Pitfalls in Building and HVAC Systems

Abstract

The purpose of an energy audit is to identify and analyze areas of energy consumption and to propose methods of conservation. In the process of completing an audit the following areas of consumption should be considered: • Building Envelope • Air-Handling Systems • Chilled Water Systems • Boiler Systems • Lighting/Electrical Systems. Within these areas many potential conservation opportunities can be developed. Quite often opportunities are proposed without thorough analysis and as a result, they do not produce the desired results. When this happens, it is generally due to "pitfalls" or idiosyncrasies of the opportunity that were not considered in proposing the project. The purpose of this paper is to point out some common pitfalls in each of the above areas and to propose some possible alternatives.