In many existing buildings, existing heating/cooling systems have been designed only with initial costs in mind. Energy efficiency has seldom been a design factor. Further, most systems were designed to meet extreme conditions. Accordingly, many are oversized and so perform inefficiently. There are many ways of making heating and cooling systems more efficient. Major alternatives relate to O&M practices. However, when considering modifications, be sure to recognize operational savings represent but a fraction of the potential that can be saved through other, more substantive measures. Operational savings may cause minor deviation from accepted standards of comfort. Before implementing any significant operational changes, get professional assistance.

The following tips can help you save energy and money.

• Take advantage of solar heat gains during winter
• Reduce indoor temperatures
• Protect the thermostat from unauthorized users
• Lower temperatures during unoccupied periods in winter
• Avoid radiation effects to cold surfaces
• Reduce relative humidity levels
• Shut down HVAC systems during unoccupied periods
• Add a warm-up or cool-down cycle
• Reduce head pressure and/or coolant temperature
• Maintain minimum condensing temperature by cleaning and purging
• Keep chiller leaving water temperature high
• Operate multiple chillers efficiently
• Reset heating supply water temperature
• Use an oil additive to provide better combustion
• Reset mixed air temperature in terminal reheat systems
• Reset deck temperature in dual duct system
• Improve central plant operations, including the chiller plant and boiler plant
• Improve combustion efficiency of boilers, furnaces and burners
• Keep boiler tubes clean
• Reduce pumping flow
• Adjust and calibrate controls
• Maintain the HVAC system, paying particular attention to the refrigeration equipment, the compressor, chillers, the air-cooled condenser, the evaporative condenser, the water-cooled condenser, cooling towers, absorption equipment, and self-contained units.
• Maintain boilers
• Maintain central furnaces, make-up air heaters and unit heaters
• Maintain radiators, convectors, baseboard and finned-tube units
• Maintain humidification and dehumidification equipment
• Maintain air handling equipment
• Ensure motors are aligned and working properly
• Follow manufacturers_ engine manuals
• Maintain manufacturers_ recommended maintenance procedures for turbines.
• Check fans for excessive noise and vibration
• Check packing wear, bearings and drive belts in pumps
• Inspect all control for hot and chilled water piping
• If you have steam pipes, inspect insulation of all mains, risers and branches, economizers and condensate receiver tanks and repair or replace as necessary
• Improve the efficiency of pneumatic air compressors by inspecting connections, checking belts and alignments and lubricating bearings as recommended by the manufacturer