prolonged equipment life
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Comfortable environment
• Improved air quality indoors creates a healthy environment

Types of Air Balance

Basically, there are two types of air balance: Comfort balance and AABC Certified Air Balance.

"Comfort balance" is simply checking to see whether the indoors feel comfortably conditioned.  The purpose of AABC Certified Air Balance is to ensure that all components of the system work in harmony, and at optimum performance, to provide total occupant comfort.

Now, it is your choice to pick the type of air balance you would like in your home. It is better to hire a good air balance company with skillful technicians to conduct an air balance inspection. The results will help you decide on the necessity of making the required corrections.

Get the Most Out of Your HVAC in Summer

Summer is the time when we need air conditioning the most. The sunny days, the heat and sweat that come with summer make us hurry indoors, into the cool comfort of our homes and offices. As the need for the air conditioned coolness is an important necessity for us, so is the fact that we ensure that tour HVAC systems w ill run smoothly, without any problems.

The air conditioner falling sick in summer is the worst thing that can happen to us. The very thought can cause stress. However, just as air conditioning systems cater to our comfort needs, we too need to look after the requirements of our HVAC systems.

Here are some tips that can ensure the smooth functioning of your air conditioners in summer.

1. Test Run
In all likelihood, the air conditioner was sleeping cozily while you were using the heating system. Before summer really sets in, you can test run your air conditioner and check if the cooling is as required. Engage a HVAC technician who will check the system and predict any dangers that may be lurking. And technicians are easier to get during the off-peak season, and their charges will be reasonable too.


2. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is very important for a smooth, long and efficient life of your air conditioner. The first thing you need to make sure is that you check the filter regularly. In summer, the air conditioner is used almost full time. This is the reason enough to clean the filter regularly, once is a fortnight would be ideal, but once in three weeks is a must. Clean the evaporator coils every year and straightening any bent that there may be. Better still, draw up a contract with a HVAC company that will send across a professional for a periodic check and cleaning.


3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
It is not always that you need use the air conditioner at the same temperature. For example, you may like the comfort of say 70 degrees. But it is not necessary that your air conditioner works to maintain the same temperature throughout. When you are not at home, you sold set the temperature at a higher temperature, which will translate into reduction in the pressure of the compressor as well as lesser energy bills.  Get a programmable thermostat to reduce the cooling when you are away or set the thermostat in the sleep mode. Efficient use of this handy device can save almost $200 annually.


4. Get a New System
If your air conditioner is over ten years old, it is time you replace it with a new one. An old system has a large appetite when it comes to energy consumption. They are also prone to chills and ills, thus unpredictable. Repairs can create a hole in your pocket.


5. Prevent Leakage
Check to see if there are any leaks in your home, or in the rooms where you have the air conditioning. This will prevent leakage of precious cool air. Try sealing your ducts with insulation. Sealing and insulation need effort but it is worthwhile in energy efficiency, regardless of the season.

These tips will help you choose effective ways of reducing energy bills. 

Save Energy without Compromising Comfort

Did you know that the performance of other building systems also (to a considerable extent) make demands on an HVAC system?

For example, during sunny days in San Jose, the topmost floor needs more energy to keep cool than the floor below.

It is most likely that a one-story building with a conventional black roof in Texas will cost considerably more to cool when compared to one with a reflective roof. However, if the same structure is in Minnesota and does not have adequate roof insulation, it will cost more to heat in the winter.

But, the roof is not the only part that affects the HVAC loads. Solar heat increase through windows, heat load from lighting systems, and air infiltration also have effects on HVAC loads. This holds true for various equipment as well; the range varies from computers to coffee makers.

In view of the mentioned facts, it makes perfect business sense to reduce energy. While, it costs nothing, it saves money, improves corporate reputation and enables you to do your part in the fight against climate change.

What does reducing energy mean?

A typical human tendency would be to state the following: I like to have my creature comforts such as air conditioning during summer and heating during winter. Reducing energy means compromising on these comforts. No way! I am fine as I am!

Well this is what we have to say.

This is no need to compromise with your comforts and luxuries while reducing energy consumption. All it takes is a little awareness and presence of mind.

We have for you some energy saving opportunities and knickknacks that will help you cut costs, increase profit margins, and save the Earth as well. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning can account for the majority of money spent on energy by a household or an organization. Even small adjustments can significantly improve the environment and also save money.

• Ensure workspaces and main areas of your home are shielded from draughts and direct sunlight
• Switch off equipment like mixers, computers, and washing machines or copier machines from the power connection.
• Dim or switch off lighting if you have sufficient daylight filtering into the area
• Ensure all controls are well-set. Time controls need to be monitored regularly
• Motivate family members and staff, encouraging them to review their practices and suggest ways to increase awareness towards energy consumption.
• Awareness on the potential waste in workplaces is important for reducing energy consumption.

Depending on the area required for cooling, the size and functions of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems vary. Some are large and some small. It would be good to analyze if the functions of these systems could be separated. For this, interaction of their services with each other needs to be scrutinized. For example, it is a sheer waste to increase the heating inside a building while the cooling device is trying to reduce the temperatures. A thorough look at how the elements of an HVAC system interact and fine tuning each part can save energy and money.

How to Reduce Energy Needs

We all love to have our creature comforts when we need them. The air conditioning during summer and the heater during winter! We rarely ever give a thought to the energy we use in using these systems. Nor do we spare one for the carbon footprint created due to the use of these systems. 

The world is now becoming more and more aware of the carbon emissions that cause carbon footprint, whose one of the results is global warming. There is a definite need to look for alternate forms of energy as the world’s energy reserves are being eaten up at an alarming pace.

“Experts at the Risø International Energy Conference in Denmark advocate using "off-the-shelf" technologies to create a sustainable global energy system. As long as the solutions can respond to fluctuations in energy consumption, intelligent energy systems are within reach. The most accessible improvements may be heating and cooling systems, suggests the International Energy Agency (IEA).”

Where do we stand? What is it that we can do to reduce our contribution of the carbon footprint?

We need to serious give a thought to the amount of energy we consume.

• The age of the appliances we use at home, especially or HVAC systems
• The direction our house or apartment is in
• The technology available in our HVAC systems
• The "off-the-shelf" technologies that can create a sustainable global energy system
• A serious effort to reduce energy consumption

These points need not lead to you compromising on your comforts. You can actually reduce your energy consumption without depriving yourself and your families of the comforts you and they are used to.

All it takes is a little awareness, a sincere effort, and little discipline!

These tips can help you to reduce your energy consumption to a great extent.

1. Passive heating, ventilation and cooling: This refers to controlling of heat from the sun along with ventilation to create benefit and avoid discomfort.
2. Maximizing inflow of natural, fresh air into the house will reduce energy spent on artificial airflow techniques.
3. Using ‘artificial’ and mechanical systems to fine tune the air indoors to the desired temperature, rather than creating the airflow.
4. Ensuring cross ventilation: this means having openings such as large windows preferably on opposite sides of the room. This will enable air to flow in and out easily.
5. Making the most out of the natural ventilation and light. This means you should try and use as much as natural sunlight to light up the room during the day, rather than using artificial lights.
6. Installing daylight blinds to enable natural light to enter the space is a good way to reduce energy consumption.
7. Using perforated blinds to use view the outside world.
8. Using solar heater to heat water for domestic use
9. These tips will not only help in reducing energy consumption, but also keep your pockets happy and you smiling!

Sleep Well with a Healthy Room Temperature

If you are lacking good sleep, then the temperature of your room needs a little attention! Your bedroom may be either too warm or too cold. Either way, the temperature can affect your sleep.

Medical experts agree that the room temperature is an important factor that influences sleep. According to H. Craig Heller, PhD, professor of biology at Stanford University, “When you go to sleep, your set point for body temperature — the temperature your brain is trying to achieve — goes down. Think of it as the internal thermostat. That mild drop in body temperature induces sleep.”

The next thing that comes to your mind is the question:

What is the best bedroom temperature for getting a great night’s sleep? 

Well, it is difficult to recommend a specific range.

You might be surprised to learn that to sleep better, it does not matter how you prefer the temperature to be. A cooler room is likely to give you better sleep and certainly improves the quality of your sleep.

Ralph Downey III, PhD, chief of sleep medicine at Loma Linda University says that if your bedroom is warm, and is likely to get uncomfortably hot later in the night, you are more likely to wake up from sleep during the night, and going back to sleep will be difficult.

When a person goes to sleep, the set point for the body temperature and the temperature brain strives to achieve dips. Thus, if it is too cold or too hot in the room, there is a struggle within the body to achieve this set point.

Researchers and medical personnel feel that the key to good sleep is to match the room temperature with the lowered temperature of the body. This is a theory well supported by doctors and psychologists as well.

In addition to the right temperature, there are other strategies too, for creating ideal sleeping conditions.

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that your bedroom should resemble a cave. Experts from the academy say that the bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet.
• Observe the bats. They follow this logic and can sleep well. They are sometimes called champion sleepers because of their ability to sleep for as long as 16 hours a day.
• Avoid the soft and smooth foam pillows. They feel real good as they conform closely to the shape of the body, but they can make you feel hot too.
• Try wearing socks on your feet while sleeping. The toes are most vulnerable to cold. There is nothing better than cold feet to disrupt the sleep.
• Work out a mutual understanding regarding the temperature with your bedmate. The recommended range is between 65° and 72° Fahrenheit. However, higher and lower can be individual preferences. The idea is to get improved quality of sleep.

Research also says that for normal sleepers, a drop in the core temperature of the body increases the temperature in the feet and the hands. This happens because the body radiates heat and blood vessels dilate.

However, for troubled sleepers, studies show that a cool room and feet placed on a hot-water bottle, rapidly dilates the blood vessels, and helps in adjusting the internal thermostat to set a better temperature.