Every manager of multi-tenant commercial buildings, regardless of industry, faces the same struggle: how to achieve HVAC efficiency when every tenant uses the system differently.
The constant fluctuation of demands on a standard HVAC system that is trying to meet the requirements of multiple tenants can:
- Lead to inefficient performance
- Shorten the life of the system
- Require more maintenance and upkeep
- Raise energy bills
- Slow sustainability plans
HVAC Efficiency — The Goal of Every Building Manager
A study, by Texas A&M's Energy Systems Laboratory, concluded that a typical commercial building can save 10 to 40% on energy costs by operating its mechanical systems more efficiently. A high-efficiency HVAC system would also generate savings through a decrease in system downtime, the need for fewer repairs, and the reduction in the time spent for internal resources to manage and maintain a poor-performing system
All of these savings opportunities can be realized in 3 key steps.
1. Selecting Efficient Equipment
A high-efficiency HVAC system can either be built from the ground up or an existing system can be retrofitted. While there is an upfront cost with either option, that will be counterbalanced by the long-term savings you will experience. When designing a high-efficiency HVAC system it’s important to consider the entire system from blowers and ductwork to thermostats and controls.
Smart thermostats in every tenant space are an important part of developing HVAC efficiency. These can be programmed so that HVAC systems are only running during the tenant's hours of operation. They can also be controlled remotely, so adjustments can be made when a space has a planned, or unplanned, closing.
Controlling efficiency
You can increase your HVAC efficiency even more with the addition of a unified remote system for HVAC management like ODIN. This integrated system software can streamline operations by connecting multiple building systems in one cloud-based location for remote access.
ODIN puts building managers on the pulse of operations, no matter where they are. The data that ODIN collects enables managers to have informed discussions with tenants about increased HVAC efficiency practices.
2. Educating Tenants on How to Maximize Energy Efficiency
A typical commercial building could see a 10-40% drop in energy costs by making changes to develop more efficient operations. The problem is that the average tenant may not have a full understanding of how inefficient they are with their energy and HVAC usage. This opens an opportunity for education.
Use the data in ODIN to develop HVAC patterns for each tenant. Use this information to help the tenant find non-efficient trends that might be adjusted. You can also use this information to set building-wide goals as a way to generate greater HVAC efficiency adoption.
3. Engaging in Regular Maintenance
Regular, preventative maintenance can help keep HVAC systems running efficiently. Poorly running HVAC systems work harder, which puts a strain on the components of the system causing them to break down faster. They also have a less consistent output. This all leads to a less efficient operation.
Preventative maintenance can also have an impact on the bottom line as it can be more cost-effective to perform regular maintenance vs. making larger repairs to an uncared-for system.
Find HVAC Efficiency With ODIN
ODIN enables individual tenants to manage the environmental systems (i.e. HVAC) of their business directly. But that can only happen with oversight from the property manager, who retains access to each property in the portfolio.
This type of micro/macrosystems management makes it easier to develop HVAC efficiency because ODIN offers:
- Streamlined system controls
- Multiple site administration
- Schedule management
- Real-time alerts when a system’s performance is off
With ODIN, you can experience all of the benefits of a high-efficiency HVAC system, even in a multi-tenant building. Connect with ODIN today to discover how they can help you develop HVAC efficiency.
