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Controls
Controls offer good opportunities for savings. Consider:
- Time controls – these are useful to reflect building occupancy and eliminate unnecessary operation.
- Set simple time controls. Ensure ventilation is not left on unnecessarily.
- Use seven-day timers. Where occupancy varies throughout the week, seven-day timers can ensure ventilation does not operate in unoccupied spaces.
- Temperature controls – these increase ventilation rates when internal temperatures reach pre set levels. This helps to avoid overheating which can create a better working environment.
- Site thermostats carefully. Ensure they are situated away from draughts, direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators and office equipment.
- Make the most of free cooling. Buildings with secure openings can be ventilated overnight to help reduce internal temperature prior to occupation.
Zoning
Splitting a cooling system into multiple zones allows different parts of a building to be cooled to different temperatures and/or at different times. Zoning:
- Is good for larger buildings, particularly in areas with different occupancy patterns or cooling requirements
- Should relate to building and system layouts and chosen to meet occupant needs. Zones can be added to existing systems
- Should be linked to heating and ventilation zones, where possible to ensure all systems operate efficiently and do not compete to deliver the required conditions.
Random zoning is of no benefit at all.
People issues
The way building occupants use and interact with cooling systems can have a significant impact on energy use and costs.
- Set internal temperatures in line with external conditions. Building occupants will be wearing warmer clothing if it is cold outside, so internal temperatures should be set accordingly. Listen to staff, especially after making changes and act on any feedback.
- Explain default temperature settings to staff and demonstrate how thermostats work to avoid them being used as on/off switches.
- Keep windows and doors closed when air conditioning is on. Open doors and windows allow cooled air to escape and warm air to enter. The thermostat then senses a temperature increase and automatically switches on mechanical cooling which may be unnecessary.
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