Energy Efficient Commercial Rooftop Unit (RTU) Air Conditioning Systems

As a business owner or facilities manager, sometimes all you see are dollar signs. Everything costs something and it is your job to make sure you aren’t overpaying for anything. It can be a tough job. How do you cut costs without sacrificing comfort?

The Answer: Replace or Retrofit with an Energy Efficient Commercial Rooftop Unit

RTU Systems currently cool about 60% of all commercial buildings and inefficient systems can waste as much as $3,700 per unit per year, according to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Alliance (BBA). Of course, this figure varies greatly, ranging from $1,000 to $3,700, depending on the building size and type. Still, $1,000 is a lot of money to waste senselessly. Fortunately, there is a solution. By replacing or retrofitting RTU systems, facilities managers can save money while also improving facility comfort and energy efficiency. Current RTU technology is as much as 50% more efficient than units made just 10 years prior.

Advancedrtu.org has checklist to help owners determine if their units are good candidates for replacement or retrofit:

Retrofit	Replace
Existing RTUs have greater than 7 tons cooling capacity and are less than 10 years old Existing RTUs have constant speed fan control Existing RTUs are in good working condition with an expected additional lifetime of 5 years or more	Existing RTUs are more than 10 years old Existing RTUs are in poor operating condition and require expensive repairs Improved humidity and comfort control of the building is required The building is undergoing a comprehensive retrofit Existing RTUs use R22 refrigerant

The BBA has joined forces with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to launch the Advanced RTU Campaign (ARC) for commercial buildings.  This campaign encourages building owners and facilities managers to replace or retrofit their RTUs in order to increase energy efficiency and save money. Joining ARC means pledging to evaluate and implement an RTU replacement or retrofit in your commercial facility.

The benefits of ARC include:

1. ARC provides building owners and facilities managers with access to information and expertise to lower facility operating costs while maintaining or improving building occupant comfort.
2. Stay informed on the latest RTU technologies.
3. Gain recognition, achievement awards, and participate in case studies.

Join the campaign today!

To learn more about Energy Efficient Commercial Rooftop Unit (RTU) Air Conditioning Systems or how Crockett Facilities Services is helping property managers and building owners to save operating costs with HVAC preventive maintenance, please contact Crockett Facilities Services Inc. (CFSI), a mechanical services contractor, by calling 202.600.2787 or email sales@crockett-facilities.com.

Sources:

Campaign Targets Inefficient Rooftop Mechanical Units

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 12th, 2013 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.