A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system can become mired in layers of fixes and changes:

• Manual overrides are forgotten and left in place.
• Equipment is added or removed during remodeling and the documentation is not always updated to reflect the change.
• Sensors and thermostats fall out of calibration.
• Systems can work against each other, simultaneously heating and cooling the same space.
• Systems are reconfigured with unintended consequences.

In such situations, your system doesn’t operate as efficiently as it should. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to get it back on track. These easy, low-cost strategies can deliver considerable energy and/or maintenance savings.

Equipment

• Replace dirty air filters.
• Clean intake screens, condenser coils, supply registers and return grills.
• Calibrate sensors, gauges and thermostats.
• Inspect the dampers to verify that:
  • Dampers are correctly positioned.
  • Damper motors are operating properly.
  • Position indicators accurately indicate damper positions.
• Repair insulation on cooling system pipes.
• Inspect your duct work.
  • Repair damaged or disconnected ducts.
  • Seal all duct joints and elbows.
  • Insulate duct work where needed.
• Repair steam traps.

Controls

• Set thermostats at 68 degrees for heating and 75 degrees for cooling.
• If building code allows, set the fan to “auto,” rather than “on,” so it runs only when necessary.
• Make sure the system setting is at an energy-saving level after hours.
• Make sure controls are not permanently or manually overridden.
• Make sure all controls are working properly.
• Set controls to only heat needed sections of the building.

Operations

• Review control strategies for each season: heating, cooling and “swing” seasons.
• Make sure all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Track actual equipment performance against expected performance.
• Install locking thermostat covers.

How PGE can help
Check out the PGE class schedule to take advantage of a variety of courses to enhance business practices and get expert advice on how to save energy and money.

Contact the PGE Business Services team to arrange for a free PGE energy-efficiency consultation. This process can often be quickly accomplished over the phone or via e-mail. We can also provide a third-party technical review of improvements you are considering.

Use PGE’s energy monitoring services to track your energy use and bills for a clear picture of where your dollars are going and where you can save. This includes monthly, daily and customer reporting options that help you pinpoint problems and identify key opportunities for improving energy-efficiency.